Personal profile

Research Expertise

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

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 14 - Life Below Water

Education/Academic qualification

Bachelor of Science, Zoology, University of Hull

20 Sept 20171 Jul 2020

Award Date: 1 Jul 2020

Master of Science, What is an otter’s favourite food? – A molecular investigation into the dietary preferences of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) across the River Hull Catchment, University of Hull

11 Sept 20204 Aug 2022

Keywords

  • QL Zoology
  • eDNA
  • Metabarcoding
  • Dietary Analysis
  • Biodiversity monitoring