PhD Studentship: Predicting the roles of anadromy and freshwater carry-over effects in the sustainability of threatened brown trout Salmo trutta populations

Lead Supervisor name: Professor Robert Britton

Project description

Our ability to live sustainably with the natural world is dependent on how we derive societal benefits from freshwater ecosystems, including the provision of fresh water, food and energy. Currently, our derivation of these benefits is increasingly recognised as unsustainable; provision of freshwater for drinking and industry results in drying rivers; food supplies either over-exploit wild fish stocks leading to collapse or rely on aquaculture activities that pollute surrounding waters; and energy production transforms aquatic environments through loss of river connectivity. These activities are driving major and unsustainable declines in freshwater biodiversity, with population reductions of over 80% since the 1970s.

These freshwater biodiversity declines are most apparent in species with complex lifecycles, especially diadromous fishes (lifecycles involving movements between freshwater and marine environments), with all 16 European mid- and long-distance migratory fishes suffering substantial population declines in recent decades (by up to 93%). Returning populations of these species back to sustainable levels is thus a high conservation priority globally. Achieving this priority action is, however, highly challenging, as our current understandings of these population declines have major knowledge gaps that arise from the difficulty and complexity of collecting and analysing long-term data across spatially discrete habitats and multiple life-stages. However, developments in fish telemetry technologies now enable the tracking of migrations of individual fishes across key lifetime events.

What does the funded studentship include?

A fully-funded Studentship includes a maintenance grant of £18,622 per year to contribute towards living expenses during the course of your research, as well as a fee waiver for 36 months. Associated costs, such as for fieldwork and conference attendance, will also be met under the Studentship.

Eligibility criteria

The BU PhD and MRes Studentships are open to UK, EU and International students. Candidates for a PhD Studentship should demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD in 4 years and must demonstrate:

• Outstanding academic potential as measured normally by either a 1st class honours degree (or equivalent Grade Point Average (GPA) or a Master’s degree with distinction or equivalent
• An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (with a minimum 6.0 in each component, or equivalent) for candidates for whom English is not their first language and this must be evidenced at point of application.

Additional Eligibility:

In addition to satisfying minimum entry criteria, BU will look closely at the qualities, skills and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project in order to ensure successful completion.

Applicants will be asked to submit an online application form and a proposal (approximately 1500 words) outlining their understanding of the project for which they are applying, the approach they would envisage taking and what qualities they will bring to the research community.

Closing date: The closing date for applications is 24 May 2024

For further information on how to apply click the ‘Apply’ button below or email pgradmissions@bournemouth.ac.uk

Apply now, by clicking the 'Apply' button, above.

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