Dr Peter Robins
Lecturer in Physical Oceanography
Office location: Room 115, Marine Centre Wales, Menai Bridge
(Tel: 01248 383961)
Email: p.robins@bangor.ac.uk
Author profiles: Google Scholar | Researchgate
I am a Research Lecturer in Physical Oceanography at the School of Ocean Sciences. I was awarded my Degree in Physical Oceanography and Mathematics at Bangor University in 2003 and my Ph.D in 2008, where I investigated internal tides in the Gareloch: a Scottish fjord. My postdoctoral career included a Research Fellowship in Bangor’s Centre for Applied Marine Sciences, with specific interests in physical modelling studies for Marine Renewable Energy, Coastal and estuarine processes including morphodynamics and water quality, and Biophysical larval transport.
I develop computer models to simulate ocean processes, whether this is realistic representations of the past or future, or hypothetical scenarios such as a proposed coastal alteration like flood mitigation measures. I have studied estuaries at fine scales to understand their sensitivity to complex interactions of rivers, tides and sea-level rise, and how these interactions control coastal water quality and flooding. I develop methods to characterise the bio-physical dispersal of larvae to help understand population dynamics and aid fishery and shellfishery management. I am interested in characterising variabilities in tidal energy available for our exploitation as a renewable electricity source – and quantifying the likely environmental implications that this may have.
Qualifications
- PhD: Modelling internal tides
2008 - MSc: Physical Oceanography and Maths
Teaching and Supervision
I supervise the following PhD students:
Jonathan Demmer – simulating variability of North Wales mussel populations.
Nic Chopin – variability in the Irish Mussel shellfishery.
Mike Ridgill - Hydrologiclal stream flow renewable enregy resource assessment.
Nia Jones - Dispersal of Microplastics in the Marine Environment (DIME).
Mirko Barada - Coastal flooding: using historical records to mitigate future risk.
Publications
2020
- E-pub ahead of printFine-scale seascape genomics of an exploited marine species, the common cockle Cerastoderma edule, using a multi-modelling approach
Coscia, I., Wilmes, S-B., Ironside, J. E., Goward Brown, A., O'Dea, E., Malham, S., McDevitt, AD. & Robins, P., 9 Feb 2020, In : Evolutionary Applications.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
2019
- E-pub ahead of printRole of trait combinations, habitat matrix and network topology in metapopulation recovery from regional extinction
Gimenez Noya, J., Robins, P. & Jenkins, S., 28 Oct 2019, In : Limnology and Oceanography.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedPower variability of tidal-stream energy and implications for electricity supply
Lewis, M., McNaughton, J., Márquez-Dominguez, C., Todeschini, G., Togneri, M., Masters, I., Allmark, M., Stallard, T., Neill, S., Goward Brown, A. & Robins, P., 15 Sep 2019, In : Energy. 183, p. 1061-1074
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedViral dispersal in the coastal zone: a method to quantify water quality risk
Robins, P., Farkas, K., Jones, D. L., Cooper, D. & Malham, S., May 2019, In : Environment International. 126, p. 430-442
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedScience to Policy: The role of marine renewable energy in a low carbon future
Wiik, E., Neill, S., Lewis, M., Robins, P., O'Doherty, T., Toberman, H., Pan, S., Ebdon, T., Masters, I. & Togneri, M., Mar 2019, Ser Cymru National Research Network for Low Carbon, Energy and Environment. (Science to Policy)
Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report - PublishedWave-tide interaction modulates nearshore wave height
Lewis, M. J., Palmer, T., Hashemi, R., Robins, P., Saulter, A., Brown, J., Lewis, H. & Neill, S., Mar 2019, In : Ocean Dynamics. 69, 3, p. 367-384
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedChanging Hydrology: A UK Perspective
Robins, P. & Lewis, M., 2019, Coasts and estuaries: The future. Wolanski, E., Day, J., Elliott, M. & Ramachandran, R. (eds.). Burlington: Elsevier, p. 611-617 6 p.
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter
2018
- PublishedTidal range energy resource and optimization – past perspectives and future challenges
Neill, S., Angeloudis, A., Robins, P., Walkington, I., Ward, S., Masters, I., Lewis, M., Piano, M., Avdis, A., Piggott, M., Aggidis, G., Evans, P., Adcock, T., Zidonis, A., Ahmadian, R. & Falconer, R., Nov 2018, In : Renewable Energy. 127, November, p. 763-778
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedThe Influence of Intra-Array Wake Dynamics on Depth-Averaged Kinetic Tidal Turbine Energy Extraction Simulations
Piano, M., Robins, P., Davies, A. & Neill, S., 22 Oct 2018, In : Energies. 11, 10, 2852.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedCharacterising the tidal stream power resource around France using a high-resolution harmonic database
Guillou, N., Neill, S. & Robins, P., Aug 2018, In : Renewable Energy. 123, p. 706-718
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedImproving estuary models by reducing uncertainties associated with river flows
Robins, P., Lewis, M., Freer, J., Cooper, D., Skinner, C. & Coulthard, T., 31 Jul 2018, In : Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedTidal stream resource characterisation in progressive versus standing wave systems
Ward, S., Robins, P., Lewis, M., Iglesias, G., Hashemi, M. R. & Neill, S., 15 Jun 2018, In : Applied Energy. 220, p. 274-285
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedRegional-scale patterns in harbour porpoise occupancy of tidal stream environments
Waggitt, J., Dunn, H., Evans, P. G. H., Hiddink, J., Holmes, L. J., Keen, E., Murcott, B. D., Piano, M., Robins, P., Scott, B. E., Bond, J. & Veneruso, G., 1 Mar 2018, In : ICES Journal of Marine Science. p. 701-710
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
2017
- PublishedCharacteristics of the velocity profile at tidal-stream energy sites
Lewis, M., Neill, S., Robins, P., Hashemi, M. R. & Ward, S., Dec 2017, In : Renewable Energy. 114, Part A, p. 258-272
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedTidal stream resource assessment uncertainty due to flow asymmetry and turbine yaw misalignment
Piano, M., Neill, S., Lewis, M., Robins, P., Hashemi, R., Davies, A., Ward, S. & Roberts, M., Dec 2017, In : Renewable Energy. p. 1363-1375
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedResidual flow, bedforms and sediment transport in a tidal channel modelled with variable bed roughness
Davies, A. & Robins, P., 15 Oct 2017, In : Geomorphology. 295, p. 855-872 10.1016/j.geomorph.2017.08.029.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedThe Impact of Marine Renewable Energy Extraction on Sediment Dynamics
Neill, S., Robins, P. & Fairley, I., 10 Apr 2017, Marine Renewable Energy: Resource characterization and physical effects. Yang, Z. & Copping, A. (eds.). Springer, p. 279-304
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter - PublishedInfluence of storm surge on tidal range energy
Lewis, M., Angeloudis, A., Robins, P., Evans, P. S. & Neill, S., Mar 2017, In : Energy. 122, p. 25-36
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedPredicting the dispersal of wild Pacific oysters Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg, 1793) from an existing frontier population—a numerical study
Robins, P., King, J., Jenkins, S. & Tita, A., 2017, In : Aquatic Invasions. 12, 2, p. 117-131
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
2016
- PublishedResearch priorities for assessing potential impacts of emerging marine renewable energy technologies: Insights from developments in Wales (UK)
Roche, RC., Walker-Springett, K., Robins, PE., Jones, J., Veneruso, G., Whitton, TA., Piano, M., Ward, SL., Duce, CE., Waggitt, JJ., Walker-Springett, G., Neill, S., Lewis, M. & King, J., 1 Dec 2016, In : Renewable Energy. 99, December, p. 1327-1341 15 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
2015
- PublishedImpact of climate change on UK estuaries: A review of past trends and potential projections
Robins, P. E., Skov, M. W., Lewis, M. J., Gimenez, L., Davies, A. G., Malham, S. K., Neill, S. P., McDonald, J. E., Whitton, T. A., Jackson, S. E. & Jago, C. F., 17 Dec 2015, In : Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 169, p. 119-135
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedConnectivity and Dispersal Patterns of Protected Biogenic Reefs: Implications for the Conservation of Modiolus modiolus (L.) in the Irish Sea
Gormley, K., Mackenzie, C., Robins, P. E., Coscia, I., Cassidy, A., James, J., Hull, A., Piertney, S., Sanderson, W. & Porter, J., 1 Dec 2015, In : PLoS ONE. 10, 12, p. e0143337
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedCharacterizing the tidal energy resource of the West Anglesey Demonstration Zone (UK), using TELEMAC-2D and field observations
Piano, M., Ward, S. L., Robins, P. E., Neill, S. P., Lewis, M. J., Davies, A. G., Powell, B. I., Owen, A. W. & Hashemi, R. M., 15 Oct 2015.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper - PublishedCharacterising the spatial and temporal variability of the tidal-stream energy resource over the northwest European shelf seas
Robins, P. E., Neill, S. P., Lewis, M. J. & Ward, S. L., 1 Jun 2015, In : Applied Energy. 147, p. 510-522
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedResource assessment for future generations of tidal-stream energy arrays
Lewis, M., Neill, S. P., Robins, P. E. & Hashemi, M. R., 1 Apr 2015, In : Energy. 83, p. 403-415
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedEffect of waves on the tidal energy resource at a planned tidal stream array
Hashemi, M. R., Neill, S. P., Robins, P. E., Davies, A. G. & Lewis, M. J., Mar 2015, In : Renewable Energy. 75, p. 626-639
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
2014
- PublishedFuture variability of solute transport in a macrotidal estuary
Robins, P. E., Lewis, M. J., Simpson, J. H., Howlett, E. R. & Malham, S. K., 13 Oct 2014, In : Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 151, p. 88-99
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedImpact of tidal-stream arrays in relation to the natural variability of sedimentary processes
Robins, P. E., Neill, S. P. & Lewis, M. J., 8 Aug 2014, In : Renewable Energy. 72, p. 311-321
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedInteractive visual analytics of hydrodynamic flux for the coastal zone
George, R. L., Robins, P. E., Davies, A. G., Ritsos, P. D. & Roberts, J. C., 7 May 2014, In : Environmental Earth Sciences. 71, 10, p. 3733-3766
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedThe potential impact of climate change on the infectious diseases of commercially important shellfish populations in the Irish Sea—a review
Robins, P. E., Malham, S., Rowley, A. F., Cross, M. E., Culloty, S. C., Lynch, S. A., Mackenzie, C. L., Morgan, E., O'Riordan, R. M., Robbins, P. E., Smith, A. L., Thrupp, T. J., Vogan, C. L., Wootton, E. C. & Malham, S. K., 1 May 2014, In : ICES Journal of Marine Science. 71, 4, p. 741-759
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
2013
- PublishedIdentification of genetically and oceanographically distinct blooms of jellyfish
Lee, P. L., Dawson, M. N., Neill, S. P., Robins, P. E., Houghton, J. D., Doyle, T. K. & Hays, G. C., 1 Mar 2013, In : Journal of the Royal Society Interface. 10, 80, p. 20120920
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedPhysical and biological controls on larval dispersal and connectivity in a highly energetic shelf sea
Robins, P. E., Neill, S. P., Gimenez, L., Jenkins, S. R. & Malham, S. K., 1 Mar 2013, In : Limnology and Oceanography. 58, 2, p. 505-524
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
2012
- PublishedModelled larval dispersal and measured gene flow: seascape genetics of the common cockle Cerastoderma edule in the southern Irish Sea
Coscia, I., Robins, P. E., Porter, J. S., Malham, S. K. & Ironside, J. E., 1 Sep 2012, In : Conservation Genetics.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedA numerical study of marine larval dispersal in the presence of an axial convergent front
Robins, P., Neill, S. & Gimenez Noya, J., 20 Mar 2012, In : Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 100, p. 172-185
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article - PublishedBiogeochemical functioning of grazed estuarine tidal marshes along a salinity gradient
Dausse, A., Garbutt, A., Norman, L., Papadimitriou, S., Jones, L. M., Robins, P. E. & Thomas, D. N., 20 Mar 2012, In : Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 100, p. 83-92
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
2011
- PublishedApplication of a coastal model to simulate present and future inundation and aid coastal management
Robins, P., Davies, A. & Jones, R., 1 Mar 2011, In : Journal of Coastal Conservation: Planning and Management. 15, 1, p. 1-14
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
2010
- PublishedMorphological controls in sandy estuaries: the influence of tidal flats and bathymetry on sediment transport.
Robins, P. E. & Davies, A. G., 1 Jun 2010, In : Ocean Dynamics. 60, 3, p. 503-517
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
2009
- PublishedMorphodynamic processes in shallow estuaries: influence of tidal flats and channels on sand transport.
Robins, P. E. & Davies, A. G., 1 Jan 2009, p. 161-167.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper - PublishedThe internal tide of the Gareloch, a Scottish Fjord
Robins, P. & Elliott, A., 1 Jan 2009, In : Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 81, 1, p. 130-142
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
Projects
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KESS II Phd with Dwr Cymru BUK2E025
01/03/2020 – 31/03/2023 (Active)
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Combination flood risk from surge, tidal and rainfall
01/11/2017 – 01/08/2019 (Finished)
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Meetings to develop a RCUK proposal
01/05/2017 – 31/01/2018 (Finished)
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01/12/2012 – 31/07/2013 (Finished)
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Development of morphodynamic models of Welsh estuaries
01/11/2012 – 31/07/2013 (Finished)
Other Grants and Projects
2017-18 NERC ERIIP (NE/R009007/1): Combination Hazard of Extreme rainfall, storm Surge & high Tide on estuarine infrastructure (CHEST). (T Coulthard, P Robins, M Lewis) £39K.
2017-20 INTERREG Atlantic Area Programme: COCKLES (Boosting Co-operation and integration of Capacities for applying Knowledge and mutual Learning in Restoring Cockle Shellfisheries and its related Ecosystem-Services in the Atlantic Area). (S Malham, P Robins, et al) £347K. Led by CETMAR in Spain.
2017-21 INTERREG: ECOSTRUCTURE (S Jenkins, A Davies, S Neill, P Robins, et al) ~£610k. Led by Aberystwyth.
2017 Sêr Cymru NRN Research Development Fund: Grant proposal development award. (P Robins, M Lewis, S Neill) £5k.
2017-20 INTERREG Ireland-Wales Programme: Bluefish (Building Resilience into Blue Growth in the Irish and Celtic Seas Fisheries and Aquaculture). (S Malham, P Robins, L LeVay, M Kaiser, et al.) £1.4m (Part of 6.6m euros multipartner).
2017-18 INTERREG Ireland -Wales Programme: Irish Sea Portal Pilot (ISPP). (S Malham, P Robins, L LeVay, et al.) £620k (part of 1.4 m euros with BIM in Ireland).
2017 FSA Desk based study: Active Management of Shellfisheries. (S Malham, L LeVayP Robins, et al.) £28k.
2016 Sêr Cymru NRN Research Development Fund: Grant proposal development award. (M Lewis, P Robins, S Neill) £5k.
2016 Sêr Cymru NRN Research Development Fund: Tidal Lagoon Workshop. (S Neill, M Lewis, P Robins) £10k.
2015-18 KESS II ESF PhD studentship. Simulating variability of North Wales mussel populations (S Neill, P Robins, S Malham) £54k.
2015-18 NERC EMHH (NE/M010996/1): New approaches for the quantitative detection of human pathogenic viruses within the freshwater-marine continuum (D Jones, S Malham, J McDonnald, P Robins, et al.) £465k.
2015-17 NATIONAL PRIORITY RESEARCH PROGRAM (NPRP 7-1302 -1-242): Ecological processes underlying ecosystem function in arid mangroves. (L LeVay, et al) £235k.
2012-15 HPCWales-Fujitsu PhD studenship: Development of an integrated catchment-to-coast modelling system. (R Hashemi, et al) £70k.
2008-13 CCW: Morphodynamic modelling of Welsh estuaries. (A Davies, P Robins) ~£100k.