Sean van Elden

Sean van Elden is a Research Fellow at the School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia. His work focuses on marine ecosystems, particularly the ecological impacts of offshore oil platforms, artificial structures, and decommissioning strategies. He contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to ocean conservation and sustainable infrastructure.

Research Interests: Dr. van Elden investigates novel ecosystems arising from anthropogenic infrastructure, invasive species dynamics, and biodiversity conservation in marine environments. His studies employ advanced techniques like drone surveillance and remotely operated vehicles to analyze fish distribution and ecosystem engineering effects.

Key Projects: He co-led the INSITE Phase 2 Synthesis project at Plymouth Marine Laboratory (2021–2023), synthesizing global insights on marine artificial structures. This work engaged international collaborators and influenced policy discussions on environmental targets.

Grant Activity: His research has secured funding through initiatives like INSITE, focusing on decommissioning assessments and ecosystem management. Collaborations span institutions globally, addressing topics from coral mimicry to scalloped hammerhead shark aggregations.

Labs/Teams: Works closely with marine conservation networks, contributing datasets on offshore platforms and Lethrinidae coloration. His interdisciplinary approach bridges ecological science with policy applications.