Carla Ewart


        Head and shoulder photo of Carla Ewart

MRes researcher

I am a marine scientist with a background in plastic pollution, with research focused on how microplastics are transported by circulation patterns and weather systems, and their effects on marine species and the environment.  

My MRes research focuses on the flapper skate, a critically endangered species with very limited scientific research. By investigating microplastic contamination within flapper skate egg cases and understanding the effects microplastics have on embryonic development, my research will address important knowledge gaps and contribute to conservation efforts for this vulnerable species. 

While studying at SAMS, I also volunteered with NatureScot, assisting with flapper skate tagging and identification on the West coast of Scotland. By combining this experience with my background in plastic research, I aim to improve the understanding of how plastic pollution impacts flapper skates and contribute to the conservation of this endangered species. 

Contact details:
  • Carla.Ewart@sams.ac.uk
  • +44 (0)01631 559000


  • Linkedin

Microplastic contamination in Flapper Skate egg cases and understanding its effects on embryonic development.  

This project will focus on optimising the automated analysis of marine images to provide environmental regulators with non-destructive methods to map changes in the distribution of sensitive marine species at existing and proposed fishery sites.  It will also integrate machine-based image analysis into the sustainable development of Scottish aquaculture.

 

Supervisors: 

Steven Benjamins, SAMS 

Bhavani Narayanaswamy, SAMS  

Helena Reinardy, SAMS 

 

Start date:

02 Feb 2026

 

Employment history

Oct 2025 - Dec 2025  Research Assistant. St Andrews University and the Scottish Ocean Institute

April 2024 - Dec 2025  Marine Research Technician. St Andrews University and the Scottish Ocean Institute

May 2023 - Aug 2023  Research Intern. Scottish Association of Marine Science  

 

Qualifications

2023 BSc Marine Science. Scottish Association of Marine Science