Plymouth University Interdisciplinary PhD studentship Identifying barriers to small-scale crustacean aquaculture in South Asia
Director of studies: Dr Lucy Turner ([email protected]) 2nd supervisor: Dr Lynda Rodwell ([email protected]) Other supervisors: Professor Anna Godhe, Gothenburg University, Sweden Professor Indrani Karunasagar, Nitte University, Mangalore, India Professor Ramachandra Bhatta, College of Fisheries, Mangalore, India Deadline for applications: 19th November 2016 The mud crab (Scylla serrata) is an economically valuable species throughout the Indo Pacific region, including on the east coast of India and Bangladesh. Such crustaceans are also vital as a protein source for coastal subsistence communities whom rely on small-scale aquaculture techniques. A lack of knowledge about mud crab biology together with socio-economic constraints have both been cited as significant factors currently preventing the expansion of this fishery. This studentship will use an interdisciplinary approach to identify and analyse the extent to which socio-economic and ecological factors contribute to the success of small-scale mud crab aquaculture on both the east and west coasts of the Indian subcontinent. This project will combine molecular, ecophysiology and ecological laboratory and field techniques with qualitative and quantitative social science approaches to examine aspects of mud crab reproductive biology, ecophysiological susceptibility to climate change, and disease management. Qualitative and quantitative social science techniques will be used to identify and analyse the social-economic reasons why, despite technological advances and government backed educational and financial initiatives, mud crab aquaculture has yet to reach its potential in many coastal areas. Relevant experience is desirable but not essential as full training will be given. However, a willingness to embrace the ethos of an interdisciplinary research project is paramount. Due to the fact that the biological and social science fieldwork and most of the laboratory work will be conducted in India a willingness to travel is essential. The studentship is supported for three years and includes full home/EU tuition fees plus a stipend of £14,296 per annum. If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Lucy Turner. For further details see: www.plymouth.ac.uk or search 'mud crab PhD' ________________________________ This message (and any attachments) is for the recipient only. NERC is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the contents of this email and any reply you make may be disclosed by NERC unless it is exempt from release under the Act. Any material supplied to NERC may be stored in an electronic records management system. ________________________________
