Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 October 2024
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
About the research project
Global problem
Marine coastal environments are under increasing pressure from anthropogenic disturbances, including coastal hardening which involves the expansion of artificial infrastructure such as piers, marinas and breakwater walls (Bugnot et al. 2020). Such structures, while not designed as marine habitats, inadvertently function as such. Unfortunately, they also serve as potential hubs for the establishment and spread of invasive species (Airoldi et al. 2015, Lemm et al. in prep).
Solutions
Eco-engineering strategies offer promising solutions to enhance the native biodiversity while preventing the colonisation of invasive species on artificial structures (Strain et al. 2018, Dodds et al 2022, Komyakova et al., 2022). The strategies aim to create habitats that are less favourable for non-native species by increasing complexity through the use of panels (e.g. World harbour and Living Seawalls) or seeding with habitat-forming organisms like bivalves or seaweeds (Adams et al. 2021, Bradford et al. 2020, Chee et al. 2021, O'Shaughnessy et al. 2021, Strain et al 2021, Vozzo et al. 2021).
However, much of the existing research on eco-engineering strategies has been location-specific (e.g. Strain et al. 2020) or focused on transplanting strategies from one location to another (e.g. Strain et al. 2021, Living Seawalls), leading to variable results. This highlights the need for a more tailored approach that consider the unique environmental conditions and species tolerances in ports.
Proposed project
This project aims to develop eco-engineering solutions to address the issues of invasive species establishment within port environments. By conducting ecological and socio-ecological research, the student will assess the diversity and abundances of native and non-native species associated with artificial structures found in ports worldwide. Building on this research, the project will then integrate insights into local biodiversity and unique Tasmanian identity.
Through ecosystem research and community engagement and including consultation with key representatives the project aims to develop and test key eco-engineering solutions. These solutions will focus on enhancing ecosystem functionality by creating habitat suitable for native species while effectively limiting the settlement of invasive species within Tasmanian ports. The research will be conducted by a PhD student and will consist of the following chapters.
Chapter 1: Identifying key taxa on artificial structures in Ports and Harbours. (Year 1)
- Conduct a comprehensive literature review to identify native and non-native species inhabiting artificial structures
- Determine their environment tolerances to inform strategy development
Chapter 2: Co-designing eco-engineering solutions. (Year 1)
- Engage with key stakeholders including Ports Tasmania, Derwent Estuary Program, boat operators and the indigenous representative
- Collaboratively identify key goals and target species for eco-engineering solutions
Chapter 3: Production of settlement panels. (Year 2)
- Develop a settlement panel prototype based on the information gathered in Chapters 1 and 2
- Field-test the prototype alongside other settlement tile for colonisation by native and invasive taxa
Chapter 4: Testing the effectiveness of seeding panels with local native species. (Year 3)
- Evaluate the survival of seeded native taxa on settlement panels in the Port of Hobart
- Assessing the impact of seeded native species on associated colonising taxa
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Primary Supervisor
Funding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $32,192 per annum (2024 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit Scholarships and fees.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus.
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- First-class honours or equivalent in marine biology, ecology or socio-ecology, or a related field of research
- Demonstrated proficiency in written and verbal English language
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Experience in analytical laboratory methods
- Experience in ecological or socio-ecological field work
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Beth Strain to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 October 2024.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section at Research degrees.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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