Phil Hammond

Phil Hammond is a Professor (Research) in the School of Biology at the University of St Andrews, Scotland. He is affiliated with several key research units including the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU), the Scottish Oceans Institute (SOI), the Centre for Research into Ecological & Environmental Modelling (CREEM), and the Marine Alliance for Science & Technology Scotland (MASTS). His work spans marine mammal ecology, population dynamics, and conservation science.

• B.A., University of York
• D.Phil., University of York

His research focuses on the foraging behaviour and diet of seals and cetaceans, statistical and mathematical modelling of marine mammal populations, and estimating animal abundance. He investigates human impacts on marine mammals, including whaling, fisheries bycatch, and seal-fishery interactions, contributing directly to the conservation of vulnerable species. His expertise aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to life below water and climate action.

The most recent articles highlight advanced methodologies such as spatial capture-recapture, acoustic monitoring via signature whistles, and long-term trend analysis in cetacean populations across regions like the North Atlantic, Gulf of California, and Black Sea. These works reflect a strong emphasis on conservation-oriented ecological modelling, climate change impacts, and innovative survey techniques.

• Associate Editor, Marine Mammal Science (2011–present)
• Member, Red List Authority, IUCN (2006–present)
• Member, Working Group on Marine Mammal Ecology, ICES (2005–present)
• Member, Cetacean Specialist Group, IUCN (1998–present)
• Chair, Scientific Committee, International Whaling Commission (1992–1993)
• Member, Scientific Committee, International Whaling Commission (1981–2013)

Hammond has led major research projects funded by NERC, the European Commission (Marie Curie Fellowship), and the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. He has supervised postgraduate research and contributed to national and international policy through advisory roles. He has organized training workshops on abundance estimation and served on multiple scientific committees and peer review panels.

He is actively involved in collaborative research networks and has contributed to open-access datasets on marine mammal abundance, killer whale dynamics, and environmental change impacts. His leadership in projects like EcoSTAR and Monitoring Marine Mammals from Autonomous Underwater Vehicles underscores his commitment to integrating technology and ecology for marine conservation.