Liam Fernand

Liam Fernand is an Honorary Associate Professor in the School of Environmental Sciences at the University of East Anglia (UEA), where he has been affiliated since becoming an Honorary Lecturer in 2009. He is also a member of the Collaborative Centre for Sustainable Use of the Seas and maintains a strong professional connection with CEFAS (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science) in Lowestoft, where he is based. His interdisciplinary work bridges academic research and applied environmental science.

• Doctor of Science, Bangor University (awarded 2000)
• Bachelor of Science in Oceanography and Physics (2.1 Hons), Southampton Solent University (awarded 1990)

Dr. Fernand's research focuses on marine biogeochemistry and coastal oceanography, particularly in the North Sea. His key interests include nutrient dynamics, primary production, oxygen depletion, and the role of physical processes in marine ecosystems. He has pioneered work on thin layers of high primary production and the impact of sediment plumes on nutrient uptake. His research integrates field observations, glider-based monitoring, and large-scale data analysis to understand shelf sea processes and inform environmental policy.

His recent publications highlight a strong trend in using autonomous ocean gliders to study air-sea gas fluxes, carbon cycling, and deoxygenation. He has contributed to major data synthesis efforts, including long-term seawater temperature records and carbon budgets on the Northwest European Shelf. His work often involves collaboration with academic and governmental institutions, reflecting a commitment to interdisciplinary and policy-relevant science.

Dr. Fernand has participated in approximately 30 research cruises, 10 as scientist in charge, frequently involving UEA students in data collection on dissolved carbon, nitrogen uptake, and primary production. He has collaborated with leading researchers such as Professor Tim Jickells and Professor Karen Heywood and works closely with CEFAS alumni Dr. Tony Dolphin and Dr. John Bacon. He is currently co-supervising PhD student Matt Bone, who is investigating nutrient renewal in shelf seas.

His scientific contributions support the UN Sustainable Development Goals related to life below water and climate action. He has also provided the scientific basis for coastal impact assessments for nuclear power station developments at Sizewell and Minsmere, demonstrating the applied significance of his research.