PhD Studentship - Harnessing the Appetite of Sea Cucumbers as Detritivores to Clean up Aquaculture Practices

Existing aquaculture practices in open and semi-open pens generate large amounts of excess organic waste (uneaten feed and faeces), which when it accumulates can significantly degrade coastal sediments having a major impact on ecosystem processes. This contrasts with intensive closed aquaculture systems where advanced filtration systems are used to prevent waste entering surrounding environments. Detritivorous sea cucumbers could provide a viable natural solution to process excess organic material.

In this PhD project, the role of sea cucumbers will be assessed for their efficacy to consume excess organic matter from open and semi-open sea pens. The project will involve working closely with collaborative project partners at the Sharjah Marine Science Research Centre (SMSRC) in the United Arab Emirates and Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka to establish nature-based solutions to support sustainable aquaculture practices. Controlled and field trials will quantify Holothuria scabra's waste-processing thresholds, guiding transferable, sediment-safe aquaculture across tropical coasts.

The Doctoral Researcher will be supported by an interdisciplinary supervisory team to co-design a project that explores invertebrate physiology, feeding practices, and sediment biogeochemistry.  The student will be trained in a wide range of interdisciplinary skills via supervisory support at Exeter and Bristol including experimental design, data analysis and scientific writing, with partners at SMSRC contributing expertise in analytical approaches.

The Doctoral Researcher will have flexibility to develop physiological, biogeochemical, ecological and molecular approaches, exploring sea cucumbers' capacity to restore sediment function and their wider ecosystem contribution. Embedded within local teams at SMSRC and Jaffna, the student will have opportunities to provide new insights into the ecological role of sea cucumbers and integrate these directly into aquaculture practice. Outcomes will advance our understanding of the functional role of detritivores and support in the development of solutions to tackle the growing impacts of open pen aquaculture on coastal environments.

Funding

For eligible students the studentship will cover home tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend.

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