Dr Nicole Esteban

Associate Professor Marine Ecology

Biosciences

+44 (0) 1792 295454

n.esteban@swansea.ac.uk

Office - 116
First Floor
Margam Building
Singleton Campus

Available For Postgraduate Supervision

Research Links

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4693-7221

ResearchGate

Google Scholar

ResearcherID

Scopus

About

Head of Swansea Marine Conservation & Ecology Lab

A marine biologist with a focus on tropical coastal ecosystems, I have 20 years’ experience of working in integrated coastal zone management with NGOs, public and private agencies in the Caribbean, Red Sea and Indian Ocean. I have extensive natural resource and conservation management experience as a Manager of a Marine Park and National Park (8 years in the Dutch Caribbean). My research experience includes environmental, fishery and sea turtle assessments.

As a Researcher and former Consultant for both the public and private sector, I have produced and coordinated Protected Area Management Plans, Biodiversity Action Plans and Environmental Impact Assessments, with an ongoing personal interest in co-management of natural resources, stakeholder engagement within conservation management and communication of conservation and research activities to the wider public.

My current research interests lie in improving our understanding of spatial and habitat use by marine fauna, with a focus on sea turtles and fisheries, predominantly in the Caribbean and Indian Ocean but also closer to home in Swansea Bay.

I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. For details of my teaching and research supervision, please see the sections below. A full list of publications is available on Google Scholar.

Areas Of Expertise

Marine ecology
Marine biology
Sea turtle ecology
Tropical marine conservation
Biodiversity conservation

Career Highlights

Teaching Interests

I have been teaching Marine Biology at Swansea since 2012. I teach subjects aligned with my background experience of (a) research in tropical marine ecology and (b) professional practices associated with consultancy and environmental impact assessment. I (co-)lead 3rd year undergraduate modules: tropical marine biology field course and professional skills in marine biology. I focus on tools and techniques from various marine sectors to ensure that our Marine Biology students graduate with up to date employability skills.

Research Award Highlights

Publications

Research Highlights

Hays, G., Laloë, J., Mortimer, J., Rattray, A., Tromp, J., & Esteban, N. (2024). Remote submerged banks and mesophotic ecosystems can provide key habitat for endangered marine megafauna. Science Advances, 10(8)
https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adl2838, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa65761
Hays, G., Rattray, A., Shimada, T., & Esteban, N. (2024). Individual variation in home‐range across an ocean basin and links to habitat quality and management. Journal of Applied Ecology, 61(4), 658-668.
https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.14599, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa65751
Stokes, H., Laloë, J., Esteban, N., & Hays, G. (2024). Empirical evidence for the extent of spatial and temporal thermal variation on sea turtle nesting beaches. Journal of Thermal Biology, 125, 103965
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtherbio.2024.103965, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa67659
Serafini, G., Gordon, C., Amalfitano, J., Wings, O., Esteban, N., Stokes, H., & Giusberti, L. (2024). First evidence of marine turtle gastroliths in a fossil specimen: Paleobiological implications in comparison to modern analogues. PLOS ONE, 19(5), e0302889
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0302889, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66526
Stokes, H., Esteban, N., & Hays, G. (2024). Nest site selection in sea turtles shows consistencies across the globe in the face of climate change. Animal Behaviour, 208, 59-68.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2023.12.001, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa65154

All Research

Journal Articles

Stokes, H., Stokes, K., Mortimer, J., Laloë, J., Esteban, N., & Hays, G. (2024). Assessing the impacts of satellite tagging on growth rates of immature hawksbill turtles. Methods in Ecology and Evolution
https://doi.org/10.1111/2041-210x.14464, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa68366
Stokes, H., Laloë, J., Esteban, N., & Hays, G. (2024). Empirical evidence for the extent of spatial and temporal thermal variation on sea turtle nesting beaches. Journal of Thermal Biology, 125, 103965
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtherbio.2024.103965, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa67659
Serafini, G., Gordon, C., Amalfitano, J., Wings, O., Esteban, N., Stokes, H., & Giusberti, L. (2024). First evidence of marine turtle gastroliths in a fossil specimen: Paleobiological implications in comparison to modern analogues. PLOS ONE, 19(5), e0302889
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0302889, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66526
Hays, G., Rattray, A., Shimada, T., & Esteban, N. (2024). Individual variation in home‐range across an ocean basin and links to habitat quality and management. Journal of Applied Ecology, 61(4), 658-668.
https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.14599, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa65751
Hays, G., Laloë, J., Mortimer, J., Rattray, A., Tromp, J., & Esteban, N. (2024). Remote submerged banks and mesophotic ecosystems can provide key habitat for endangered marine megafauna. Science Advances, 10(8)
https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adl2838, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa65761
Stokes, H., Esteban, N., & Hays, G. (2024). Nest site selection in sea turtles shows consistencies across the globe in the face of climate change. Animal Behaviour, 208, 59-68.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2023.12.001, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa65154
Stokes, H., Esteban, N., & Hays, G. (2024). Predation of sea turtle eggs by rats and crabs. Marine Biology, 171(1)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-023-04327-9, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa64969
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00227-023-04327-9
Rivas, M., Rodríguez-Caballero, E., Esteban, N., Carpio, A., Barrera-Vilarmau, B., Fuentes, M., Robertson, K., Azanza, J., León, Y., & Ortega, Z. (2023). Uncertain future for global sea turtle populations in face of sea level rise. Scientific Reports, 13(1)
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-31467-1, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa63280
http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-31467-1
Stokes, K., Esteban, N., Stokes, H., & Hays, G. (2023). High dive efficiency in shallow water. Marine Biology, 170(4)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-023-04179-3, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa62593
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00227-023-04179-3
Stokes, H., Mortimer, J., Laloë, J., Hays, G., & Esteban, N. (2023). Synergistic use of UAV surveys, satellite tracking data, and mark-recapture to estimate abundance of elusive species. Ecosphere, 14(3)
https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.4444, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa62644
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.4444
Unsworth, R., Rees, S., Bertelli, C., Esteban, N., Furness, E., & Walter, B. (2022). Nutrient additions to seagrass seed planting improve seedling emergence and growth. Frontiers in Plant Science, 13
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2022.1013222, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa61661
Mortimer, J., Appoo, J., Bautil, B., Betts, M., Burt, A., Chapman, R., Currie, J., Doak, N., Esteban, N., Liljevik, A., Mahoune, J., Onezia, C., Pistorius, P., Richards, H., Samedi, U., Sanchez, C., Seabrook, W., Underwood, A., Crommenacker, J...., & Hays, G. (2022). Long-term changes in adult size of green turtles at Aldabra Atoll and implications for clutch size, sexual dimorphism and growth rates. Marine Biology, 169(10)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-022-04111-1, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa61283
Hoare, V., Balmond, N., Hays, G., Jones, R., Koldewey, H., Laloë, J., Levy, E., Llewellyn, F., Morrall, H., & Esteban, N. (2022). Spatial variation of plastic debris on important turtle nesting beaches of the remote Chagos Archipelago, Indian Ocean. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 181, 113868
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113868, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa60396
Hays, G., Atchison-Balmond, N., Cerritelli, G., Laloë, J., Luschi, P., Mortimer, J., Rattray, A., & Esteban, N. (2022). Travel routes to remote ocean targets reveal the map sense resolution for a marine migrant. Journal of The Royal Society Interface, 19(190)
https://doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2021.0859, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa60526
Laloë, J., Chivers, W., Esteban, N., & Hays, G. (2021). Reconstructing past thermal conditions in beach microclimates. Global Change Biology, 27(24), 6592-6601.
https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.15903, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa58324
Heide, T., Temmink, R., Fivash, G., Bouma, T., Boström, C., Didderen, K., Esteban, N., Gaeckle, J., Gagnon, K., Infantes, E., Koppel, J., Lengkeek, W., Unsworth, R., & Christianen, M. (2021). Coastal restoration success via emergent trait-mimicry is context dependent. Biological Conservation, 264, 109373
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2021.109373, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa58645
Bates, A., Primack, R., Biggar, B., Bird, T., Clinton, M., Command, R., Richards, C., Shellard, M., Geraldi, N., Vergara, V., Acevedo-Charry, O., Colón-Piñeiro, Z., Ocampo, D., Ocampo-Peñuela, N., Sánchez-Clavijo, L., Adamescu, C., Cheval, S., Racoviceanu, T., Adams, M...., & Duarte, C. (2021). Global COVID-19 lockdown highlights humans as both threats and custodians of the environment. Biological Conservation, 263, 109175
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2021.109175, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa58515
Hays, G., Mortimer, J., Rattray, A., Shimada, T., & Esteban, N. (2021). High accuracy tracking reveals how small conservation areas can protect marine megafauna. Ecological Applications, 31(7)
https://doi.org/10.1002/eap.2418, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa58161
Hays, G., Laloë, J., Rattray, A., & Esteban, N. (2021). Why do Argos satellite tags stop relaying data?. Ecology and Evolution, 11(11), 7093-7101.
https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7558, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa57107
Hays, G., Chivers, W., Laloë, J., Sheppard, C., & Esteban, N. (2021). Impact of marine heatwaves for sea turtle nest temperatures. Biology Letters, 17(5)
https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2021.0038, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa57105
Temmink, R., Christianen, M., Fivash, G., Angelini, C., Boström, C., Didderen, K., Engel, S., Esteban, N., Gaeckle, J., Gagnon, K., Govers, L., Infantes, E., Katwijk, M., Kipson, S., Lamers, L., Lengkeek, W., Silliman, B., Tussenbroek, B., Unsworth, R...., & Heide, T. (2020). Mimicry of emergent traits amplifies coastal restoration success. Nature Communications, 11(1)
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-17438-4, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54775
Esteban, N., Mortimer, J., Stokes, H., Laloë, J., Unsworth, R., & Hays, G. (2020). A global review of green turtle diet: sea surface temperature as a potential driver of omnivory levels. Marine Biology, 167(12)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-020-03786-8, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa57106
Hays, G., Koldewey, H., Andrzejaczek, S., Attrill, M., Barley, S., Bayley, D., Benkwitt, C., Block, B., Schallert, R., Carlisle, A., Carr, P., Chapple, T., Collins, C., Diaz, C., Dunn, N., Dunbar, R., Eager, D., Engel, J., Embling, C...., & Curnick, D. (2020). A review of a decade of lessons from one of the world’s largest MPAs: conservation gains and key challenges. Marine Biology, 167(11)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-020-03776-w, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa55646
https://pure.uhi.ac.uk/en/publications/a-review-of-a-decade-of-lessons-from-one-of-the-worlds-largest-mp
Hays, G., Rattray, A., & Esteban, N. (2020). Addressing tagging location bias to assess space use by marine animals. Journal of Applied Ecology, 57(10), 1981-1987.
https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.13720, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54776
Hays, G., Cerritelli, G., Esteban, N., Rattray, A., & Luschi, P. (2020). Open Ocean Reorientation and Challenges of Island Finding by Sea Turtles during Long-Distance Migration. Current Biology, 30(16), 3236-3242.e3.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2020.05.086, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa54774
Mortimer, J., Esteban, N., Guzman, A., & Hays, G. (2020). Estimates of marine turtle nesting populations in the south-west Indian Ocean indicate the importance of the Chagos Archipelago. Oryx, 54(3), 332-343.
https://doi.org/10.1017/s0030605319001108, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa53632
Shimada, T., Limpus, C., Hamann, M., Bell, I., Esteban, N., Groom, R., & Hays, G. (2020). Fidelity to foraging sites after long migrations. Journal of Animal Ecology, 89(4), 1008-1016.
https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2656.13157, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa53268
Rivas, M., Esteban, N., & Marco, A. (2019). Potential male leatherback hatchlings exhibit higher fitness which might balance sea turtle sex ratios in the face of climate change. Climatic Change
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-019-02462-1, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa50940
Stokes, H., Stokes, H., Mortimer, J., Hays, G., Unsworth, R., Laloë, J., & Esteban, N. (2019). Green turtle diet is dominated by seagrass in the Western Indian Ocean except amongst gravid females. Marine Biology, 166(10)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-019-3584-3, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa52193
Schofield, G., Esteban, N., Katselidis, K., & Hays, G. (2019). Drones for research on sea turtles and other marine vertebrates – A review. Biological Conservation, 238, 108214
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2019.108214, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa51929
Unsworth, R., Bertelli, C., Cullen-Unsworth, L., Esteban, N., Jones, B., Lilley, R., Lowe, C., Nuuttila, H., & Rees, S. (2019). Sowing the Seeds of Seagrass Recovery Using Hessian Bags. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 7
https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2019.00311, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa51930
Hays, G., Bailey, H., Bograd, S., Bowen, W., Campagna, C., Carmichael, R., Casale, P., Chiaradia, A., Costa, D., Cuevas, E., Bruyn, P., Dias, M., Duarte, C., Dunn, D., Dutton, P., Esteban, N., Friedlaender, A., Goetz, K., Godley, B...., & Sequeira, A. (2019). Translating Marine Animal Tracking Data into Conservation Policy and Management. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 34(5), 459-473.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2019.01.009, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa50109
Esteban, N., Laloë, J., Kiggen, F., Ubels, S., Becking, L., Meesters, E., Berkel, J., Hays, G., & Christianen, M. (2018). Optimism for mitigation of climate warming impacts for sea turtles through nest shading and relocation. Scientific Reports, 8(1)
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-35821-6, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa47991
Esteban, N., Unsworth, R., Gourlay, J., Hays, G., Esteban, N., & Unsworth, R. (2018). The discovery of deep-water seagrass meadows in a pristine Indian Ocean wilderness revealed by tracking green turtles. Marine Pollution Bulletin
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.03.018, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa39143
Hays, G., Alcoverro, T., Christianen, M., Duarte, C., Hamann, M., Macreadie, P., Marsh, H., Rasheed, M., Thums, M., Unsworth, R., York, P., & Esteban, N. (2018). New Tools to Identify the Location of Seagrass Meadows: Marine Grazers as Habitat Indicators. Frontiers in Marine Science, 5
https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2018.00009, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa38999
Christiansen, F., Esteban, N., Mortimer, J., Dujon, A., & Hays, G. (2017). Diel and seasonal patterns in activity and home range size of green turtles on their foraging grounds revealed by extended Fastloc-GPS tracking. Marine Biology, 164(1)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-016-3048-y, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa31488
Thomson, J., Borger, L., Christianen, M., Esteban, N., Laloë, J., Hays, G., & Esteban, N. (2017). Implications of location accuracy and data volume for home range estimation and fine-scale movement analysis: comparing Argos and Fastloc-GPS tracking data. Marine Biology, 164(10)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-017-3225-7, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa35936
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00227-017-3225-7
Dujon, A., Schofield, G., Lester, R., Esteban, N., & Hays, G. (2017). Fastloc-GPS reveals daytime departure and arrival during long-distance migration and the use of different resting strategies in sea turtles. Marine Biology, 164(9)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-017-3216-8, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa36179
Esteban, N., Mortimer, J., & Hays, G. (2017). How numbers of nesting sea turtles can be overestimated by nearly a factor of two. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 284(1849), 20162581
https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2016.2581, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa31973
Esteban, N., Laloë, J., Mortimer, J., Guzman, A., & Hays, G. (2016). Male hatchling production in sea turtles from one of the world’s largest marine protected areas, the Chagos Archipelago. Scientific Reports, 6(1)
https://doi.org/10.1038/srep20339, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa28773
Laloë, J., Esteban, N., Berkel, J., & Hays, G. (2016). Sand temperatures for nesting sea turtles in the Caribbean: Implications for hatchling sex ratios in the face of climate change. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 474, 92-99.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jembe.2015.09.015, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa23842
Esteban, N., van Dam, R., Harrison, E., Herrera, A., & Berkel, J. (2015). Green and hawksbill turtles in the Lesser Antilles demonstrate behavioural plasticity in inter-nesting behaviour and post-nesting migration. Marine Biology
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-015-2656-2, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa21274
HAYS, G., MORTIMER, J., IERODIACONOU, D., & Esteban, N. (2014). Use of Long-Distance Migration Patterns of an Endangered Species to Inform Conservation Planning for the World's Largest Marine Protected Area. Conservation Biology, 28(6), 1636-1644.
https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.12325, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa21275
Debrot, A., Esteban, N., Bervoets, T., Hoetjes, P., & Scheidat, M. (2013). Marine mammals of the Northeastern Caribbean Windward Dutch islands: Saba, St Eustatius, St Maarten and the Saba Bank. Caribbean Journal of Science, 47(2-3), 159-172.
SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa21277
Debrot, A., de Leon, R., Esteban, N., & Meesters, H. (2013). Observations on the whale shark (Rhincodon typus) in the Dutch Caribbean. Caribbean Journal of Science, 47(2-3), 344-399.
SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa21278
Debrot, A., Esteban, N., Bervoets, T., Hoetjes, P., & Scheidat, M. (2013). Marine Mammals of the Northeastern Caribbean Windward Dutch Islands: Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Maarten, and the Saba Bank. Caribbean Journal of Science, 47(2-3), 159-172.
https://doi.org/10.18475/cjos.v47i3.a5, SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa55479
Debrot, A., Esteban, N., Le Scao, R., Cabellero, A., & Hoetjes, P. (2005). Noteworthy sea turtle nesting records for the Netherlands Antilles. Journal of Caribbean Science, 41(2), 334-339.
SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa21276
http://caribjsci.org/aug05/41_334-339.pdf
Esteban, N., Debrot, A., Esteban, N., Scao, R., Caballero, A., & Hauloetjes, P. (2005). New sea turtle nesting records for the Netherlands Antilles provide impetus to conservation action. Caribbean Journal of Science, 41, 334-339.
SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa55478
https://bioone.org/journals/caribbean-journal-of-science/issues

Authored Books

Esteban, N. (2008). Diver guide to Statia National Marine Park, St Eustatius, Dutch Caribbean STENAPA, St Eustatius.
SU Repository: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa17402

Supervision

Artificial Irrigation Framework Development to Enhance Climate Change Mitigation Strategies at Sea Turtle Nesting Beaches (current)

PhD

Other supervisor: Dr Peter Esteban
Using molecular and stable isotope approaches to investigate sea turtle foraging ecology in the Western Indian Ocean (current)

PhD

Other supervisor: Prof Sofia Consuegra Del Olmo
Biology of sea turtles in the Western Indian Ocean (current)

PhD

Other supervisor: Dr Kimberley Stokes
Ecology of sea turtles in the Chagos Archipelago, Indian Ocean. (awarded 2024)

PhD

Other supervisor: Prof Luca Borger
Basic and applied biology of the photosynthetic flatworm Symsagittifera roscoffensis (awarded 2024)

PhD

Other supervisor: Prof Kam Tang
Untitled (current)

MRes
Marine conservation restoration and blue carbon projects; evaluation of indicators of project success (current)

MRes

Other supervisor: Dr Penny Neyland
Changes in Community structure and dominance triggered by seasonal and abiotic differences in saline lagoons (current)

MRes

Other supervisor: Dr Miguel Lurgi Rivera
Controlled trials of artificial irrigation methods to combat high sea turtle nest temperatures (awarded 2024)

MRes

Other supervisor: Dr Kimberley Stokes
Distribution of microplastics on remote, isolated islands of the Chagos Archipelago; globally and regionally significant nesting sites of green (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) sea turtle populations (awarded 2022)

MRes

Other supervisor: Dr Peter Esteban
How does the presence of macroplastic impact the reproductive behaviour and fecundity of Zebrafish (Danio rerio)? (awarded 2024)

MRes

Other supervisor: Dr Ed Pope
Pili Formation in Filamentous Cyanobacteria (awarded 2023)

MRes

Other supervisor: Dr Miguel Lurgi Rivera

Other supervisor: Prof Mike Fowler
Gene regulation in fatty acid pathways in cyanobacteria exposed to the far red light. (awarded 2023)

MRes

Other supervisor: Dr Miguel Lurgi Rivera
Estimating production of finfish in saltmarshes on the South Wales coast (current)

MSc

Other supervisor: Dr Richard Unsworth

Taught Modules

BIO327 Tropical marine ecology field course

This field based module will provide students with an introduction to the ecology of tropical marine systems and teach students the key practical skills required by tropical marine biologists. Students will obtain training in how to design, implement and report scientifically robust marine research. The module will complement the level three marine field course and help develop key skills in field based marine biology. Students will learn skills in marine ecology and taxonomy, in-water marine sampling and surveys, and impact assessment. This module will be mostly practical based but will also include theory lectures, workshops and feedback sessions. It would be structured around seven days of directed practical activities and a three day small group based mini-project. The field course will utilise snorkeling and intertidal walking as the major means of sampling throughout directed practicals.
BIO330 Tropical marine ecology and conservation

This module will provide a holistic overview of the ecology and conservation of important marine ecosystems, and will place this information within the context of ecosystem services, and their value to humanity. This module will consist of up to 12 lectures/seminars on the following topics: ¿ Diversity and biology of coral reef communities ¿ Structure and function of seagrass meadows (temperate and tropical) ¿ Mangrove forest ecology ¿ Connectivity across the tropical marine seascape ¿ The ecosystem services of tropical marine systems ¿ Response of coral reef systems to climate change and ocean acidification ¿ Degradation of tropical marine systems ¿ Resilience thinking and the management of tropical marine systems The module also contains a workshop session and additional direct contact with the module lead lecturer.
BIO346 Professional Skills in Marine Biology

This module will introduce students to the professional techniques utilised to monitor and study marine life in a variety of marine and coastal habitats and in relation to conservation management and biodiversity monitoring in the United Kingdom. The course places a strong emphasis on marine ecological census techniques. Students will learn key skills relevant to the marine ecology sector including protected and economically-important species (especially marine mammals, fish, shellfish, coastal birds) and Phase 1 habitat surveys. Students will also learn about the biotic and abiotic factors that define different UK habitats and relevant regulations that protect them. The module provides an introduction to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process and a range of impacts on the marine environment including energy generation and coastal development. Participants in this module will work in groups to discuss case study surveys and EIAs, including a presentation reporting findings from rapid ecological surveys for a case study EIA. The class will be responsible for collecting key survey data for a Preliminary Environmental Appraisal (PEA) Report in accordance with CIEEM for a proposed commercial development in Carmarthen Bay. During a field course, small groups will work as marine environmental consultancy companies responding to an Invitation to Tender with survey design, planning, cost estimation, data collection and analysis. A focus of the module is on developing key transferable skills that enhance employability such as survey design and planning, problem solving, data analysis, report writing, evaluation, communication and teamwork. This will be a residential field course.
BIOM18 Species conservation planning in the Red Sea

The Red Sea provides a range of unique terrestrial and marine ecosystems for students to become engaged in endangered species conservation planning. A range of desert flora and fauna are threatened, e.g., the Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni) is critically endangered due to illegal collection. Along the shore, mangroves are productive ecosystems yet are among the world's most endangered habitats. Seagrass meadows are important spawning grounds and foraging grounds for the endangered dugong (Dugong dugon) and green turtle (Chelonia mydas). The Red Sea dugong population was estimated at 4000 in the 1980s but the population has rapidly declined due to hunting and boat traffic. Red Sea coral reefs are globally significant and amongst the most productive marine ecosystems but are threatened by natural and anthropogenic disturbances. This lecture and field based module will provide students with the opportunity to study a globally threatened tropical species within its natural environment to design a targeted species recovery plan.
BIOM19 Endangered Species and The Red List

There have been five mass extinction events in the history of Earth's biodiversity. It has been claimed that the Sixth Mass Extinction may be underway, this time caused entirely by humans. It may be debatable within the literature whether a sixth extinction is occurring, however there is no doubt that we are currently in a biodiversity crisis with considerable evidence indicating increasing extinctions rates and decreasing species population abundances. The IUCN Red List is a critical indicator of the health of the world's biodiversity and is the global standard in estimation of extinction risk. The IUCN Red List it is a powerful tool to inform and catalyse action for biodiversity conservation and policy change and critical to protecting the natural resources. Conservation science is essential in to understand the ecology and biology of species in order to inform and update the red list as well as inform conservation practioners to try and halt the decline in biodiversity. This module will explore the scientific concepts behind the red list and specific research focused on threatened species and related conservation efforts.
BIOM64 MRes Research Project (Biosciences)

Students conduct independent research in Biosciences under the guidance of academic staff in one or more of our Research Themes: - marine and freshwater systems - behavioural ecology and evolution - biodiversity and ecosystems - natural products and environmental resources Students produce a written dissertation (thesis) based on their research. The thesis will be written in a scientific style suitable for publication in an appropriate journal.

Key Grants and Projects

Sea turtles in British Indian Ocean Territory 2017 - 2021

Funded by the Bertarelli Programme in Marine Science, £350,000
Reducing the impacts of plastics on the British Indian Ocean Territory natural environment 2019 - 2022

Funded by Darwin Plus and DEFRA, £330,000

Career History

Lecturer in Marine Biology , Swansea University

October 2019 - Present
Research Fellow, Swansea University

September 2017 - August 2019
Project Manager, SEACAMS, Swansea University

December 2010 - August 2017
Marine and National Park Manager, St Eustatius, Dutch Caribbean

May 2003 - November 2010
Environmental and Fisheries Consultant, Marine Resources Assessment Group Ltd, London

January 2000 - April 2003

Other Roles

President of Council of Advisors, Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance

2010 - Present

Invited Presentations, Lectures and Conferences

Satellite tracking of Marine Megafauna can influence conservation management and policy

February 2019

London
The use of biologging technologies to study sea turtles, Bertarelli Symposium in Marine Science

September 2018

London

Dr Nicole Esteban

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Areas Of Expertise

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Research Highlights

All Research

Artificial Irrigation Framework Development to Enhance Climate Change Mitigation Strategies at Sea Turtle Nesting Beaches (current)

Using molecular and stable isotope approaches to investigate sea turtle foraging ecology in the Western Indian Ocean (current)

Biology of sea turtles in the Western Indian Ocean (current)

Ecology of sea turtles in the Chagos Archipelago, Indian Ocean. (awarded 2024)

Basic and applied biology of the photosynthetic flatworm Symsagittifera roscoffensis (awarded 2024)

Untitled (current)

Marine conservation restoration and blue carbon projects; evaluation of indicators of project success (current)

Changes in Community structure and dominance triggered by seasonal and abiotic differences in saline lagoons (current)

Controlled trials of artificial irrigation methods to combat high sea turtle nest temperatures (awarded 2024)

Distribution of microplastics on remote, isolated islands of the Chagos Archipelago; globally and regionally significant nesting sites of green (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) sea turtle populations (awarded 2022)

How does the presence of macroplastic impact the reproductive behaviour and fecundity of Zebrafish (Danio rerio)? (awarded 2024)

Pili Formation in Filamentous Cyanobacteria (awarded 2023)

Gene regulation in fatty acid pathways in cyanobacteria exposed to the far red light. (awarded 2023)

Estimating production of finfish in saltmarshes on the South Wales coast (current)

BIO327 Tropical marine ecology field course

BIO330 Tropical marine ecology and conservation

BIO346 Professional Skills in Marine Biology

BIOM18 Species conservation planning in the Red Sea

BIOM19 Endangered Species and The Red List

BIOM64 MRes Research Project (Biosciences)

Lecturer in Marine Biology , Swansea University

Research Fellow, Swansea University

Project Manager, SEACAMS, Swansea University

Marine and National Park Manager, St Eustatius, Dutch Caribbean

Environmental and Fisheries Consultant, Marine Resources Assessment Group Ltd, London

President of Council of Advisors, Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance

Satellite tracking of Marine Megafauna can influence conservation management and policy

The use of biologging technologies to study sea turtles, Bertarelli Symposium in Marine Science

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