PhD Scholarship in Fisheries Management
Danmarks Tekniske Universitet
Lyngby-Taarbæk, 1 stilling
A PhD Scholarship in Fisheries Management is available at the National Institute of Aquatic Resources (DTU Aqua) with expected starting date 01 August 2016. The scholarship is financed by two European projects, which both have a focus on the management of species of lesser importance in mixed-fisheries.
The project will primarily be carried out in affiliation to the Section for Ecosystem-based Marine Management (EBMM) which is situated in Charlottenlund, Denmark, but collaboration will take place with the other institutes involved in these EU projects. DTU Aqua is an institute at the Technical University of Denmark.
The purpose of DTU Aqua is to provide research, advice and education at the highest international level within the sustainable exploitation of living marine and freshwater resources, the biology of aquatic organisms and the development of ecosystems as well as their integration in ecosystem-based management. The institute has an international research staff comprising approx. 120 academic employees.
Project description
The scope of fisheries management is broadening from the narrow analysis of few main commercial species toward accounting for bycatches, i.e. the great range of species and sizes of lesser importance caught at the same time in unselective fisheries (mixed-fisheries). This unwanted part of catches is becoming politically important because it may trigger restrictive management decisions for the commercial fisheries, both as part of the ecosystem-based marine management (Marine Strategy Framework Directive MSFD, http://ec.europa.eu/environment/marine/eu-coast-and-marine-policy/marin… ), and because of the potential of these species to become limiting for some fleets in the frame of the landing obligation (=discard ban) of the Common Fisheries Policy CFP (http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/cfp/index_en.htm ), i.e. when a fishery can be closed because it has reached the authorized catch quantity (quota) of a low-value species even though it still has some quota left for more valuable commercial species. (so-called “choke species” effect)
This issue is not new, but the current political framework leads to a growing focus on these less well-known populations where the actual biological knowledge and data available are unsufficient to conduct precise stock assessment and targeted management actions. By extension, the unwanted part of the catches includes also the undesirable size of commercial species. A lot of methods and management actions are already in development, but there is no unique way to tackle the problem, and the solutions must be tailored to the specificities of the various fisheries in a case-by-case approach.
The aim of this PhD is to therefore to develop a systematic overview of which management actions are potentially most appropriate for selected bycatch in the demersal mixed-fisheries (primarily North Sea and Skagerrak), based on their individual specificities. The work will be framed to some extent by the developments and needs in the two European research projects in collaboration with international partners, as well by the scientific advice provided by ICES and STECF.
This will include following workflow:
1. A diagnostic of the issues. A screening will be performed for a number of species, gathering knowledge on several aspects such as the state of the stocks, the data available, the characterization of their association with the commercial species across areas, seasons and gears at different scales, the reasons for discarding and the knowledge on existing mitigation measures. This will lead to a selection of specific case studies of interest.
2. Integration of selected case studies into mixed-fisheries modelling, to evaluate the impact on bycatch of the management measures directed towards the commercial catches in relation to achieving the objectives of the CFP and the MSFD. This work will include the use and extension of existing bio-economic models
3. Consider and evaluate potential management scenarios and discards reduction measures for the unwanted component of the catches for the selected case studies, including bio-economic impact on commercial catches. This will also include broader governance aspects including the potentials for uptake and acceptance of measures, monitoring and controllability.
Qualifications
We are looking for a candidate who has:
- Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Aquatic science
- Previous experience in fisheries or marine research
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Demonstrated experience in quantitative data analysis and statistical programming (preferably in R language)
- Demonstrated basic knowledge of the functioning of the Common Fishery Policy
- Keen interest in fisheries management and policy including relationships with managers and stakeholders
- A high level of autonomy, self-organisation and ability to develop collaborations within the institute and within the international projects
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.
Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Professors Clara Ulrich and J. Rasmus Nielsen, Senior Research Scientists Ole Ritzau Eigaard and Francois Bastardie, and Postdoc Lars O. Mortensen, DTU Aqua.
We offer
We offer an interesting and challenging job in an international environment focusing on education, research, public-sector consultancy and innovation, which contribute to enhancing the economy and improving social welfare. We strive for academic excellence, collegial respect and freedom tempered by responsibility. The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a leading technical university in northern Europe and benchmarks with the best universities in the world.
Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students at DTU.
The period of employment is 3 years.
Further information
For further information about the project, please contact Professor Clara Ulrich; clu@aqua.dtu.dk
General information may be obtained from Marian Solrun Probst, masad@aqua.dtu.dk (+45) 3588 3001
Application
Please submit your online application no later than 1 June 2016.
Applications must be submitted as one pdf file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online," fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one pdf file. The file must include:
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (an official translation into English)
- Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet here)
- Brief research proposal (1 page) presenting ideas on how to address the research topics given in the short description of the PhD project above.
Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree, but cannot begin before having received it.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
The purpose of DTU Aqua is to provide research, advice and education at the highest international level within the sustainable exploitation of living marine and freshwater resources, the biology of aquatic organisms and the dynamics of ecosystems as well as their integration in ecosystem-based management.
DTU Aqua has 260 employees, of whom a third are scientific staff. The other employees are assistant biologists, laboratory technicians, IT employees, administrative staff, ship’s crew, student assistants etc. The institute is organized into eight scientific sections which carry out the research, educational and advisory activities. In addition, the institute has a number of scientific and administrative support functions, including the research vessel DANA. DTU Aqua has employees in Charlottenlund, Silkeborg, Nykøbing Mors and Hirtshals as well as on Dana.You can read more about DTU Aqua on http://www.aqua.dtu.dk
DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, innovation and public service. Our staff of 5,800 advance science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society; and our 10,300 students are being educated to address the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic university collaborating globally with business, industry, government, and public agencies.
