Foraging ecology of harbour seals in relation to offshore windfarm developments.

Advances in tracking technology have greatly improved our understanding of the movements of marine predators, but much less is known about the drivers that affect an individual’s choice of habitat and the longer term consequences of those decisions. This project builds upon ongoing studies of interactions between offshore windfarm developments and protected populations of harbour seals in the Moray Firth. Here, intensive photo-identification studies have provided baseline data on phenology and demographic rates, and state of the art GPS-GSM tracking devices are being used to track the movements and dive behaviour of known individuals.

Harbour seals are central place foragers that return regularly coastal haul-out sites during both the breeding and non-breeding seasons. This PhD project will use an extensive existing tracking dataset to characterise individual variation in these foraging patterns. A key aim of the project is to identify natural and anthropogenic drivers that shape an individual’s decision to either return to favoured foraging sites or switch to alternative areas. Drawing upon data from parallel demographic studies, the project will then explore whether individual variation in foraging characteristics, feeding locations, or exposure to anthropogenic noise affect condition, phenology or reproductive success.

The student will conduct some fieldwork within ongoing population studies, but the core project will involve using a variety of spatial analysis tools to explore patterns within this data set, and develop hypotheses which can be tested using existing or focused field studies. There will also be opportunities to design further field studies, for example on habitat quality or prey availability in alternative foraging areas.

We are seeking applications from students who have an excellent academic record, and a broad background in spatial ecology, demography, modelling and/or predator-prey interactions. We are looking for evidence of strong quantitative skills, and the ability to exploit these skills to identify and address novel ecological questions. Field experience of relevant study systems would be an advantage. The student will work within a broader collaborative team (involving colleagues from the University of St Andrews, University of Bangor, Marine Scotland Science & CEFAS) who are conducting this research and monitoring programme for the offshore wind industry. The student will therefore have a unique opportunity to conduct an exciting ecological study that has high applied relevance, and will have frequent interaction with industry and regulators to experience how their science is being integrated into policy and management.

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 college 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.