Martyn Lucas

Professor Martyn Lucas is a leading academic in aquatic animal ecology at the University of Durham's Department of Biosciences. His research focuses on fish migration behavior, conservation biology, and the impacts of anthropogenic barriers on aquatic ecosystems. He has extensive collaborations across multiple continents and currently oversees a team of 8 researchers.

His work integrates biotelemetry and environmental engineering to address challenges such as river fragmentation, invasive species management, and fisheries sustainability. Recent projects include studies in the Mekong River Basin and Bangladesh wetlands, emphasizing habitat connectivity and threatened species conservation.

Research interests span behavioral ecology, physiological adaptation, and the application of technology like AI for barrier detection. He has pioneered methodologies in tracking migratory species and evaluating fish passage solutions. Over 200 publications demonstrate his expertise in global fisheries management and ecosystem restoration.

Advances in his lab include developing effective fishway designs and analyzing stakeholder engagement in developing nations. He advises on policy decisions related to river infrastructure and invasive species control, with particular attention to lamprey conservation and eel management.

Supervises PhD student Jacki Sime and collaborates with institutions worldwide. His work bridges ecological science with practical conservation strategies, addressing both local and global environmental challenges.