Dr Aude Benhemma-Le Gall

Biography

I am a post-doctoral researcher in the School of Biological Sciences, based at the University's Lighthouse Field Station. I currently study the effects of offshore windfarm developments on marine top predators and their prey, as part of the PrePARED project. 

External Memberships

• British Ecological Society
• Society of Marine Mammalogy

Research Overview

As a marine ecologist and environmental science engineer, my research interests focus on understanding the natural and anthropogenic drivers underlying the distribution and behaviour of marine top predators and their prey and assessing the environmental impacts of anthropogenic activities on the structure and function of local marine ecosystems.

Current Research

PrePARED; consortium project on predator and prey responses to offshore structures, aimed at understanding cumulative environmental impacts and benefits of offshore windfarms. 

Moray Firth Marine Mammal Monitoring Programme [MMMP];  co-produced strategic research and monitoring programme to meet consent conditions for regional offshore wind developments.  

Past Research

During my PhD, I have investigated marine top predator responses to offshore windfarm developments. This research project uses a combination of digital aerial imagery, passive and active acoustic monitoring and vessel-tracking data to assess variations in distribution and behaviour of harbour porpoises and seabirds in relation to various construction and vessel activities at offshore windfarm sites. 

Collaborations

PrePARED; consortium led by Marine Scotland Science, including University of Exeter, SMRU Consulting, BIOSS, CEH, Nature Scot, Natural England & University of Aarhus.  

Moray Firth Marine Mammal Monitoring Programme [MMMP]; involves collaboration with the University of St Andrews Sea Mammal Research Unit and CEFAS.