PhD Project: Improving video methods for monitoring the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, New Zealand
Baited remote underwater video (BRUV) methods have long been used to survey carnivorous reef fish in marine protected areas (MPAs). However, these are known to have a number of potential biases and existing methods can be complex and highly time intensive to analyse. Consequently, there is a need for the development of accurate and cost-effective approaches to monitoring reef fish populations that can be used by a range of users, including iwi, citizen scientists and management agencies. Sixteen new marine protected areas are about to be established in the Hauraki Gulf in northern New Zealand, one of the most productive and diverse marine environments in the country (gulfjournal.org.nz/2021/06/more-marine-protection-on-the-horizon). Snapper or tāmure (Chrysophrys auratus) are an important commercial and recreationally targeted species that have been shown to respond positively to marine protection. With a number of new MPAs proposed for the Hauraki Gulf there is a need for more accurate, accessible and cost-effective monitoring methods to better understanding how snapper and other reef fish respond to marine protection. This PhD project will: 1. Trial and compare a number of different video survey methods, including stealth cameras and sBRUV systems, in order to identify the most suitable and cost-effective approach to monitoring snapper and other reef fish in MPAs. 2. Explore and develop artificial intelligence (AI) approaches to allow for automated analysis of videos in collaboration with researchers in the School of Computer Science. 3. Use a range of methods to begin monitoring the recovery of snapper and other species across the new marine protected areas in the Hauraki Gulf. The PhD position includes a three-year scholarship including a $38,000 pa stipend (tax-free) and full tuition fees. The position would ideally be based at the University of Auckland’s Leigh Marine Laboratory and suit students with good practical sills (small boat operation and scientific diving experience) and quantitative skills. A demonstrated ability to publish research findings is also an asset. To be eligible to apply for a PhD, students must have previously undertaken independent research in a related field as part of an Honour’s or Master’s degree. The position is open to international students. Please send a half page application describing what makes you a good candidate along with a CV and academic transcript to Associate Professor Nick Shears ([email protected]) To unsubscribe from this list please go to https://community.esa.org/confirm/?u=RhPWqPxFwODKvbkiT32nkIqRrsiSgulp
