Phil Trathan

Biography

Phil Trathan is a senior principal research scientist with an extensive publication record on the biology, ecology and management of marine ecosystems in the Antarctic. He has wide experience and an established track record of interdisciplinary research, commissioned research and international collaboration. He has published more than 200 peer-reviewed publications and has an H-index of 40. He is the NERC/BAS lead for the management organization responsible for Southern Ocean fisheries, the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, plus related issues. Phil advised CCAMLR on the designation of the South Orkney Islands southern shelf Marine Protected Area, the first MPA anywhere in the world in areas outside of national jurisdiction. Recently he provided advice to CCAMLR that now leads to the designation of Scientific Special Areas, in areas where ice-shelves retreat or collapse. He has also provided scientific advice to the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, leading to the designation of the SGSSI sustainably managed Marine Protected Area. Phil has participated in 18 Antarctic field trips, having been involved in predator tracking studies for over 20 years. He is particularly interested in how seabirds utilize their available habitat and how this relates to their reproductive output and performance. Phil has strong links with BirdLife International and WWF (UK) and is a member of the IUCN Species Survival Commission Penguin Specialist Group. Phil is the founding Chair of the Science Advisory Group, Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund, a novel collaboration between the fishing industry, NGOs and scientists.

Research Interest

seabirds and marine mammals in the Southern Ocean