Enhancing detections of invertebrates to improve biosecurity in the South Atlantic
- Funding
- Self-funded
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Part-time
- Apply by
- Year round
- Start date
- Year round
- Subject area
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Increases in trade, transport and tourism to remote regions and islands results in increased risk of new species introductions and biological invasions, which can have detrimental impacts on resident ecological communities and economies. The cheapest and most efficient ways to prevent such invasions, especially for invertebrates, are to prevent introduction and establishment of the species in the wider environments. To succeed requires a high rate of species detection at points of entry (boats, ports, cargo), so that appropriate measures can be taken to prevent establishment and spread further introduction and dissemination can be prevented. The aim of this PhD is to assess and develop different invertebrate trapping and sampling protocols at points of entry and on ships visiting islands in the south Atlantic region (Falkland Islands, South Georgia), to maximize the chances of invertebrate detections at an early stage of introduction.
Background
Increases in trade, transport and tourism to remote regions and islands results in increased risk of new species introductions and biological invasions, which can have detrimental impacts on resident ecological communities and economies. The cheapest and most efficient ways to prevent such invasions, especially for invertebrates, are to prevent introduction and establishment of the species in the wider environments. To succeed requires a high rate of species detection at points of entry (boats, ports, cargo), so that appropriate measures can be taken to prevent establishment and spread further introduction and dissemination can be prevented.
Objectives
The aim of this PhD is to assess and develop different invertebrate trapping and sampling protocols at points of entry and on ships visiting islands in the south Atlantic region (Falkland Islands, South Georgia), to maximize the chances of invertebrate detections at an early stage of introduction. This work will involve:
– Derive a list of potential invasive non-native invertebrate species that pose a threat
– Travel to and setting up trap experiments on the Falklands and potentially on vessels visiting the region
– Identification of invertebrates captured using morphology and molecular methods
– Analysis of detection data and comparison of different trapping methods and regimes; identification of higher-risk transport routes and points of origin
– Predictions and contingency planning for INNS that could spread under future climate change scenarios
– The project will also involve reviewing and updating creating an invertebrate inventory for the Falklands (native and introduced species) which will act as the basis of a reference library for comparison to incoming species.
– Development of communication resources and activities to raise awareness of the threat of INNS to various stakeholder groups
Novelty and Timeliness
Biosecurity can only be improved if we can effectively detect new incursions of species at points of entry. Optimization of species detection in the south Atlantic is still needed, especially given the recent rise in tourism and tourist-related shipping in the region. The project outcomes will enable local governments to keep up with this increases risk of introduction and act on identified incursions accordingly.
Skills & Techniques
The aim of this project is to explore and develop different invertebrate trapping and sampling protocols at points of entry and on ships visiting islands in the south Atlantic region (Falkland Islands, South Georgia), to maximize the chances of invertebrate detections at an early stage of introduction. The project will enable the successful candidate to develop a range of skills and experience in the field of ecology and invasion biology that are transferable to different career opportunities. Skills and experience include:
– Invertebrate sampling techniques
– Lab-based molecular methods (PCR and amplicon sequencing) and downstream
bioinformatics
– Data science (processing, visualization, database creation and curation)
– Advanced statistical modelling
– Invertebrate taxonomy
– Scientific writing and presentation skills
– Working in remote field locations
– Communication skills gained from working with non-academic end-users of and contributors to project outputs (e.g. tour operators, local government departments and staff)
Training
The PhD student will be trained in remote field first aid, and will also receive training in data processing, visualization and statistical analysis using R. The candidate will also have the opportunity receive training in lab molecular methods and bioinformatics, through the NERC Environmental Omics Facility at the Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour in the University of Liverpool. The project will include field-based training opportunities from the South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute, and there are opportunities to learn more about existing invasion science projects led by UKCEH, especially those focused on the UK Overseas Territories.
Research Environment
The Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour has a thriving postgraduate community, with regular early-career researcher focused seminars, and inclusive research away days and colloquia. The PhD candidate will join Prof. Wayne Dawson’s growing research lab focused on invasion science research, with opportunities for connections to a wider international network of collaborators working on biological invasions. The PhD candidate will also be able to interact with and learn from researchers working at all the institutions within the supervisory team.
This is a self-funded PhD (applicants would need to self-fund university fees and their own living expenses). Fieldwork travel/subsistence costs, and lab research costs will be funded by existing internal research funds. There is also an opportunity to apply for local travel grants
Please contact Prof. Wayne Dawson in the first instance wayne.dawson@liverpool.ac.uk
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Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £5,006
Part-time place, per year - £2,503
Full-time place, per year - £31,249
Part-time place, per year - £15,650
Fees stated are for academic year 2025/26 and may be subject to change for academic year 2026/27. The University may administer inflationary rises to international fees in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.
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