MarineCreatures

Irish Marine Biologist "Sealife dIFFERENTLY"

Exploring, Understanding and Protecting Our Oceans

A Lifetime Exploring the Aquatic World My fascination with the natural world began at an early age and has grown into a lifelong career dedicated to understanding, documenting and protecting aquatic ecosystems. For more than three decades, I have travelled extensively, exploring oceans, rivers, lakes, estuaries and wetlands across more than 22 countries, combining marine biology with wildlife photography to capture the remarkable diversity of life beneath the surface. Every photograph on this website represents a genuine encounter in the wild. Some were taken during scientific fieldwork, others while travelling or working alongside conservation organisations, but all share one thing in common—they tell the story of real wildlife in its natural environment. As a marine biologist, I have been fortunate to study and work with an extraordinary range of species and habitats, from coral reefs and tropical coastlines to temperate estuaries and freshwater ecosystems. My career has included ecological research, environmental impact assessment, habitat restoration, marine conservation and biodiversity projects, providing opportunities to witness some of nature's most unforgettable moments. Photography has always been a natural extension of my scientific work. While science helps us understand the natural world, photography allows us to share its beauty, complexity and vulnerability with others. A single image can inspire curiosity, encourage conservation and reveal details that words alone cannot capture. Marine Creatures brings together a lifetime of experiences, field observations and photography collected over more than thirty years. It is a growing archive celebrating the incredible diversity of aquatic life while highlighting the importance of protecting these environments for future generations. Whether you are a fellow marine biologist, diver, photographer, conservationist, student or simply someone with a love of nature, I hope this website offers something that informs, inspires and encourages you to look a little closer at the world beneath the surface. Thank you for visiting and for sharing my passion for the aquatic world. Rowan Byrne Marine Biologist • Wildlife Photographer • Conservation Professional What You'll Discover - Wildlife Photography – A growing collection of original photographs captured during fieldwork and expeditions across more than 22 countries. - Species Profiles – Learn about fascinating marine and freshwater species, their biology, habitats and conservation status. - Expedition Stories – Behind-the-scenes accounts of memorable encounters, challenging field conditions and the stories behind many of the photographs. - Conservation – Discover how science and photography can work together to protect our oceans, rivers and wetlands. - Fine Art Prints – Bring the beauty of the underwater world into your home or workplace with professionally produced photographic prints The oceans cover more than 70% of our planet and support an extraordinary diversity of life. From microscopic plankton to the blue whale, marine ecosystems are essential to the health of our planet.

MarineCreatures — Explore. Understand. Protect. Rowan Byrne, Marine Biologist — 30+ years, 22+ countries, thousands of original photographs, hundreds of species documented.

Global Expeditions

A Lifetime Exploring Our Blue Planet

More than 30 years studying marine life across the world's oceans — from the cold waters of the North Atlantic to tropical coral reefs. Click any location to explore species, projects and photographs.

🇮🇪 Ireland🇬🇧 United Kingdom🇧🇿 Belize🇻🇺 Vanuatu🇸🇦 Red Sea🇦🇪 UAE🇶🇦 Qatar🇴🇲 Oman🇪🇬 Egypt🇦🇺 Australia🇿🇦 South Africa🇩🇲 DominicaHome baseExpeditionRoute
Click a location to explore
30+
Years of Marine Biology
22+
Countries Visited
500+
Marine Projects
Hundreds
Species Encountered
Thousands
Original Photographs
Rowan Byrne, marine biologist

Technical Director – Marine Ecology

Global 30+ Years Experience

Awards and Recognition

  • Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (FRSB)
  • Chartered Scientist (CSci)
  • IEMA Sustainability Leader Award recognition
  • TEDx speaker
  • Sustainability leadership recognition

Biography

About Rowan Byrne

Rowan Byrne is an Irish marine biologist, marine ecologist, environmental consultant and science communicator specialising in marine ecosystems, marine wildlife and sustainable development.

Over his career Rowan has worked on marine projects across the United Kingdom, Ireland and internationally, supporting organisations involved in offshore energy, coastal development, conservation and environmental management.

Rowan currently works as Technical Director – Marine Ecology in the UK, where he leads marine ecology projects, supports technical teams and helps deliver environmental solutions for complex marine developments. You can find out more at his linkedin page https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowan-byrne-781a7612/

Areas of Expertise

Marine ecologyMarine mammalsMarine wildlife monitoringMarine conservationEnvironmental Impact Assessment (EIA)Offshore renewable energyMarine plasticsBiodiversityCoastal habitatsMarine licensingEcological surveysUnderwater noise assessment
Work With Rowan

Background

A Career Dedicated to Marine Science

Rowan's interest in the marine environment began with a fascination for the diversity and complexity of life beneath the waves. After completing a BSc in Marine and Freshwater Biology, Rowan developed a career focused on understanding how human activities interact with marine ecosystems.

Academic Background

  • BSc (Hons) Marine and Freshwater Biology
  • MSc Managing the Environment
  • MSc Energy
  • Professional training in sustainability and expert witness practice

Organisations Worked With

  • Government bodies
  • Regulators
  • Environmental organisations
  • Engineering companies
  • Offshore renewable developers
  • Ports and coastal industries
  • Research communities

Specialist Work

Marine Ecology & Conservation Work

Marine Mammal Protection

Marine mammals such as whales, dolphins and seals are among the most iconic species on Earth. Rowan has worked with marine mammal considerations including species identification, wildlife monitoring, mitigation measures, underwater noise, environmental assessment and marine development impacts.

Offshore Renewable Energy

The transition to renewable energy is essential for addressing climate change. However, offshore developments must be carefully planned to minimise impacts on marine ecosystems. Rowan has supported marine ecological assessments associated with offshore renewable energy projects, helping understand potential effects on marine mammals, fish populations, seabirds, habitats and marine biodiversity.

Marine Plastics & Ocean Pollution

Plastic pollution is one of the most visible environmental challenges facing the oceans. Rowan has worked extensively on marine plastics issues, including research, awareness and solutions — covering plastic pollution pathways, marine litter prevention, circular economy approaches, community engagement and innovative monitoring techniques.

Science Communication

Science only creates change when people understand it. Alongside technical work, Rowan is passionate about communicating marine science to wider audiences through talks, articles, presentations and digital content covering marine wildlife, ocean conservation, climate change, sustainable development and the importance of biodiversity.

Get Involved

Work With Rowan

  • Marine ecology consultancy
  • Scientific presentations
  • Educational talks
  • Conservation projects
  • Marine photography licensing
  • Collaboration opportunities
Get in Touch
Rowan Byrne speaking at a conference

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

What does Rowan Byrne specialise in?

Rowan specialises in marine ecology and marine plastics works Ocean Plastics, sharks & marine mammals, marine conservation, environmental assessment, offshore renewables and ocean sustainability.

Where has Rowan worked?

Rowan has worked on marine projects in the UK, Ireland and internationally across sectors including conservation, offshore energy, ports and coastal development.

Is MarineCreatures.com a scientific resource?

MarineCreatures.com aims to provide scientifically informed information about marine species, ecosystems and conservation for a wide audience.

Can Rowan provide marine biology talks?

Yes. Rowan provides presentations and talks covering marine biology, ocean conservation, sustainability and marine wildlife. Examples of Media and Online Articles about Rowan and his works; Media Launch and Article on Sea Turtle PhotoRowan Byrne’s Sea Turtle Photo on US Postage StampMedia Launch Date: June 2024 Details: Rowan Byrne's photograph of a sea turtle was featured on a US postage stamp, highlighting the conservation efforts for marine life. Links: IrishIndependant https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/photo-of-sea-turtle-taken-by-irish-marine-biologist-used-in-us-postal-stamp/a/129606890.html Irish Star https://www.irishstar.com/news/ireland-news/irish-marine-biologist-us-stamp-32715564 RTE https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/clips/22429005/ US Postal Service Announcement https://about.usps.com/newsroom/local-releases/md/2024/0611-sea-turtles-ride-a-wave-onto-new-stamps.htm Article on Sea Turtle Conservation Articles Related to Rowan Byrne Seabin Project in Howth Overview: The Seabin Project aims to remove debris from marinas and harbors. Links: Journal.ie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njpXbaYFGGg 21 Aug 2019A 'SEABIN' WAS launched in Howth Harbour today to help collect plastic waste from the sea in the Dublin coastal town. Local Rowan Byrne, who works as a marine biologist, kickstarted the initiative after he went walking around the harbour and saw the amount of plastic in the sea RTE News on Seabin Initiative https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/clips/21616981/ Local Howth Press Coverage Iriah Independant.  https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/watch-how-the-new-sea-bin-installed-howth-harbour-will-tackle-plastic-waste/a/145631719.html RTE Radio and TV Appearances Overview: Byrne has been featured discussing marine conservation efforts. Links: RTE Radio Interview RTE TV Segment Work in Dominica Overview: Projects focused on marine biodiversity and conservation in Dominica. Links: Dominica News Online BBC Coverage of Conservation Efforts Satellite Tracking of Sea Turtles with Aberystwyth University Overview: Collaborative research utilizing satellite technology to track sea turtle movements. Links: Aberystwyth University Research Publication BBC News on Satellite Tracking http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/mid/6708091.stm

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