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| Cornish line caught tagged bass. |
Are you up for a real challenge? - Here's a superb opportunity for really getting to grips with helping shape the future for bass fishermen in the south west!
Project Description
This study aims to provide policy-relevant information on the distribution and ecology of bass within the Devon and Severn Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities’ district (DS IFCA). Additionally, by working with commercial and recreational fishing sectors to map fishing pressure in the district, the effectiveness of existing and future management strategies will be identified. Based at Plymouth University, this PhD will provide a unique opportunity to work with statutory fisheries managers and collect data that will allow DS IFCA to make evidence based decisions to help manage a sustainable bass fishery.
Eligibility
Applicants should have a minimum of a first class or upper second class bachelor degree. Applications from candidates with a relevant masters qualification will be welcomed. The candidate will gain experience in boat and shore based field work; estuarine and marine fish identification and morphometrics, fish tagging, remote video and laboratory skills.
Funding
The studentship is supported for 3.5 years and includes full Home/EU tuition fees plus a stipend of £14,057 per annum. The studentship will only fully fund applicants who are eligible for Home/EU fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants normally required to cover overseas fees will have to cover the difference between the Home/EU and overseas tuition fee rates (approximately £10,800 per annum).
Project Description
The European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) fishery is valuable for the commercial and recreational sectors. As a result of increasing fishing pressure and changing environmental conditions for a fishery at its most northerly range, bass populations in UK waters are experiencing notable fluctuations. In the early 1990s bass nursery areas were designated to protect juvenile bass in estuaries and in 2015 new restrictions on commercial and recreational fisheries were introduced in response to a call from ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea) for an 80 per cent cut in the fishing mortality of bass.
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| Cornish bass fishermen will be interested in the results of this project. |
This study aims to provide policy-relevant information on the distribution and ecology of bass within the Devon and Severn Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities’ district (DS IFCA). Additionally, by working with commercial and recreational fishing sectors to map fishing pressure in the district, the effectiveness of existing and future management strategies will be identified. Based at Plymouth University, this PhD will provide a unique opportunity to work with statutory fisheries managers and collect data that will allow DS IFCA to make evidence based decisions to help manage a sustainable bass fishery.
Eligibility
Applicants should have a minimum of a first class or upper second class bachelor degree. Applications from candidates with a relevant masters qualification will be welcomed. The candidate will gain experience in boat and shore based field work; estuarine and marine fish identification and morphometrics, fish tagging, remote video and laboratory skills.
Funding
The studentship is supported for 3.5 years and includes full Home/EU tuition fees plus a stipend of £14,057 per annum. The studentship will only fully fund applicants who are eligible for Home/EU fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants normally required to cover overseas fees will have to cover the difference between the Home/EU and overseas tuition fee rates (approximately £10,800 per annum).
If you wish to discuss this project further, please contact Dr Emma Sheehan. Applications must be made according to the details below.
General information about applying for a research degree at Plymouth University.
You can apply via the online application form, click ‘Apply’.
Mark applications FAO Francesca Niedzielski and clearly state that you are applying for a PhD studentship in Marine Science and Engineering.
For more information on the admissions process contact Francesca Niedzielski.
Closing date for applications: 12 noon, 22 November 2015.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview in December. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications. Applicants who have not received an offer of a place by 15 December 2015 should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/your-studies/the-graduate-school/postgraduate-research-studentships/european-sea-bass