His main research interest is in the environmental regulation of growth, physiology and maturation in commercially farmed fish stocks, with special interest in salmonids. Specific fields of interest include delaying early puberty in fish, light perception, the use of novel lighting systems in commercial aquaculture, hormonal variations under altered environmental conditions, and endocrine signalling between the somatotropic and reproductive axis. He has been a research fellow on several projects including NERC ROPA Award (GR3/R9827): Interactions of photoperiod with growth and reproduction in rainbow trout; IDEMA Aqua and Marine Harvest Ltd Industry project: The effects of new LED lighting on performance and stress in Atlantic salmon post-smolts; EU 6th Framework (EU Capacity) CODTECH: Light Technology for Photoperiod Regulation in Cod Mariculture. His research network includes numerous international collaborations with RTD partners and key industry partners within the aquaculture industry. John is currently developing his research to focus on exploring the use of sterile (triploid) fish in the Atlantic salmon industry as a means to help negate the impact of escapees on wild populations and improve harvest quality. This research also focuses on improving production performance by examining the interactions between family selection and ploidy. The current research forms part of the transnational EU Capacity project: SALMOTRIP: Feasibility study of triploid salmon production co-ordinated by Dr H Migaud.In addition to his research, John lectures on salmonid broodstock management and current industry practice as part of the Institute MSc Aquaculture/Aquatic Pathobiology/Aquatic Veterinary courses AQUPF4 and AQUPF6. He has also supervised several PhD, MSc and BSc research students within the group.