Supervisory Team
Dr. Kristine Cerbule- Heriot-Watt University
Dr. David Bailey- University of Glasgow
Dr. Andrew Brownlow- University of Glasgow
Lead Institution
Heriot-Watt University
Institute of Life and Earth Sciences (ILES), International Centre for Island Technology (ICIT), EGIS
Application Deadline – January 3, 2025
Aims of this research project. This PhD project would focus on creel fisheries and approaches on how to improve creel fisheries for environmentally sustainable marine resource use. This key aim will be addressed by systematically assessing the key issues in typical creel fisheries targeting brown crab and lobster in Scotland. The scientific questions to be addressed during a 3.5-year PhD period would include assessing:
(Q1) ecological effects of these fisheries on the species compositions in these marine areas (with special focus on current bycatch rates and amounts of bait used),
(Q2) what technical improvements could have the potential to reduce bycatch rates of juvenile individuals in these creel fisheries,
(Q3) the approximate gear loss in this fishery and associated ghost fishing risk by derelict creels on target, non-target species as well as megafauna, and
(Q4) potential modifications in creel design (e.g. adaptations from other fisheries) which may lead to reductions in ghost fishing and thus improve environmental sustainability.
Expected impact. The research taking place in this PhD project will be related to potential applications in creel fisheries (e.g. through collaboration with Orkney Fisheries Association) to improve their sustainability. Furthermore, the candidate is expected to improve networking skills and share the results in international forums (e.g. ICES Working Group on Biology and Life History of Crabs or ICES-FAO Working Group on Fishing Technology and Fish Behaviour). Specifically, the results are expected to be used by the student for networking activities that will allow improvement of the student’s presentation skills and collaboration with relevant partners and other fisheries (nationally with stakeholders such as Orkney Fisheries Association and Scottish Creel Fishermen’s Federation, other institutes in UK and internationally, e.g., through networking activities during ICES-FAO conference). The results will also be used in further teaching activities.
The candidate will be based primarily at Heriot-Watt University Orkney campus, with research stays, as agreed, at the University of Glasgow. Specific training events and research support will also take place at Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh campus.
