Scientific Publications & Current Research

Contents
  1. Scientific Publications:
  2. Current Research:

Scientific Publications:

  • Smith, L.E., & Turrell, W,R. (2021). Monitoring plastic beach litter by number or by weight: the implications of fragmentation. Frontiers in Marine Science. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.702570.
  • Smith, L.E., Rowe, C., Mackay, F., Matthews, C., Matthews, C.G.G. (2020). Aquarium tank design is integral to the elimination of mantle abrasion in the captive curled octopus (Eledone cirrhosa): A case study at Macduff Marine Aquarium. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science. DOI 10.1080/10888705.2020.1856105.
  • Soares, S.M.C., Stagg, H.E.B., Matthews, C.G.G., Smith, L.E., Turnbull, T., Munro, E.S. (2020). A case study reporting the occurrence of amoebic gill disease in a public marine aquarium. Bulletin of the European Association of Fish Pathologists. (40). 40.
  • Smith, L.E., (2018). Plastic ingestion by Scyliorhinus canicula trawl captured in the North Sea. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 130. 6-7.
  • Koehler, L., Smith, L.E., Nowell, G. (2018). Recovered and released – A novel approach to oviparous shark conservation. Ocean and Coastal Management. 154. 178-185.
  • Smith, L.E. (2017). Shell gland obstruction and eggcase deformation in a captive Bull Huss (Scyliorhinus stellaris). Fish Veterinary Journal. In Press.
  • Smith, L. E. , Matthews, C., Cliff, A. (2016). Hook removal from Scyliorhinus stellaris with a complete oesophagus perforation. Fish Veterinary Journal. 15. 1-7.
  • Mackenzie, K. & Smith, L.E. (2015). Two little-known metazoan parasites potentially pathogenic to smooth-hounds Mustelus sp., in captivity. Journal of fish diseases. Doi: 10.1111/jfd.12380.
  • Smith, L.E., O’Connell, C.P., The effects of neodymium-iron-boron permanent magnets on the behaviour of the small spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula) and the thornback skate (Raja clavata), Ocean & Coastal Management (2013), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2013.05.010.
  • Crouch, K., Smith, L.E. et al., (2013). Humoral immune response of the small-spotted catshark, Scyliorhinus canicula. Fish & Shellfish Immunology. In Press.
  • Smith, L.E. et al.,(2012). Characterization of the immunoglobulin repertoire of the Spiny Dogfish (Squalus acanthias). Developmental & Comparative Immunology, 36, 4, 665-669.
  • Fraser, P.J., S.F, Cruickshank, R.L. Shelmerdine and L.E. Smith (2008) Hydrostatic pressure receptors and depth usage in crustacea and fish. Navigation: Journal of the Institute of Navigation Special Issue on Bio-Navigation 55, No. 2, 159-165
  • Fraser, P.J. and L. E. Smith (2008) Depth: A forgotten dimension Proceedings of the Royal Institute of Navigation RIN08: 32.1-7
  • Smith, L.E.; Gruber, S.H.; Kessel, S.; Metcalfe, J. Fraser, P.J. (2007). Generation 5 data storage tags, GPS and developed methodology for studying the hydrostatic pressure environment of the juvenile lemon shark (Negaprion brevirostris). Proceedings of the Institute Of Navigation 63rd Annual Conference, Cambridge, Boston, Ma. Pp 253-263.
  • Fraser, P.J.; Cruickshank, S.F.; Shelmerdine, R.L.; Smith, L.E. (2007). Hydrostatic Pressure Receptors and Path Integration in Crustacea and Fish. Proceedings of the Institute Of Navigation 63rd Annual Conference, Cambridge, Boston, Ma. Pp 264-269.

Current Research:

Lauren is currently working on three main projects in her capacity as a shark scientist and environmental research consultant;

1. Exploratory research and conservation of flapper skate egg-laying sites; Following the discovery of a critically endangered flapper skate (Dipturus intermedius) egg-laying site in the Inner Sound of Skye by Lauren’s friend and fellow diver Chris Rickard. Lauren, Chris and a handful of other divers have been gathering data on the site and working towards getting permanent meaningful protection in place (the location has recently been designated as a temporary 12 month emergency MPA) to prevent damage to the site, eggcases, neonates and visiting adults from destructive fishing practices. We are also exploring other areas around the Scottish coastline with similar bathymetry to the known site, carrying out underwater surveys to map additional essential habitats being used by flapper skates.

A flapper skate eggcase in situ at the Inner Sound of Skye site.

2. Canine detection of elasmobranch eggcases; this project was inspired by my spaniels ability to locate empty eggcases that wash up around the Scottish coastline! I began researching conservation dogs and scent detection dogs and i have recently completed my Level 3 Dog Handling & Training Course. We are now working on specific scent detection training techniques which i will then be testing the efficacy of in the field, concentrating specifically on eggcase detection. High detection success rates would help provide valuable eggcase data as well as broaden the field of conservation detection dog research. Plus i get to combine my two loves sharks & dogs!

My Spaniel “Tattie”, showing off her skate eggcase haul!

3. Quantifying Marine Litter around the Scottish Coastline; for this project I surveyed and analysed the marine litter found in key locations in the North East of Scotland, this project was in collaboration with Marine Scotland Science. Our findings have recently been published in Frontiers in Marine Science.