James Waggitt

Dr. James Waggitt is a Lecturer in Marine Biology/Ecology at the School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University. He completed his PhD in Marine Ecology at the University of Aberdeen (2011-2015), followed by work as a Research Officer within the NERC-funded Marine Ecosystems Research Program (MERP) before becoming a lecturer in August 2017. His academic journey includes an MRes in Marine Biology (2009-2010) and BSc in Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology (2006-2009), both from Plymouth University.

Dr. Waggitt's research focuses on understanding how behavioral and environmental factors influence the distributions of cetaceans and seabirds in space and time. His work is highly interdisciplinary, involving collaborations with statisticians, oceanographers, and engineers to understand how physical processes influence marine species behavior and movement. This research has significant implications for predicting spatial and temporal overlap with offshore developments and responses to climate change, ultimately facilitating effective marine spatial planning.

His recent publications (2021-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on marine renewable energy impacts, cetacean and seabird spatial ecology, climate change effects, and marine conservation planning. His work spans multiple geographic regions including the North-East Atlantic, Antarctic Peninsula, and UK waters, with particular attention to tidal stream environments and their ecological significance.

As an active supervisor, Dr. Waggitt mentors multiple PhD and MRes students, with research interests centered on cetaceans and seabirds, especially projects combining oceanographic and ecological disciplines. His external responsibilities include serving as a British Ecological Society Grant Reviewer and participating in several ICES working groups (Biodiversity, Marine Mammal Ecology, Joint Cetacean Data Protocol, and Seabird Working Groups). He also serves as a Trustee and Consultant for the Sea Watch Foundation, a cetacean conservation NGO.

Dr. Waggitt holds leadership roles as Summer Internship Coordinator (since 2021) and Postgraduate Research Director (since 2023), and leads multiple research projects including PELAgIO (Physics-to-Ecosystem Level Assessment of Impacts of Offshore Wind Farms) with funding extending to 2026. His research has attracted substantial grant funding from sources including NERC, DEFRA, The Crown Estate, and Marine Scotland.