Henry Lawrence


        Head and shoulder photo of Henry Lawrence

PhD researcher

I am a biologist passionate about practical conservation, habitat mapping and technology-driven research. I have experience in spatial ecology and ecological modelling, multi-scale management of stressors on marine ecosystems, population genetics and Arctic plant interactions.

In my PhD I will focus on optimising the use of automated (AI-driven) image analysis to improve the sustainability of fisheries, from data collection using ROVs and machine-based analysis, to the adoption of such methods in environmental regulation.

Contact details:
  • henry.lawrence@sams.ac.uk


Integrating machine-based image analysis into the sustainable development of Scottish aquaculture (IMBASSA)

My research focuses on capturing images of maerl beds and using computer vision tools to assess their health. Working with the Scottish aquaculture industry and its regulators, we aim to improve the monitoring of environmental impacts to aid in the sustainable development of the industry.

Key areas include:

Procedures for surveying with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs)

Image colour correction

Maerl ecology

Image analysis using convolutional neural networks


Supervisors: Dr Tom Wilding, Dr John Halpin, Dr Joe Marlow, Dr Rachel Shucksmith

Start date: October 2025

Funder: SAMS, MOWI Scotland, Scottish Sea Farms

Employment history

2025 Data Analyst. Guernsey Biological Records Centre

 

Qualifications

2024 MRes Ecology and Environmental Biology. University of Glasgow

2019 BSc Biology. University of Sheffield