Thomas Mesher

With over seven years in Benthic Ecology at Plymouth Marine Laboratory, I specialise in benthic invertebrate taxonomy, environmental fieldwork, and biodiversity research. I have extensive and varied experience working across high-impact areas of research, including artificial light pollution, blue carbon and ocean-based carbon dioxide removal.

As a lead member of the Western Channel Observatory long-term time-series sampling team, I oversee and conduct scientific samples of the atmosphere, water column, and seabed, ensuring the collection of high-quality data. The Western Channel Observatory is the longest marine dataset in the world, and a vital resource if we are to understand how our seas are changing in response to increasing climate and anthropogenic stressors.

Additionally, I play a leading role in the Seaweed Blue Carbon Team, where I lead and coordinate complex international fieldwork operations and conduct stable isotope analysis in the lab. This work advances our understanding of carbon sequestration in marine ecosystems and helps to protect carbon-sinks by identifying impactful locations for climate-smart MPA’s.

In my role I have developed an extensive skill set in benthic taxonomy, technical biodiversity support, international logistics, environmental fieldwork and experimental research.

My responsibilities include:

• Species analysis of local and international macrofaunal and megafaunal samples
• Providing technical expertise in cutting-edge experimental studies, including artificial light at night and ocean alkalinity enhancement
• Leading international fieldwork logistics and communications for large-scale marine research projects
• Leading and supporting teams to deliver local, national and international fieldwork objectives
• Delivering specialist training courses in benthic invertebrate identification to Marine Biology Undergraduates
• Mentoring and supporting Undergraduate, MSc and PhD students in delivering novel work
• Managing our Microscopy Lab as part of the Laboratory Management Team, ensuring safety and best practices

As a Lab Manager and as a co-ordinator at PML, I bring best practice and effective health and safety processes to the forefront of what we do, both in and out of the lab.