Effects of Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement on commercially important Australian fish species

About the research project

Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE) is an emerging marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) approache for helping to reduce atmospheric CO₂ concentrations and mitigate climate change. OAE involves the addition of alkaline materials to seawater to enhance the ocean's natural capacity to absorb and store carbon dioxide. However, environmental effects of OAE are insufficiently understood, especially with regard to fish.

This PhD project will investigate how alkaline materials used for OAE affect commercially important Australian fish species, with an initial focus on sand flathead and potentially sardines. The project will evaluate both direct effects of mineral additions and indirect effects arising from changes in seawater chemistry. Particular attention will be given to physiological processes that are critical for fish health and performance, including growth, metabolism, acid-base regulation, ion transport, and stress responses.

The research will combine laboratory-based fish culture experiments with physiological and behavioural studies. Fish and fish larvae will be reared in controlled aquarium systems and exposed to environmentally relevant OAE scenarios using a range of alkaline materials currently considered for carbon dioxide removal. Responses will be assessed through measurements of growth, survival, development, and physiological performance. Additional behavioural experiments will be conducted in flow-through tank systems to determine whether fish can detect and avoid water masses affected by OAE or whether exposure alters swimming behaviour, feeding activity, or habitat use.

The project will generate fundamental knowledge on species sensitivities, underlying physiological mechanisms, and ecological responses to ocean alkalinity enhancement. The findings will contribute directly to environmental risk assessments of marine carbon dioxide removal technologies and help identify environmentally responsible pathways for future OAE deployment.

The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research environment at the interface of marine fish physiology, ecophysiology, fisheries science, aquaculture, and climate mitigation. The project is ideally suited to applicants interested in experimental marine biology, fish physiology, environmental science, and the sustainable development of climate intervention technologies.

Primary supervisor

Meet Associate Professor Lennart Bach

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.

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 Domestic/International/Onshore applicants
• Applications are open to applicants from biological/chemical oceanography, marine biology or fish biology discipline background only
• English language score must be above minimum entry requirements for this project

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:

• Honours or Master degree in biological oceanography, fish physiology or closely related field. Preferably experience culturing fish.
• Experience with laboratory work, with attention to detail and thorough procedural competence.
• Strong abilities to work in teams and collaborative environments.
• Ability and willingness to spend extended periods in the laboratory, and potentially field research (e.g. research voyages).
• Enthusiasm for scientific discourse and progress.
• Fluent English skills.
• Very good writing skills.
• Reliable and highly motivated.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Associate Professor Lennart Bach 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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