News
A recent lunchtime talk event at Aberdeen’s Maritime Museum delivered by Dr Kate Gormley and PhD researcher Megan Squire, shared the latest updates from NDC research on how human-made structures can support marine ecosystems, which may ultimately provide ecosystem services and benefits to society.
Dr Gormley discussed how marine growth forms on artificial structures such as oil and gas platforms and renewable energy installations and why we need to have a better understanding of what is happening on, and around these structures. She highlighted research from platforms in the North Sea including the Murchison (a model of which is on display in the Maritime Museum) and also shared global insights from colleague Dr Alethea Madgett whose studies have looked at artificial reefs in different locations around the world including Thailand and Australia.
Megan Squire, who is doing a PhD on 3D simulation of marine growth, spoke about the work that has been done to model different species. She presented some amazing images of a sea urchin, mussels, anemones, starfish and a cold water coral. Using museum collections and ROV footage, Megan has built lifelike underwater models which will be used to recreate a North Sea platform’s community using the NDC’s marine simulator.
The audience brought some interesting questions— sparking a lively discussion around sustainable decommissioning and the ecological role of offshore structures. It was great to hear such strong interest in how human-made ocean infrastructure—from oil and gas platforms to renewable energy installations—can support marine ecosystems as artificial reefs.
The audience also had the opportunity to try out a VR headset and view some of the 3D models for themselves.
Dr Kate Gormley, Interdisciplinary Fellow, added: “Huge thanks to everyone who came along and contributed to such a lively and engaging discussion. The talk was very well received, and we’re excited to see the level of interest and engagement as this important work continues. Thanks also to the Archives, Gallery & Museums team at Aberdeen City Council for hosting us.”
If you are interested to find out more Megan and Alethea will be at the Tall Ships Festival in the Discovery Zone on Monday, 21 July.
Megan is also doing a ‘PechaKucha’ talk on Thursday, 24 July at the University of Aberdeen. More details here – Festival of the Sea: PechaKucha – Aberdeen, Powered by the Sea | Events | The University of Aberdeen
Notes for Editors
Published | Thursday June 19th, 2025 |