Determining the Ecology and Physics of Tidal-Stream Habitats (DEPTH): Uncovering the drivers of animal behaviour and distribution and how to best monitor their interactions with marine renewable developments

There is increased interest globally in the ecology of tidally energetic coastal waters as sites for power generation. The research topic covered in this project will focus on understanding how important mobile species: fish, seabirds and marine mammals use highly energetic sites.

On offer to the student is a wide range of unique data layers (physical and ecological) that allow the exploration of how the physical environment modifies the tidal flow to generate tidal features, noise and sediment dynamics and how this potentially influences fish, seabirds and marine mammals. Physical layers from direct measurements including noise from drifting hydrophone surveys at the sites and oceanographic models offer unprecedented ability to determine how animals are reacting to and using the energy in these sites. The studentship will also offer a range of opportunities for new fieldwork at high-energy sites in the Orkney Islands of Scotland.

This project brings together a team of world-leading ecologists, engineers, industry and government advisors as supervisors, providing a unique opportunity for a student keen to explore environmental impact research topics while participating in real-world issues faced by the marine renewables industry. The detailed understanding from this PhD will be used to inform techniques for monitoring at three scales (device, array, and region) to provide advice towards the ecologically sustainable development of marine renewable energy and has the potential to inform regulations internationally at renewable development sites situated worldwide.

The PhD student would be based in Scotland and be part of MASTS Graduate School http://www.masts.ac.uk/graduate-school/) and during the course of studies would have the opportunity to study at the University of Aberdeen, University of the Highlands and Islands (SAMS-UHI, Oban) and have a placement at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC, Orkney). The student will also interact with the Scottish Government team in Aberdeen at Marine Scotland Science (MSS).

Application Process:
Please apply for admission to the ’Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Science’ to ensure that your application is passed to the correct School for processing.

Please provide a copy of the degree certificate and transcript for each previous degree undertaken, a copy of your English language proficiency certificate (if relevant), and contact details of two referees who can comment on your previous academic performance (at least one should be from your current degree programme). References will be requested if you are selected for interview. Incomplete applications will not be considered.