Thomas Burel

Thomas Burel is a Lecturer (Maître de conférences) at the University of Western Brittany, affiliated with the Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer (IUEM) and the LEMAR Laboratory in Brest, France. His academic career focuses on marine biology with specialization in coastal ecology, particularly studying intertidal ecosystems and macroalgae communities through field research, molecular biology, and geospatial analysis.

Dr. Burel completed his PhD between 2017 and 2020 at LEMAR with a thesis on "the effects of hydrodynamics on intertidal communities," supervised by Erwan Ar Gall, Gauthier Schaal, and Jacques Grall. His educational background demonstrates advanced training in marine ecological research methodologies and analytical approaches essential for contemporary coastal science.

Dr. Burel's research program investigates coastal habitat functioning with emphasis on rocky foreshores dominated by Fucales, maërl beds, and eelgrass beds. He employs in situ sampling, Geographic Information Systems, and statistical analysis to monitor these habitats within frameworks such as REBENT, DCE, and DCSMM. His molecular biology expertise enhances understanding of macroalgae taxonomy and population genetics, while his work on non-indigenous species tracking addresses critical conservation challenges. Recent publications highlight growing concerns about canopy-forming species decline and non-indigenous species expansion along European coastlines.

Analysis of Dr. Burel's publication record reveals methodological innovation through integration of traditional field sampling with hyperspectral imaging, drone technology, and advanced GIS analysis. His research demonstrates increasing focus on long-term monitoring of ecosystem changes and development of standardized approaches for marine conservation assessment, reflecting the urgent need for science-based management in rapidly changing coastal environments.

Dr. Burel actively mentors doctoral candidates through substantive research collaboration:

• Anaëlle Bizien: Characterizing long-term changes in large algae on North-East Atlantic coasts
• Annaëlle Anquet: Investigating macroalgal strandings linked to marine weather events

He leads significant biodiversity initiatives including cataloguing macroalgae diversity on Breton coasts and coordinating European monitoring of Non-Indigenous Species. His extensive collaborative network spans multiple French research institutions and international partners, demonstrating commitment to transdisciplinary marine science.