Leo Clarke

Dr. Leo Clarke serves as an Honorary Research Fellow at the School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, where he has been actively engaged in marine research since returning to the institution in 2018. His career trajectory includes environmental consultancy work, post-doctoral research positions with the Conservation Evidence project, and a lead researcher role with the Welsh Government Marine and Fisheries Division.

Dr. Clarke's educational background includes a BSc in Marine Biology and Zoology (2011) and an MSc in Marine Environmental Protection (2012), both earned at Bangor University's School of Ocean Sciences, followed by a PhD in ecosystem-based management of inshore fisheries from Bournemouth University (2018).

His research program focuses on sustainable fisheries and marine biodiversity conservation, with particular emphasis on sea turtle conservation and climate change impacts. Dr. Clarke has developed expertise in assessing fisheries bycatch, evaluating conservation interventions, and studying the effects of climate change on marine species. His work bridges fundamental marine ecology with applied conservation science, addressing critical challenges in marine resource management.

An analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on sea turtle conservation, particularly loggerhead turtles in Cabo Verde, with multiple studies examining bycatch, reproductive challenges under climate change, and hatchling survival. His research also spans fisheries science, including assessments of fishing gear impacts, sustainable enhancement practices, and conservation evidence synthesis across marine ecosystems.

Dr. Clarke leads several active research projects including 'Risk of bycatch in static net fishing' (2023-2025), 'Developing a low-cost management tool to mitigate climate change impacts during sea turtle reproduction' (2023-2024), and 'Benthic Impact of Lobster Pots' (2023-2024), demonstrating his commitment to addressing practical conservation challenges through scientific research.