Room: 406 Westbury Mount     Phone: 01248 382864

E-mail: j.hiddink@bangor.ac.uk

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Jan is a professor in the School of Ocean Sciences and specialise in the field of marine benthic ecology. For his PhD he studied the adaptive value of migrations and nursery use for the intertidal bivalve Macoma balthica at the Department of Marine Biology at Groningen University, and he received the Annual VLIZ North Sea Award 2002 from the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) for his PhD thesis. After completing his PhD in 2002, he started a postdoc at Bangor University, where he studied the impact of bottom trawling on the functioning of benthic invertebrate communities. He joined the lecturing staff in SOS in 2006 and was promoted to Reader in 2013. He was awarded a Personal Chair in 2017.  JGH has published >95 peer reviewed papers since 2001. His grant capture since 2006 totals over £7M.

His research broadly examines the effect of human disturbance on benthic ecosystems, including fishing and climate change. He has a broad interest in other topics and has been working on research ranging from cattle trampling wader nests on saltmarshes to acoustic monitoring of cetaceans. His research is focussed on gaining a quantitative understanding of the effect of disturbance (such as exploitation and climate change) on the biodiversity and functioning of marine benthic communities, and on how such effects can be mitigated. JGH aims to increase understanding of ecosystem functioning and distribution patterns by comparing empirical data with predictions of ecological models. Much of this research has focused ont the effect of bottom trawling on benthic ecosystems.

Research Areas

  • PhD: The adaptive value of migrations for the bivalve Macoma balthica.
    University of Groningen, 2002
  • BSc: Marine Biology
    University of Groningen, 1997

I teach on undergraduate and MSc level modules, and organise module on marine vertebrates (MSc). I am the course director of the Marine Biology BSc.

PhD student supervision

Ongoing

  1. James Monnington. Part-time, started 2012. Effect of windfarms of benthic ecosystems. Co-supervisor with John Turner
  2. Alistair Feather. Solving the conflict between commercial shellfish fisheries and shorebird conservation in Morecambe Bay and the Duddon Estuary. Co-supervisor with Line Cordes. 2017-2020.

 Completed

  1. Adam Delargy. Science to underpin a strategy for sustainable scallop fisheries in Welsh waters. Co-supervisor with Michel Kaiser. 2016-2019.
  2. Martyn Kurr. 2011-2014. NERC algorithm. Chemical defences in seaweeds. Co-supervisor with Andy Davies.
  3. Elwyn Sharps, 2011-2014. Salt marsh management for breeding birds. KESS funded. June 2011 to September 2014.  Lead supervisor, with Martin Skov.
  4. Timothy Whitton. 2010-2013. University of Wales funded. Spatial and temporal patchiness of cockles. Co-supervisor, with Chris Richardson and Stuart Jenkins.
  5. Holly Whiteley. 2009-2013, NERC funded. Benthic productivity in marine protected areas. Lead supervisor, with Kirsten Ramsay
  6. Hanna Nuuttilla. 2009-2012. Static acoustic monitoring of cetaceans. Bangor 125 funded. Co-supervisor with John Turner.
  7. Andrew Johnson, 2008-2011, NERC funded. Identification of fish habitats. Co-supervisor with Stuart Jenkins and Hilmar Hinz. Viva June 2012.
  8. Gwladys Lambert, 2008-2011, CEFAS/DEFRA funded. Impact of fishing on structural seabed fauna. Lead supervisor, with Michel Kaiser. Viva 7 December 2011
  9. Thomas Davies, 2007-2010, NERC funded. Extinction proneness and functionality in marine benthic ecosystems. Lead supervisor, with Stuart Jenkins and Steve Hawkins. Viva May 2011
  10. Ana Queiros, 2006-2010, FCT funded. Effects of biological invasion on diversity and ecosystem functioning of benthic communities impacted by fishing. Co-supervisor with Michel Kaiser.
  11. Gareth Johnson, 2006-2009, BangorUniversity funded. Facilitation and biodiversity in marine benthos. Lead supervisor, with Michel Kaiser and Kirsten Ramsay.

I have a range of research interests in which PhD projects could be developed. Please contact me by email in the first instance regarding any of the following areas: benthic ecology, sustainable fisheries, seabird ecology, ecological impacts of climate change.

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

  • PublishedTrawl fishing impacts on the status of seabed fauna in diverse regions of the globe
    Mazor, T., Pitcher, C. R., Rochester, W., Kaiser, M., Hiddink, J. G., Jennings, S., Amoroso, R., McConnaughey, R. A., Rijnsdorp, A., Parma, A., Suuronen, P., Collie, J., Sciberras, M., Atkinson, L., Durholtz, D., Ellis, J., Bolam, S. G., Schratzberger, M., Couce, E., Eggleton, J., Garcia, C., Kainge, P., Paulus, S., Kathena, J. N., Gogina, M., van Denderen, P. D., Keller, A., Horness, B. & Hilborn, R., Jan 2021, In: Fish and Fisheries. 22, 1, p. 72-86
    Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2020

  • PublishedA Path to a Sustainable Trawl Fishery in Southeast Asia
    Suuronen, P., Pitcher, C. R., McConnaughey, R. A., Kaiser, M., Hiddink, J. G. & Hilborn, R., 1 Oct 2020, In: Reviews in Fisheries Science & Aquaculture. 28, 4, p. 499-517 19 p.
    Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
  • PublishedChoosing best practices for managing impacts of trawl fishing on seabed habitats and biota
    McConnaughey, R. A., Hiddink, J. G., Jennings, S., Pitcher, R., Kaiser, M., Suuronen, P., Sciberras, M., Rijnsdorp, A. D., Collie, J., Mazor, T., Amoroso, R. O., Parma, A. & Hilborn, R., Mar 2020, In: Fish and Fisheries. 21, 2, p. 319-337 19 p.
    Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
  • PublishedDifferent bottom trawl fisheries have a differential impact on the status of the North Sea seafloor habitats
    Rijnsdorp, A. D., Hiddink, J. G., van Dendren, P. D., Hintzen, N. T., Eigaard, O. R., Valanko, S., Bastardie, F., Bolam, S. G., Boulcott, P., Egekvist, J., Garcia, C., van Hoey, G., Jonsson, P., Laffargue, P., Nielsen, J. R., Piet, G. J., Skold, M. & van Kooten, T., Sept 2020, In: ICES Journal of Marine Science. 77, 5, p. 1772-1786
    Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
  • PublishedDistribution maps of cetacean and seabird populations in the North-East Atlantic
    Waggitt, J., Evans, P., Hiddink, J. G., Andrade, J., Banks, A., Boisseau, O., Bolton, M., Bradbury, G., Brereton, T., Camphuysen, K., Durinck, J., Felce, T., Fijn, R., Garcia-Baron, I., Garthe, S., Geelhoed, S., Gilles, A., Goodall, M., Haelters, J., Hamilton, S., Hartny-Mills, L., Hodgins, N., James, K., Jessopp, M., Kavanagh, A., Leopold, M., Lohrengel, K., Louzao, M., Markones, N., Martinez-Cediera, J., O’Cadhla, O., Perry, S., Pierce, G., Ridoux, V., Robinson, K., Santos, B., Saavedra, C., Skov, H., Steinen, E., Sveegaard, S., Thompson, P., Vanermen, N., Wall, D., Webb, A., Wilson, J. & Wanless, S., Feb 2020, In: Journal of Applied Ecology. 57, 2, p. 253-269 17 p.
    Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
  • PublishedEvaluating impacts of bottom trawling and hypoxia on benthic communities at the local, habitat, and regional scale using a modelling approach
    van Denderen, P. D., Bolam, S. G., Friedland, R., Hiddink, J. G., Noren, K., Rijnsdrop, A. D., Skold, M., Tornroos, A., Virtanen, E. A. & Valanko, S., Feb 2020, In: ICES Journal of Marine Science. 77, 1, p. 278-289
    Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
  • PublishedSelection of indicators for assessing and managing the impacts of bottom trawling on seabed habitats
    Hiddink, J. G., Kaiser, M. J., Sciberras, M., McConnaughey, R. A., Mazor, T., Hilborn, R., Collie, J. S., Pitcher, C. R., Parma, A. M., Suuronen, P., Rijnsdorp, A. D. & Jennings, S., 1 Jul 2020, In: Journal of Applied Ecology. 57, 7, p. 1199-1209 11 p.
    Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
  • PublishedSpecies richness in North Atlantic fish: Process concealed by pattern
    Gislason, H., Collie, J., MacKenzie, B. R., Nielsen, A., de Fatima Borges, M., Bottari, T., Chaves, C., Dolgov, A. V., Dulcic, J., Duplisea, D., Fock, H. O., Gascuel, D., de Sola, L. G., Hiddink, J. G., ter Hofstede, R., Isajlovic, I., Pall Jonasson, J., Jorgensen, O., Kristinsson, K., Marteinsdottir, G., Masski, H., Matić-Skoko, S., Payne, M. R., Peharda, M., Reinert, J., Sólmundsson, J., Silva, C., Stefansdottir, L., Velasco, F. & Vrgoc, N., May 2020, In: Global Ecology and Biogeography. 29, 5, p. 842-856
    Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
  • PublishedThe effects of trawling and primary production on size‐structured food webs in seabed ecosystems
    Howarth, L., Somerfield, P. J., Blanchard, J., Waggitt, J., Allender, S. & Hiddink, J. G., Oct 2020, In: Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. 77, 10, p. 1659-1665
    Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
  • PublishedVertical migrations of fish schools determine overlap with a mobile tidal stream marine renewable energy device
    Whitton, T., Jackson, S., Hiddink, J. G., Scoulding, B., Bowers, D., Powell, B., D'Urban Jackson, T., Gimenez Noya, L. & Davies, A., 1 Apr 2020, In: Journal of Applied Ecology. 57, 4, p. 729-741 13 p.
    Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

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2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2003

2002

2001

2023

  • Panel Discussion: Is bottom fishing in the EU sustainable?

    Our planet's health is inextricably linked to the well-being of marine ecosystems, which, in turn, are crucial

    for the livelihoods of communities depending on them. Among the various elements comprising the marine

    environment, seabed habitats play an indispensable role for nature and food supply. In order to harvest

    seafood from the bottom of the sea, fishers use a wide range of fishing gears adapted to each fishery and

    area. Mobile bottom fishing remains widespread in EU waters delivering 25% of total European seafood

    landings.

    The EU has experienced a generalized recovery of demersal fish stocks due to the widespread reduction of

    fishing effort and the continued improvement of fishing techniques. Nonetheless, as part of the European

    Commission's action plan, active bottom fishing gears are branded as "the most damaging activity to the

    seabed", calling into question its use and sustainability, particularly in Natura 2000 sites and other Marine

    Protected Areas (MPAs). At the same time, 70 % of seafood consumed in Europe is imported and there is a

    need to produce more seafood products to feed the growing population in line with climate change

    requirements.

    This event will explore the key scientific research on bottom trawling sustainability and compatibility with

    Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). It will also look at the trade-offs between the environmental impact of

    fisheries and seafood security / self-sufficiency.

    The event will bring together leading scientists on seabed habitats and bottom fishing, along with representatives from the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE) and the Directorate-General for Environment (DG Environment), key stakeholders from the fishing sector and civil society.

    Panelists will articulate their unique perspectives on the optimal way to strike a balance between the priorities of environmental preservation, social well-being, economic prosperity, and the production of food resources. This event aims to foster a comprehensive dialogue and facilitate the formulation of sustainable policies that can address bottom fishing practices in European waters.

    Contact: Ilias Grampas, Deputy Director, EBCD

    Secretariat of the EP Intergroup on "Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development"

    E-mail: ilias.grampas@ebcd.org – Tel: +32 2 230 30 70

    28 Nov 2023

    Activity: Invited talk (Speaker)

2022

  • BU-IIA Funded Project: Innovating towards plastic-free fisheries for Wales’ Green Recovery

    As part of Wales’ Green Recovery, this project will address the issues of marine plastic litter and ghost fishing by developing sustainable plastic-free lobster fisheries, using natural, traditional, biodegradable materials. It builds new collaborations with technology developers and builds on existing links with the local fishing industry. This project will drive change and provide evidence by understanding barriers to change, exchanging knowledge, identifying opportunities for improvement, and testing efficiency and economic feasibility.

    Funding awarded through the Bangor University Innovation and Impact Award (Research Wales Innovation Funding). Value = £49,392

    1 Apr 2022 – 31 Mar 2023

    Activity: Other (Contributor)

2021

Live and recent grants  - total >£7M

Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, Isle of Man; Jenkins SR, Hiddink JG, McCarthy ID,  Le Vay L, Shepperson J; £896,258 Independent Fisheries Science Advice  Sept 2020-Aug 2024

Welsh Government: Razor Clams: Impacts of Electro-fishing £9914

Welsh Government: Razor clams Razor Clam Beds: A Standardised Survey Methodology / C194/2018/2019 Marine Evidence Framework (Lot 1) £9914

Sêr Cymru II -  MSCA COFUND Fellowship for Paula de Barra. Saltmarsh landscape effects on fisheries production. Hiddink, Skov. £42k

ESRC Impact Acceleration Account. Implementing methodologies for the assessment of the state of the seabed. Hiddink. £1395.

EMFF MARine MAnagement: Tool for evaluating conservation Evidence: (MARMATE). £104,618 Hiddink and Kaiser. May 2018 to March 2020.

EMFF Scallop fisheries in the English Channel. £130k. Hiddink and Kaiser. January 2018 to December 2019.

EMFF Adaptive approach to MPA Management Project £74k. Hiddink and Kaiser. April 2018 to March 2020.

ASSEMBEPlus through H2020. In kind ship time on RV Oceanograf in Gdansk Bay. ~£100k. Hiddink. Summer 2018

NERC SSB trawling workshop. £2.5k 2017

Marine Stewardship Council. Determining quantitative habitat impact in Marine Stewardship Council assessments. £153 000. Start 01/03/17 end 31/08/19

NERC. How can we maximise the benefits from living marine natural capital? Hiddink JG, Kaiser MJ. £26234 (part of £0.5 million multi-partner grant); January 2017 – May 2018

NERC. Cumulative Impacts and the Management of Marine Ecosystems. Hiddink JG, Kaiser. £62271 (part of £0.5 million multi-partner grant); January 2017 – May 2018

KESS2: Balancing commercial seed mussel harvest and shorebird conservation. Cordes L, Hiddink JG; £52,000. Jan 2017 - Dec 2020; (In partnership with Myti Mussels).

Natural England, £8k, fuel for RV Prince Madog for survey West of Walney. Hiddink.

KESS2 PhD studentship: Science to underpin a strategy for sustainable scallop fisheries in Welsh waters. Part funded by Welsh Fishermen’s Association. Kaiser and Hiddink

Seafish. Development of a tool to inform the RASS system about the sustainability of trawl and dredge fisheries with specific reference to assessing the impact of gear within conservation zones under the MSFD. Cost: £69 569. Kaiser & Hiddink.

Multiple Level Effects of Trawling (MULLET): EUROFLEETS2 call for ship-time “Regional 2” call. Sciberras, Hiddink and Hinz.

DEFA/2014/005 - Independent Fisheries Science Advice for the Isle of Man. £700k. Kaiser, Hiddink et al.

NERC directed programme: Integrating Macroecology and Modelling to Elucidate Regulation of Services from Ecosystems (IMMERSE). £622k for Bangor, Bangor PI Hiddink. 4 year project.

NERC directed programme: Biogeochemistry, macronutrient and carbon cycling in the benthic layer'. £120k for Bangor, Bangor PI Hiddink. 4 year project.

EU FP7 grant (£257k): BENTHIS: Benthic ecosystem fisheries impact study. Bangor PI Hiddink and Kaiser. I am leading WP4. 5 year project