NERC PhD Studentship - Sensitivity and Predicted Population Level Effects of CO2-induced Ocean Acidification in the Benthic Harp

Postgraduate Opportunities

Newcastle University

Supervisors:
Professor Matt Bentley, Professor A.S. Clare, Dr Gary Caldwell & Professor Rob Upstill-Goddard (School of Marine Science and Technology, Newcastle University)

Dr John Bishop (The Marine Biological Association of the UK, Plymouth)

Provider: Natural Environment Research Council

Duration: 3 years

Project Start Date: 1st October 2008

Project Details
Anthropogenic enrichment of atmospheric CO2 concentration resulting primarily from combustion of fossil fuels is leading to a reduction in surface ocean pH, a process termed ‘ocean acidification’ (Orr et al. 2005; Blackford & Gilbert 2007). The dissolution of CO2 has lowered average surface pH by approximately 0.1 units since pre-industrial times. Predictions of future decline in surface ocean pH lie between 0.3 and 0.5 units by 2100 under IPCC emissions scenarios up to a potential extreme of 1.4 units by 2300 (Caldeira & Wickett 2005). A reduction in seawater pH potentially will negatively impact reproduction in marine invertebrates. To date, the major focus of research on invertebrates has been on calcification, most notably of corals and bivalves (e.g. Yates & Halley 2006; Gazeau et al. 2007). Work on early life cycle stages has shown them to be particularly sensitive to pH perturbation.

The student will examine the effect of OA scenarios, predicted by recent models, with respect to the reproduction and early development of the benthic harpacticoid copepod, Tisbe holothuriae. The rationale for this selection is that T. holothuriae is a recognised model species for ecotoxicology studies by virtue of its ease of culture, rapid generation time (allowing multigenerational studies) and readily quantifiable life history traits. Since this species is a crustacean that periodically moults and recalcifies the new cuticle, it offers the additional possibility of examining OA effects on calcification.

The plan of work for this studentship involves initially examining a broad range of reproductive and developmental end points that may be pH sensitive in acute exposures before focusing on the most sensitive of these for more detailed chronic exposures, multigenerational studies and multifactorial experiments with other stressors.

This fully-funded NERC studentship will be a CASE award with Dr John Bishop and the Marine Biological Association (MBA) of the UK. The student will benefit from an additional £1000 p.a. stipend and the opportunity to carry out some of the research at the MBA in Plymouth.

Publications
Blackford, .C. & Gilbert, F.J. (2007) J Mar Syst 64: 229-241.
Caldeira K. & Wickett, M.E. (2005 J. Geophys. Res. 110: Art No C09S04.
Gazeau F, Quiblier C, Jansen JM et al. (2007) Geophys Res Lett 34: Art No. L07603.
Orr, J.C., Fabry, V.J., Aumont, O. et al. (2005) Nature 437: 681-686.
Yates KK & Halley RB (2006) Biogeosciences 3: 357-369.

Value of the Award and Eligibility
Due to funding criteria, this studentship is only available to UK and EU students. The studentship covers fees at the UK/EU rate and, subject to eligibility, an annual stipend of £12,940. There is also a small allowance for equipment.

Person Specification
You should hold, or expect to achieve, a minimum of an upper-second-class Honours degree in a relevant biological subject. A Master’s degree is desirable but not essential.

How to Apply
You should complete the University’s online postgraduate application form (www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply), selecting ‘PhD School of Marine Science and Technology (full time) – Marine Sciences' as your programme of study, and quoting the reference number ma001 and the title of the studentship.

In addition, you should also send a copy of your CV and covering letter to Prof. Matt Bentley m.g.bentley@nc.ac.uk, Prof. A.S Clare a.s.clare@ncl.ac.uk, Dr Gary Caldwell, gary.caldwell@ncl.ac.uk & Prof. Rob Upstill-Goddard rob.goddard@ncl.ac.uk

Closing Date: 20 June 2008

Further Information
If you would like more details about this studentship, please contact Prof. Matt Bentley m.g.bentley@nc.ac.uk, Prof. A.S Clare a.s.clare@ncl.ac.uk, Dr Gary Caldwell, gary.caldwell@ncl.ac.uk or Prof. Rob Upstill-Goddard rob.goddard@ncl.ac.uk