Prof Colin Bean

SNH
Clydebank Bus. Park
Clydebank
G81 2NR

Tel: 0141 951 0808
Fax: 0141 951 4510
Email: Colin.Bean@SNH.gov.uk

Institute profile

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Research interests

My interest is in evolutionary processes within rare fish populations and the development of conservation strategies for rare and endangered fish species (including conservation genetics). I am also involved in research programmes related to the control of invasive non-native species and the impact of freshwater and marine renewable technologies on fish.

Within the Policy & Advice division of a Government conservation agency, I have a keen interest in the development of legislative and policy tools which aid freshwater conservation. I am currently involved in a range of topic areas, including: delivery of the Aquaculture & Fisheries legislation, species translocations and assessment, invasive non-native species, renewable energy development, delivery of Water Framework Directive tools, development for tools for fish and fisheries assessment and management, as well as for fish conservation.

Current research collaborations

I am keen to develop new research collaborations with members of the Institute, and more widely within the University, related to conservation strategies in fish and control systems for invasive species. Current collaborative work with Institute staff (where I also jointly supervise several research students) includes: 

Impact of hydro schemes on freshwater fish communities
Collaborators: Prof Colin Adams

Project: Impact of hydro schemes on freshwater fish communities
Collaborator: Prof Colin Adams, Dr Rhian Thomas (low-head Archimedes Screw Turbines)
Students: Rob Brackley, Matt Newton

Population dynamics and migration of the European Eel
Collaborators: Prof Colin Adams

Project: Population dynamics and migration of the European Eel
Collaborator: Prof Colin Adams
Student: James Barry

Evolutionary biology and ecology of freshwater fishes
Collaborators: Dr Kevin Parsons

Project: Evolutionary biology and ecology of freshwater fishes
Collaborator: Dr Kevin Parsons
Students: Martin Hughes

Academic history

  • 1999 - present: Senior Science & Policy Advisor, Ecosystems & Biodiversity Group, Scottish Natural Heritage
  • 1995 - 1999: Research Fellow/Lecturer, Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling
  • 1993 - 1995: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, FBA/IFE (now CEH)
  • 1991 - 1993: Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Ulster
  • 1991: PhD Behavioural ecology within fish communities, University of Ulster
  • 1987: BSc (Hons) Biology, University of Ulster