Postgraduate Researcher

Contact Details:
Email: abby.stancliffe-vaughan@anglia.ac.uk
Telephone: 07824 720405
Twitter: @crabbysignals

PhD research title:
The effect of trapping on non-native signal crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus, population structure on the River Lark, Suffolk, UK.

Supervisors:
Dr Toby Carter and Dr Philip Pugh

Brief Description:
Research into trapping as a control method has been taking place since 2005 in conjunction with the Lark Angling and Preservation Society, professional trappers and volunteers. Monitoring is ongoing whilst PhD research will focus on three study areas with differing trapping histories.

Other Research, Background and Experience:
Abby graduated from Swansea University in 1991 and has been working as an Environmental Biologist ever since. She has been involved in many species protection initiatives in the UK and abroad working with communities on badgers, turtles and little terns and surveying habitats including rocky shores, alpine grasslands and salt marshes.

Research topics and interests:
Crayfish of all types and origins and their effects on biodiversity and habitat. Community involvement in environmental issues and environmental economics in relation to invasive species control.

Outputs:

• Presentation to the International Association of Astacologists bi-annual symposium (Austria):"Refugial sampling of juvenile Pacifastacus leniusculus : the importance of size and season" (August 2012)
• Crayfish conservation animation posted onto YouTube following a collaboration between Abby SV and family and Chris Sodey
• Formation of the National Institute of Crayfish Trappers together with Bob Ring and other professional trappers.
• Report on the inaugural meeting (11 April 2011)
• Non-native crayfish - Still Talking - Poster Presentation for Cambridge Interdisciplinary Graduate Conference - June 2009
• International Association of Astacologists newsletter article (Aug 2009)
• Waterproof mini-guides sponsored by the Environment Agency titled: Reduce don't introduce & Native Crayfish area
• Health and Safety on the riverbank - cartoon style poster
• Native crayfish conservation road sign
• Reports and media coverage (Sun, Observer, Radio 4 etc)
• Reports in conjunction with The Lark Angling and Preservation Society

Links:
See Abby's profile on www.academia.edu

Read more about the invasion of non-native crayfish in the UK