Ocean Accounting for Governance

Enhancing Ocean Accounting for Effective Ocean Governance: A Case Study Approach

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

1 June 2024

Campus

Hobart

Citizenship requirement

Domestic

About the research project

The growing recognition of the importance of oceans for human well-being has led to a global push for sustainable ocean management. Ocean accounting, an emerging field that integrates environmental and economic information to assess the condition and value of marine resources, has been proposed as a tool to support sustainable ocean governance. However, current ocean accounting frameworks primarily focus on monetary valuation and may not fully address the complex social, cultural, and environmental considerations that are essential for effective ocean governance. This PhD project will enhance ocean accounting frameworks by incorporating a broader range of indicators that encompass social, cultural, and environmental considerations. The project will focus on developing and applying ocean accounting frameworks in a specific geographic location which will be selected based on the successful candidate's experience or interest.

The project will use a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods. The quantitative data collection will involve compiling data on social, economic, and environmental indicators from various sources. The qualitative data collection will involve conducting interviews with stakeholders from different sectors, such as government, industry, and academia, to gain insights into their perspectives on ocean accounting and ocean governance in the selected geographic location.

The expected outcomes of the project include: i.) Enhanced ocean accounting frameworks that incorporate social, cultural, and environmental considerations; ii.) A case study application in geographic location that demonstrates the effectiveness of enhanced ocean accounting frameworks in addressing sustainability, equity, and distribution issues in ocean governance; iii.) Recommendations for how to integrate broader indicators into ocean accounting practice and ocean governance.

The project is expected to make a significant contribution to the field of ocean accounting and ocean governance by providing a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to assessing the value of marine resources and informing sustainable ocean management decisions.

Primary Supervisor

Meet Dr Glenn Finau

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

  • a living allowance stipend of $32,192 per annum (2024 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
  • a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
  • a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

  • Applications are open to Domestic/ International/ Onshore applicants
  • English language score must be above minimum entry requirements for this project
  • Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus

Selection Criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded.  Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Work experience relevant to ocean/governance/policy

Application process

  1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
  2. Contact Dr Glenn Finau to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. In your application:
    • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
    • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
  4. Apply prior to 1 June 2024.

Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

Apply now Explore other projects

Why the University of Tasmania?

Worldwide reputation for research excellence

Quality supervision and support

Tasmania offers a unique study lifestyle experience