Project details
Migration aims to maximize the fitness of species in seasonal environments, especially where temporal changes in habitat quality are predictable. It exists in a trade-off with its costs, encompassing time, energy and mortality. Anthropogenic modifications to the environment (land-use change towards food production, modified rivers to increase hydropower generation) have resulted in many previously connected seasonal environments becoming disconnected, and with the seasonal predictability of the optimal conditions for reproduction becoming increasingly asynchronous with conditions in non-breeding areas. The net result is the costs of migration increase as the sexually mature adults are either unable to migrate easily to their breeding places and/ or the conditions they experience on arrival are sub-optimal for reproduction and/ or subsequent juvenile survival and recruitment.
The aim of this PhD is to work on appropriate critically-endangered model migratory species that face substantial challenges in the ability of their adults to emigrate from non-breeding to breeding areas. Using the European eel (emigrating silver eels) as the model species, the objectives (O) are to: O1. Apply biotelemetry methods to quantify the emigration phenology and ecology of eels emigrating from freshwaters and assess how environmental transformation impacts emigration costs; O2. Track the movements of these tagged migrating individuals using acoustic biotelemetry across their different environments to quantify migration routes, speed and timing; O3. Use data from O1 and O2 to identify how conservation by assisted migration could improve the ability of these individuals to migrate and reduce the migration costs.
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The closing date for applications is 17 April 2023.
Supervisors
Robert is an aquatic ecologist who specialises in fish ecology. His research interests cover the impacts on aquatic fauna of anthropogenic stressors, including invasive alien species (including parasites), habitat loss and climate change. Robert works on issues ranging from the ecological consequences of biological invasions through to the predicting the impacts of climate change on fish life history traits. He generally applies empirical approaches, including stable isotope analysis and aquatic telemetry and population genetics.
Outputs of his work have included the development of risk management schemes for invasive species, analysis and evaluation of invasive fish eradication programmes and increased understandings of invasion patterns and processes. Robert works on a range of natural systems (e.g. River Severn, Norfolk Broads, River Frome) and experimental systems using more controlled conditions.
Subjects of recent publications include predicting the impact of climate change on the growth and distribution of cyprinid fishes, the use of biocontrol to manage invasive fish populations and how invasive fish and parasites affect food web structure. Robert is an associate editor for the Journal of Applied Ecology and Biological Invasions.
Funding
A fully-funded Studentship includes a maintenance grant of £17,668 per year to contribute towards living expenses during the course of your research, as well as a fee waiver for 36 month.
Associated costs, such as for fieldwork and conference attendance, will also be met under the Studentship.
Academic support
The Research Development Programme, developed by the Doctoral College in line with the Researcher Development Framework (Vitae).
An added benefit is the opportunity to meet researchers from other academic schools at BU through the activities of the Doctoral College and benefit from their experiences, skills, and perspectives.
Full entry requirements
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.
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.
Please note:
- current BU Doctoral students are not eligible to apply for a Studentship
- current MRes/MPhil students can apply, subject to satisfactory completion of their Research Degree prior to being able to take up the award
- PhD Studentships cannot be used to support BU staff to complete doctoral programmes.
Additional eligibility criteria:
Candidates are expected to have some relevant field based experience and knowledge of the application of acoustic telemetry to assessing animal migrations.
International entry requirements
If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence that you can understand English to a satisfactory level. English language requirements for this course are normally:
IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 (with a minimum 6.0 in each component) or equivalent.
View further information about our English language requirements.
A number of pre-sessional English and preparatory programmes are offered through our partner institution, Bournemouth University International College, and will get you ready for study at BU at the appropriate level.
You can also find further details of the international qualifications we accept, and what level of study they apply to, on our postgraduate entry requirements page.
How to apply
Click the green ‘Apply now’ button at the top of the page and complete the online application form. You can find further guidance about applying for a postgraduate research degree in our Postgraduate Research section.
The closing date for applications 17 April 2023.
Careers
A research degree can open new career opportunities in commercial research and development, consultancy, or could lead you to starting your own business. You may alternatively consider a career in academia. You may wish to undertake research to contribute to your knowledge of a specialist subject, or develop your employability by enhancing your skills in project management and analysis.
