PhD Studentship: The ecological value of offshore mussel farming for conservation and fisheries

Project Title: The ecological value of offshore mussel farming for conservation and fisheries

DoS Dr Emma Sheehan (emma.sheehan@plymouth.ac.uk, tel.: +44 1752 584699)

2^nd Supervisor Dr Clare Embling (clare.embling@plymouth.ac.uk)

3^rd Supervisor Dr Thomas Stamp (thomas.stamp@plymouth.ac.uk)

Advisor Professor Martin Attrill (M.Attrill@plymouth.ac.uk)

Applications are invited for a four-years PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 01 April 2023.

Project Description

Globally, the development of offshore aquaculture has the potential to provide the most sustainable source of protein to feed our growing population. In 2013, the University of Plymouth commenced a robust annual monitoring study of the UK’s 1^st large scale offshore mussel farm in Lyme Bay, south west UK. To date, the study has been valuable in demonstrating the interactions of the farm with the surrounding ecosystem, showing the potential to increase habitat value for the benthos and mobile commercially valuable species.  This project will build on the annual monitoring with a particular focus on using underwater video and acoustics (e.g. acoustic telemetry and echosounders) to compare conservation and fisheries measures between the farm and neighbouring Marine Protected Area. The student will also need to design a method and implement regular rope biodiversity surveys working with the mussel farmers.

The PhD student will be expected to undertake fieldwork using a range of fishing vessels and sometimes in challenging conditions. Therefore, experience of working at sea is essential. Annual monitoring surveys will adopt methods already developed at the farm including ROV, towed, baited, and midwater video and grabs. Potential topics for investigation will include:  

• Effects of the mussel farm on fisheries biomass and spillover potential (acoustic telemetry)
• Functional change of benthic and commercially targeted species
• Diversity of rope biodiversity and associated Fish Aggregation Device effects.

Eligibility

Applicants should be highly motivated, have strong personal and communication skills and have a relevant undergraduate degree at 2:1 or above, and ideally an appropriate MSc or MRes qualification. A marine biology and at sea fieldwork background is essential. Candidates are expected to be able to demonstrate an existing awareness of data processing and statistical analysis techniques.  Or, if their previous studies have been in a different area, evidence of the ability and willingness to learn aspects of a new scientific discipline as required. Previous experience in the identification of British Flora and Fauna and GIS analysis would be beneficial. Candidates must also hold a UK driving licence.

For Funding information, please visit here.

To apply for this position please visit here.

Please clearly state the name of the studentship that you are applying for on the top of your personal statement.

Please see here for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application.

If you wish to ask any questions about this PhD informally, please contact Dr Emma Sheehan, emma.sheehan@plymouth.ac.uk

For more information on the admissions process generally, please contact research.degree.admissions@plymouth.ac.uk

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 27th February 2023. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview in March.   We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications.  Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Advert information