NDC Industry Funded PhD: Ecology Of Subsea Infrastructure

About the Project

An exciting opportunity to study for a PhD with leading researchers at the UK National Decommissioning Centre (NDC), University of Aberdeen, investigating the ecological role of subsea infrastructure and its implications for the marine environment and decommissioning. The project will provide recommendations to inform sustainable marine management and subsea infrastructure policy.

The studentship is jointly supported by industry and the NDC.

Project Description

This 3.5-year PhD project at the University of Aberdeen National Decommissioning Centre will investigate the ecological role of subsea infrastructure and its implications for marine management and decommissioning. The research will examine how structures such as pipelines and platforms influence biodiversity, habitat connectivity, ecosystem functioning, and invasive species dynamics under different decommissioning scenarios (full removal, partial removal, or leave-in-place). Using existing biodiversity and environmental datasets alongside possible techniques such as: GIS/spatial analysis, oceanographic data, and ecological modelling approaches, the project may study aspects such as habitat suitability, species dispersal, and ecological connectivity across local and regional scales. The research may also explore future climate change scenarios and compare patterns across different marine regions and infrastructure types.

Research Objectives

• Quantify the effects of subsea infrastructure on marine biodiversity and habitat structure.
• Assess the potential for subsea infrastructure to function as artificial reefs or pathways for invasive species dispersal.
• Evaluate ecological changes associated with infrastructure installation, operation, and decommissioning.
• Develop evidence-based recommendations for sustainable design, monitoring, and decommissioning practices.