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*** Breaking News ***

I’m delighted to announce that I’ve been selected as a British Science Association Award Lecturer recipient for the British Science Festival 2026. To find out more please head to the British Science Association announcement.

Welcome to my website. I am a Lecturer in Marine Biology at the University of Exeter, with research centred on the ecology of cetaceans and deep-sea megafauna. As Principal Investigator of the Deep Shark Research Group, my work focuses particularly on the ecology and taxonomy of deep-sea sharks, with a special interest in the enigmatic “demon catsharks” of the genus Apristurus. I also conduct research on UK populations of humpback whales, as well as white-beaked and bottlenose dolphins.

I have led scientific expeditions to some of the world’s most remote marine environments, from the Antarctic to isolated tropical islands. These experiences now inform my teaching, helping me to inspire and engage students at Exeter. I am also a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and the Higher Education Academy.

Outside of academia, I am often drawn to the mountains or the sea, always in search of the next adventure.

I regularly collaborate with individuals, businesses, NGOs, and schools as a scientific consultant, and I welcome enquiries for potential projects and partnerships. If you are interested in collaborating for an event, are keen to work with me as a consultant or just have some great expedition ideas you’d like to share then you can contact me here.

Please follow me on Instagram @marinebiologylife to keep up to date with my latest research and expeditions.

Observing wildlife is a key passion for Daniel, such as these Rough-Toothed Dolphins spotted on a research expedition in the mid-Atlantic.

Daniel has worked as Chief Scientist of an expedition ship, managing scientific work in Antarctica.

Humpback whales can be identified as individuals using tail markings, a feature of Daniel’s research.

Marine Biology can take you to some interesting and beautiful locations. This is St. Kilda, a remote archipelago of the UK.

Daniel has spent significant time at sea, exploring some wild and remote locations.

Daniel participated in the Antarctic Circumpolar Expedition (ACE).

First inspired to study the sea by palaeobiology this remains one of Daniel’s interests to date. This fossilized tooth comes from Carcharocles megalodon and remains in Daniel’s personal collection.

Daniel is a passionate believer in the sustainable use of the sea by all. Finding opportunities for industry, recreation and conservation to work in harmony is a key part of his ethos.

Placing a temperature logger into the nest of a Green Turtle. Daniel has worked with a great variety of marine animals.

Daniel has worked with deep sea sharks extensively such as this specimen collected in the North Atlantic.

It is Daniel’s firm belief that to understand the ocean, you must experience it first-hand – something he endeavours to do regularly.

Visiting the deep sea is an incredible experience, and one which Daniel is lucky enough to have done several times.