Lauren Fletcher

Lauren Fletcher

Marine Ecologist – Biosecurity and Invasive Species

Role at Cawthron

Lauren is a scientist in the biosecurity team of the Coastal and Freshwater Group. Her main research interests include the biology, ecology and impacts of marine pests with a particular focus on how these species interact with aquaculture activities.

Lauren is currently carrying out research to determine the establishment processes of key biofouling species, and working with other members of the biosecurity team investigating novel management tools for marine pests. She also participates in broader projects evaluating marine biosecurity risks to New Zealand, and is available for commercial consulting in the wider biosecurity area.

Technical skills, experience and interests

  • Marine biosecurity, with particular expertise in invasive sea squirt ecology
  • Invasion of non-indigenous species and their effects on coastal ecosystems
  • Marine larval biology and ecology
  • Impacts of marine pests, particularly with reference to aquaculture

Qualifications

  • PhD (Marine Biology). Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, 2013
  • PGDipSci (Marine Biology). Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, 2011
  • BSc (Ecology and Biodiversity, Marine Biology). Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, 2007
  • BCA (Accounting, Commercial Law). Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, 2007
Lauren Fletcher