Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 April 2024
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
Scholarship
$32,192pa for 3.5 years
About the research project
Oxygen depletion is an increasing feature in coastal waters globally, altering ecosystem structure and function. To combat this, artificial aeration and oxygenation methods have sometimes been implemented. The form and scale of these methods is variable, ranging from direct injection of gas in the form of fine bubbles to mechanical mixing at the water/air interface. Literature concerning the efficacy of these devices is limited and tends to focus on freshwater systems. It also largely fails to compare different methods and the effects at an ecosystem level.
Macquarie Harbour on Tasmania's West coast naturally has low oxygen concentrations in its bottom waters due to its unique hydrology and shallow sill, but recently levels have dropped further. Salmon farming, altered hydro flows, and increased water temperatures are considered the likely drivers. In response to this recent drop in oxygen, the salmon industry and government aim to trial an oxygenation system to offset a portion of the salmon farming induced oxygen demand. This provides an ideal opportunity to contrast oxygenation methodologies in a large-scale, real-world trial. Additionally, this project will aim to assess the performance of these methods not simply on volume of oxygen injected but in more ecologically relevant measures, e.g., how much oxygen is retained in the system? What are the ecological consequences both positive and negative? Does the receiving environment use oxygen at a consistent rate spatially and over time and what does this mean for scalability?
This project will aim to answer these questions by monitoring the environment around the proposed oxygenation system to spatially map the extent of the oxygenation and assess any interactions between oxygenated water and the ecosystem. This will include monitoring water column and benthic chemistry, bacterial and macrofaunal communities. Furthermore, laboratory experiments will aim to build understanding of the mechanisms behind observed data.
Primary Supervisor
Meet A/Prof Jeff RossFunding
The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:
- a living allowance stipend funded by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) 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.
Additional funding
If successful, applicants will also receive a top-up scholarship of $16,500per annum for 3.5 years. This scholarship is funded from the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC).
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:
- 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 essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- Extensive experience working on the environmental interactions of salmonid aquaculture and familiarity with the proposed project methods and their application
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact A/Prof Jeff Ross to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- 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.
- Apply prior to 1 April 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.
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