Ecosystem characterisation for marine spatial planning using hydroacoustics
We are currently looking for a PhD candidate to support development of offshore renewable energy and other activities in the Blue Economy through environmental characterisation.
The primary focus of this role is method development for incorporating hydroacoustic (echosounder) datasets into marine spatial planning. This project includes data analysis, mathematical modelling, and ecological application of analytical results. Success in this role requires collaboration with Echoview Software and the Blue Economy CRC.
The aim of this study is to develop methods that harness the power of hydroacoustic instruments (echosounders) to provide better ecological information for use in marine spatial planning (MSP). Marine renewable energy and offshore aquaculture are rapidly growing sectors of the blue economy with important roles to play in increasing seafood production and energy security, as well as combatting climate change. However, there is still a high degree of uncertainty and concern about the effects of these new activities on the environment, all aspects of which are already under pressure from anthropogenic activities (e.g. fishing, shipping, pollution, climate change). Careful planning and effective monitoring strategies are needed to ensure the blue economy is developed sustainably in Australia and globally, without adverse impacts on the marine environment. MSP is an integrated framework that can support the ongoing functioning of the marine environment alongside blue economy development and other human activities. MSP identifies which areas of the ocean are appropriate for different activities, relying on geospatial data layers that span human uses as well as areas of ecological importance. By bringing together multiple streams of information, MSP can facilitate adaptive, ecosystem-based management of anthropogenic activities, which is critical for delivery of environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The dynamic nature of marine ecosystems in space and time has been highlighted as a challenge for integration of ecological layers (such as essential habitat for fish species) into MSP. An additional challenge is the general lack of data for generating useable information in most marine areas. There is an ongoing need to establish which physical and biological parameters need to be measured in order to identify appropriate uses and activities for an area, and to monitor ecosystem function over time. Research is also needed to determine the necessary resolution and scale of ecological measurements, the tools for acquiring them, and methods for translating them into information layers suitable for MSP.
This project will: (i) review the literature, drawing especially on the European and North American experiences, to identify key ecosystem properties that might be impacted by different classes of blue economy activity, and to identify the gaps in existing data collection protocols; (ii) identify metrics of impact and/or condition that can be routinely measured by hydroacoustic techniques and specifically those that might plug identified gaps; (iii) apply the findings of (ii) to case study(ies) area(s) where developments are occurring, for example the BEZ; (iv) make recommendations for more cost-effective monitoring of Blue Economy developments using hydroacoustics.
Scholarship details
The successful student will be based in the School of Environment and Science, working with the Marine Spatial Planning research team and others involved in Blue Economy CRC research at Griffith and at our research partners.
The opportunity is based at the Gold Coast campus.
The selection of applicants for the award of higher degree research scholarships at Griffith University involves consideration of your academic merit and research background. To be successful within this role, you will analyse echosounder data to develop metrics of ecological value. You will have evidence of a passion for the marine environment, with a strong desire to undertake research to underpin sustainable development of the Blue Economy.
- Expressions of interest are welcome from domestic and international applicants.
- Applicants must have completed, or expect to complete, a bachelors degree with honours equivalent to first class honours or a Masters degree (AQF Level 9) incorporating a significant research component of a standard comparable to a bachelor honours degree or be regarded by Griffith University as having an equivalent level of attainment in accordance with Schedule One of the HDR Scholarship Procedure. For further information on the eligibility requirements for the program refer here.
Please note:
The successful applicant will have the opportunity to undertake mandatory training courses at GU such as research methods, project planning and management etc and will attend the following courses to build understanding and practical skills in the field of hydroacoustics:
- Echoview’s acoustics fundamentals course: hydroacoustic theory and data processing
- Advanced Echoview courses as needed (e.g. multibeam data processing)
Further information on training opportunity's can be found at https://echoview.com/products-and-services/training/
International applicants should ensure that English Language Proficiency requirements for the program are met before formally applying. Applicants to research programs will need to show they meet:
- A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (Academic) with no band score less than 6.0 OR
- A minimum score of 575 on the paper-based TOEFL including a score of no less than 5.0 on the TWE OR
- A score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19
The 2025 Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship has an annual stipend of $34,752 (indexed) for a period of up to three years of full-time study. Please see the GUPRS Conditions of Award for more information.
A successful International applicant will also be awarded a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship to cover tuition fees for up to three years. Please see the GUIPRS Conditions of Award for more information.
As a scholarship holder, you will study with a University that ranks among the top 2% worldwide and spans across campuses in South East Queensland. At Griffith University, we’ve worked hard to create a culture that will challenge you to be curious, creative and courageous. We also support the professional and personal development of all our HDR candidates and invest in the skills of our people. Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. Griffith's strategic goals are to also increase the proportion of women in senior academic and administrative roles and in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).
For project related enquiries please contact:
Professor Chris Frid
Phone: (07) 555 28019
Email: c.frid@griffith.edu.au
For administration enquiries please contact:
Griffith Graduate Research School
Please do not select the “APPLY” button. All expressions of interest must be submitted to c.frid@griffith.edu.au containing:
- Statement addressing your suitability for the project/scholarship
- Evidence that you have completed a program with the required grades as detailed in the about you section, including a copy of your academic transcript
- A curriculum vitae (CV) using the Griffith CV template.
- Name of two referees
The closing date for expressions of interest is: 11.59pm AEST Friday 20 December 2024
The preferred applicant will then be invited to apply for the program and scholarship on-line
Get in touch
If you have a question, need some help with your scholarship application, or would like to make a donation, feel free to contact us.