PhD scholarship on intertidal shellfish restoration We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to work on the science needed to underpin restoration of cockles as part of a larger collaborative programme restoring coastal ecosystems across New Zealand. New Zealand cockles (tuangi, Austrovenus stutchburyi) are intertidal infaunal suspension-feeding bivalves integral to the functioning of New Zealand estuaries, supporting primary production, nutrient cycling, and food webs, and are of critical cultural importance. However, large adult cockles have disappeared from much of the Hauraki Gulf due to disturbances (e.g., heat waves, over-harvesting), leaving cockle populations comprised mainly of small individuals (< 20 mm shell height).
Cockle populations are not recovering as predicted, challenging management approaches that focus on reducing stressors without considering the ecological interactions that drive recovery. Since cockles have not been completely lost, there is a window of opportunity to work with natural ecological processes to kickstart recovery. This may include how the manipulation of cockle patch density can restore biophysical feedbacks, needed to promote natural recovery, or how cockles may aid in the bioremediation of areas that have lost crucial ecosystem functionality. To be considered for this scholarship, the candidate must have an MSc or BSc(Hons) (or equivalent qualification), ideally in marine ecology or a related discipline. However, background is less important than a strong interest ecology, ecosystem science, field research, and good quantitative skills. To express an interest in this scholarship please send a CV and a brief statement of research interests and how they align with the proposed areas of research to Dr Rebecca Gladstone-Gallagher (rebecca.gladstone-gallag...@auckland.ac.nz<mailto:rebecca.gladstone-gallag...@auckland.ac.nz>). The scholarship is open to students of any nationality and includes a competitive stipend plus fees for three years. The candidate must meet all entry requirements for the University of Auckland doctoral programme (see www.auckland.ac.nz/doctoral-entry-requirements<https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/applications-and-admissions/entry-requirements/postgraduate-entry-requirements/doctoral-entry-requirements.html>). The scholarship will remain open until filled and the start date is negotiable, but we expect the successful candidate to have enrolled by August 2025. To unsubscribe from this list please go to https://community.esa.org/confirm/?u=RhPWqPxFwODKvbkiT32nkIqRrsiSgulp
