Linking nitrogen sources to reef ecosystem health in a multi-use coastal environment

About the research project

Coastal reef ecosystems are increasingly under pressure, with factors such as climate change, habitat modification, sedimentation, pollution and invasive species all recognised drivers of reef degradation and ecological change. Amongst these factors, nutrient enrichment is an important, but manageable local stressor that can influence primary productivity, water quality, species interactions and ecosystem resilience. As most temperate reef systems exist in multi-use coastal systems there is exposure to a variety of nutrient inputs, both local and regional, with impact often cumulative. The sources, pathways and ecological consequences of nutrient inputs are highly variable and depend on the origin and characteristics of nutrient inputs. Their effects may manifest across different scales, with climate change potentially amplifying effects. Consequently, attributing ecological change to specific nutrient sources is often challenging. This has implications for effective management, which needs to be targeted and informed to effect meaningful change.

Using the D'Entrecasteaux Channel in south-east Tasmania as a case study, this PhD will seek to better understand how various sources of anthropogenic nitrogen can cause change to reef ecosystems in coastal environments. "The Channel" is a semi-enclosed body of water to the south of Hobart. There are various anthropogenic sources of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) in the Channel, including finfish aquaculture, land-based agriculture and coastal townships. The surrounding catchment is also home to intensive agriculture, with the tannin-rich Huon River delivering terrestrial nutrient inputs to the southern Channel. In addition, winter upwelling of southern ocean waters contributes to the dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) to the region.

There have been increasing reports from the community of declines in reef health in the Channel over the past 5 years, with nutrient enrichment commonly cited as the cause. The state of reef health in the Channel is currently being investigated through a large research project supported by the Pennicott Foundation. This PhD will examine patterns of reef health in relation to multiple nitrogen sources within the Channel, with the aim of improving understanding of how nutrient origin and exposure influence the resilience and functioning of reef ecosystems in a multi-use coastal environment. The findings will help inform evidence-based management strategies for balancing environmental protection and sustainable coastal resource use.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Camille White

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 funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum 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)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

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 Pennicott Foundation top-up scholarship of $3,000 per annum for 3.5 years. This scholarship is funded from Pennicott Reef Health Program .

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for 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 applicants with a background in marine ecological research.

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:

• Applicants need to have diving qualifications that meet UTAS standards for scientific diving.
• Applicants must be willing to undertake fieldwork in remote locations.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Preference will be given to applicants that have experience in applied ecological research, including conducting field and laboratory studies.
• Preference will be given to applicants that can demonstrate a track record in scientific writing.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Camille White 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 October 2026.

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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