PhD Studentship in Elasmobranch – ORE interactions

Closing Date: 15 Feb 2022

Contract Type: Fixed Term Whole-Time

To Apply: Submit an electronic copy of Curriculum Vitae including contact details of two referees and a one-page letter of interest to: Grainne.lynch@ucc.ie quoting “PhD in Elasmobranch – ORE interactions” in the email subject line.

For further information please see here.

Background:

Marine renewable energy (MRE) will undergo a rapid expansion in Ireland over the next 30 years. The Irish government’s stated objectives are to have 5 gigawatts (GW) of offshore renewable energy (ORE) in place by 2030, increasing to 20 – 25 GW by 2050. Fixed turbines are the most mature of these technologies and thus the near term 5-year objective (5 GW of ORE) will most likely be met by fixed wind turbines with solid foundations at depths of less than 50 m. Given the scale of this target, the number of devices involved, the quantity of cables needed to connect everything to the Irish grid, there is a considerable need to understand the impacts these developments will have on the sensitive species. There is a substantial body of research investigating the potential impacts of ORE devices on cetaceans and seabirds, however, there are large knowledge gaps pertaining to non-protected species, particularly elasmobranchs (sharks, skates, and rays). Two of those knowledge gaps are: 1) does the electromagnetic field (EMF) generated around electrical transmission cables influence the behaviour of elasmobranchs? and 2) do the artificial reefs resulting from ORE infrastructure influence the behaviour of elasmobranchs? To address these questions, the project will use passive and active acoustic tracking, and use 3D tracking technology to gather novel data on thornback rays and catshark (dogfish) behaviour. In addition, baited remote underwater video (BRUVs) will be used to study elasmobranch distributions, as well as that of their prey.

This PhD represents an exciting opportunity to work closely within a diverse team, to learn from experienced scientists and, to develop their exciting research skills and independence. The candidate will be expected to carry out fieldwork in a challenging marine environment and collaborate with a diverse group of stakeholders including state agencies and the angling community.