Profile
Around the world these apex pelagic predators are under increasing threat from both legal and illegal exploitation. It is therefore vital that we increase our understanding of the role that large MPAs can play in the conservation of these species.
Using a multi-disciplinary approach of electronic tagging, biochemical tracers and fisheries analyses. I am assessing the extent to which the MPA surrounding the Chagos Archipelago provides protection to these commercially important pelagic predators in the Indian Ocean and whether it contains important sites for key life-stages such as breeding and feeding.
I am also investigating the impact of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and fish aggregation devices (FADs) on the MPA and its inhabitants.
Sharks and tuna are key to the health of our oceans and thus humanity. We urgently need to find more effective ways to manage and conserve them.
Biography
My Project
Other interests
Aside from working on the MPA surrounding the Chagos Archipelago, I am also the marine lead on the Biome Health Project investigating the impact of fishing pressure on coral reef health. I am also on the committee of Reef Conservation UK and an active member of the IUCN Mangrove Specialist Group.
My Publications
Behavior and Ecology of Silky Sharks Around the Chagos Archipelago and Evidence of Indian Ocean Wide Movement
Curnick, D.J., Andrzejaczek, S., Jacoby, D.M.P., Coffey, D.M., Carlisle, A.B., Chapple, T.K., Ferretti, F., Schallert, R.J., White, T., Block, B.A., Koldewey, H.J. and Collen, B. (2020) Behavior and Ecology of Silky Sharks Around the Chagos Archipelago and Evidence of Indian Ocean Wide Movement. Frontiers in Marine Science.
A Review of a Decade of Lessons From One of the World’s Largest MPAs: Conservation Gains and Key Challenges
Hays, G.C., Koldewey, H.J., Andrzejaczek, S., Attrill, M.J., Barley, S., Bayley, D.T.I., Benkwitt, C.E., Block, B., Schallert, R.J., Carlisle, A., Carr, P., Chapple, T.K., Collins, C., Diaz, C., Dunn, N., Dunbar, R.B., Eager, D.S., Engel, J., Embling, C.B., Esteban, N., Ferretti, F., Foster, N.L., Freeman, R., Gollock, M., Graham, N.A.J., Harris, J.L., Head, C.E.I, Hosegood, P., Howell, K.L., Hussey, N.E., Jacoby, D.M.P., Jones, R., Pilly, J.S., Lange, I.D., Letessier, T.B., Levy, E., Lindhart, M., McDevitt-Irwin, J.M., Meekan, M., Meeuwig, J.J., Micheli, F., Mogg, A., Mortimer, J.A., Mucciarone, D.A., Nicoll, M.A., Nuno, A., Perry, C., Preston, S.G., Rattray, A.J., Robinson, E., Roche, R., Schiele, M., Sheehan, E.V., Sheppard, A., Sheppard, C., Smith, A.L., Soule, B., Spalding, M., Stevens, G.M.W., Steyaert, M., Stiffel, S., Taylor, B.M., Tickler, D., Trevail, A.M., Trueba, P., Turner, J., Votier, S., Wilson, B., Williams, G., Williamson, B., Williamson, M.J., Wood, H. and Curnick, D.J. (2020) A review of a decade of lessons from one of the world’s largest MPAs: conservation gains and key challenges. Marine Biology.
Mitochondrial Genome of the Silvertip Shark, Carcharhinus albimarginatus, From the British Indian Ocean Territory
Johri, S., Dunn, N., Chapple, T.K., Curnick, D.J., Savolainen, V., Dinsdale, E.A. and Block, B.A. (2020) Mitochondrial genome of the Silvertip Shark, Carcharhinus albimarginatus, from the British Indian Ocean Territory. Mitochondrial DNA Part B: Resources.
Shark Movement Strategies Influence Poaching Risk and Enforcement Decisions in a Large, Remote Marine Protected Area
Jacoby, D.M.J., Ferretti, F., Freeman, R., Carlisle, A.B., Chapple, T.K., Curnick, D.J., Dale, J.J., Schallert, R.J., Tickler, D. and Block, B.A. (2020) Shark movement strategies influence poaching risk and enforcement decisions in a large, remote Marine Protected Area. Journal of Applied Biology.
Complete Mitochondrial Genome of the Grey Reef Shark, Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos (Carcharhiniformes: Carcharhinidae)
Dunn, N., Johri, S., Curnick, D.J., Carbone, C., Dinsdale, E.A., Chapple, T.K., Block, B.A. and Savolainen, V. (2020) Complete mitochondrial genome of the grey reef shark, Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos (Carcharhiniformes: Carcharhinidae). Mitochondrial DNA Part B: Resources.
