Kerry Howell

Professor Kerry Howell is a globally recognized expert in deep-sea ecology and conservation, leading the Deep Sea Conservation Unit at the University of Plymouth. She holds a faculty position in the School of Biological and Marine Sciences (Faculty of Science and Engineering) and specializes in habitat mapping, marine protected areas, and sustainable management of deep-sea resources. Her work has influenced policies such as the EU’s ban on deep-sea bottom trawling and the UK’s habitat classification systems.

• PhD: Background in marine biology with early career roles in taxonomic research and policy advising.
• Leadership: Co-coordinates Challenger 150, a global initiative aligning with the UN Ocean Decade, and co-leads the £20M UKRI GCRF One Ocean Hub.
• Research Themes: Combines AI-driven ecological analysis with international collaboration to address deep-sea biodiversity challenges.

Key achievements include the creation of Tristan da Cunha’s 687,247 km² Marine Protection Zone and pioneering studies on deep-sea sponge-derived antibiotics. Her research emphasizes bridging science and policy for equitable ocean governance.

Advising: Supervised over 10 PhD/ResM students focusing on deep-sea ecology, larval dispersal, and marine spatial planning. Grants include multi-million-pound projects under the One Ocean Hub and EU H2020 Mission Atlantic.

Labs/Teams: Active in the Marine Conservation Research Group and collaborates internationally through networks like the Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative (DOSI).