Protection of the Critically Endangered European eel: assessing the environmental and economic impact of alternative protection measures

The economic success of the UK will depend on maintenance of energy security and supply in the face of risks posed by ageing infrastructure, increased geopolitical insecurity, and climate change. The UK must successfully develop robust energy systems within the constraints of stringent environmental legislation designed to protect biodiversity and associated ecosystem services (e.g. EU Water Framework Directive and EU Habitats Directive). The translation into policy of the environmental legislation passed to address concerns associated with development has significant implications for the operation of current and future energy infrastructure. For example, in response to concerns related to an international collapse in populations of European eel (Anguilla anguilla) (ICES 2006), all Member States have been required to implement Eel Management Plans and linked to this in England & Wales the Eels (England & Wales) Regulations (SI 2009 No 3344) were introduced. This places obligations on operators of intakes such as those that provide water for power station cooling. There is considerable uncertainty regarding the science and the economics of eel populations which together present a considerable technical challenge to establish appropriate obligations at the individual intake level given the wide range of interventions available to society. There has been little focus directed at quantifying in a robust way the costs and benefits of possible interventions, taking into account multiple other potential causes of mortality. To do this there is a need to take an interdisciplinary and holistic approach involving socio-economic and population modelling to focus on the question of where action should be most effectively and appropriately directed to protect populations of this endangered fish.

A suitable candidate is likely to have a background in an appropriate biological / environmental discipline (e.g. Degree in Biology, Zoology, Ecology, Environmental Science etc.). Experience of population ecology and/or population modelling would be advantageous. The successful candidate will also demonstrate an interest in integrating biological modelling with socio-economic modelling.

Applications for this PhD research project are accepted on a rolling basis and we therefore advise you to apply early if you are interested. To make your application please go to: http://www.southampton.ac.uk/engineering/postgraduate/research_degrees/apply.page

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Paul Kemp: [Email Address Removed]