Bridging policy and practice: Marine Net Gain metrics for sedimentary Blue Carbon and biodiversity

About the Project

Project summary

Marine sediments represent one of the planet’s most species-rich and functionally critical habitats. The benthic biological communities within marine sediments are essential for cycling nutrients, supporting ocean food webs, and regulating climate through the burial and storage of carbon storage. Yet, at present marine sediments are under threat from growing anthropogenic pressure resulting in the release of carbon and biodiversity loss. Seabed disturbance associated with bottom trawling has been identified as one of the most prevalent and damaging activities to marine sediments which has resulted in calls for the seafloor to be protected and bottom trawling restricted and the seafloor ecosystems to be restored. To achieve the goal of protecting the biological and carbon seabed resources while assuring that the social and economic impact of trawl restrictions are fully assessed, demands new innovative and measurable evidence-based management and policy strategies.

This project addresses this critical challenge of translating Marine Net Gain (MNG) high-level objectives into practical, quantifiable management actions. By focusing on sedimentary blue carbon and associated benthic biodiversity, this research aims to develop robust, standardized metrics to ensure that nature markets integrate multiple ecosystem services and are designed to deliver co-benefits for both nature recovery and climate mitigation.

This will be achieved by:

• Developing a spatially explicit carbon/biodiversity vulnerability metric for marine sediments.
  • Action - Combine comprehensive field data (sedimentology, biological, and geochemical measurements of seabed sediments) with state-of-the-art spatial modelling.
  • Output - A new metric that scientifically quantifies the sensitivity of seabed carbon and biodiversity, to anthropogenic disturbance across the area.
• Modelling the socio-economic impacts of marine nature markets.
  • Action - Apply the new metric to model the real-world implications of emerging marine nature markets and inform MNG policy
  • Output - An assessment of the different gains and losses for various stakeholders, providing an evidence base for policy and market design.
• Producing policy and management recommendations for implementation of MNG policy and emerging marine nature markets.
  • Action 1 - integrate the new metric into existing and emerging MNG policies and regulatory frameworks (e.g., Marine Spatial Planning, licensing for offshore development).
  • Action 2 - utilize the modelled benefits and costs (gains/losses to stakeholders) to establish proportionate compensation and offsetting mechanisms for activities that disturb the seabed.
  • Output - A framework detailing the specific regulatory changes, management practices, and market mechanisms required to ensure the new metric drives ecologically effective and socially equitable outcomes for marine protection, nature restoration and climate mitigation.

Student Profile

The ideal PhD candidate for this marine research project must possess strong Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and statistical skills, which are essential for the analysis and visualization of complex oceanographic and ecological data. Competency in software like ArcGIS, QGIS, R, or Python is highly desirable, alongside a robust understanding of research design and quantitative methods. Crucially, the candidate must demonstrate a strong and enthusiastic willingness to go on a research vessel for extended periods of fieldwork, as data collection at sea is a mandatory component of this research. This interdisciplinary role requires a motivated, adaptable individual with excellent communication skills, capable of independent work and collaboration within a scientific team.

This project is only open to Home applicants.

Supervisors

Craig Smeaton, Primary Supervisor, University of St Andrews

Nicholas Hanley, University of Glasgow

William Ross Hunter, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, NI

How to apply?

For more details on the application process, and to apply via the NETGAIN online application form, please visit the NETGAIN website. The deadline for applications is Tuesday 26 May 2026.

Funding Notes

All NETGAIN Doctoral Focal Award projects have guaranteed funding for 4 years at the UKRI national rate. In 2025/26, this included a tax-free stipend of £20,780 paid in monthly instalments, tuition fees at the Home rate, extensive research support funding, and support for an external placement of up to 6 months. Part-time study is available at a minimum of 50%, funding will be provided pro rata.

This project is only open to Home applicants.