TRANSFERS (Transferring Suitability Models for Ecological Representation in the Deep Sea)

Objective

TRANSFERS (Transferring Suitability Models for Ecological Representation in the Deep Sea) will provide the first rigorous test of how well habitat suitability models (HSMs) for deep-sea benthic ecosystems can be spatially transferred between regions. HSMs are increasingly applied in marine spatial planning to predict biodiversity patterns and guide conservation, especially in under-sampled areas. However, their transferability between regions remains poorly understood, limiting confidence in their use for real-world decision-making. This fellowship will develop, validate, and apply next-generation HSMs by integrating high-resolution topographic, oceanographic, and ecological data with cutting-edge modelling approaches. First, robust models will be built for a data-rich Atlantic region, then transferred to a second well-sampled area to quantify prediction strengths, weaknesses, and the drivers of transfer success. These validated models will then be transferred to the Indian Ocean, a data-poor region in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, to generate the first predictive maps of key benthic habitats. By coupling advanced modelling with participatory engagement, TRANSFERS will co-develop decision-support tools and best-practice guidance for managers, NGOs, and policymakers, wishing to utilise HSM transfer to fill critical data gaps. Outputs will directly support international biodiversity commitments, including the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement and the International Seabed Authority’s Strategic Plan. Hosted at the University of Aveiro, a centre of excellence in marine ecology and policy, the fellowship will equip the fellow with interdisciplinary training in hydrodynamic integration, policy translation, and stakeholder engagement. It will establish the foundations for her independent research career as a leader in marine spatial ecology, producing lasting scientific, societal, and policy impacts for sustainable ocean management.