James Macarthur is a PhD student with a particular interest in integrating molecular techniques into biodiversity monitoring and management frameworks. He has recently completed a research masters at the University of Hull where his project provided a molecular methodology for calculating dietary selection, which incorporated faecal metabarcoding of spraints in conjunction with eDNA water sampling of local fish communities to investigate dietary preferences of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) within the River Hull catchment. 

His PhD will integrate both molecular and traditional techniques to investigate the impacts of the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) on fish communities and conservation priority mammals, with a particular interest on their interactions with migratory fish species such as Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). 

James has previously worked on a range of research projects across the UK in collaboration with Scottish Water, Yorkshire Wildlife trust, NatureSpy, Natural England and the UK Environment Agency in which molecular tools have been used to assess species distribution and status across catchments.

Research Interests:

• The integration of molecular tools to inform biodiversity monitoring
• Fish migration
• Predator diets
• Population genetics