All Staff Members | Mark Tupper | University of Cumbria

Biography

Dr Tupper has spent the last 35 years working on understanding (1) the drivers of marine and coastal ecosystem health, particularly coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass meadows, (2) the drivers of fish population biomass, especially that of reef fishes, and (3) patterns of fish utilisation. His current interests are focused on sustainable management of marine fisheries and fish habitat, including all aspects from capture to processing. Mark is a Fellow of the Marine Biological Association of the UK and a Certified Fisheries Professional through the American Fisheries Society. His research has won numerous awards, including the University of Guam President’s Research Award, the NOAA Award for Outstanding Advancement of Scientific Knowledge, and a shared Eureka Prize from the Australian Museum of Science. Mark has extensive international experience in American Samoa, the Bahamas, Barbados, Canada, Chile, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, France, Guam, Guyana, Honduras, Indonesia, Jamaica, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Caledonia, Palau, the Philippines, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Suriname, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, the Turks & Caicos Islands, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam.

Qualifications and memberships

BSc (Hons) in Marine Biology from the University of New Brunswick, an MSc (by research) from McGill University and a PhD in Marine Biology from Dalhousie University.
Academic and research interests
Marine Rewilding
Fisheries and fish habitat management
Coral reef and mangrove ecology
Research supervision

Publications

Journal Articles
1. C. Waldock, E. Maire, C. Albouy, V. Andreoli, M. Beger, T. Clavarie, K. Cramer, D. Feary, S. Ferse, A. Hoey, N. Loiseau, M.A. MacNeil, C. Mellin, S.A. Montcho, M. Palomares, S. de la Puente, M. Tupper, L. Velez, S. Wilson, J. Zamborain-Mason, D. Zeller, D. Mouillot, and L. Pellisier (2024). Global decoupling of micronutrients and biomass catches in tropical reef fisheries. People & Nature https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.10736
2. I.R. Caldwell, T.R. McClanahan, R.M. Oddenyo, N.A.J. Graham, M. Beger, L. Vigliola, S.A. Sandi, A.M. Friedlander, B. Randriamanantsoa, L. Wantiez, A.L. Green, A.T. Humphries, M. Hardt, J.E. Caselle, D.A. Feary, R. Karkarey, C. Jadot, A.S. Hoey, J.G. Eurich, S.K. Wilson, N.L. Crane, M. Tupper, S.C.A. Ferse, E. Maire, D. Mouillot, and J.E. Cinner (2024). Protection has resulted in ~10% of global coral reef fish biomass. PNAS https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2308605121
3. Shipway, J.R., M. Tupper, and D. Willer (2024). Gross to gourmet: a social media analysis of Naked Clams as a sustainable delicacy. Food Frontiers 2024(8):1-12
4. Tupper, M., Hendy, I., and J.R. Shipway (2024). Field courses for dummies: To what extent can ChatGPT design a higher education field course? Innovations in Education and Teaching International. DOI: 10.1080/14703297.2024.2316716
5. Auber, A., Waldock, C., Maire, A., Goberville, E., Albouy, C., Algar, A.C., McLean, A., Brind’Amour, A., Green, A.L., Tupper, M., Vigliola, L., Kaschner, K. Reyes, K., Beger, M., Tjiputra, J., Toussaint, A., Violle, C., Mouquet, N., Thuiller, W. and D. Mouillot. (2022). A precautionary-based functional vulnerability framework for biodiversity conservation. Nature Communications 13(1):1-13
6. Hendy, I.W., Shipway, J.R., Tupper, M., Extabe, A.G., Ward, R.D., and S.C. Cragg. (2022). Biodegraders of large woody debris across a tidal gradient in an Indonesian Mangrove Ecosystem. Frontiers in Forests and Global Change 5:852217
7. Cinner, J., Zamborain-Mason, J., Gurney, G.G., Graham N.A.J., MacNeil, M.A., Hoey, A.S., Mora, C., Villéger, S., Maire, E., McClanahan, T.R., Maina, J.M., Kittinger, J., Hicks, C.C., D'agata, S., Huchery, C., Barnes, M.L., Feary, D.A., Williams, I.D., Kulbicki, M., Vigliola, L., Wantiez, L., Edgar, G.J., Stuart-Smith, R.D., Sandin S.A., Green, A., Beger, M., Friedlander, A.M., Wilson, S.K., Brokovitch, E., Brooks, A.J., Cruz-Motta, J.J., Booth, D.J., Chabanet, P., Tupper, M., Ferse, S., Sumaila, R.U., Hardt, M.J. and D. Mouillot. (2020). Meeting fisheries, ecosystem function, and biodiversity goals in a human-dominated world. Science 368: 307-311
8. Cinner, J., Huchery, C., Maire, E., MacNeil, M.A., Graham N.A., Mora, C., McClanahan, T.R., Kittinger, J., Hicks, C.C., D'agata, S., Hoey, A.S., Barnes, M.L., Gurney, G.G., Feary, D.A., Williams, I.D., Kulbicki, M., Vigliola, L., Wantiez, L., Edgar, G.J., Stuart-Smith, R.D., Sandin S.A., Green, A., Hardt, M.J., Beger, M., Friedlander, A.M., Wilson, S.K., Brokovitch, E., Brooks, A.J., Cruz-Motta, J.J., Booth, D.J., Chabanet, P., Gough, C., Tupper, M., Ferse, S., Sumaila, R.U. and D. Mouillot. (2018). The gravity of human impacts mediates coral reef conservation gains. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 115(27): E6116-E6125
9. Tupper, M. and F. Juanes (2017). Testing foraging arena theory: the effects of conspecific density and habitat type on time and energy budgets of juvenile cunner. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 487: 86-93
10. Cinner, J.E., Huchery, C, MacNeil, M.A., Graham, N.A.J., McClanahan, T.R., Maina, J., Maire, E. Kittinger, J., Hicks, C.C., Mora, C., Allison, E., D’Agata, S., Hoey, A., Feary, Crowder, L., Williams, I., Kulbicki, M., Vigliola, L. Wantiez, L., Edgar, G., Stuart-Smith, R., Sandin, S.A., Green, A., Hardt, M., Beger, M, Friedlander, A., Campbell, S.J., Holmes, K.A., Wilson, S.K., Brokovich, E, Brooks, A.J., Cruz-Motta, J.J., Booth, D.J., Chabanet, P., Gough, C., Tupper, M., Ferse, S.C.A., Sumaila, U.R. and D. Mouillot (2016). Bright spots among the world’s coral reefs. Nature 535: 416-419
11. Tupper, M., Asif, F., Garces, L., and M. Pido (2015). Evaluating the management effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas at seven selected sites in the Philippines. Marine Policy 56:33-42
12. Garces, L., Pido, M., Tupper, M. and G. Silvestre (2013). Evaluating the management effectiveness of three marine protected areas in the Calamianes Islands, Palawan Province, Philippines: process, selected results and their implications for planning and management. Ocean & Coastal Management 81: 49-57
13. Mora, C., Aburto-Oropeza, O., Bocos, A.A., Ayotte, P.M., Banks, S., Bauman, A.G., Beger, M., Bessudo,S., Booth, D.J., Brokovich, E., Brooks, A., Chabanet, P., Cinner, J.E., Cortes, J., Cruz-Motta, J.J., Cupul Magana, A, DeMartini, E.E., Edgar, G.J., Feary, D.A., Ferse, S.C.A., Friedlander, A.M., Gaston, K.J., Gough, C., Graham, N.A.J., Green, A., Guzman, H., Hardt, M., Kulbicki, M., Letourneur, Y., Lopez Perez, A., Loreau, M., Loya, Y., Martinez, C., Mascaren as-Osorio, I., Morove, T., Nadon, M-O., Nakamura, Y., Paredes, G., Polunin, N.V.C., Pratchett, M.S., Reyes Bonilla, H., Rivera, F., Sala, E., Sandin, S.A., Soler, G., Stuart-Smith, R., Tessier, E., Tittensor, D.P., Tupper, M., Usseglio, P., Vigliola, L., Wantiez, L. Williams, I., Wilson, S.K., and F.A. Zapata (2011). Global human footprint on the linkage between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in reef fishes. PLoS Biology 9(4): e1000606
14. Rhodes, K.L. and M. Tupper (2008). The vulnerability of reproductively active squaretail coralgrouper (Plectropomus areolatus) to fishing. Fishery Bulletin 106: 194-203
15. Rhodes, K.L. Tupper, M. and C. Wichilmel (2008). Characterization and management of the commercial sector of the Pohnpei, Micronesia, coral reef fishery. Coral Reefs 27(2): 443-454
16. Tupper, M. (2007). Identification of nursery habitats for commercially valuable humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) and large groupers (Pisces: Serranidae) in Palau. Marine Ecology Progress Series 332: 189-199
17. Tupper, M. (2007). Spillover of commercially valuable reef fishes from marine protected areas in Guam, Micronesia. Fishery Bulletin 105: 527-537
18. Rhodes, K.L. and M. Tupper (2007). A preliminary market-based analysis of the Pohnpei, Micronesia, grouper (Serranidae: Epinephelinae) fishery reveals unsustainable fishing practices. Coral Reefs 26: 335-344
19. Rudd, M.A., Tupper M., Folmer, H. and G.C. van Kooten (2003). Policy analysis for tropical marine reserves: challenges and directions. Fish and Fisheries 4(1): 25-45
20. Tupper, M. (2003). The ecology of coral reef fishes revisited. Ecology 84: 892-893
21. Jameson, S.C., Tupper, M. and J. Ridley (2002). The Three Screen Doors: can Marine “Protected” Areas be effective? Marine Pollution Bulletin 44: 1177-1183
22. Rudd, M.A. and M. Tupper (2002). The impact of Nassau grouper size and abundance on SCUBA diver site selection and MPA economics. Coastal Management 130: 133-151
23. Tupper, M (2002). Marine reserves and fisheries management. Science 295:1233
24. Tupper, M., and M.A. Rudd (2002). Species-specific impacts of a small marine reserve on reef fish production and fishing productivity in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Environmental Conservation 29(4): 484-492
25. Tupper, M. and K. Able (2000). Habitat use, movements, and food habits of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) in Delaware Bay (USA): comparisons between a restored and a reference salt marsh. Marine Biology 137: 1049-1058
26. Tupper, M. and F. Juanes (1999). Effects of a marine reserve on production dynamics of grunts (Pisces: Haemulidae) in Barbados. Environmental Biology of Fishes 55: 53-63
27. Tupper, M. and W. Hunte (1998). Predictability of fish assemblages on natural and artificial reefs in Barbados. Bulletin of Marine Science 62(3): 919-936
28. Tupper, M. and R.G. Boutilier (1997). Effects of habitat on settlement, growth, predation risk and post settlement mortality of a temperate reef fish. Marine Ecology Progress Series 151: 225-236
29. Tupper, M. and R.G. Boutilier (1995). Size and priority affect growth and competitive success of newly settled Atlantic cod. Marine Ecology Progress Series 118: 295-300
30. Tupper, M. and R.G. Boutilier (1995). Effects of habitat on settlement, growth and post-settlement survival of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. 52: 1834-1841
31. Tupper, M. and R.G. Boutilier (1995). Effects of conspecific density on settlement, growth and post settlement mortality of a temperate reef fish. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 191: 209-222
32. Tupper, M. and W. Hunte (1994). Recruitment dynamics of coral reef fishes in Barbados. Marine Ecology Progress Series 108: 225-235
Conference Proceedings
1. Salm, R., Done, T., and M. Tupper (2004). Designing MPAs to survive coral bleaching: what can we do? In Coral Reefs, Climate, & Coral Bleaching, NOAA, Silver Spring, MD.
2. Tupper, M. (2002). Essential fish habitat and marine reserves for grouper in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Proceedings of the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute 53: 606-622.
3. Rudd, M.A., Danylchuk, A.J., Gore, S.A, and M. Tupper (2001). Are marine protected areas in the Turks and Caicos Islands ecologically or economically valuable? In Proceedings of an International Conference on the Economics of Marine Protected Areas (J Alder and UR Sumaila, editors). Fisheries Center Research Reports: 9(8): 198-211.
4. Rudd, M.A., Danylchuk, A.J., and M.H. Tupper (2001). Ecological and institutional factors affecting marine conservation and fisheries production in South Caicos, Turks & Caicos Islands. Proceedings of the 12th Biennial Coastal Zone Conference. Available online.
5. Tupper, M. (1998). Models, management, and social implications: an overview. In: Hunt von Herbing, I., Kornfield, I., Tupper, M, Wilson, J. (eds.) The Implications of Local Stocks for Fisheries. Northeast Regional Agricultural Engineering Service, Ithaca, NY. 200 pp.
6. Tupper, M. (1998). Gulf of Maine herring: What do we know? What do we need to know? How do we get there? Pp. 278-289 In: Mooney-Seus, M., Tausig, H., Sweeny, M. (eds.) Herring stock assessment and research priorities. New England Aquarium Aquatic Forum Series 98-1. 354 pp.

Books
1. Tupper, M., Anthony, V., Chenoweth, S., and H. MacCluen (1998). Biology and assessment of Atlantic herring in the Gulf of Maine: a foundation for an innovative industry/science research partnership to ensure a sustainable herring fishery. Gulf of Maine Aquarium, Portland, ME. 132 pp.
2. Hunt von Herbing, I., Kornfield, I., Tupper, M. and J. Wilson (eds.) (1998). The Implications of Local Stocks for Fisheries. Northeast Regional Agricultural Engineering Service, Ithaca, NY. 200 pp.

Book chapters
1. Tupper, M., Guppy, R. and D. Ramsewak (2021). Coral reef management in the Arabian Seas. Pp 1041-1071 In: Jawad, L. (ed.). The Arabian seas: Biodiversity, Environmental Challenges and Conservation Measures. Springer Academic, Cham, SW.
2. Goñi, R., Badalamenti, F., and M. Tupper (2011). Effects of marine protected areas on adjacent fisheries: evidence from empirical studies. Pp. 72-98 In: Claudet, J. (ed.), Marine Protected Areas: effects, networks and monitoring – a multidisciplinary approach. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 392 pp.
3. Tupper, M. and N. Sherrif (2008). Capture-based aquaculture for groupers. Pp. 217-234 In: Lovatelli, A.; Holthus, P.F. (eds), Capture-based aquaculture. Global overview. FAO Fisheries Technical Paper. No. 508. Rome, FAO. 298 pp.