Elin Thomas

Elin Thomas holds positions as Adjunct Research Fellow at the School of Biological Sciences and Research Assistant at the UWA Oceans Institute, both at The University of Western Australia. She also serves as Communications Manager for the Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative since August 2024.

Her education includes a PhD in Biological Sciences (Conservation of deep-sea benthic invertebrates) awarded in December 2022 and an MSci in Marine Biology from the University of Southampton (June 2018).

Research focuses on deep-sea biology, invertebrate ecology, and molecular ecology. Key interests include hydrothermal vent ecosystems, abyssal-hadal zone dynamics, and conservation strategies for understudied marine species. Her work addresses extinction risks, deep-sea mining impacts, and regulatory frameworks for marine biodiversity.

Recent publications analyze North-West Pacific deep-sea zonation patterns, Indian Ocean trench ecosystems, and global conservation priorities for hydrothermal vent molluscs. Media engagements highlight her advocacy against deep-sea mining threats to undiscovered species.