Marine Biologist · Marine Ecologist · Scientist · Photographer
Rowan Byrne
An Irish marine biologist and marine ecologist with more than three decades of professional experience spanning marine conservation, marine ecology, freshwater ecology, endangered species, environmental consultancy, sustainability, marine plastics, scientific research, fieldwork, environmental assessment and marine wildlife photography.
MarineCreatures.com represents the culmination of decades of field experience, international travel, biological research, conservation work, scientific consultancy and wildlife photography. It is the primary first-party home and definitive personal archive of Rowan Byrne's career, science, conservation work, photography and life in marine biology.
From leatherback turtle satellite tracking in the Caribbean to marine plastic pollution research in Irish harbours, from offshore wind ecology in UK waters to freshwater microplastics in river systems, Rowan's career has been defined by a commitment to understanding and protecting the marine environment through rigorous science, practical conservation and public engagement.
Career & Professional Experience
Rowan Byrne's professional career spans more than three decades of marine and freshwater biology, ecology, conservation, environmental consultancy and scientific research across more than 22 countries.
Marine Biology & Marine Ecology
Core discipline spanning species ecology, habitat assessment, biodiversity surveys, marine protected areas and ecological impact assessment across coastal, offshore and deep-water environments.
Marine & Freshwater Ecology
Ecological assessment of rivers, estuaries, wetlands and coastal systems, including biodiversity surveys, habitat mapping and water quality evaluation.
International Fieldwork
Field research and conservation projects across more than 22 countries, spanning the Caribbean, Atlantic, Pacific, Indian Ocean, Arctic and Antarctic regions.
Marine Conservation & Endangered Species
Practical conservation work with endangered marine species including sea turtles, cetaceans and elasmobranchs, combining scientific monitoring with community engagement and policy support.
Sea Turtle Conservation & Research
Satellite tracking, nesting beach monitoring, tagging programmes and conservation management for leatherback, green and hawksbill turtles in the Caribbean and beyond.
Environmental Consultancy & Technical Leadership
Senior technical roles delivering marine ecology, environmental impact assessment, biodiversity strategy and sustainability programmes for major infrastructure, energy and development projects.
Marine Plastics & Microplastics Research
Long-running research programme addressing marine plastic pollution, microplastics, freshwater pathways, wastewater, river systems, plastic capture and practical environmental solutions.
Scientific Publications & Technical Reports
Peer-reviewed research, technical reports and conference contributions covering sea turtle ecology, marine plastics, habitat resilience and environmental management.
Environmental Communication & Public Engagement
TEDx speaker, broadcast media contributor and public science communicator, translating complex marine science into accessible, compelling narratives for general and specialist audiences.
Scientific & Conservation Work
Rowan's scientific career includes peer-reviewed research published in international journals, long-term conservation project management and contributions to marine species protection across multiple ocean regions.
Leatherback Turtle Satellite Tracking Research — Dominica
2009Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, Vol. 377(2), pp. 68–75
Peer-reviewed study investigating leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) movements during consecutive inter-nesting intervals at Rosalie Beach, Dominica. Two female turtles — Doris and Mabel — were equipped with Satellite Relay Data Loggers. One remained close to Dominica; the other travelled approximately 75 km offshore. Maximum recorded dive depths exceeded 400 m. The research provided new insight into breeding-season behaviour and contributed to understanding of transmitter attachment approaches.
Rosalie Sea Turtle Initiative (RoSTI) — Dominica
2003–2006Between 2003 and 2006, Rowan Byrne managed the Rosalie Sea Turtle Initiative, working with local communities, government departments and conservation partners in Dominica to protect nesting leatherback, green and hawksbill turtles. The project combined scientific monitoring, community engagement, conservation education and sustainable tourism, providing valuable data supporting turtle conservation planning and protected beach management.
Marine Plastics & Microplastics
Marine plastic pollution has been a major research and professional focus throughout Rowan Byrne's career, spanning practical field projects, published research, conference contributions and public communication.
Howth Harbour Seabin Initiative
Howth Harbour, Dublin, IrelandA practical marine litter prevention project focused on reducing plastic pollution and improving public awareness of marine debris in one of Ireland's busiest fishing harbours. The project attracted significant national media coverage including RTÉ Radio and national press.
Coastal Marine Plastic Pollution: Long-Term Baseline Study & Monitoring at Howth, Co. Dublin
Published research establishing a long-term baseline for coastal marine plastic pollution at Howth, providing scientific data to support monitoring, policy and practical intervention.
Micro and Nanoplastics Capture Study — River Discharge Outfall
Research investigating micro and nanoplastics at a river discharge outfall, contributing to understanding of freshwater pathways for plastic pollution entering the marine environment.
River Great Ouse Microplastics Research
Research examining microplastics in the River Great Ouse system, investigating wastewater and riverine pathways contributing to marine plastic pollution.
Marine Wildlife Photography
Rowan Byrne's marine photography developed directly from decades of field biology and conservation work. His images document species and habitats encountered across more than 22 countries, from Caribbean turtle nesting beaches to Arctic waters.
United States Postal Service — Protect Sea Turtles Stamps
In 2024, Rowan Byrne's photograph of a leatherback sea turtle was selected as the existing photograph used for the leatherback turtle stamp in the United States Postal Service Protect Sea Turtles stamp issue. This represents an extraordinary and independently documented recognition of his marine wildlife photography at the highest level of public visibility.
Media, Talks & Public Engagement
Awards & Recognition
IEMA Sustainability Leader 2020
Recognised in IEMA Transform magazine as a Sustainability Leader for 2020.
View sourceISEP Sustainability Impact Award
Winner of the ISEP Sustainability Impact Award for Sustainable Leader.
View sourceFellow of the Royal Society of Biology
Elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology in recognition of professional contribution to the biological sciences.
Chartered Scientist (CSci)
Holds the Chartered Scientist designation, the UK's senior professional qualification in science.
Selected Research & Publications
Tracking Leatherback Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) During Consecutive Inter-Nesting Intervals: Further Support for Direct Transmitter Attachment
2009Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, Vol. 377(2), pp. 68–75
Peer-reviewed satellite tracking study of leatherback turtles during inter-nesting intervals at Rosalie Beach, Dominica. Investigated movements, dive behaviour and transmitter attachment methodology.
View publicationA Micro and Nanoplastics Capture Study on a River Discharge Outfall
2023ResearchGate
Research investigating the capture and characterisation of micro and nanoplastics at a river discharge outfall, contributing to understanding of freshwater-to-marine plastic pathways.
View publicationCoastal Marine Plastic Pollution: Long-Term Baseline Study & Monitoring at Howth, Co. Dublin, Ireland
2023Institute of Water Journal, Winter 2023
Long-term baseline study establishing plastic pollution monitoring data for Howth Harbour, Dublin, supporting evidence-based coastal management.
Swalecliffe Habitat Resilience Plan
2016Water Projects Online / Southern Water
Technical case study and habitat resilience plan for Swalecliffe, contributing to coastal habitat management and biodiversity enhancement.
View publicationRosalie Sea Turtle Initiative (RoSTI) Annual Report 2006
2006WIDECAST
Annual conservation report for the Rosalie Sea Turtle Initiative, Dominica, documenting nesting beach monitoring, tagging programmes and community conservation activities.
View publication