Dr Silvana Birchenough
Associated Scientific Adviser
Silvana is a prestigious researcher and scientific advisor on ecological changes resulting from climate and human activities on marine species. studies ecological effects resulting on seabed fauna from dredging, aggregate extraction, offshore windfarms and more recently oil and gas (and direct effects of decommissioning of these man-made structures). I have also been able to include in my work the potential impacts of multiple stressors on commercial species. This work has helped to generate science-evidence of likely climate effects to inform fisheries, monitoring and management activities.
Silvana was the UK’s Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture (Cefas) Science lead for the Commonwealth Marine Economies (CME) Programme in the Caribbean. Her role was to oversee, support and deliver several fisheries and climate projects with the aim to generate new science to assist with decisions in support of “Blue growth” activities. Silvana also supported the Jamaican Government on their integration of fisheries, aquaculture and climate change in their policies and applications to support the compilation of an ‘Action Plan’ Her work combines science and stakeholder engagement to understand the needs (socio-political and economic) and to generate the science-based evidence to enable decisions. During her role as Cefas Programme Director of the Blue Belt Programme, Silvana’s work supported the generation of scientific knowledge across six Overseas Territories (OTs) and their Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The work was very novel and cutting edge, including areas of fisheries, conservation MPAs, education, habitat mapping and climate change. From this work, she has been able to expand and cascade her expertise to support the Government of Costa Rica in the development of plans for the Easter Pacific Tropical Corridor (known as ‘CMAR’). This initiative between Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador and Colombia is to designate an area of 5 MPAs to secure species and habitats of conservation, fisheries and ecotourism. Silvana has been actively, engaging with FCDO, IncoPesca (Fisheries Organisations) and Minae (Ministry of Environment). She delivered several stakeholder workshops in Costa Rica (in English and Spanish) to capture and develop recommendations and actions to support the development of technical science and a roadmap to advance the CMAR initiative, including transboundary issues such as fisheries, data issues, policy applications, illegal trade (fisheries), climate change and pollution. This area of work includes discussing with foundations and donor organisations to generate new avenues to support sectors that have been excluded from the extension of the new MPAs. Throughout her work under the CME and Blue Belt work, Silvana effectively planned and worked with large budgets, contracts, and data management issues in support of the delivery of science across several customers and stakeholders. The role of marine governance cuts across both overseas programmes and it is fundamental aspect to support all the work we deliver across the Caribbean SIDS and UK OTs.
Silvana is a specialist in assessing changes of marine organisms with in-situ techniques (i.e. Sediment Profile Imagery camera-SPI). This work has enabled the study of benthic processes and functions following disturbance events in the North Sea. This work has helped to develop indicators of seabed Integrity (D6) in support EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive, to improve marine monitoring. Currently, Silvana is an associated editor of the ICES Journal of Marine Science. She has successfully edited a recent theme set on ‘Decommissioning of man-made structures’, and at present hosting an ICES Theme Set of Developing blue growth strategies in support of advancing the development of Small Island Developing States.)
RESEARCH PROJECTS
Ecological Assessments and Advisor- Decommissioning of the Western Most Rough offshore wind farms, Orsted UK (2023). I have compiled and delivered strategies for future (e.g. 2065) decommissioning practices. A full cycle of considerations (from total to partial removal needs) were assessed under the current regulation, waste management and disposal opportunities. My role was to draft the section on expected environmental effects for seafloor systems.
Ecological Assessments and Advisor- Perenco and Durango Installation and Pipeline Decommissioning Programme (2023/24). I conducted a dedicated assessment, considering solutions to inform the removal of current installations. The assessment also included aspects to support the unnecessary disturbance to fish, seafloor and marine mammals. Waste management options and legislative commitments were considered to support industry “best practice” guidelines. My role was to add the expected ecological effects to marine receptors (mainly fish and seafloor communities).
Ecologist - European Energy / Total Energies Sweden - Red Flag Deliverable Workshop (February/March 2024). I conducted a scoping exercise to assess major and medium effects in support a new area in Sweden for a new offshore wind farm. Nature aspects, benthic, fish, birds and mammals were collated. The assessments of likely effects from construction and operation were detailed. The work also included the identification of relevant data sets and key portals (e.g. HELCOM, EMODnet) to ensure this work included the requirements of the revised Swedish Marine Spatial Plans. My role was to list the known effects on ecological receptors (e.g. benthos, fish, birds, mammals and bats) and apply sensitivity assessments to categorise the likely effects.
SSEN Spittal Peterhead MEA (September 2023 to January 2024). This assessment was conducted to support a Marine Licence Application (MLA) to the Marine Directorate Licensing Operations Team (MD-LOT) by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Transmission (SSENT). The application included the installation and operation of a 525 kV High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission cable system between Spittal and Peterhead. I conducted the technical delivery of the marine mammals, ornithology, fish and shellfish chapters. My role coordinate and assess technical chapters on benthos, mammals, fish and birds. I also checked details on nature conservation sites, their status and protection levels. The information was spatially displayed on a map. Based on the literature and expected effects, I assessed the likely significant impacts on the designated priority features in the area. I authored leading the Habitats Regulatory Appraisal (HRA). I scoped the work based on the i) project, ii) overall legislation, ii) consideration of nature conservation areas (e.g. SACs, SPAs, HPMPA). iii) assessment of likely significant effects and iv) recommendations and mitigations needed to inform the project. The work was presented to the client and the regulators (Nature Scotland and JNCC). The work was praised complemented by the client and the regulators.
Havbredey Offshore Windfarm Environmental Impact Assessment Report- EIAR (October 2023). The EIAR was compiled with the details of an EIA methodology. The aim was to demonstrate the significance of the effects anticipated from the Offshore Project, considering both individual and cumulative impacts in relation to other relevant plans, projects, and activities in the proposed plans. My work was to Tech Qc the compilation of the briefing packs to support the stakeholder consultations for benthic ecology, fish and shellfish and marine mammals. I had to include further information based on new papers, references and correct the text to ensure the messages were clear and specific to inform the regulators and stakeholders. My role was also to brief the team on technical and data needs prior to the workshop.
Baltyk II&III ESDD – offshore wind farm – Poland. I have been supporting and checking the technical documents as independent consultant to guide Equinor environmental needs. The work has to be based on the standards in accordance with the International Finance Cooperation (IFC) PS5 and to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) PR 5 (livelihood restoration plans) IFC PS 6 / EBRD PR 6 (Biodiversity action plans). My role has been to review documents regarding environmental practices, and the likely effects on ecological receptors (mammals and birds). I have contributed to fisheries compensation plans and drafted the fisheries liaison project scope. My comments and suggestions were considered by the client and their advisors.
Baltica 2 Biodiversity Action Plan confidential- Poland. The project Baltica 2 is one of the largest offshore renewable projects. I have been advising PGE and Orsted on the key ecological receptors that will have to be monitoring onshore and offshore. I scoped, drafted and edited the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) for this project, considering all stages of the project (e.g. construction, operation and decommissioning). The work conducted was compliant with IFC PS 6 / EBRD PR 6 standards to ensure biodiversity net gain (BNG) and no net loss (NNL). I also drafted the agenda for the stakeholder workshops and presented the results from the BAP organised in Gdansk, Poland on the 14-15th April. I have followed up with PGE and the local stakeholders on existing and new projects, which could help to support the BAP and dedicated monitoring plans. The discussion with park rangers also highlighted the need to coordinate the ongoing work planned, over the course of the additional energy projects which will take place in the area. For example, the need for data sharing and to minimise the cable footprint from 3 different projects around the storage areas (e.g. onshore sites).
Project Erik (Confidential). I have been assessing the Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD) resulting from the ORE Hornsea 3 for Ørsted and Iberdrola. The work needed to draft plans to support the environmental aspects, and the livelihood restoration plans for the fisheries sector. The intention will be to work with the fisheries sector to develop new opportunities (e.g. nature restoration, monitoring or hatcheries). My role was to draft the current needs and recommendations to support the future biodiversity needs and plans.
Project Elizabeth (Confidential). I have been assessing the ESDD resulting from the nuclear power plant development for Sizewell C for EDF. The work is to draft plans to support the environmental aspects, and the livelihood restoration and compensations plans for the fisheries sector. My role was to identify gaps, monitoring needs and drafted some recommendations to support the planning of this work to inform the likely concerns to support environmental need, including the fisheries sector.
January 2024 Scientific Mission to support FCDO in Havana, Cuba. I was invited by the UK Ambassador and the Foreign (FCDO) to deliver and MPA course to the University of Havana.
April 2025 UK support at the Isla Verde Climate Festival, Cuba. I delivered a series of presentations on the work conducted by Blue Belt Programme, Marine litter effects and presence of Sargassum. The work was cascaded across many audiences (e.g. from university lectures, general public and local schools). Several national interviews were conducted to highlight the UK support to Cuba.
PREVIOUS POSITIONS
October 2020 to August 2023. Director and Science Leader of the Blue Belt Programme (BBP) at the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas). Lowestoft, United Kingdom. I was responsible for the development and implementation of research and monitoring plans. These were primarily aligned with the Blue Belt overarching strategies UKOTs needs for monitoring and protection of their marine resources. The work under the Blue Belt was to promote key conservation objectives such as the 30x30 ambition and biodiversity conservation of the most unique species and habitats in the planet. This work also explored wider areas, such as ocean observations, climate change adaptation, sustainable finance strategies to protect marine resources. My work has also enabled me to successfully engage with OTs representatives, administrators, Governors, Ministers securing three new Caribbean OTs recently joined the programme.
Costa Rica- January 2022. I have been able to expand and cascade my expertise to support the Government of Costa Rica in the development of plans for the Easter Pacific Tropical Corridor (known as ‘CMAR’). This initiative between Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador and Colombia is to designate an area of 5 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to secure species and habitats of conservation, fisheries and ecotourism. I have been actively, engaging with FCDO, IncoPesca (Fisheries Organisations) and Minae (Ministry of Environment). I delivered a several stakeholder workshops in Costa Rica (in English and Spanish) to capture and develop recommendations and actions to support the development of technical science and a roadmap to advance the CMAR initiative, including transboundary issues such as fisheries, data issues, policy applications, illegal trade (fisheries), climate change and pollution. This area of work includes discussing with foundations and donor organisations to generate new avenues to support sectors that have been excluded from the extension of the new MPA.
2017- 2020- Group Manager (GM) of Advice and Assessment. My role as a GM was to support, mentor and oversee the work of 5 teams (a total of 25 staff) across the areas of oil and gas, socio-economists, human activities, regulatory advice, and policy decisions. During my GM work, I gained extensive knowledge of working across diversity of teams, skills, and cultures. My duties were to mentor staff, review performance, set work-objectives, staff development plans and R&D. I managed to undertake R&D work alongside these managerial duties.
January 2017 to September 2020. Caribbean Science Lead at the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas). Lowestoft, United Kingdom. My role was to network, co-ordinate and plan marine and coastal programmes. Strong consideration of climate change risks, resilience building and natural disasters (e.g. hurricanes) were the main aspect of my work and integration of programmes to support integration, partnerships and robust working relationships with Governments, UK High Commissioners, Ministers, NGOs, and end-users. During this role, I delivered a series of dedicated R&D studies and workshops. I have worked in Jamaica, Belize and Grenada seeking opportunities to support renewable energy understanding and development of Blue Economies.
September 2009- December 2016. Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft United Kingdom. Principal Benthic Ecologist, at the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas). Lowestoft, United Kingdom. My role was to plan, deliver and assess benthic habitats. A series of regular monitoring with trawls, cameras, and grabs. In some instances, baseline and monitoring data were gathered to designate new SACs or a Marine Protected Area. Analysis of 102 MAPs across Europe were conducted using a ‘pedigree matrix’ to assess their criteria and effectiveness. Further ecological work has also been dedicated to understanding the effects of ocean acidification of commercial species under laboratory, field, and modelling studies.
July 2007-May 2008 Maternity break.
May 2003 Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Burnham on Crouch United Kingdom. Principal Benthic Ecologist, at the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas). My role was to conduct marine monitoring. Mainly, surveys at dredged material disposal sites (under contracts BA0005 and SLA05 for Defra), former sewage disposal sites and aggregate extraction areas. I was responsible for drafting the AEMR reports to annually document benthic species and their habitats. I also participated in multidisciplinary habitat mapping contracts using acoustic and ground-truth techniques. I developed the use of the Sediment Profile Analysis to optimise benthic monitoring and combine structure and functions of benthic systems. I was awarded a Winston Churchill Travel Fellowship.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF RESEARCH
2020-2024 EU Future Mares. This project examined the relationships between climate change, marine biodiversity and ecosystem services. The activities were designed around two Nature-based Solutions (NBS) and one Nature-inclusive Harvesting (NIH). My role was to develop a case study in Belize to assess fisheries opportunities for conch and lobster. This work included threats and challenges. I worked with colleagues at the national co-operative, Fisheries Department and CZMAI. A pestle approach was applied to support this case study. The work was to develop strategies. A summary report was produced entitled: “Sustainable Seafood Harvesting in the Belize EEZ”. Contract value: £100,000.
2022-2026 GES4SEAS. This project combined expertise from relevant sectors, scientists and stakeholders. The aim is to develop an innovative, compliant, and flexible toolbox in the context of adaptive Ecosystem-Based Management. Stakeholders and key competent authorities were integrated in a Practitioner Advisory Board to co-create and validate the toolbox. A total of 11 Learning Sites were be used to test, validate, demonstrate and upscale the toolbox in four European regional seas (Atlantic, Mediterranean, Baltic and Black) as well as in the Caribbean Sea. My role was to apply the MSFD indicators for biodiversity needs in Belize. Contract value: £ 350,000
2022-2026 Marine Sabres. This is a research project that brings together 21 research partners to restore marine biodiversity and support a sustainable blue economy. The intention was to balance by increasing the uptake of ecosystem-based management in Europe. The adopted strategy to make ecosystem-based management more achievable and implementable, is based on the study and applications of marine social-ecological systems. Marine SABRES is therefore co-developing and testing a simple socio-ecological system in collaboration with local people in three European marine regions: the Arctic Northeast Atlantic, the Tuscan Archipelago, and Macaronesia. My role was to integrate the ecological, legislation and future challenges to generate realistic biodiversity scenarios. Contract value: £ 350,000
2017-to 2023 EU Emodnet Biology. Cefas was a project partner of this project. I led the Cefas’ contribution under work package 2 (provision of long-term benthic data sets), contribution to work package 4 “production of outputs” and work package 5 “dissemination of outputs”. The work created awareness of time-series to document changes in pH and likely effects on commercial species. The work was published in GitHub: (https://github.com/EMODnet/EMODnet-Biology-Shellfish-Ocean-Acidification). Total value: £50,000.
2016-to 2022 Assessing the vulnerability of commercial species to ocean acidification in the Caribbean (Commonwealth Marine Economies Programme-CME. The Caribbean SIDs often suffer from a suite of stressors. Understanding ocean acidification (OA) effects could aggravate the current global warming effects on coral reefs, potentially damaging reef conditions with ecological habitat modifications (e.g. changes in coral reefs may result in seaweed dominated habitats). The need to study these pH changes, helped to place into context specie’s vulnerability and adaptive capacity (e.g. conch shell and lobsters) and habitats (e.g. coral reefs), helping the SIDS to adapt to OA and wider climate change effects. This work has been designed to monitor water quality, capturing pH measurements to assess variability. This information has helped to document pH baselines and variability. These parameters are important to safeguard species of commercial value. This research has been actively communicated to fishers, national co-operatives and Government Department and Ministries. Total value: £150,00 per/annum.
2019- 2023 (Interreg funded programme) Genetic tools for Ecosystem health Assessment in the North Sea region (GEANS) This project aimed to implement DNA-based tools in routine monitoring programs in support of policy and decision-making concerning ecosystem health. Six work packages were delivered: i) project management, ii) communication, iii) development of a reliable DNA-reference library, iv) harmonisation of DNA-based protocols, v) application and implementation through pilot studies, and vi) integration into a management tool to facilitate implementation. I led the work in work package 6, helping to integrate the work across all disciplines. The translation of scientific outcomes into policy framework, helped to inform the stakeholders. At the start of the project a dedicated stakeholder mapping exercise was conducted to assess the main needs and key players. Following from this, a suite of tools (e.g. questionnaires, one-to one discussions, factsheets, protocols and online seminars) were produced to promote the work and effectively reach out to several audiences. Contract value £200,000.
2016-2025 The Blue Belt Programme- Joint Leadership by Cefas and the MMO. The UK government’s Blue Belt programme supports the UK Overseas Territories with the protection and sustainable management of their marine environments. Cefas leads the co-ordination of science and advice. The programme works across 5 overseas territories, successful helping to implement management, governance, and science developments. My role is the Programme Director and Science Leader. I regularly engaged in science to policy discussions. The work is regularly discussed with the UK representatives in support of their MPA management plan. My role is to ensure effective marine governance is in place across all levels to ensure the scientific work is aligned with the requirements of the five UKOTs. Contract value: £6M (divided between Cefas= £2M, MMO= £1.5, FCDO= £500,000 and Ots= £2M)
2015-2018 INSITE phase I project: Understanding the influence of man-made structures on the ecosystem function of the North Sea (Undine). This work used offshore wind farms as equivalents for man-made structures. The overall work was managed by AWI (Germany), Cefas (UK) working collaboratively with Belgium and the Netherlands. The work was focussed on assessing changes of structure and function of seabed systems with further implications for ecosystems. The result from this work will be useful for the UK oil and Gas sectors, particularly during the decommissioning of offshore platforms. The work has been synthesised into a Theme set ICES JMS to disseminate the science and science to policy messages across stakeholders, regulators and industry. Contract value: £260,000.
INSITE phase II, 2020-2023 Ecosystem-level importance of STructures as Artificial Reefs (EcoSTAR) is a collaborative project combining the expertise of marine ecologists from the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) at the University of St Andrews and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas). EcoSTAR aims to fill in the key knowledge gaps on the impact of MMS across the entire marine ecosystem. This ecosystem-wide approach is critical to fully understand the breadth of possible interactions between MMS and marine species. To achieve this, EcoSTAR will measure impacts of MMS from the bottom of the food chain (the benthic community) all the way to the top (marine mammals). My area of work was primarily to assess the effects of marine growth across platforms and what will be the likely consequences associated with decommissioning in these structures across seabed areas. Contract value: £260,000.
2013-2018 Placing Ocean acidification into a fisheries context (PLACID). A Defra funded programme. The primary aim of this project was to enhance the evidence-base the potential effects of ocean acidification for commercially important species (e.g. selected species were crabs, lobster, cockles and whelks), to support the UK Climate Change Risk Assessment in 2017. This information provided inputs to the UK Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership (MCCIP) as well as picking up on many of the most pressing risks or opportunities identified in the October 2012 MACCAP report. Marine risks were often overlooked in national or international assessments (including the IPCC 4th Assessment). Maritime industries were not covered at all in the 2006 ‘Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change’ funded by the UK Treasury. The PLACID project was a multidisciplinary team of experienced scientists ranging from experimental fish and invertebrate physiologists, ecologists, fisheries economists, and ecological modellers. Contract value: £500,000.
2013-2016 Sediment Profile Imagery for Seabed Integrity Assessments (SPI-smart). The primary aim of this project was to assist and optimise the cost and efficiency of benthic monitoring in relation to seabed integrity (D6). This project had two phases: i) the first phase will look at the existing SPI information in relation to other data sets and pressure layers to delineate high risks associated with co-location of activities and/or persistent activities that could affect the integrity of benthic systems; and ii) development of an SPI metric and data filling exercise for validation and testing. Contract value: £150,000.
2013-2015 Developing a Pilot Monitoring Project for the North Sea and the Celtic Sea. In support of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) EU Commission DG Environment requested a project that was centred across all MSFD GES descriptors. This work complemented OSPAR needs. This programme worked on the development of common indicators, monitoring programmes, and guidelines for monitoring and assessment. The geographic coverage of the project was the Greater North Sea, including the Kattegat, and the Celtic Sea. The approach and results of the project were shared with other (sub) regions within the North-East Atlantic Region through OSPAR and with other European regional seas, notably the Barcom and Helcom Convention areas. Regular updates, written and orally, were cascaded via OSPAR Committees and to EU MSFD groups. The final outcomes were disseminated via a workshop with all participants from other Regions. Contract value: £65,000.
2010-2013 Application and development of Sediment Profile Imagery (SPI). This work aimed to provide an integrated (biological and chemical) and rapid impact assessment tool for disposal site monitoring as requested by Defra. A combination of techniques (e.g. SPI alongside the use of DGT gels) in a disposal site, known as Souter point disposal site was tested to assess: i) the utility of these techniques, ii) the logistics of testing and employing the combinations techniques, iii) the rapid return of data and iv) place this information into a monitoring context if these tools can aid a cost-effective surveys. Contract value: £85,000.
2010-2011 Developing a biological framework to assess functional responses in dredged material disposal sites in the UK. A Defra funded project, aimed to develop a trait-based framework to assess biological responses to the effects of dredged material disposal. Available monitoring data from 2006-2008 were selected for analysis. Five disposal sites (e.g. Souter Point, North Tyne, Tees, Rame Head and Roughs Tower) were included in this work, to enable a wider representation of the physical and biological components collected during disposal site monitoring. The selected disposal sites were chosen based on their sedimentary characteristics, metals and contaminants and the nature of the dredged material disposed. Contract value: £65,000.
2006-2008 Data acquisition and marine mapping for Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) for Natural England/Defra. This work included the collection and analysis of potential SAC, namely Lizard Point and Cape Bank area of search. Ecological data sets were classified based on the Habitats Directive to be considered for designation. Both areas were subsequently designated, which helped the UK to complete conservation targets. I managed the work from data to reporting on management boundaries. Total value: £450,000.
2006-2009 Environmental indicators: a structured approach to the evaluation of impacts arising from human activities at sea (contract code ME4118) funded by Defra. I managed modules 1 and 3 concerned with the development of seabed indicators to assess benthic function and applied marine polychaetes responses to human impacts. Total value: £80,000.
2005-2007 Mineral Wealth Seabed Health project. To provide interpreted seabed and biodiversity data sets to disseminate the effects of aggregate extraction and seabed life to the general public funded by the Aggregate Levy Sustainability fund-ALSF. Development of ocean literacy to support schools over KS3-4 of the UK National Educational Curriculum. The compilation of an online game and a final biodiversity display were presented at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth to industry, scientists and the general public. Total value: £20,000.
AWARDS
· 1988 Shell Chile S.A. Award. Award granted to the best graduate of the Marine Biology degree. Universidad Arturo Prat, Chile.
· 2000-2003 Overseas Research Scheme Award. This award was given to cover tuition fees during my doctoral degree at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne.
· 2000-2003 Ridley Fellowship. This award was awarded by the Duke of Northumberland. The award covered post-graduate maintenance expenses.
· 2003-2004 British Women Federation Research Grant. This award was providing economic support for female post-graduate students in their last academic to support the compilation of their final thesis.
· 2007-2008 Winston Churchill Travel Fellowship. This award was given to develop Science and Technology. The main activity was to learn image analysis and deployment of the Sediment Profile Imagery (SPI). My visits included four Marine Institutes (U.S.A, Ireland, Sweden and Chile) to learn overall application of the SPI technology to study marine seafloor systems.
· 2017 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Fellowship. This co-operative research Programme supported biological resource management for sustainable developments. This fellowship was granted to conduct applied research at Centro de Estudios Avanzados (CEAZA) in Coquimbo, Chile. Title of research: “Optimising science, technology and innovation for studying ocean acidification effects on commercial species” (Ostiones).
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
• Chair of the ICES Diversity, Equality and Inclusivity (DEI) current-2026. This role works directly with the ICES Secretariat to support and assist expert groups on DEI needs (e.g. gender, age, career stages, funding, etc.).
• Chair of the ICES Science, Publications, and Impact Group (SIGP) current-2027. This role helps the ICES publication group to determine the science needs and compilation of key resolutions to support science products (e.g. guidelines, protocols, and methods).
• International representation across expert groups (namely, Benthic Ecology, Marine Benthal and Renewable Energy Developments and Cumulative Effects Assessments) from 2000 to present.
• Associate Editor of the ICES Journal of Marine Science (JMS) (joined in 2016). I manage scientific papers across the areas of ecology, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), climate change, ocean acidification, habitats, invasive species, decommissioning of man-made structures and offshore windfarms. I am also part of the mentor-mentee programme in support of the next cohort of scientific editors.
• Panel member of the Research Council of Norway (call entitled “climate and energy”) since 2023. My role is to review and advise on the next tranche of renewable energy projects with a dedicated synthesis of applied science to support industry needs.
• Chair of the EU Sustainable Blue Economy Partnerships (SBEP), helping to support renewable energy, marine spatial planning projects since 2023. I have produced written reports, verbal presentations and direct recommendations to the EU, advisory groups and research council of France and Italy.
• Invited to participate in the EU initiative Cluster of Canarias in support of the EU project PHAROS (2025-2027) as a Steering Group Advisor.
Publications
1. Dannheim, J., Beermann, J., Coolen. J., Vanaverbeke; J., Degraer, S., Birchenough S.N.R., Garcia, C., Lacroix, G., Fiorentino, D., Lindeboom, H., Krone, R., Pehlke, H., Braeckman, U., Brey, T. (in press). Offshore wind turbines constitute benthic secondary production hotspots on and around constructions. Journal of Environmental Management.
2. Dannheim, J., Kloss, P., Vanaverbeke, J., Mavraki, N., Zupan, M., Spielmann, V., Degraer, S., Birchenough, S.N., Janas, U., Sheehan, E. and Teschke, K., (2025). Biodiversity Information of benthic Species at ARtificial structures–BISAR. Scientific Data, 12(1), p.604.
3. Papadopoulou, N., Smith, C.J., Franco, A., Elliott, M., Borja, A., Andersen, J.H., Amorim, E., Atkins, J.P., Barnard, S., Berg, T. and Birchenough, S.N., (2025). ‘Horses for courses’–an interrogation of tools for marine ecosystem-based management. Frontiers in Marine Science, 12, p.1426971.
4. González-Pola, C., Mills, K.E., Beszczynska-Möller, A., Bresnan, E. and Birchenough, S.N.R. (2024). Decadal (2010–2019) variability in the marine ecosystems of the North Atlantic. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 81(3), pp.505-511.
5. Wood, L.E., Clarke, S.A., Murphy, D., Davison, P.I., Thrush, M.A., Bass, D., Birchenough, S.N.R., Peeler, E.J. and Tidbury, H.J. (2024). Monitoring of non-indigenous marine species for legislative and policy goals in the UK. Marine Policy, 162, p.106027.
6. Birchenough, S.N.R. (2024). Removal of Physical Resources from Ecosystems: Navigation and Aggregate Dredging and Disposal. Book Chapter for Treatise on Estuarine and Coastal Science, 2nd Edition.
7. Knights, A.M., Lemasson, A.J., Firth, L.B., Beaumont, N., Birchenough, S.N., Claisse, J., Coolen, J.W., Copping,
8. A., De Dominicis, M., Degraer, S. and Elliott, M., (2024). To what extent can decommissioning options for marine artificial structures move us toward environmental targets? Journal of Environmental Management, 350, p.119644.
9. Watson, S.M., McLean, D.L., Balcom, B.J., Birchenough, S.N., Brand, A.M., Camprasse, E.C., Claisse, J.T., Coolen, J.W., Cresswell, T., Fokkema, B. and Gourvenec, S., (2023). Offshore decommissioning horizon scan: Research priorities to support decision-making activities for oil and gas infrastructure. Science of the Total Environment, 878, p.163015.
10.
Katsanevakis, S., Olenin, S., Puntila-Dodd, R., Rilov, G., Stæhr, P.A., Teixeira, H., Tsirintanis, K., Birchenough, S.N., Jakobsen, H.H., Knudsen, S.W. and Lanzen, A. (2023). Marine invasive alien species in Europe: 9 years after the IAS Regulation. Front. Mar. Sci, 10, p.1271755.
11.
Birchenough, S.N.R., 2023. Knowledge-based science in support of the blue growth ambition for smallisland developing states. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 80(8), pp.2166-2170.
12.
Herbert-Read, J.E., Thornton, A., Amon, D.J., Birchenough, S.N., Côté, I.M., Dias, M.P., Godley, B.J., Keith, S.A., McKinley, E., Peck, L.S. and Calado, R. (2022). A global horizon scan of issues impacting marine and coastal biodiversity conservation. Nature Ecology & Evolution, 6(9), pp.1262-1270.
13.
Kohler, P., Monsanto, M., Binetti, U., Silburn, B., Russell. J., Corbin, C., Lyons, B., Birchenough, S.N.R. and Maes, T. (2022). A Blue Future: Developing a national marine litter action plan in SIDS – lessons learnt in Belize. ICES Journal of Marine Science.
14.
Hutchinson, Z and Birchenough, S.N.R. (2020) Shellfish evaluations and Offshore Windfarms. NOAA Synthesis of Science.
15.
Birchenough, S.N.R, Methratta, E., Hogan, F. and Slayton, I. (2020) Assessing Cumulative effects across Offshore Windfarms. NOAA Synthesis of Science.
16.
Findlay, H., Birchenough, S.N.R, Stiasny, M., Artioli, Y. and Hardman, S. (2023) MCCIP Ocean acidification report card- synthesis of evidence.
17.
Birchenough, S.N.R, Dupont, S., Stiasny, M., Artioli, Y., et al. (2023) Biological Effects from the ocean acidification perspective. OSPAR Quality Status Report 2023.
18.
Coolen, J.W.P., Vanaverbeke, J., Dannheim, J., Garcia, C., Birchenough, S.N.R., et al., (2022). Generalized changes of benthic communities after construction of wind farms in the southern North Sea. Journal of Environmental Management 315, 115173
19.
Lincoln, S., Andrews, B., Birchenough, S.N.R., Chowdhury, P., Engelhard, G.H. et al.(2022) Marine litter and climate change: Inextricably connected threats to the world's oceans. Science of The Total Environment, 155709
20.
Lean, D.L., L.C. Ferreira, J.A. Benthuysen, K.J. Miller, M-L. Schläppy, M.J. Ajemian, O. Berry, S.N. R. Birchenough, T. Bond, F. Boschetti, A.S. Bull, J.T. Claisse, S.A. Condie, P. Consoli, J.W.P. Coolen, M. Elliott, I.S. Fortune, A.M. Fowler, B.M. Gillanders, H.B. Harrison, K.M. Hart, L-A. Henry, C.L. Hewitt, N. Hicks, K. Hock, K. Hyder, M. Love, P.I. Macreadie, R.J. Miller, W.A. Montevecchi, M.M. Nishimoto, H.M. Page, D.M. Paterson, C.B. Pattiaratchi, G.T. Pecl, J.S. Porter, D.B. Reeves, C. Riginos, S. Rouse, D.J.F. Russell, C.D.H. Sherman, J. Teilmann, V.L.G. Todd, E.A. Treml, D.H. Williamson, M. Thums (2022). Influence of offshore oil and gas structures on seascape ecological connectivity. Global Change Biology 28 (11), 3515-3536
21.
Elliott, M., Birchenough, S.N.R. (2022). Man-made marine structures-Agents of marine environmental change or just other bits of the hard stuff? Marine Pollution Bulletin (176):113468, doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113468.
22.
Lonsdale, J.-A.; Gill, A.B.; Alliji, K.; Birchenough, S.N.R.; Blake, S.; Buckley, H.; Clarke, C.; Clarke, S.; Edmonds, N.; Fonseca, L.; Goodsir, F.; Griffith, A.; Judd, A.; Mulholland, R.; Perry, J.; Randall, K.; Wood, D. (2022). It Is a Balancing Act: The Interface of Scientific Evidence and Policy in Support of Effective Marine Environmental Management. Sustainability, 14, 1650. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031650
23.
D.W. Montgomery, Kwan, G.T., Davison, W.G, Finlay, J.., Berry, A., Simpson, S.D., Engelhard, G.H., S.N.R. Birchenough, Tresguerres, M., Wilson, R.W. (2022). Rapid blood acid-base regulation by European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) in response to sudden exposure to high environmental CO2.J. Exp. Biol. 10.1242/jeb.242735
24.
Townhill, B.L., Reppas-Chrysovitsinos, E., Sühring, R. Halsall, C.J., Mengo, E., Sanders, T., Dahnke, K., Crabeck, O., Kaiser, J., Birchenough, S.N.R. (2021). Pollution in the Arctic Ocean: An overview of multiple pressures and implications for ecosystem services. Ambio 51, 471–483, https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-021-01657-0
25.
Anderson, E., Bartolino, V., Birchenough, S.N.R., Browman, H.; Gibbs, M., Hidalgo, M., Prellezo, R. Yates, K. (2021) Sidney Holt’s legacy lives on in fisheries science. ICES Journal of Marine Science, fsab091, https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsab091
26.
Montgomery, D.W., Simpson, S.D., Davison, W, Goodrich, H.R., Engelhard, G.H., Birchenough, S.N.R., Wilson, R.W. (2021). Temperature and O2, but not CO2, interact to affect aerobic performance of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.03.12.435078
27.
DA COSTA, M.R. AND BIRCHENOUGH, S.N.R (2020). Raising awareness of climate change and ocean acidification effects on young children’s development. HTTPS://ARNEC.NET/STATIC/UPLOADS/WEB_ARNEC%20NEWS%20FLASH%20DECEMBER%202020FINAL%20VERSION%20FOR%20RELEASE_DEC30_RFS.PDF
28.
Susana Lincoln, Benjamin Cowburn, Ella Howes, Silvana Birchenough, John Pinnegar, Stephen Dye, Paul Buckley, Charles Sheppard, Colette Wabnitz, Leo Dutra, Jennifer Graham, Simeon Archer-Rand, Emily Hardman, Georg H. Engelhard, and Bryony L. Townhill (2021). Climate change impacts on the coral reefs of the Pitcairn Islands (equatorial South Pacific): overview and considerations for MPA management
29.
Townhill, B.L., Artioli, Y., Pinnegar, J.K. and Birchenough, S.N.R. (2022). Exposure of commercially exploited shellfish to changing pH levels: how to scale-up experimental evidence to regional impacts. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 79(9), pp.2362-2372.
30.
Birchenough, S.N. and Degraer, S. (2020). Science in support of ecologically sound decommissioning strategies for offshore man-made structures: taking stock of current knowledge and considering future challenges. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 77(3), pp.1075-1078.
31.
Clare, D.S., Robinson, L.A., Birchenough S.N.R. (2020) A temperature-dependent relationship between benthic invertebrate biomass and trawling pressure, ICES Journal of Marine Science, fsaa191, https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsaa191
32.
Lear, D., Herman, P., Van Hoey, G., Schepers, L., Tonné, N., Lipizer, M., Birchenough S.N.R. (2020). Supporting the essential-Recommendations for the development of accessible and interoperable marine biological data products. Marine Policy 117, 103958. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2020.103958
33.
Dannheim, J., Bergström, L., Birchenough, S.N., Brzana, R., Boon, A.R., Coolen, J.W., Dauvin, J.C., De Mesel, I., Derweduwen, J., Gill, A.B. and Hutchison, Z.L. (2020). Benthic effects of offshore renewables: identification of knowledge gaps and urgently needed research. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 77(3), pp.1092-1108.
34.
Coolen, J.W.P., Boon, A.R., Crooijmans, R., Van Pelt, H., Kleissen, F., Gerla, D., Birchenough S.N.R. (2020). Marine stepping‐stones: Connectivity of Mytilus edulis populations between offshore energy installations. Molecular ecology 29 (4), 686-703.
35.
Greathead, C., P. Magni, J. Vanaverbeke, L. Buhl-Mortensen, U. Janas, M. Blomqvist, J. Craeymeersch, J. Dannheim, A. Darr, S. Degraer, N. Desroy, A. Donnay, Y. Griffiths, I. Guala, L. Guerin, H. Hinchen, C. Labrune, H. Reiss, G. Van Hoey, S.N.R. Birchenough (2020). A Generic Framework to Assess the Representation and Protection of Benthic Ecosystems in European Marine Protected Areas. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 30:1253-1275. Doi: 10.1002/aqc.3401.
36.
Reiss, H., S. Birchenough, A. Borja, L. Buhl-Mortensen, J. Craeymeersch, J.Dannheim, A. Darr, I. Galparsoro, M. Gogina, H. Neumann, J. Populus, A.M. Rengstorf, M. Valle, G. Van Hoey, M.L. Zettler and S. Degraer (2015). Benthos distribution modelling and its relevance for marine ecosystem management. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 72: 297–315. doi:10.1093/icesjms/fsu107
37.
Birchenough,S.N.R*., H. Reiss*, S. Degraer*, N. Mieszkowska, A. Borja, L. Buhl-Mortensen, U. Braeckman, J. Craeymeersch, I. De Mesel, F. Kerckhof, I. Kröncke, S. Parra,M. Rabaut, A. Schröder, C. Van Colen, G. Van Hoey, M. Vincx and K. Wätjen (2015). Climate change and marine benthos: a review of existing research and future directions in the North Atlantic. WIREs Climate Change 2015. doi: 10.1002/wcc.330. *: shared first authorship.
38.
Degraer, S., V. Van Lancker, T.A.G.P. Van Dijk, S.N.R. Birchenough, B. De Witte, M.Elliott, S. Le Bot, H. Reiss, V. Stelzenmüller, S. Van Gaever, E. Balian, D. Cox, F. Hernandez,G. Lacroix, H. Lindeboom, J. Reubens & K. Soetaert (2019). Interdisciplinary science to support North Sea marine management: lessons learned and future demands. Hydrobiologia,845:1–11. doi: 10.1007/s10750-019-04109-9.
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Gogina, M., Zettler, M.L., Vanaverbeke, J., Dannheim, J., Van Hoey, G., Desroy, N.,Wrede, A., Reiss, H., Degraer, S., Van Lancker, V., Foveau, A., Braeckman, U., Fiorentino, D., Holstein, J., Birchenough S.N.R., (2020). Interregional comparison of benthic ecosystem functioning: community bioturbation potential in four regions along the NE Atlantic shelf". Ecological Indicators. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2019.105945
40.
Montgomery, D.W., Simpson, S.D., Engelhard, G.H., Birchenough S.N.R. and Wilson, R.W. (2019). Rising CO2 enhances hypoxia tolerance in a marine fish. Nature Scientific Reports: volume 9, Article number: 15152, doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-51572-4
41.
Degraer S., V. Van Lancker, T.A.G.P. Van Dijk, S.N.R. Birchenough S.N.R., De Witte, M. Elliott, S. Le Bot, H. Reiss, V. Stelzenmüller, S. Van Gaever, E. Balian, D. Cox, F. Hernandez, G. Lacroix, H. Lindeboom, J. Reubens, K.Soetaert. (2019) Interdisciplinary science to support North Sea marine management: lessons learned and future demands Hydrobiologia. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-019-04109-9
42.
Van Hoey, G., Wischnewski, J., Craeymeersch, J., Dannheim, J., Enserink, L., Guerin, L., Marco-Rius, F., O’Connor, J., Reiss, H., Sell, A.F, Vanden Berghe, M., Zettler, M.L., Degraer, S., Birchenough S.N.R. (2019). Methodological elements for optimising the spatial monitoring design to support regional benthic ecosystem assessments. Environmental monitoring and assessment DOI: 10.1007/s10661-019-7550-9
43.
Maes, T., Perry, J., Alliji, K., Clarke, C., Birchenough S.N.R., (2019) Shades of grey: marine litter researchdevelopments in Europe. Marine pollution bulletin 146, 274-281. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.06.019
44.
Martin, V.A.S., Gelcich, S., Vásquez Lavín, F. Birchenough S.N.R. and Vargas, C. (2019). Linking social preferences and ocean acidification impacts in mussel aquaculture. Sci Rep 9, 4719. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598019-41104-5
45.
Sühring, R. Cousins, A. et al., and Birchenough S.N.R., (2019) The Past, Present and Future of the Regulation of Offshore Chemicals in the North Sea – A United Kingdom Perspective. ICES Journal of Marine Science, doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsz172
46.
Mangi, S.C., Lee, J., Pinnegar, J.K., Law, R.J., Tyllianaki, E. and Birchenough S.N.R. (2018) The economic impacts of ocean acidification on shellfish fisheries and aquaculture in the United Kingdom. Environmental Science & Policy https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2018.05.008
47.
Murray, F., Needham, K., Gormley, K., Rouse, S., Coolen, JWP., Billett, D., Dannheim,J., Birchenough S.N.R., Hyder, K., Heard, R., Ferris, JS., Holstein, JM., Henry, L-A., McMeel, O., Calewaert, J-B., Roberts, J.M (2018). Data challenges and opportunities for environmental management of North Sea oil and gas decommissioning in an era of blue growth. Marine Policy 97: 130-138.
48.
Willsteed, EA., Birchenough S.N.R., AB Gill, S Jude (2018). Structuring cumulative effects assessments to support regional and local marine management and planning obligations Marine Policy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2018.09.006
49.
Willsteed, E.A., Jude, S., Gill, A.B., Birchenough S.N.R. (2018). Obligations and aspirations: A critical evaluation of offshore wind farm cumulative impact assessments. Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.08.079
50.
Parker R., Bolam T., Barry J., Mason C., Kröger S., Warford L., Silburn B., Sivyer D., Birchenough S.N.R., Mayes A., Fones, G. (2017). The application of passive sampler (DGT) technology for improved understanding of metal behaviour at a marine disposal site. Science of the Total Environment. (575) 1: 1074–1086
51.
Broitman, B.R., Halpern, B.S., Gelcich, S., Lardies, M.A., Vargas, C.A., Vásquez-Lavín, F., Widdicombe, Birchenough S.N.R., (2017) Expanding the boundaries of sustainable aquaculture. Frontiers in Marine Science. DOI: doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2017.00015
52.
Willsteed, E.A., Gill, A.B., Birchenough S.N.R., Jude, S. (2016). Assessing the cumulative environmental effects of marine renewable energy developments: Establishing common ground. Sci. Total Environ. 577, 19–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.10.152
53.
Ostle C., Williamson, P., Artioli, Y., Bakker, D. C. E., Birchenough S.N.R., and 20 others (2016). Carbon dioxide and ocean acidification observations in UK waters: Synthesis report with a focus on 2010-2015.
54.
Elliott, M., Borja, A., McQuatters-Gollop, A., Mazik, K., Birchenough S.N.R., Andersen, J.H., Painting, S., Peck, M. (2015). Force majeure: Will climate change affect our ability to attain Good Environmental Status for marine biodiversity? Marine Pollution Bulletin doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.03.015
55.
Birchenough S.N.R., Degraer, S, Reiss, H, et al., (2015) Climate change and marine benthos: A review of existing research and future directions. WIREs Clim Change, 6: 203–223. doi: 10.1002/wcc.330.
56.
Shephard, S., Van Hal, R., De Boois, I., Birchenough S.N.R., Foden, J. et al. Making progress towards integration of existing sampling activities to establish Joint Monitoring Programmes in support of the MSFD. Marine Policy 59 (2015): 105-111
57.
Reiss, Henning, Birchenough S.N.R., Angel Borja, Lene Buhl-Mortensen, Johan Craeymeersch, et al. (2014). Benthos distribution modelling and its relevance for marine ecosystem management. ICES Journal of Marine Science: 72 (2): 297-315
58.
Van Hoey, G., Birchenough S.N.R., & Hostens, K. (2014). Estimating the biological value of soft-bottom sediments with sediment profile imaging and grab sampling. Journal of Sea Research, 86, 1-12.
59.
Birchenough S.N.R., Bolam, S. G., & Parker, R. E. (2013). SPI-ing on the seafloor: characterising benthic systems with traditional and in situ observations. Biogeochemistry, 113(1-3), 105-117.
60.
Painting, SJ; Van der Molen, J; Parker, ER; Coughlan, C; Birchenough, SNR; Bolam, S; Aldridge, JN; Forster, RM; Greenwood, N (2013) Development of indicators of ecosystem functioning in a temperate shelf sea: a combined fieldwork and modelling approach. Biogeochemistry 113: 237-257
61.
Mackenzie, C.L., Bell, M.C., Birchenough, SNR., Culloty, S.C, Sanderson, W.G, Whiteley, N.M, (2013). Future socio-economic and environmental sustainability of the Irish Sea requires a multi-disciplinary approach with industry and research collaboration, and cross-border partnership. Ocean and Coastal Management.
62.
Coolen, J.W.P., Boon, A.R., Crooijmans, R., Van Pelt, H., Kleissen, F., Gerla, D., Birchenough S.N.R. (2020). Marine stepping‐stones: Connectivity of Mytilus edulis populations between offshore energy installations. Molecular ecology 29 (4), 686-703
63.
Roberts, D.A., Birchenough, SNR, Lewis, C., Sanders, M., Bolam, T., and Sheahan, D. (2013). Ocean acidification increases the sensitivity of an infaunal crustacean to contaminated sediments Global Change Biology 19: 340–351 (DOI: 10.1111/gcb.12048)
64.
Barry, J, Birchenough, SNR et al. On the use of sample indices to reflect changes in benthic fauna biodiversity. Ecological indicators 26 (2013): 154-162. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2012.11.004
65.
Queirós, Ana M., Birchenough, SNR, Julie Bremner, Jasmin A. Godbold, et al. A bioturbation classification of European marine infaunal invertebrates. Ecology and evolution 3, no. 11 (2013): 3958-3985.
66.
Spencer, Matthew, Nova Mieszkowska, Leonie A. Robinson, Stephen D. Simpson, Michael T. Burrows, Birchenough, SNR, et al. (2012) Region‐wide changes in marine ecosystem dynamics: state‐space models to distinguish trends from step changes. Global Change Biology 18, no. 4: 1270-1281.
67.
Birchenough, SNR, Parker, E. R., McManus, E., and Barry, J. 2012. Combining bioturbation and redox metrics: potential tools for assessing seabed function. Ecological Indicators, 12, 8-16.
68.
Birchenough, SNR., Degraer, S. and Reiss, H. et al. (2011). Chapter 8: The benthos and Climate change. ICES Position Paper on Climate Change (EWPPCC). ICES Cooperative Research Report No. 310, 123-146.
69.
Spencer, M., Birchenough, S.N.R., Mieszkowska, N., Robinson, L. A., Simpson, S. D., Burrows, M. T., Frid, C. L. J. (2011). Temporal change in UK marine communities: trends or regime shifts? Marine Ecology, 32, 10-24.
70.
Van Hoey, Gert, Angel Borja, Birchenough, SNR, Lene Buhl-Mortensen, Steven Degraer, Dirk Fleischer, et al. The use of benthic indicators in Europe: from the Water Framework Directive to the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Marine Pollution Bulletin 60, no. 12 (2010): 2187-2196
71.
Birchenough S.N.R.,Boyd, S.E., et al. Mapping an aggregate extraction site off the Eastern English Channel: a methodology in support of monitoring and management. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 87, no. 3 (2010): 420 430. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2010.01.005
72.
Birchenough S.N.R., and Frid CLJ (2009) Macrobenthic succession following the cessation of sewage sludge disposal. Journal of Sea Research, 62, 4: 258-267. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seares.2009.06.004
73.
Birchenough S.N.R., Boyd SE, Coggan RA, Foster-Smith R, Limpenny DS, Meadows WJ, Rees H (2006). Lights,
74.
Camera, Acoustics: Assessing Macrobenthic communities at a Dredged material disposal site off the North-East Coast of the UK. Journal of Marine Systems, 62: 204-216.
75.
Rees, H., Pendle, M., Limpenny, D., Mason, C., Boyd, S., Birchenough S.N.R., & Vivian, C. (2006). Benthic responses to organic enrichment and climatic events in the western North Sea. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 86(1), 1-18. doi:10.1017/S002531540601280X
Further publication details are available in Research Gate: Silvana NR Birchenough (researchgate.net) and google scholar: Silvana Birchenough - Google Scholar
Products to support advice and policy needs:
1. Alexander, K., Akimova, A., Nic Aonghusa, C., Schreiber, M.A., Arjona, Y., Arrigan, M., Balestri, E., Beermann, J., Belgrano, A., Bicknell, A. and Birchenough, S., et al. (2025). Workshop to compile evidence on the impacts of offshore renewable energy on fisheries and marine ecosystems (WKCOMPORE). ICES advice to the EU Commission. Published in April 2025.
2. ICES (2025). Workshop to scope for Harmonized Regional Monitoring Schemes to Assess the Impact of Offshore Wind Farms on Fish, Pelagic and Benthic Communities and Ecosystem Functions (WKOMO). ICES Scientific Reports. 7:73. 57 pp. https://doi.org/10.17895/ices.pub.29370575
3. CMEP (2021) Climate Change Adaptation for Caribbean Fisheries. (Eds. Bryony Townhill, Paul Buckley, Peter A. Murray, Keith Nichols, Iris Monnereau). Commonwealth Marine Economies Programme, 12pp. Responding to climate change in Caribbean fisheries and aquaculture through adaptation (publishing.service.gov.uk)
4. Birchenough S.N.R., Williamson, P and Turley, C (2017). Future of the sea: Ocean acidification. UK Government Office for Science. Foresight Report. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/future-of-the-sea-ocean-acidification
5. Report Card (2021). Climate change impacts on corals in the UK Overseas Territories of BIOT and the Pitcairn Islands. (eds. Lincoln, S., Cowburn, B., Howes, E., Birchenough, S., Pinnegar, J., Dye, S., Buckley, P., Engelhard, G.E., and Townhill, B.). UK Blue Belt Programme, 16pp.
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7. Birchenough, SNR., Soetaert, K. and Herman, PMJ (2021). Physico-chemical and commercial shellfish species data to illustrate potential vulnerability to ocean acidification. Integrated data products created under the European Marine Observation Data Network (EMODnet) Biology project (EASME/EMFF/2017/1.3.1.2/02/SI2.789013), funded by the by the European Union under Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.
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CMEP (2017) Caribbean Marine Climate Change Report Card (2017). (Eds. Paul Buckley, Bryony Townhill, Ulric Trotz, Keith Nichols, Peter A. Murray, Chantalle Clarke-Samuels, Silvana Birchenough, Ann Gordon, Michael Taylor). Commonwealth Marine Economies Programme, 12pp.
11.
CMEP (2018) Pacific Marine Climate Change Report Card 2018. (Eds. Bryony Townhill, Paul Buckley, Jeremy Hills, Tommy Moore, Sylvie Goyet, Awnesh Singh, Gilianne Brodie, Patrick Pringle, Sunny Seuseu, Tiffany Straza). Commonwealth Marine Economies Programme, 12pp.
12.
ICES Benthic Habitats Advice Drafting Group (ADGBENTH) meeting, Contributor. Copenhagen (DK), 10-13 August 2015.
13.
ICES Workshop on guidance for the review of MSFD decision descriptor 6 – seafloor integrity II (WKGMSFDD6-I) vice-chair. Copenhagen, Denmark, 16-19 February 2015.
14.
Birchenough, SNR, Bremner J., Henderson P., Hinz H., Jenkins S., Mieszkowska N., et al. (2013). Impacts of climate change on shallow and shelf subtidal habitats MCCIP SCI. REV. 2013: 193-203. doi:10.14465/2013.arc20.193-203.
