PhD Studentship: Developing viable solutions to reduce ghost fishing and plastic pollution through innovation in fisheries

Lead Supervisor (DoS): Dr Sarah Gall

Second Supervisor: Professor Sian Rees

Third Supervisor: Professor Emma Sheehan

Fourth Supervisor: Professor Richard Thompson

Fifth Supervisor: Simon Pengelly

Advisors: Dr Aisling Lannin & Dr Rob Cook

Applications are invited for three 3.5 year PhD studentships with the Marine Institute at the University of Plymouth.

The studentships are due to start on 1^st October 2026.

Plymouth has been at the forefront of global marine research for more than a century, and today it is home to the largest concentration of marine researchers in the UK. Come and join our vibrant community of marine PhD students.

Project Description

The research generated by this exciting transdisciplinary PhD will be at the cutting edge of work to address plastic pollution and sustainable fisheries, with direct policy relevance.

Plastics are a key contributor to the Triple Planetary Crisis, and there is scientific consensus that taking steps to reduce plastic production and its accumulation in the ocean are essential to protecting planetary health and a safe and sustainable future. The fishing industry is a key contributor to plastic pollution, with fishing gear posing a risk from ghost fishing and from degradation of polymer materials generating microplastics, which accumulate in the environment. Despite prevention of biodiversity loss and reduction of plastic pollution being priority areas for Sustainable Development Goals, the risks from plastics in fisheries have been largely overlooked.

The PhD is supported by a partnership between academia, fishers and marine managers. Its results are intended to fill evidence gaps and will mark a fundamental step towards informing development of a viable solution to reducing plastic pollution in fisheries. Through field, lab, and modelling studies and close working with stakeholders, the student will:

1. Review global use of natural materials (historic and current) in marine applications and identify focus gear types;
2. Test durability and suitability of natural materials;
3. Work with fishers to develop and test gear which meets fisheries requirements whilst reducing risk from plastic pollution and ghost fishing;
4. Use socio-ecological modelling to evaluate ecological and economic outcomes of a transition away from plastics at a variety of scales within the industry;
5. Identify regulatory pathways and develop recommendations for effecting positive change.

The student will join the Marine Conservation Research Group and have access to state-of-the-art facilities, technical support and training in lab, field and analysis techniques. Partnerships with Defra, the MMO and AIFCA and close working with expert stakeholders including fishers will ensure maximum impact.

Eligibility

Applicants should have a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject or a relevant Masters qualification. Applications are encouraged from students with a degree in marine or environmental sciences and particularly encouraged from those with knowledge of fisheries management and a passion to make a positive impact on fisheries sustainability.

The studentships are supported for 3.5 years and include full Home or International tuition fees plus a stipend at the 2026/27 UKRI rate (to be confirmed; compare the 2025/26 UKRI rate of £20,780 per annum).

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Sarah Gall.

Please click on the Apply button, above, above for further information and to apply.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 2^nd February 2026.

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