MPhil Studentship in Aquatic Biology: Assessment of production grow out strategies for commercial development of European Perch (Perca fluviatilis)

Background: -

European Perch (Perca fluviatilis) has become an important candidate species for the future diversification of the European aquaculture industry. Buoyed by strong market demand the interest in cultivating European perch has resulted in the establishment of a number of farms in recent years. Although most commercial development and experience to date across Europe has been in recirculating aquaculture Systems (RAS) existing trout farms with flow through systems may be suitable for the culture of perch. Commercial grow out strategies have not yet been developed in Ireland and there is interest from the existing trout sector in farming European perch.

General objectives: -

To develop and test growout monitoring tools for producers. This will involve recording and modelling food input, growth, sex ratios and environmental variables (such as temperature) over the early period of growout.

Supervision: -

The project will be supervised by Professor Paulo Prodöhl of Queen's University School of Biological Sciences and Damien Toner of the Irish Fisheries Board.

Start date: -

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed shortly after the closing date of 26 July 2013. Successful candidates will be expected to start as soon as possible.

Essential requirements: -

2.1 degree in a relevant biological discipline, clean driving licence and access to a car.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide documentary evidence when applying that they can meet the required standard of English (TOEFL 87 with minimum scores of 22 in reading; 21 in listening; 23 in speaking and 21 in writing).

Desirable skills/experience: -

Practical experience in fisheries or aquaculture.