Rick Stafford

Professor Rick Stafford

  • Professor
  • Christchurch House C213, Talbot Campus, Fern Barrow, Poole, BH12 5BB
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Research

Rick is an interdisciplinary scientist working in areas as diverse as marine conservation, ecosystem functioning, law and policy and politics. He has worked at Bournemouth University for 11 years, with previous experience at other UK universities, universities in Hong Kong and Ecuador and within government and government agencies (Cefas, and a recent secondment to Defra).

Rick’s research focusses on effective governance and management of MPAs (in the UK and internationally), the role of artificial reefs in enhancing biodiversity (with respect to marine infrastructure including breakwaters and offshore wind in the UK, and for localised ecosystem service provision internationally), blue carbon and links from these areas into government policy. He also has developed new approaches to modelling and understanding complex systems, and applies these techniques in multi- and interdisciplinary settings.

He has expertise in quantitative methods in ecology, is a fellow of the Royal Statistics Society, and has developed and applied techniques for modelling complex socio-ecological-economic systems using modified Bayesian belief networks, which have been applied to projects for the JNCC and Defra as well as in a number of recent publications.

Rick is principal investigator on two artificial reef projects and co-investigator on another (~£1,000,000 funding in total). He has authored recent policy documents for the British Ecological Society on Nature-Based Solutions and Protected Areas (with focus on the marine aspects of both), and presented evidence to many government agencies, including for the Blue Carbon POST note, the CCC report into Blue Carbon and as an oral witness to the House of Lords Select Committee Inquiry into Nature-Based Solutions...

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Journal Articles

  • Herbert, R.J.H., Bone, J.R., Hall, A.E., Hawkins, S.J. and Stafford, R., 2025. Ecological impact of single and semi-contiguous artificial rockpool installations on the assemblages and species richness of vertical seawalls. Ecological Engineering, 210.
  • Dominguez Almela, V., Croker, A. and Stafford, R., 2024. Creating simple predictive models in ecology, conservation and environmental policy based on Bayesian belief networks. PLoS ONE, 19.
  • Bone, J.R., Stafford, R., Hall, A.E. and Herbert, R.J.H., 2024. Vertical arrays of artificial rockpools on a seawall provide refugia across tidal levels for intertidal species in the UK. Science of the Total Environment, 951.
  • García-Rodríguez, O., Hardouin, E.A., Pedreschi, D., Richards, M.B., Stafford, R., Searle, J.B. and Stewart, J.R., 2024. Contrasting Patterns of Genetic Diversity in European Mammals in the Context of Glacial Refugia. Diversity, 16 (10).
  • Bone, J.R., Hall, A.E., Stafford, R., Mir, N.F., Benny, J. and Herbert, R.J.H., 2024. Artificial rockpools create habitat refugia on seawalls at high tide. Ecological Engineering, 206.
  • Bone, J.R., Hall, A.E., Stafford, R. and Herbert, R.J.H., 2024. Inconsistent bioreceptivity of three mortar mixes in subtidal sites. Ecological Engineering, 204.
  • Stafford, R. and Jones, E.-A., 2024. 2024 UK General Election manifesto commitments: implications for the economy, environment, and society. Research Square.
  • Boakes, Z., Stafford, R., Bramer, I., Cvitanović, M. and Hardouin, E.A., 2024. The importance of urban areas in supporting vulnerable and endangered mammals. Urban Ecosystems, 27 (3), 883-894.
  • O'Shea, R., Stafford, R. et al., 2024. Managing offshore multi-use settings: Use of conceptual mapping to reduce uncertainty of co-locating seaweed aquaculture and wind farms. Journal of Environmental Management, 358.
  • Jones, E.A., Paige, L., Smith, A., Worth, A., Betts, L. and Stafford, R., 2024. Potential for Carbon Credits from Conservation Management: Price and Potential for Multi-Habitat Nature-Based Carbon Sequestration in Dorset, UK. Sustainability (Switzerland), 16 (3).
  • Gillingham, P.K., Britton, J.R., Jones, G., Miller-Rushing, A., Stafford, R. and Slater, H., 2024. Climate change adaptation for biodiversity in protected areas: An overview of actions. BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION, 289.
  • Jones, P.J.S., Stafford, R., Hesse, I. and Khuu, D.T., 2024. Incentive diversity is key to the more effective and equitable governance of marine protected areas. Frontiers in Marine Science, 11.
  • Dominguez Almela, V., Croker, A.R. and Stafford, R., 2024. Creating simple predictive models in ecology, conservation and environmental policy based on Bayesian belief networks. PLoS One, 19 (12), e0305882.
  • Boakes, Z., Suryaputra, I.G.N.A., Hall, A.E., Franklin, D.J. and Stafford, R., 2023. Nutrient dynamics, carbon storage and community composition on artificial and natural reefs in Bali, Indonesia. Marine Biology, 170 (10).
  • Boakes, Z., Mahyuni, L.P., Hall, A.E., Cvitanovic, M. and Stafford, R., 2023. Can Coral Reef Restoration Programmes Facilitate Changes in Environmental Attitudes? A Case Study on a Rural Fisher Community in North Bali, Indonesia. Human Ecology, 51 (5), 891-905.
  • Carroll, T., Stafford, R., Gillingham, P.K., Bullock, J.M., Brown, D., Brown, M., Walls, R.M. and Diaz, A., 2023. Correlated biodiversity change between plant and insect assemblages resurveyed after 80 years across a dynamic habitat mosaic. Ecology and Evolution, 13 (6).
  • Yoris-Nobile, A.I., Stafford, R. et al., 2023. Artificial reefs built by 3D printing: Systematisation in the design, material selection and fabrication. Construction and Building Materials, 362.
  • Bone, J.R., Stafford, R., Hall, A.E. and Herbert, R.J.H., 2022. Biodeterioration and bioprotection of concrete assets in the coastal environment. International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation, 175.
  • Sokolnicki, J., Woodhatch, A. and Stafford, R., 2022. Assessing Environmentally Effective Post‑COVID Green Recovery Plans for Reducing Social and Economic Inequality. Anthropocence Science.
  • Boukhelf, F., Herbert, R.J.H., Stafford, R. et al., 2022. On the Properties Evolution of Eco-Material Dedicated to Manufacturing Artificial Reef via 3D Printing: Long-Term Interactions of Cementitious Materials in the Marine Environment. Sustainability (Switzerland), 14 (15).
  • Silva, F. et al., 2022. Developing Transdisciplinary Approaches to Sustainability Challenges: The Need to Model Socio-Environmental Systems in the Longue Durée. Sustainability (Switzerland), 14 (16).
  • Stafford, R., 2022. Comment on "seaweed ecosystems may not mitigate CO2emissions" by Gallagher et al. (2022). ICES Journal of Marine Science, 79 (5), 1701-1702.
  • Boakes, Z., Hall, A.E., Ampou, E.E., Jones, G.C.A., Suryaputra, I.G.N.A., Mahyuni, L.P., Prasetijo, R. and Stafford, R., 2022. Coral reef conservation in Bali in light of international best practice, a literature review. Journal for Nature Conservation, 67.
  • Boakes, Z., Luh Putu, M., Hall, A., Jones, G., Cvitanovic, M. and Stafford, R., 2022. Applying the Theory of Planned Behaviour to assess how coral reef conservation programs can generate positive environmental behaviours. A qualitative case study on a rural fisher community in north Bali, Indonesia. PLoS One.
  • Hui, E., Stafford, R., Matthews, I.M. and Smith, V.A., 2022. Bayesian networks as a novel tool to enhance interpretability and predictive power of ecological models. Ecological Informatics, 68.
  • Bone, J.R., Stafford, R., Hall, A.E. and Herbert, R.J.H., 2022. The intrinsic primary bioreceptivity of concrete in the coastal environment – A review. Developments in the Built Environment, 10.
  • Bone, J.R., Stafford, R., Hall, A.E., Boyd, I., George, N. and Herbert, R.J.H., 2022. Estuarine Infauna Within Incidentally Retained Sediment in Artificial Rockpools. Frontiers in Marine Science, 8.
  • Boakes, Z., Hall, A.E., Jones, G.C.A., Prasetijo, R., Stafford, R. and Yahya, Y., 2022. Artificial coral reefs as a localised approach to increase fish biodiversity and abundance along the North Bali coastline. AIMS GEOSCIENCES, 8 (2), 303-325.
  • Newton, A.C. et al., 2021. Operationalising the concept of ecosystem collapse for conservation practice. Biological Conservation, 264.
  • Reis, B., Stafford, R. et al., 2021. Artificial reefs in the North –East Atlantic area: Present situation, knowledge gaps and future perspectives. Ocean and Coastal Management, 213.
  • Stafford, R., Boakes, Z., Hall, A. and Jones, G., 2021. The Role of Predator Removal by Fishing on Ocean Carbon Dynamics. Anthropocene Science, 1.
  • Jones, E.A. and Stafford, R., 2021. Neoliberalism and the Environment: Are We Aware of Appropriate Action to Save the Planet and Do We Think We Are Doing Enough? Earth (Switzerland), 2 (2), 331-339.
  • Ng, T.P.T., Lau, S.L.Y., Davies, M.S., Stafford, R., Seuront, L., Hutchinson, N., Hui, T.T.Y. and Williams, G.A., 2021. Behavioral repertoire of high-shore littorinid snails reveals novel adaptations to an extreme environment. Ecology and Evolution, 12, 7114-7124.
  • Vos, D., Stafford, R., Jenkins, E.L. and Garrard, A., 2021. A model based on Bayesian confirmation and machine learning algorithms to aid archaeological interpretation by integrating incompatible data. PLoS ONE, 16 (3 March 2021).
  • Ly, O., Stafford, R. et al., 2021. Optimisation of 3D printed concrete for artificial reefs: Biofouling and mechanical analysis. Construction and Building Materials, 272.
  • Winch, K., Stafford, R., Gillingham, P., Thorsen, E. and Diaz, A., 2021. Diversifying environmental volunteers by engaging with online communities. People and Nature, 3 (1), 17-31.
  • Hall, A.E., Herbert, R.J.H. and Stafford, R., 2021. Temporal and spatial variation in adult and juvenile mobile fauna associated with natural and artificial coastal habitats. Marine Biology, 168 (2).
  • Jenkins, E.L., Predanich, L., Al Nuimat, S.A.M.Y., Jamjoum, K.I. and Stafford, R., 2020. Assessing past water availability using phytoliths from the C4 plant Sorghum bicolor: An experimental approach. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 33.
  • Stafford, R., Cantarello, E., Ginige, T., Shiel, C. et al., 2020. Evaluating optimal solutions to environmental breakdown. Environmental Science and Policy, 112, 340-347.
  • Jenkins, E., Jamjoum, K., Nuimat, S., Stafford, R., Nortcliff, S. and Mithen, S., 2019. Corrigendum to “Identifying ancient water availability through phytolith analysis: An experimental approach” (Identifying ancient water availability through phytolith analysis: An experimental approach (2016) 73 (82–93), (S0305440316300930), (10.1016/j.jas.2016.07.006)). Journal of Archaeological Science, 110.
  • Stafford, R. and Jones, P.J.S., 2019. We should not separate out environmental issues, but the current approach to plastic pollution can be a distraction from meaningful action. A response to Avery-Gomm et al. Marine Policy, 107.
  • Stafford, R. and Jones, P.J.S., 2019. Viewpoint – Ocean plastic pollution: A convenient but distracting truth? Marine Policy, 103, 187-191.
  • Pitt, J., Gillingham, P.K., Maltby, M., Stafford, R. and Stewart, J.R., 2019. Changing cultures, changing environments: A novel means of investigating the effects of introducing non-native species into past ecosystems. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 23, 1066-1075.
  • Ng, T.P.T., Rolán-Alvarez, E., Dahlén, S.S., Davies, M.S., Estévez, D., Stafford, R. and Williams, G.A., 2019. The causal relationship between sexual selection and sexual size dimorphism in marine gastropods. Animal Behaviour, 148, 53-62.
  • Stafford, R., 2019. Sustainability: A flawed concept for fisheries management? Elementa, 7 (1).
  • García-Rodríguez, O. et al., 2018. Cyprus as an ancient hub for house mice and humans. Journal of Biogeography, 45 (12), 2619-2630.
  • Carroll, T., Gillingham, P.K., Stafford, R., Bullock, J.M. and Diaz, A., 2018. Improving estimates of environmental change using multilevel regression models of Ellenberg indicator values. Ecology and Evolution, 8 (19), 9739-9750.
  • Griffin, R.L., Green, I. and Stafford, R., 2018. Accumulation of marine microplastics along a trophic gradient as determined by an agent-based model. Ecological Informatics, 45, 81-84.
  • Stafford, R., 2018. Lack of evidence that governance structures provide real ecological benefits in marine protected areas. Ocean and Coastal Management, 152, 57-61.
  • Hines, H.N., Morriss, H., Saunders, K., Williams, R.L., Young, S.L. and Stafford, R., 2017. Localized versus regional adaptation in limpet shell morphology across the Iberian Peninsula. Marine Ecology, 38 (6).
  • Ng, T.P.T., Lau, S.L.Y., Seuront, L., Davies, M.S., Stafford, R., Marshall, D.J. and Williams, G.A., 2017. Linking behaviour and climate change in intertidal ectotherms: insights from littorinid snails. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 492, 121-131.
  • Spiers, E.K.A., Stafford, R., Ramirez, M., Vera Izurieta, D.F., Cornejo, M. and Chavarria, J., 2016. Potential role of predators on carbon dynamics of marine ecosystems as assessed by a Bayesian belief network. Ecological Informatics, 36, 77-83.
  • Cartwright, S.J., Bowgen, K.M., Collop, C., Hyder, K., Nabe-Nielsen, J., Stafford, R., Stillman, R.A., Thorpe, R.B. and Sibly, R.M., 2016. Communicating complex ecological models to non-scientist end users. Ecological Modelling, 338, 51-59.
  • Ng, T.P.T., Williams, G.A., Davies, M.S., Stafford, R. and Rolán-Alvarez, E., 2016. Sampling scale can cause bias in positive assortative mating estimates: evidence from two intertidal snails. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 119 (2), 414-419.
  • Jenkins, E., Jamjoum, K., Nuimat, S., Stafford, R., Nortcliff, S. and Mithen, S., 2016. Identifying ancient water availability through phytolith analysis: An experimental approach. Journal of Archaeological Science, 73, 82-93.
  • Ng, T.P.T., Williams, G.A., Davies, M.S., Stafford, R. and Rolán-Alvarez, E., 2016. Sampling scale can cause bias in positive assortative mating estimates: evidence from two intertidal snails. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society.
  • Stafford, R., Clitherow, T.J., Howlett, S.J., Spiers, E.K.A., Williams, R.L., Yaselga, B., Zeas Valarezo, S., Vera Izurieta, D.F., Cornejo, M. and Clitherow, T., 2016. An integrated evaluation of potential management processes on marine reserves in continental Ecuador based on a Bayesian belief network model. OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT, 121, 60-69.
  • Ng, T.P.T., Davies, M.S., Stafford, R. and Williams, G.A., 2016. Fighting for mates: the importance of individual size in mating contests in rocky shore littorinids. Marine Biology, 163 (3), 1-9.
  • Howlett, S.J., Stafford, R., Waller, M., Antha, S. and Mason-Parker, C., 2016. Linking protection with the distribution of grouper and habitat quality in Seychelles. Journal of Marine Biology, 2016, 1.
  • Kragh, G., Stafford, R., Curtin, S. and Diaz, A., 2016. Environmental volunteer well-being: Managers' perception and actual well-being of volunteers. F1000Research, 5.
  • Stafford, R., Williams, R.L. and Herbert, R.J.H., 2015. Simple, policy friendly, ecological interaction models from uncertain data and expert opinion. Ocean and Coastal Management, 118, 88-96.
  • Williams, R.L., Stafford, R. and Goodenough, A.E., 2015. Biodiversity in urban gardens: Assessing the accuracy of citizen science data on garden hedgehogs. Urban Ecosystems, 18 (3), 819-833.
  • Stafford, R., Williams, R.L. and Herbert, R.J.H., 2015. Simple, policy friendly, ecological interaction models from uncertain data and expert opinion. Ocean and Coastal Management.
  • Stafford, R., Ng, T.P.T., Williams, G.A. and Davies, M.S., 2015. A biologically relevant rapid quantification of physical and biological stress profiles on rocky shores. Ecological Informatics, 25 (1), 43-48.
  • Stafford, R., Ng, T.P.T., Williams, G.A. and Davies, M.S., 2014. A biologically relevant rapid quantification of physical and biological stress profiles on rocky shores. Ecological Informatics.
  • Williams, R.L., Stafford, R. and Goodenough, A.E., 2014. Biodiversity in urban gardens: assessing the accuracy of citizen science data on garden hedgehogs. Urban Ecosystems.
  • Ahmed, B.Y., Husnain, O., Stafford, R., Howard, M., Gujar, A.S., Moradiya, V., Patel, K.K. and Sihotra, S., 2013. Hyperphosphorylation of CREB in human dopaminergic neurons: a kinetic study of cellular distribution of total CREB and phospho-CREB following oxidative stress. Neuroreport, 24 (13), 757-762.
  • Ng, T.P.T., Saltin, S.H., Davies, M.S., Johannesson, K., Stafford, R. and Williams, G.A., 2013. Snails and their trails: the multiple functions of trail-following in gastropods. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc, 88 (3), 683-700.
  • Ng, T.P.T., Saltin, S.H., Davies, M.S., Johannesson, K., Stafford, R. and Williams, G.A., 2013. Snails and their trails: The multiple functions of trail-following in gastropods. Biological Reviews, 88 (3), 683-700.
  • Stafford, R., Hart, A.G. and Goodenough, A.E., 2013. A visual method to identify significant latitudinal changes in species' distributions. Ecological Informatics, 15, 74-84.
  • Williams, R.L., Goodenough, A.E., Hart, A.G. and Stafford, R., 2013. Using Long-Term Volunteer Records to Examine Dormouse (Muscardinusavellanarius) Nestbox Selection. PLoS One, 8 (6), e67986.
  • Stafford, R., Smith, V.A., Husmeier, D., Grima, T. and Guinn, B.-A., 2013. Predicting ecological regime shift under climate change: New modelling techniques and potential of molecular-based approaches. CURRENT ZOOLOGY, 59 (3), 403-417.
  • Stafford, R., Davies, M.S. and Williams, G.A., 2012. Misinterpreting the potential benefits of aggregation for reducing desiccation in the intertidal: A simple analogy. Marine Ecology, 33 (4), 512-515.
  • Hart, A., Stafford, R., Goodenough, A. and Morgan, S., 2012. The role of citizen science and volunteer data collection in zoological research. International Journal of Zoology.
  • Higby, L.K., Stafford, R. and Bertulli, C.G., 2012. An evaluation of ad hoc presence-only data in explaining patterns of distribution: Cetacean sightings from whale-watching vessels. International Journal of Zoology.
  • Lloyd, J.R., Maldonado, M.A. and Stafford, R., 2012. Methods of developing user-friendly keys to identify green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas L.) from photographs. International Journal of Zoology.
  • Stafford, R. et al., 2012. Inferential and visual analysis of ethogram data using multivariate techniques. Animal Behaviour, 83, 563-569.
  • Goodenough, A.E., Hart, A.G. and Stafford, R., 2012. Regression with Empirical Variable Selection: Description of a New Method and Application to Ecological Datasets. Plos One, 7.
  • Stafford, R., Davies, M.S. and Williams, G.A., 2012. Cheats in a cooperative behaviour? Behavioural differences and breakdown of cooperative behaviour in aggregating, intertidal littorinids (Mollusca). Marine Ecology-an Evolutionary Perspective, 33, 66-74.
  • Williams, R.L., Goodenough, A.E. and Stafford, R., 2012. Statistical precision of diet diversity from scat and pellet analysis. Ecological Informatics, 7, 30-34.
  • Stafford, R., Williams, G.A. and Davies, M.S., 2011. Robustness of Self-Organised Systems to Changes in Behaviour: An Example from Real and Simulated Self-Organised Snail Aggregations. Plos One, 6.
  • Goodenough, A.E., Hart, A.G., Stafford, R. and Elliot, S.L., 2011. Contrasting temporal changes in lay-date distributions in co-occurring populations of Blue Tits Cyanistes caeruleus and Great Tits Parus major. Bird Study, 58, 221-225.
  • Ng, T.P.T., Davies, M.S., Stafford, R. and Williams, G.A., 2011. Mucus trail following as a mate-searching strategy in mangrove littorinid snails. Animal Behaviour, 82, 459-465.
  • Rees, S.G., Goodenough, A.E., Hart, A.G. and Stafford, R., 2011. Testing the effectiveness of capture mark recapture population estimation techniques using a computer simulation with known population size. Ecological Modelling, 222, 3291-3294.
  • Stafford, R., Hart, A.G., Collins, L., Kirkhope, C.L., Williams, R.L., Rees, S.G., Lloyd, J.R. and Goodenough, A.E., 2010. Eu-Social Science: The Role of Internet Social Networks in the Collection of Bee Biodiversity Data. PLoS ONE, 5 (12), 1-7.
  • Goodenough, A.E., Hart, A.G. and Stafford, R., 2010. Is adjustment of breeding phenology keeping pace with the need for change? Linking observed response in woodland birds to changes in temperature and selection pressure. Climatic Change, 102, 687-697.
  • Goodenough, A.E., Stafford, R., Catlin-Groves, C.L., Smith, A.L. and Hart, A.G., 2010. Within- and among-observer variation in measurements of animal biometrics and their influence on accurate quantification of common biometric-based condition indices. Annales Zoologici Fennici, 47, 323-334.
  • Hart, A.G., Stafford, R., Smith, A.L. and Goodenough, A.E., 2010. Evidence for contemporary evolution during Darwin's lifetime. Current Biology, 20, R95.
  • Stafford, R., 2010. Crossing fitness valleys during the evolution of limpet homing behaviour. Central European Journal of Biology, 5, 274-282.
  • Stafford, R., Hart, A.G., Collins, L., Kirkhope, C.L., Williams, R.L., Rees, S.G., Lloyd, J.R. and Goodenough, A.E., 2010. Eu-Social Science: The Role of Internet Social Networks in the Collection of Bee Biodiversity Data. Plos One, 5.
  • Stafford, R. and Catlin-Groves, C.L., 2010. Open source E-learning in higher education: Problems, solutions and long-term sustainability of the approach. 2010 International Conference on Information Society, i-Society 2010, 479-480.
  • Kirkhope, C.L., Stafford, R. et al., 2010. Social networking for biodiversity: The BeeID project. 2010 International Conference on Information Society, i-Society 2010, 625-626.
  • Catlin-Groves, C.L., Kirkhope, C.L., Goodenough, A.E. and Stafford, R., 2009. Use of confidence radii to visualise significant differences in principal components analysis: Application to mammal assemblages at locations with different disturbance levels. Ecological Informatics, 4, 147-151.
  • Stafford, R., 2008. A computational approach to ecological and economic sustainable harvest management strategies in a multi-species context, with implications for cod recovery plans. Ecological Informatics, 3, 105-110.
  • Stafford, R., Davies, M.S. and Williams, G.A., 2008. Parameterization and Prediction of Community Interaction Models Using Stable-State Assumptions and Computational Techniques: an Example From the High Rocky Intertidal. Biological Bulletin, 215, 155-163.
  • Stafford, R., Davies, M.S. and Williams, G.A., 2008. Self-organization of intertidal snails facilitates evolution of aggregation behavior. Artificial Life, 14, 409-423.
  • Stafford, R., Davies, M.S. and Williams, G.A., 2007. Computer simulations of high shore littorinids predict small-scale spatial and temporal distribution patterns on rocky shores. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 342, 151-161.
  • Stafford, R. and Rind, F.C., 2007. Data mining neural spike trains for the identification of behavioural triggers using evolutionary algorithms. Neurocomputing, 70, 1079-1084.
  • Stafford, R., Santer, R.D. and Rind, F.C., 2007. The role of behavioural ecology in the design of bio-inspired technology. Animal Behaviour, 74, 1813-1819.
  • Stafford, R., Santer, R.D. and Rind, F.C., 2007. A bio-inspired visual collision detection mechanism for cars: Combining insect inspired neurons to create a robust system. Biosystems, 87, 164-171.
  • Santer, R.D., Rind, F.C., Stafford, R. and Simmons, P.J., 2006. Role of an identified looming-sensitive neuron in triggering a flying locust's escape. Journal of Neurophysiology, 95, 3391-3400.
  • Stafford, R., 2006. Influence of gene-linkage and recombination of evolutionary algorithms on the rate of evolution, genetic diversity and the response of evolving populations to disturbance. Ecological Informatics, 1, 349-354.
  • Yue, S., Rind, F.C., Keil, M.S., Cuadri, J. and Stafford, R., 2006. A bio-inspired visual collision detection mechanism for cars: Optimisation of a model of a locust neuron to a novel environment. Neurocomputing, 69, 1591-1598.
  • Stafford, R. and Davies, M.S., 2005. Spatial patchiness of epilithic biofilm caused by refuge-inhabiting high shore gastropods. Hydrobiologia, 545, 279-287.
  • Santer, R.D., Stafford, R. and Rind, F.C., 2004. Retinally-generated saccadic suppression of a locust looming-detector neuron: investigations using a robot locust. Journal of the Royal Society Interface, 1, 61-77.
  • Attrill, M.J., Stafford, R. and Rowden, A.A., 2001. Latitudinal diversity patterns in estuarine tidal flats: indications of a global cline. Ecography, 24, 318-324.

Chapters

  • Hall, A.E. et al., 2024. 3D printed habitat enhancement units: Key features to incorporate within multifunctional infrastructure. Coasts, Marine Structures and Breakwaters 2023: Resilience and adaptability in a changing climate. 969-984.
  • Cuadri, J., Linan, G., Stafford, R., Keil, M.S. and Roca, E., 2005. A bioinspired collision detection algorithm for VLSI implementation. In: Carmona, R.A. and LinanCembrano, G., eds. Bioengineered and Bioinspired Systems II. 238-248.
  • Stafford, R. and Davies, M.S., 2005. Examining refuge location mechanisms in intertidal snails using artificial life simulation techniques. In: Capcarrere, M.S., Freitas, A.A., Bentley, P.J., Johnson, C.G. and Timmis, J., eds. Advances in Artifical Life, Proceedings. 520-529.

Conferences

  • Hall, A., Herbert, R. and Stafford, R., 2019. 3D Printed Artificial Reefs in the Atlantic Region (3DPARE). In: Young Coastal Scientists & Engineers Conference 14-15 May 2019 Glasgow, UK.
  • Herbert, R.J.H., Blanco Fernández, E., Boutouil, M., Guerra, M., Hall, A.E., Pinto, I.S., Stafford, R., Parham, D. and Castro Fresno, D., 2018. Do Artificial Reefs have a role in the restoration of biodiversity and ecosystem services in the NE Atlantic? In: International Marine Conservation Congress 5 22-30 June 2018 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
  • Stafford, R., 2017. Lack of evidence for ecological benefits of community involvement and governance of MPAs. In: Marine Protected Areas Conference 15-17 May 2017 Poole.
  • Jordan, A., Lowe, S., Haigh, N. and Stafford, R., 2017. The Environment In The EU Post-Brexit (Panel Discussion). In: Environment After Brexit: Building an Agenda for UK Environmental Law and Business 11 April 2017 Bournemouth, UK.
  • Ng, T.P.T., Lau, S.L.Y., Seuront, L., Davies, M.S., Stafford, R., Marshall, D.J. and Williams, G.A., 2016. Linking behaviour and climate change: insights from intertidal snails. In: The 16th congress of the International Society for Behavioral Ecology 28 July-3 August 2016 Exeter, UK.
  • Stafford, R., Williams, G.A. and Davies, M.S., 2016. In desiccating environments snail aggregation is adaptive because it lowers water loss. An analogy showing why this statement is very difficult to validate. In: World Congress of Malacology 18-24 July 2016 Penang, Malaysia.
  • Kragh, G., Stafford, R., Curtin, S. and Diaz, A., 2016. Understanding motivations of citizen scientists. In: First International ECSA Conference 2016: Citizen Science – Innovation in Open Science, Society and Policy 19-21 May 2016 Berlin, Germany.
  • Kragh, G., Stafford, R., Curtin, S. and Diaz, A., 2015. Understanding volunteers in ecology: relationships between motivation, well-being and project outcomes. In: BES Annual Meeting 13-16 December 2015 Edinburgh, UK.
  • Stafford, R. and Spiers, E.K.A., 2015. Predators reduce carbon production in multi-trophic level marine ecosystems. In: British Ecological Society Annual Meeting 13-16 December 2015 Edinburgh, UK.
  • Stafford, R., 2015. Using Python for ecological models. In: BES Annual Meeting 13-16 December 2015 Edinburgh, UK.
  • Kragh, G., Stafford, R., Curtin, S. and Diaz, A., 2015. Understanding participants in citizen science: relationships between motivation, well-being and project outcomes. In: Science for the environment 1-2 October 2015 Aarhus, Denmark.
  • Stafford, R., 2015. An integrated approach to marine ecosystem management in mainland Ecuador/ Un enfoque integrado de la gestión de los ecosistemas marinos en el Ecuador continental. In: Marine Biodiversity and Conservation 3 September 2015 Santa Elena, Ecuador.
  • Stafford, R., Williams, G.A. and Davies, M.S., 2015. Understanding decision-making and evolution in marine snails using computational techniques. In: Aquatic Biodiversity and Ecosystems Conference 30 August-4 September 2015 Liverpool, UK.
  • Stafford, R. and Ginige, T., 2015. Embedding predictive tools into marine environmental management policy and legislation. In: International Conference on Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation of Marine Ecosystems 2015 1-4 June 2015 The University of Hong Kong.
  • Ng, T.P.T., Saltin, S.H., Davies, M.S., Johannesson, K., Stafford, R. and Williams, G.A., 2014. Sex on the beach: a cocktail of behavioural repertoires which drive size-assortative mating in rocky shore littorinids. In: 10th International Temperate Reef Symposium 12-17 January 2014 Perth, Australia.
  • Stafford, R., Ng., P.T.T., Williams, G.A. and Davies, M.S., 2014. Adaptive Physiology at a local scale, and implications for species distribution models under climate change scenarios. In: Estuarine Coastal Sciences Association 54th Conference. 12-16 May 2014 Sesimbra, Portugal.
  • Stafford, R., Williams, R.L. and Herbert, R.J.H., 2014. Creating predictive models of community structure and change in marine systems by combining sparse data and expert opinion. In: Estuarine Coastal Sciences Association 54th Conference. 11-16 May 2014 Sesimbra, Portugal.
  • Stafford, R. and Gardner, E., 2013. Synthesising diverse and sparse data in ecology. In: INTECOL 2013 18-23 August 2013 London.
  • Stafford, R., 2012. Re-inventing the wheel: changing scientists', rather than the public's, attitudes to ecological data collection. In: European Congress on Conservation Biology 3-7 September 2012 Glasgow.

Reports

Internet Publications

Posters

Preprints

  • Dominguez Almela, V., Croker, A. and Stafford, R., 2024. Creating simple predictive models in ecology, conservation and environmental policy based on Bayesian belief networks.
  • Capuzzo, E., Stafford, R. et al., 2023. Use of Conceptual Mapping in the Offshore Multiuse Setting: Implications for complex biosystems development.
  • Jones, E.-A., Paige, L.M., Smith, A., Worth, A.D., Betts, L. and Stafford, R., 2023. Assessing Carbon Sequestration Rates from Conservation Management: Price and Potential for Multi-Habitat Nature-Based Carbon Sequestration in Dorset, UK.
  • Stafford, R., Boakes, Z., Hall, A. and Jones, G., 2021. The role of predator removal by fishing on ocean carbon dynamics.
  • Jones, E.-A. and Stafford, R., 2021. Neoliberalism and the Environment: Are We Aware Of Appropriate Action to Save the Planet and Do We Think We Are Doing Enough?
  • Reis, B., Stafford, R. et al., 2021. Artificial Reefs in the North-East Atlantic Area: Present Situation, Knowledge Gaps and Future Perspectives.

Others

Grants

  • Restoring Coral Reefs in Bali (Earthwatch Institute, 01 Apr 2023). Awarded
  • MARINEFF - MARine INfrastructures EFFects (European Commission, 01 Jan 2017). Awarded
  • Artificial Reef 3D Printing for Atlantic Area (European Commission, 01 Jan 2017). Awarded
  • Synthesising, analysing and interpreting diverse evidence and data in marine conservation and marine protected area management. (Natural Environment Research Council [2006-2012], 01 Jan 2017). Awarded
  • Survey, taxonomic and data analysis skills in aquatic ecology (NERC, 01 Nov 2013). Awarded

Qualifications

  • PGCHE in Higher Education Teaching (Univeristy of Gloucestershire, 2008)
  • PhD in Marine Ecology and Ecological Modelling (University of Sunderland, 2002)
  • BSc (Hons) in Marine Biology (Plymouth University, 1999)

Memberships

  • Society for Conservation Biology, Member (2012-),
  • British Ecological Society, Member (2008-),