Dr Kristian Metcalfe is an Associate Professor of Marine Conservation Science in the Centre for Ecology & Conservation at the University of Exeter, UK and holds a dual role at the University of Khorfakkan and Sharjah Marine Sciences Research Centre in the United Arab Emirates. His research bridges ecological science, fisheries governance, and policy-relevant evidence generation, and seeks to understand how marine species and human activities interact across space and time, translating that knowledge into practical tools and frameworks that support sustainable management and long-term conservation outcomes. His work integrates advanced field and analytical approaches, including satellite telemetry for sea turtles and other marine megafauna, archival and biologging technologies, Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVS), and high-resolution spatial and oceanographic analyses, to quantify species movements, habitat use and fisheries overlap.
Kristian is particularly motivated by advancing outcome-based approaches to conservation – and has experience leading multi-institutional projects in the UK and across West and Central Africa, working closely with policymakers, regional fisheries bodies and local stakeholders to ensure science informs decision-making. An internationally recognised expert in marine protected area design and monitoring, his research has contributed to the scientific evidence underpinning the creation of 24 new marine protected areas covering more than 60,000 km² across Gabon, the Republic of the Congo and Côte d’Ivoire, while also documenting the ecological status and long-term monitoring programme for marine protected areas in the United Kingdom.
Throughout his career, Kristian has been committed to strengthening the interface between research and policy, and is a serving member of the IUCN Species Survival Commission Shark Specialist Group (IUCN-SSC-SSG), and Ocean Community Empowerment and Nature (OCEAN) Expert Committee, part of the UK Government’s Blue Planet Fund programme, which works to deliver lasting benefits for marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
“I grew up by the coast, spending as much time as I could in and around the water. That early curiosity about what lay beneath the surface — and a love of being outdoors — shaped not just my interests, but my career. I still feel that same sense of wonder when I’m working at sea. My goal is to turn that curiosity into knowledge that helps protect the ocean for future generations”