Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 February 2025
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
About the research project
The Wavy Periwinkle, Lunella undulata, is a moderately sized marine gastropod found on exposed reef and boulder habitat in shallow temperate waters (0–20 m) of southern and eastern Australia. Growing to a maximum length of around 65 mm, they can form large aggregations in shallow coastal waters which are targeted by commercial divers, particularly in Tasmania, Australia. They are hand harvested and sold on domestic markets. An increase in the commercial importance over the last decade has seen Tasmanian catches averaging 40 tonnes pa. However, concerns over stock status have seen the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) cut by 50% for the 2024/25 season.
The Wavy Periwinkle has a protracted spawning period from October to May and may undergo incomplete spawning (retain unshed eggs until the next spawning event). They have short-term lecithotrophic larvae (planktonic larvae which live off the yolk supplied by the egg), and it is assumed that the larval duration is about five days, similar to other species within the taxon. Studies on wild populations have shown growth up to 19 mm per year. The minimum legal length for the wild fishery is 45 mm, however there is a market preference for smaller individuals.
Given the species is of moderate size, has a short larval duration, high growth rate and can thrive in high densities, they are well suited to for novel studies to a) better understand the ecology of the species, b) provide information to support the sustainability of the wild harvest sector, and c) explore the feasibility of marine restocking and/or aquaculture.
Research in this project will focus around
- Influence of environmental conditions on growth, in both wild populations and laboratory settings. e.g. optimal temperature for growth to determine maximum growth rates and impact of climate change on the wild stocks.
- Describing early ontogeny and determining thermal limits in a changing climate.
- Developing formulated feeds and culture systems; assessment of wild and formulated foods.
- Feasibility and economic assessment of marine restocking and/or full life cycle aquaculture.
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 $33,511 per annum (2025 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:
- Masters or first-class honours degree in a fisheries, aquaculture or environmental science
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Scientific Diving qualifications, or equivalent
- Aquaculture experience or aquatic animal husbandry
- Highly developed communication skills to deliver presentations to, and discuss with, stakeholders (industry and government)
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr John Keane 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 February 2025.
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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