Academic Qualifications
1984:- Ph.D. University of Cape Town.
1977:- B.Sc. (Hons) Zoology: University of Cape Town.
 
Career Synopsis
2007 – present:- Managing director of Marine Ecological Surveys Limited.
1990 – 2007:- Director, Marine Ecological Surveys Limited.
1984 – 1989:- Research Fellow, University of Cape Town.

Dr. Seiderer’s work at The University of Cape Town included studies on kelp beds and their interactions with key consumer species including bivalves, ascidians, lobsters and fish. The study of marine bacterial trophic interactions was initiated at the University of Cape Town and Muffy set up and ran the marine microbiological unit within the Zoology Department in order to capitalise on this new field of research. She has a distinguished series of over 30 research papers, including many on marine microbiology. Subsequent research has centred on analysis of the impact of industrial wastes discharges, sand & gravel extraction and other activities on seabed resources. She was appointed a Director of Marine Ecological Surveys Limited in 1990 and has actively participated in senior advisory work since then. She has contributed to many publications on environmental impact studies as well as technical reports to clients on ecological surveillance worldwide.

Consultant Experience

Muffy has been project leader responsible for surveys in Southern Africa, the Asia Pacific region, and UK waters, and specialises in analysis of marine community structure, especially in relation to the impact of trade wastes and spoils deposition on biological resources in coastal waters. Her knowledge and expertise in benthic survey technique and design has recently been incorporated into the draft guidelines for carrying out marine surveys. These are currently being prepared by Cefas. She is an experienced SCUBA diver & underwater photographer with scientific diving experience in Canada and the Benguela Upwelling System and has wide experience in coastal resource protection in relation to infrastructure developments. She has participated in research cruises on oceanographic research vessels in the Antarctic, carrying out surveys off Bouvet Island, Ob and Lena Seamounts, and off Marion Island. She has carried out comprehensive surveys of coastal resources in Malaysia and the Caribbean.

Muffy has recently diversified into the preparation and production of fully interactive multi-disciplinary electronic reports. She leads the consultation unit within MESL dealing with all aspects of stakeholder participation.

Selected Publications

PEARCE, B. TAYLOR, J. & SEIDERER, L.J. 2007. Recoverability of Sabellaria spinulosa Following Aggregate Extraction. Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund MAL0027. Marine Ecological Surveys Limited, 24a Monmouth Place, BATH, BA1 2AY. 87pp.  ISBN 978-0-9506920-1-2

ROBINSON, J.E., NEWELL, R.C., SEIDERER, L.J., & SIMPSON, N.M. 2005. Impacts of aggregate dredging on sediment composition and associated benthic fauna at an offshore dredge site in the southern North Sea. Marine Environmental Research. 60: 51-68.

NEWELL, R.C., SEIDERER, L.J., ROBINSON, J.E., SIMPSON, N.M., PEARCE, B. & REEDS, K.A. 2004. Impacts of overboard screening on seabed and associated benthic biological community structure in relation to marine aggregate extraction. Technical Report to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) and Minerals Industry Research Organisation (MIRO). Project No SAMP.1.022. Marine Ecological Surveys Limited, St.Ives. Cornwall. Pp. 152.

NEWELL, R.C., SEIDERER, L.J., SIMPSON, N.M., & ROBINSON , J.E. 2004.  Impacts of Marine Aggregate Dredging on Benthic Macrofauna off the South Coast of the United Kingdom.  Journal of Coastal Research. 19: 217-227.

NEWELL, R.C., SEIDERER, L.J., SIMPSON, N.M & ROBINSON, J.E. 2002. Impact of marine aggregate dredging and overboard screening on benthic biological resources in the central North Sea: Production Licence Area 408, Coalpit. Marine Ecological Surveys Ltd. Technical Report No ERI/402 to the British Marine Aggregate Producers Association (BMAPA). 72 pp. (CD-Rom version 116 pp).

HITCHCOCK, DR., NEWELL, R.C. & SEIDERER, L.J. 2002. Integrated report on the impact of marine aggregate dredging on physical and biological resources of the sea bed. US Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, INTERMAR, Washington DC. (Contract No 14-35-01-CT-30980).

NEWELL, R.C., SEIDERER, L.J., & ROBINSON, J.E. 2001. Animal: sediment relationships in coastal deposits of the Eastern English Channel. J. Mar. Biol. Ass. UK.  81:1-9.

NEWELL, R.C., HITCHCOCK, D.R., & SEIDERER, L.J. 1999. Organic enrichment association with outwash from marine aggregates dredging: A probable explanation for surface sheens and enhanced benthic production in the vicinity of dredging operations.  Mar. Poll. Bull. 38(9): 809-818.

SEIDERER, L.J & NEWELL, R.C. 1999. Analysis of the relationship between sediment composition and benthic community structure in coastal deposits: Implications for marine aggregate dredging.  International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, Journal of Marine Science. 56: 757-765.

NEWELL, R.C., SEIDERER, L.J. & HITCHCOCK, D.R. 1998. The impact of dredging works in coastal waters: a review of the sensitivity to disturbance and subsequent recovery of biological resources on the seabed.  Oceanogr. Mar. Biol. Ann. Rev. 36:127-178.

HITCHCOCK, D.R., NEWELL, R.C., & SEIDERER, L.J., 1998. “Investigation of benthic and surface plumes associated with marine aggregate mining in the United Kingdom - final report”. Contract Report for the U.S.Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service. Contract Number 14-35-0001-30763. Coastline Surveys Ltd

JACKSON, S., PLACE, A.R. & SEIDERER, L.J. 1992. Chitin digestion and assimilation by seabirds. The Auk 109(4): 758-770.

HARRIS, J.M., SEIDERER, L.J. & LUCAS, M.I. 1991. Gut microflora of two saltmarsh detritivore Thalassinid Prawns, Upogebia africana and Callianassa kraussi. Microbial Ecology 21: 277-296.

NEWELL, R.C., MAUGHAN. D.W., TRETT, M.W., NEWELL, P.F. & SEIDERER, L.J. 1991. Modification of benthic community structure in response to acid-iron wastes discharge. Mar. Pollut, Bull. 22, 112-118.

NEWELL, R.C., MAUGHAN, D.W., SEIDERER, L.J., TRETT, M.W. & NICHOLSON, C.G. 1991. Assessing the impact of liquid wastes discharge in the sea. A case study off Amanzimtoti, near Durban, Natal, South Africa. S. Afr. J. Mar. Sci. 10, 383-396

SEIDERER, L.J. & NEWELL, R.C. 1988. Exploitation of phytoplankton as a food resource by the kelp bed ascidian, Pyura stolonifera. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 50, 107-115.

SEIDERER, L.J., NEWELL, R.C., DAVIS, C.L. & ROBB. F.T. 1987. Digestive enzymes of the anchovy, Engraulis capensis, in relation to diet. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 35, 15-23.

LUCAS, M.I., NEWELL, R.C., SHUMWAY, S.E., SEIDERER, L.J. & BALLY, R. 1987. Particle clearance and yield in relation to bacterio-plankton and suspended particle availability in estuarine and open coast populations of the mussel, Mytilus edulis. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser., 36, 215-224.

SEIDERER, L.J., NEWELL, R.C., SCHULTES, K., ROBB, F. & TURLEY, C.M. 1987. Novel  bacteriolytic activity associated with the style microflora of the mussel Mytilus edulis (l).
J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 110, 213-224.

MUIR, D.G., SEIDERER, L.J., DAVIS, C.L., PAINTING, S.J. & ROBB, F.T. 1986. Filtration, lysis and absorption of bacteria by mussels Choromytilus meridionalis collected under upwelling and downwelling conditions. South African Journal of Marine Science, 4: 169-179.

SEIDERER, L.J. & NEWELL, R.C. 1985. Relative significance of phytoplankton, bacteria and plant detritus as carbon and nitrogen resources for the kelp-bed filter feeder, Choromytilus meridionalis. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 22, 127-139.

SEIDERER, L.J., DAVIS, C.L., ROBB, F.T. & NEWELL, R.C. 1984. Utilisation of bacteria as a nitrogen resource by the kelp bed mussel, Choromytilus meridionalis Krauss. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 15, 104-116.

SEIDERER, L.J., HAHN, B.D. & LAWRENCE, L. 1982. Rock-lobsters, mussels and man: A mathematical model. Ecological Modelling 17, 225-241.

SEIDERER, L.J., NEWELL, R.C. & COOK, P.A. 1982.  Quantitative significance of style enzymes from two marine mussels (Choromytilus meridionalis Krauss and Perna perna Linnaeus) in relation to diet. Mar. Biol. Letters 3, 257-271.

GRIFFITHS, C.L. & SEIDERER, L.J. 1980. Rock-lobsters and mussels – limitations and preferences in a predator-prey interaction. J.exp.mar.Biol.Ecol., 44: 95-109.

NEWELL, R.C., LUCAS, M.I., VELIMIROV, B. & SEIDERER, L.J. 1980. Quantitative significance of dissolved organic losses following fragmentation of kelp (Ecklonia maxima and Laminaria pallida).  Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 2, 45-59.

SEIDERER, L.J. & NEWELL, R.C. 1979.  Adjustment of the activity of α-amylase extracted from the style of the black mussel Choromytilus meridionalis (Krauss) in response to thermal acclimation. J. exp. mar. Biol. Ecol. 39, 79-86.