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Dr John Green
Dr Francis Daunt
No more applications being accepted
Competition Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)
About the Project
Governments across Europe agree that the large-scale construction of offshore windfarms (OWFs) is an effective way to reduce carbon emissions. They also agree that OWFs should not cause excessive impacts on ecosystems and natural populations. However, continued uncertainty about these impacts has stalled progress in OWF development, with birds being of particular concern.
The red-throated diver (RTD) is a migratory marine bird, arguably the most sensitive to disturbance by OWFs. Displacement is commonly observed, but we have almost no idea about the consequences of displacement to individuals and populations. This uncertainty is now causing a significant barrier to consenting of further OWFs.
Using biologging and individual-based modelling, our project will model the consequences for RTDs of displacement by OWFs. Our aim is to help industry as follows:
1. Using existing biologging data on behavior from Iceland and the UK, develop a broad-scale understanding of RTD foraging, movement and OWF interactions during winter.
2. By deployment of time-depth recorders, develop a fine-scale understanding of RTD foraging and diving behavior during the winter to assess whether they are under energetic stress.
3. Develop an individual-based model to integrate RTD behavior, energetics and body condition. Use the model to assess the consequences for RTDs of different kinds of OWF-induced effects.
4. Begin to understand the demographic consequences for RTDs of OWF-induced disturbance.
RTDs are among the least understood of marine birds and a workshop in 2017 convened by JNCC and the OWF industry identified an immediate need for our project so that OWFs in Europe can be allowed to develop. Our supervisory team brings together relevant experts, uniquely-placed to address this problem.
Applications should consist of a CV and a cover letter in which you should describe how and why your interests and experience will match the likely demands of this particular PhD. Applications (CV, including the names and contact details of 2 referees, and a letter of application clearly stating which topic(s) you are applying for) by email to [Email Address Removed] deadline: January 9th 2018. Interviews: 14th-16th February 2018. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed for only one project from the ACCE partnership.
The red-throated diver (RTD) is a migratory marine bird, arguably the most sensitive to disturbance by OWFs. Displacement is commonly observed, but we have almost no idea about the consequences of displacement to individuals and populations. This uncertainty is now causing a significant barrier to consenting of further OWFs.
Using biologging and individual-based modelling, our project will model the consequences for RTDs of displacement by OWFs. Our aim is to help industry as follows:
1. Using existing biologging data on behavior from Iceland and the UK, develop a broad-scale understanding of RTD foraging, movement and OWF interactions during winter.
2. By deployment of time-depth recorders, develop a fine-scale understanding of RTD foraging and diving behavior during the winter to assess whether they are under energetic stress.
3. Develop an individual-based model to integrate RTD behavior, energetics and body condition. Use the model to assess the consequences for RTDs of different kinds of OWF-induced effects.
4. Begin to understand the demographic consequences for RTDs of OWF-induced disturbance.
RTDs are among the least understood of marine birds and a workshop in 2017 convened by JNCC and the OWF industry identified an immediate need for our project so that OWFs in Europe can be allowed to develop. Our supervisory team brings together relevant experts, uniquely-placed to address this problem.
Applications should consist of a CV and a cover letter in which you should describe how and why your interests and experience will match the likely demands of this particular PhD. Applications (CV, including the names and contact details of 2 referees, and a letter of application clearly stating which topic(s) you are applying for) by email to [Email Address Removed] deadline: January 9th 2018. Interviews: 14th-16th February 2018. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed for only one project from the ACCE partnership.
Funding Notes
Competitive funding of tuition fee, research costs and stipend (£14,553 tax-free, 2017-18) from the NERC Doctoral Training Partnership “Adapting to the Challenges of a Changing Environment” (ACCE, http://acce.group.shef.ac.uk/ ). ACCE – a collaboration between the Universities of Sheffield, Liverpool, and York – is the only dedicated ecology/evolution/conservation Doctoral Training Partnership in the UK. This project is also available to self-funded students. A fees bursary may be available.”
References
Warwick-Evans, V., Atkinson, P.W. Walkington I. & Green, J.A. (2017) Predicting the impacts of windfarms on seabirds: an Individual Based Model. Journal of Applied Ecology In Press (Accepted 10/7/17)
Warwick-Evans, V., Atkinson, P.W. Robinson, L.A. & Green, J.A. (2016) Predictive modelling to identify near-shore, fine-scale seabird distributions during the breeding season. PLoS One 11, e0150592
O’Brien, S.H., Cook, A.S.C.P. & Robinson, R.A. (2017) Implicit assumptions underlying simple harvest models of marine bird populations can mislead environmental management decisions. Journal of Environmental Management, 201, 163-171.
O’Brien, S.H., Webb, A., Brewer, M.J. & Reid, J.B. (2012) Use of kernel density estimation and maximum curvature to set Marine Protected Area boundaries: Identifying a Special Protection Area for wintering red-throated divers in the UK. Biological Conservation, 156, 15–21.
Warwick-Evans, V., Atkinson, P.W. Robinson, L.A. & Green, J.A. (2016) Predictive modelling to identify near-shore, fine-scale seabird distributions during the breeding season. PLoS One 11, e0150592
O’Brien, S.H., Cook, A.S.C.P. & Robinson, R.A. (2017) Implicit assumptions underlying simple harvest models of marine bird populations can mislead environmental management decisions. Journal of Environmental Management, 201, 163-171.
O’Brien, S.H., Webb, A., Brewer, M.J. & Reid, J.B. (2012) Use of kernel density estimation and maximum curvature to set Marine Protected Area boundaries: Identifying a Special Protection Area for wintering red-throated divers in the UK. Biological Conservation, 156, 15–21.
Project supervisors
Career overview
Dr Jonathan Green is a Senior Lecturer in Marine Biology at the University of Liverpool, where he also serves as the Programme Director for the undergraduate degree in Environmental Science. He studied Zoology at the University of Cambridge, graduating in 1995, and subsequently completed a PhD in 2001 at the University of Birmingham. Following his doctoral studies, Dr Green undertook a postdoctoral position at the University of Birmingham before accepting a Fellowship at La Trobe University in Australia from 2005 to 2008. After this period, he returned to the UK and began his academic career as a lecturer at the University of Liverpool. Dr Green''s research primarily focuses on seabird biology.
Research interests
Dr Green''s research focuses on seabird biology, particularly the ecology and conservation of seabirds. He has a strong interest in the interactions between seabirds and their marine environment, including the impacts of climate change and human activities on seabird populations. His work often involves field studies and data analysis to understand seabird behaviour, breeding success, and foraging patterns. Dr Green is also involved in educational initiatives related to environmental science and the importance of marine ecosystems.
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