Beatrice Proudfoot, M.Sc Candidate
Memorial University of Newfoundland, Department of Geography
Prior to starting with CHONe, I have been participating in a variety of research projects on the central and south coast of British Columbia. I am interested in exploring how seascape ecology research can inform conservation and management initiatives.
Supervisors: Rodolphe Devillers (MUN) and Craig Brown (NSCC)
Start to Finish: 09/2016 to 09/2018
CHONe Project: 1.2.5. Fine-scale MPA mapping: Assessing the application of Landscape Ecology concepts for improved environmental monitoring design and management of MPAs.
Anticipated Project Title: Seascape Ecology in Newman Sound, Newfoundland
Project Description:
Using high resolution multibeam data and underwater video and image based analysis, I plan to explore how elements of landscape ecology, such as habitat fragmentation and connectivity can be applied to marine environments in order to better understand how landscape patterns influence benthic biodiversity.
The specific project/thesis aims are:
- Investigate organism-landscape interactions to show how vulnerable/important species use the area inside and outside the Round Island MPA
- Study how seafloor landscape patterns influence benthic biodiversity
- Identify variability in landscape patterns and benthic biodiversity across spatial scales
- Investigate how landscape pattern evaluation can influence and guide potential expansion of the Eastport (Round Island) MPA.
Understanding seascape and biodiversity patterns on the seafloor is critically important for designating and monitoring MPAs, and promoting conservation and sustainable ocean use.