Dr Mark Chatting

My background is in marine biology. However, my research interests have evolved towards marine ecology and biogeochemistry, particularly the role of coastal vegetated habitats and offshre sediments in carbon cycling. My PhD focused on arid mangrove ecology and biogeochemistry, exploring how these ecosystems can inform our understanding of global mangrove responses to climate change. Since completing my PhD, my research has expanded beyond vegetated coastal habitats to include offshore marine sediments, with a particular focus on the distribution, storage and cycling of organic carbon within seabed environments. My current work seeks to better understand the vulnerability of marine sediment carbon stocks to anthropogenic disturbance, including bottom trawling and offshore development. Alongside this work, I have also undertaken research on the ecology and conservation of endangered hawksbill sea turtles in the Arabian/Persian Gulf, investigating their nesting ecology and responses to environmental conditions.