Masters Degree by Research
Ocean soundscapes are rapidly changing due to an increase in anthropogenic (human-made) noise, which is having profound effects on marine animals, including fishes. Noise has been shown to result in changes in behaviour, recruitment, metabolism and even induce physical damage to the inner ear in bony fishes. Recent studies have also shown that chronic noise can negatively impact key developmental stages and induce physiological stress and behavioural disturbance in larval fishes.
This project aims to assess the effects of noise on the critical early life stages of cartilaginous fishes. It will complement our larger, long-term, objective to understand the role of sounds for these animals and their vulnerability to noise pollution. Egg cases, hatchlings and juveniles will be exposed to relevant noise from anthropogenic sources over the course of their development. Responses will be monitored through changes in their development, physiology and behaviour, and the inner ear development examined.
This multi-disciplinary project will use state-of-the-art tools to provide critical information on the effect of noise on embryonic and juvenile cartilaginous fishes, which will provide essential knowledge that will shape future studies to identify the impacts of noise on the ecosystem, as well as the development of relevant policies and environmental management actions.
The successful candidate will gain skills in a range of techniques: fish husbandry, developmental anatomy, histology, behavioural ecology, and bioacoustics. While the Neuroecology group is based at La Trobe University (Melbourne campus), the behavioural component of this project will be carried out at the Queenscliff Marine Research Station.
SUPERVISORS:
Prof Shaun P. Collin (https://scholars.latrobe.edu.au/scollin)
Dr Lucille Chapuis (https://www.sharkslikejazz.com)
Successful applicants will receive a stipend, tuition fee scholarship and allowances, to commence from 1st July 2023.
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