Dr Stephen Watson is an Ecosystem Services Scientist at PML. A marine ecologist and ecosystem services analyst by training, he is broadly interested in quantifying the often-complex interactions between anthropogenic pressures, biodiversity, ecosystem services and society in coastal, marine, terrestrial and other settings. His research utilises: ecological indicators, GIS, ecosystem models (e.g., InVEST) and methods of environmental economic evaluation. His work is highly interdisciplinary and often involves engagement with industry, regulators, businesses and the general public, and he has regularly led and supported the implementation of workshops, surveys and interviews.
Stephen conducted his PhD on the “impact of multiple stressors on coastal biodiversity and associated ecosystem services” at PML and the University of St Andrews from 2013-2017. Prior to his return to PML in 2020, he was a Senior Research Associate on the Solent Natural Capital Project at the University of Portsmouth and has worked on issues such as the impact of climate change and tipping points on ecosystem services as part of the wider Valuing Nature Network (VNP), UK Ocean Acidification (UKOA) and Biodiversity & Ecosystem Service Sustainability (BESS) research programmes.