Thomas Wilding

Dr. Thomas Wilding is a Senior Lecturer in Benthic Ecology at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), which is part of the University of the Highlands and Islands. With over two decades of experience, he specializes in assessing the impacts of human activities on marine environments through innovative benthic ecology and statistical modeling approaches. Wilding leads several cutting-edge research projects at the intersection of marine science, technology, and policy.

His research interests focus on developing novel approaches to marine monitoring, particularly through environmental DNA (eDNA) and artificial intelligence applications. Wilding's work spans multiple sectors including aquaculture, where he leads the development of eDNA-based alternatives to traditional macrobenthic monitoring (BactMetBar) and AI-assisted underwater video analysis (SEA-AI); oil and gas decommissioning; and marine renewables, where he leads the North Sea 3D project converting ROV footage into 3D models with automatic faunal identification. His research consistently bridges the gap between scientific discovery and practical application in environmental policy and regulation.

Wilding's publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to marine environmental science, with recent work focusing on eDNA-based monitoring, AI applications in marine imaging, and the ecological impacts of human activities in marine environments. His research shows a clear trajectory toward increasingly sophisticated monitoring techniques that combine molecular biology, artificial intelligence, and traditional ecological approaches.

As an educator, Wilding teaches across undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including Data Science, Marine Pollution, and Aquaculture modules. He has successfully supervised numerous PhD and Master's students, with current advisees focusing on eDNA applications in benthic recovery assessment following salmon farming cessation. His professional activities include membership in the ScotMER Benthic Receptor Group and participation in the ICES Working Group on Marine Benthal and Renewable Energy Developments. Wilding is also an HSE Part IV qualified diver with over 20 years of experience designing and conducting underwater experiments.