Dr Zoe Jacobs
Biography
I am a biogeochemical ocean modeller with over 10 years of research expertise in understanding the climate impacts on the ocean, with a keen interest in marine extremes and tropical upwelling systems. My most recent research includes the first long-term characterisation of UK marine heatwaves, which identifies regions of greatest risk and areas likely to experience multi-stressor impacts e.g. low oxygen.
One of the most significant studies I have led proposed 40 priority questions to advance our understanding of the risks and opportunities of UK marine heatwaves. It emphasises the growing risks that marine heatwaves pose to ecosystems, fisheries, the blue economy and coastal communities, and highlights the need for coordinated monitoring across the UK. My current and future research is focussed on trying to address these interdisciplinary questions and coordinate the research community and UK stakeholders to support evidence-based decision-making for organisations involved in marine management, climate adaptation and environmental policy.
Prior to this, I spent 4 years working on the GCRF-funded SOLSTICE project, a collaborative effort that aims to address the challenges facing the Western Indian Ocean, namely marine food security. During the project, I published 6 first-author papers on the drivers and future changes of productivity in East African tropical upwelling systems (Somalia, Kenya and Agulhas) and the implications for marine ecosystems and fisheries, which underpinned 4 policy briefs.
I have a wealth of experience with media and public engagement including:
- Providing "rolling updates" of developing Marine Heatwave events.
- Narrating and responsible for delivering the NOC’s MOOC “Ocean Science in Action: Addressing Marine Ecosystems and Food Security”, which is a digital tool for capacity development, education and public engagement.
- Hosting NOC’s “Into the Blue” podcast.
- Regular TV and radio media appearances, primarily on marine heatwaves around the UK and their potential impacts.
