Pelagic fish and shark survivability in recreational fisheries - Biological Sciences PhD Studentship (NERC GW4+ DTP funded)

This project is one of a number that are in competition for funding from the NERC Great Western Four+ Doctoral Training Partnership (GW4+ DTP). The GW4+ DTP consists of the Great Western Four alliance of the University of Bath, University of Bristol, Cardiff University and the University of Exeter plus five Research Organisation partners: British Antarctic Survey, British Geological Survey, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, the Natural History Museum and Plymouth Marine Laboratory. The partnership aims to provide a broad training in earth and environmental sciences, designed to train tomorrow’s leaders in earth and environmental science. For further details about the programme please see http://nercgw4plus.ac.uk/


Project background
In the UK, recreational fishing effort expended by an estimated 884,000 fishers in England [in 2012] represented more than 4 million fishing days, and £831 million direct spend. A portion of this effort is directed towards the catch-and-release recreational fishing industry. For some large pelagic fish and shark species, prohibitions on commercial landing exist due to precipitous declines (e.g. porbeagle). By comparison, recreational catch-and-release fisheries are largely unregulated(although stakeholder groups can enact rules of engagement upon their membership), and the ecological consequences of these activities for ecosystems are poorly understood. Knowledge on the post-release behaviour and survivorship of large pelagic fish caught in recreational catch-and-release fisheries will therefore be i) valuable to enhance conservation measures through the refinement of good practice techniques for handling and releasing, and ii) aid delivery of key ecosystem services provided by these animals (by ensuring these animals have the best chance of survival). The current lack of understanding on survivability is particularly challenging as recreational catch-and-release fisheries are often promoted as a sustainable activity, yet in UK waters the effects of this practice is largely unknown. Existing literature suggests variability in fishing and handling practices along with the host environment (e.g. water temperature) can significantly influence post-release survivorship. However, to what degree each of these factors contribute to survivability and which aspects of the catch-release process have the greatest opportunity to deliver evidence-based improvements in survivorship requires scientific investigation.

Project Aims and Methods
This studentship will undertake field-based research to deliver a comprehensive assessment of post-release survivorship in recreational catch-and-release fisheries using state-of-the-art electronic survivorship tags. Data from these will be integrated with environmental data on coastal shelf seas (from drifter modelling, earth observation data, biological and physical models)to understand the factors impacting survivorship. Resulting knowledge will be used to work with stakeholders to embed scientific learning into refined handling and management practices.

Eligibility
NERC GW4+ DTP studentships are open to UK and Irish nationals who, if successful in their applications, will receive a full studentship including payment of university tuition fees at the home fees rate.

A limited number of full studentships are also available to international students which are defined as EU (excluding Irish nationals), EEA, Swiss and all other non-UK nationals.

Studentships for international students will only cover fees at the UK home fees rate. However, university tuition fees for international students are higher than the UK home fees rate therefore the difference will need to be funded from a separate source which the student or project supervisor may have to find. Unfortunately, the NERC GW4+ DTP cannot fund this difference from out studentship funding Further guidance on how this will work will be issued in November.

The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.