ACCE+ DLA Programme: Spatio-temporal Determinants of Bycatch in Europe's Most Endangered Seabird
University of Liverpool, Faculty of Science and Engineering
Supervisors: Dr. Oliver Padget, Dr. John Green, Prof. Tim Guilford, Ms. Elisa Miquel Riera
Location: Liverpool, United Kingdom
Application Deadline: January 8, 2025
Funding: UKRI funding for 3.5 years
About the Project
This PhD project, hosted between the Avian Ecology Group at the University of Liverpool and the University of Oxford, aims to understand the complex interactions between climate change, bycatch, and fisheries discards policy to inform stakeholders and policymakers in their efforts to curb the decline of Europe’s most endangered seabird, the Balearic shearwater.
The project will use long-term tracking datasets, ringing and survival data, and newly developed GPS-sound recorders to investigate where Balearic shearwaters are most vulnerable to bycatch. By mapping these interactions and the spatio-temporal determinants of bycatch, the project seeks to provide evidence for policy change and effective mitigation methods.
Project Phases:
- Stage 1: Map boat associations detected by GPS-sound devices for breeding birds in Mallorca.
- Stage 2: Use these detections to train machine learning algorithms (neural networks, random forests, deep learning) to detect boat interactions in year-round geolocator immersion loggers, measuring bycatch exposure over the entire annual cycle.
- Stage 3: Revisit historical survival and geolocator data to assess how bycatch exposure predicts survival and demographic trends.
- Stage 4: Model how the 2019 EU discards ban might impact population decline and bycatch risk.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will be passionate about both conservation and animal behavior. While experience with tracking data analysis is beneficial, the focus is on a candidate's enthusiasm for understanding the interaction between animal behavior and conservation. A biological sciences degree is preferred, and an interest in quantitative biology is a plus. Fieldwork in the Balearic Islands (including remote and cave-based work) will be part of the project, but this is not a requirement.
How to Apply
- Complete the ACCE+ personal statement proforma (available on the ACCE website) instead of a traditional cover letter.
- Submit a CV and contact details of two referees.
- For full details, including how to apply and the personal statement proforma, visit the ACCE website.
Part-Time Study Options
The PhD is available as part-time or full-time, with part-time being a minimum of 50% of full-time. Discuss potential part-time arrangements with the primary supervisor before applying.
Funding Notes
- The NERC ACCE+ DLA programme starts in October 2025.
- UKRI funding covers:
- Stipend (2024/25 UKRI rate: £19,237)
- Tuition fees (2024/25 UK rate: £4,786)
- Research support and training grant (RTSG)
- Home fees are covered for both UK and international students. Successful international candidates do not need additional funding for fees.
Candidate Webinar
The primary supervisor will host a Zoom webinar in December 2024 for prospective candidates. Register through the project page for more details.
