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ACCE+ DLA Programme: Predatory fish declines in coral reef ecosystems: understanding the socio-ecological implications

Funding
Funded
Study mode
Full-time
Apply by
Start date
Subject area
Earth Sciences
How to apply
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Overview

Coral reefs are vibrant ecosystems that depend on predator-prey interactions to maintain their health and structure. Unfortunately, predatory fish, particularly those at the top of the food chain like sharks and groupers, are experiencing significant declines in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). Overfishing and inadequate protection measures threaten these crucial species, leading to a potential `functional extinction` that could disrupt reef ecosystems and impact local communities. This project will explore the ecological role of reef fish predators, the threats they face, and the socio-economic implications of their decline.

About this opportunity

Objectives

  1. Investigate predator vulnerability – The project will investigate how predatory fish in the WIO respond to both environmental changes and human activities. This includes assessing the direct effects of fishing pressures.
  2. Otolith examination to understand life history –Using ear bones (otoliths) from predatory fish, the project will study their growth, longevity, and environmental history, providing an understanding into their roles in ecosystem function and responses to environmental changes.
  3. Socio-ecological assessment – Integrate local fisher knowledge, to gain insights into community perceptions of predator populations and their ecological importance.
  4. Quantify socio-economic impact – Evaluate the significance of predatory fish to local fisheries, providing valuable information that will inform conservation efforts.

Methodology

The project will take a multidisciplinary approach, including:

  1. Using long-term datasets (1987-2024) from underwater visual censuses across 70 sites in the WIO to evaluate trends in predator abundance.
  2. Collecting and examining otoliths from fish landing sites in Kenya and Comoros to gather biological data that can help in understanding predatory fish ecosystem role.
  3. Apply a socio-ecological framework to link fishers’ socio-economic conditions with ecological factors influencing fish populations.
  4. Conducting interviews with coastal fishing communities to understand their experiences and perceptions of predator populations and human-induced stressors.

Skills

This project is in a dynamic research environment where candidates will gain hands-on experience in marine ecology, fisheries science, and socio-ecological investigations.

Essential skills

  1. Background in marine ecology, fisheries science, or related fields is preferred.
  2. Strong communication skills are essential for engaging fisher communities and conducting effective surveys.

Desirable skills

  1. Proficient in R or Python.
  2. Conducting fish landing site surveys.
  3. Working with coastal communities to promote collaboration and understanding

Training

We are committed to providing comprehensive training throughout the project, ensuring that all candidates develop the necessary skills to succeed. The research environment will be inclusive, valuing diverse perspectives and fostering collaboration. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, as different experiences and viewpoints enhance the quality of our research.

Project CASE Status

This project is a CASE project. Your project will be co-supervised by the non-academic partner organisation, and you will spend 3-6 months on a placement with your CASE partner in their workplace. You will experience training, facilities and expertise not available in an academic setting, and will build business and research collaborations.

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Who is this for?

ACCE+ DLA is committed to recruiting extraordinary future scientists regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, faith or religious belief, pregnancy or maternity, parental or caring responsibilities or career pathway to date. We understand that a student’s potential can be shown in many ways and we strive to recruit students from all backgrounds, and support them on their scientific journey.

We have designed our application systems to identify candidates who are likely to be successful in research regardless of what opportunities may have been available to them prior to their application.

Various support and guidance on applying for an ACCE+ DLA studentship, including how to apply; what we’re looking for (including our assessment rubric); details of financial support, training, and placement opportunities available; and details of our recruitment process, can be found at https://accedtp.ac.uk/, in the ‘prospective applicants’ tab.

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How to apply

  1. 1. Contact supervisors

    Supervisors:

    • Dr Kennedy Edeye Osuka
    • Dr R Roche
    • Dr Melita Samoilys
    • Prof Kate Parr

  2. 2. Prepare your application documents

    Notes and details of how to apply are available here: https://accedtp.ac.uk/how-to-apply/

    All applicants to ACCE+ must complete an online application form (see the relevant webpages for full details per ACCE+ partner). This form consists of questions that replace a traditional CV, questions about the project/s you are applying to, and the questions that make up the ACCE+ guided personal statement proforma. The personal statement proforma questions are designed to standardise this part of the application to minimise the difference between those who are given support and those who are not. In addition, depending on which ACCE+ University you apply to, you may be asked to submit additional documents via email (all details are in the online form and the ACCE+ page for each University).

    Link to application details: https://accedtp.ac.uk/acce-dla-opportunities-at-university-of-liverpool/

    Candidates should not submit a separate CV and cover letter or personal statement via email. CVs and cover letters or personal statements received by email will not be considered as part of your application.

    Informal enquiries about the application process may be made to .

    Part-Time Study Options

    All ACCE PhDs are available as part time or full time, with part time being a minimum of 50% of full time, unless stated otherwise in the advert.

  3. 3. Apply

    Finally, register and apply online. You'll receive an email acknowledgment once you've submitted your application. We'll be in touch with further details about what happens next.

    You should only follow this step if you’ve successfully completed the ACCE+ DLA instructions here https://accedtp.ac.uk/acce-dla-opportunities-at-university-of-liverpool/ 

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Funding your PhD

NERC ACCE+ DLA programme starts from October 2026.

UKRI provide the following funding for 3.5 years:

• Stipend (2025/26 UKRI rate £20,780)

• Tuition Fees at UK fee rate (2025/26 UKRI rate £5,006)

• Research support and training grant (RTSG).

Note – UKRI funding only covers UK (Home) fees. The DLA partners have various schemes which allow international students to join the DLA but means they are only required to pay home fees. Home fees are already covered in the UKRI funding, meaning that successful international candidates do not need to find any additional funding for fees.

Please note that UK visa and relocation costs cannot be covered by ACCE+ DLA.

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Contact us

Have a question about this research opportunity or studying a PhD with us? Please get in touch with us, using the contact details below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

ACCE+ DLA
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