Steven Benjamins

Steven Benjamins is a Marine Mammal Ecologist at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS UHI), part of the University of the Highlands and Islands. His work bridges marine ecology and industrial interactions, focusing on marine mammals’ relationships with renewables, aquaculture, and fisheries. He contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals 14 (Life Below Water) and 15 (Life on Land).

• Doctor of Science, Memorial University, Newfoundland (2007)
• Master of Biology, University of Groningen (1999)

Benjamins’ research emphasizes habitat usage by top predators like porpoises and whales, and the ecological impacts of offshore wind, floating solar, and fishing gear entanglement. His work integrates acoustic monitoring, sidescan sonar, and policy development, with recent studies addressing entanglement risk frameworks and marine protected areas for critically endangered species like flapper skates.

His publications span ecological modeling, marine renewable assessments, and conservation technology, including Marine Pollution Bulletin (2025) and Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (2024). He actively presents at conferences and contributes to Scottish marine policy through government consultations.

Benjamins collaborates globally, with recent projects involving offshore energy impacts and AI-driven conservation. His work has been featured in 13 media outlets, including BBC and Science Magazine, and influenced public policy on marine mammals and renewables.