Prof David John

Prof David John

Scientific Associate

Department: Life Sciences
Division: LS Diversity and Informatics Division
Specialisms: Algae, Algal taxonomy, Marine ecology, Algal biogeography, Tropical seaweeds, Freshwater algae, Freshwater green algae, Algal conservation, Teaching
    Phones:
  • work: 2079425978 null

Summary

My research interests centre around the taxonomy, ecology and biogeography of tropical marine algae and freshwater algae. I have been the leader and co-leader of five major research projects: ‘The British Freshwater Algal Flora Project’, ‘Marine Biodiversity Capacity Building Project in the West African Sub-Region’ (Darwin Initiative Funded), Marine ecological surveys of Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, UAE (Oil Company-funded), marine surveys of Patagonia region of Chile (Darwin Initiative/ EU-funded) and new surveys of freshwater algae of Clare Island, Co. Mayo, Ireland. Authored and edited books, revisions and produced several catalogues as well as having described 18 new species (one new genus) and made many new combinations. Carried out freshwater and marine consultancy work in the British Isles, Peninsula Malaysia, Sarawak, Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf that has included ecological surveys of seagrasses and mangroves as well as algae. For 12 years was the editor-in-chief of the Systematics Association’s Special Volume series. I have written many book chapters and co-edited/written several books, most notably of which are The Freshwater Algal Flora of the British Isles (2nd edition 2011, reprinted 2022), A Practical Guide to the Desmids of the West of Ireland (2009), The Marine Macroalgae of the Tropical West Africa Sub-region (2003), Plant-animal Interactions in the Marine Benthos (1992) and The Inland Waters of Tropical West Africa (1986). I have been a member and chaired several committees, including the Conservation Committee of the British Phycological Society (1992-1998) and presently a member of its Biodiversity and Conservation Committee. Experienced diver with Part IV SCUBA-diver certification under HSE regulations (now retired). In 2023 published chapters on the ecology and taxonomy of the seaweeds of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the emirate of Fujairah and working towards publishing in 2024 a book entitled 'The Seaweeds of the United Arab Emirates A Guide to the Study and Identification of Marine Algae' that covers those emirates bordering the southern basin of the Arabian Gulf. Since 1992 has been running until 2020 freshwater algal identification courses at Durham University and from 2022 similar courses for the Freshwater Biological Association at the University of Cumbria, Ambleside, Cumbria.

Qualifications

Degrees

  • PhD, Durham University, England, 1965 - 1968
  • DSc, Durham University, England
  • BSc (hons Botany) 1st, Durham University, England, 1961 - 1965

Academic

  • Marie Curie Fellow, National University of Ireland, Galway, Martin Ryan Institute, Ireland, 2005 - 2007
  • Freshwater and Marine Algal Consultant, The Natural History Musum, Department of Botany, England, 2003 - 2004
  • Scientific Associate, The Natural History Museum, Life Sciences, England, 2002 - ongoing
  • Phycological Researcher, The Natural History Museum, Department of Botany, England, 1998 - 2002
  • Head of Environmental Quality Research Theme, The Natural History Museum, Department of Botany, England, 1995 - 1998
  • Head of Algae Division, The Natural History Museum, Department of Botany, England, 1989 - 1995
  • Head of Freshwater Algae Division, The Natural History Museum, Botany, England, 1980 - 1989
  • Senior Lecturer in Botany, University of Ghana. Legon, Botany, Ghana, 1974 - 1980
  • Lecturer in Botany, University of Ghana, Legon, Botany, Ghana, 1968 - 1974

Highlighted publications

  • Burt J, Al-Mansoori N, Bejarano I, Brown G, Campbell O, John DM, Els J, Feulner G, Friis=Montoya G, Henderson A, Howarth B, Judas J, Mateos-Molina D, Mitchell M, Natoli A, Paparella F (2023) The Emirates at 2050: Balancing Development and Environmental Stewardship. The Natural History of the Emirates. Burt J (Eds). Springer Nature : Switzerland. 735 - 748. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-37397-8
  • John DM (2023) Seaweeds and microscopic algae. The Natural History of Fujairah. Hellyer P, Ziolkowski M, Buzas B (Eds). Fujairah Environment Authority : Fujairah. 300 - 323. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-37397-8
  • John DM (2023) The Seaweeds of the Emirates. A Natural History of the Emirates. Burt J (Eds). Springer Nature : Switzweland. 95 - 117. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-37397-8_10
  • John DM, Guiry MD, Wilbraham J, Krokowski J (2022) The 2011 edition of “The Freshwater Algal Flora of the British Isles”: additions, corrections, nomenclatural and taxonomic changes. Applied Phycology 3, 36 - 71. doi: 10.1080/26388081.2022.2031295
  • John DM (2017) Career of a globe trotting phycologist.. The Phycologist 92, 42 - 45.
  • John DM, Al-Thani RF (2014) Benthic marine algae of the Arabian Gulf: a critical review and analysis of distribution and diversity patterns. Nova Hedwigia 98, 341 - 392. doi: 10.1127/0029-5035/2014/0156
  • John DM (2011) The Freshwater Algal Flora of the British Isles. John DM, Whitton BA, Brook AJ (Eds). Cambridge University Press : Cambridge. 1 - 878.
  • John DM, Williamson DB (2009) A Practical Guide to the Desmids of the West of Ireland. 1 - 196.
  • John DM (2007) Green Seaweeds of Britain and Ireland. Brodie J, Maggs CA, John DM (Eds). The British Phycological Society null - null.
  • John DM, Lawson GW, Price JH, Prud'homme van Reine WF, Kostermans TB (2004) A Taxonomic and Geographical Catalogue of the Seaweeds of the Western Coast of Africa and Adjacent Islands. 127, E. Schwizerbart'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung : Stuttgart. null - null.
  • John DM, George JD (2004) The Coral Reefs of Abu Dhabi, UAE: Past, Present and Future. Marine Atlas of Abu Dhabi. Emirates Heritage Club : Abu Dhabi. 140 - 157.
  • John DM, Paterson GLJ, Evans NJ, Ramirez ME, Spencer Jones ME, Baez PD, Ferrero TJ, Valentine CA, Reid DG (2003) A Manual of Marine Biotopes of Region Aysen, Southern Chile The Laguna San Rafael National Park, Estero Elefantes, Chonos Archipelago and Katalalixar.. Biodiversity Aysen Project, Department of Zoology, Natural History Museum, London. : London.
  • John DM, Lawson GW, Ameka GL (2003) The Marine Macroalgae of the Tropical West Africa Sub-region. 125, E. Schwizerbart'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung : Stuttgart. null - null.
  • John DM (2002) Macroalgae associated with Sabkha. Sabkha Ecosystems. I: The Arabian Peninsula and Adjacent Countries. Bath H-J, Boer B (Eds). Kluwer Academic Publishers. : Dordrecht. 239 - 245.
  • John DM, George JD (2001) The Marine Life of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.. Final Report for the Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations. The Natural History Museum : London. null - null.

Accept cookies?

We use cookies to give you the best online experience. We use them to improve our website and content, and to tailor our digital advertising on third-party platforms. You can change your preferences at any time.

Manage my preferences