"PhD Studentship - Marine Sciences: Benefits and Impacts of Use of Light in UK Fisheries and their Wider Effect on the Marine Environment"

University of Plymouth

Qualification Type:PhDLocation:Devon, PlymouthFunding for:UK Students, International StudentsFunding amount:The studentship is supported for 3.5 years and includes Home or International tuition fees plus a stipend of £20,780 per annum 2025-26 rate (2026-27 rate TBC)Hours:Full TimePlaced On:3rd December 2025Closes:2nd February 2026

Benefits and impacts of use of light in UK fisheries and their wider effect on the marine environment

Lead Supervisor (DoS): Dr Bryce Stewart (also MBA)

Second Supervisor: Dr Thomas Davies

Third Supervisor: Professor Tim Smyth

Additional Supervisors: Dr Rob Enever, Dr Harry Thatcher, Mr Tom Hooper (Fishtek Marine)

Applications are invited for three 3.5 year PhD studentships with the Marine Institute at the University of Plymouth. The studentships are due to start on 1st October 2026.

Plymouth has been at the forefront of global marine research for more than a century, and today it is home to the largest concentration of marine researchers in the UK. Come and join our vibrant community of marine PhD students.

Project Description

Lights are increasingly being used in marine environments to augment catches of fish and shellfish. However, there is currently only a very superficial understanding of how lights may affect the wider ecosystem, and whether they prove to be a more sustainable methodology than existing fishing gear types.

In the UK, Fishtek Marine have developed the scallop pot (Enever et al. 2022), which—through a world first discovery—uses lights inside adapted crab and lobster pots to attract king scallops (Pecten maximus) in commercial quantities. This method is thought to have a much lower environmental impact than the currently widespread approach of dredging and has attracted significant interest from other countries such as Norway, France, Canada and Australia. However, development of the fishery is still at an early stage and questions remain over the way in which the lights attract scallops and the potential effects of this method of fishing on scallop stocks, other species and the wider ecosystem.

Through analysis of existing data, aquarium and field-based experiments, and modelling of populations, the candidate will address the following research topics:

• Cascade effects of pot lights on scallops and other marine species using remote cameras
• Effects of lights on scallop movement using tagging in relation to density and environmental conditions
• Effects of lights on scallop reproduction and population dynamics

The candidate will gain skills in:

• Data analysis and interpretation
• Experimental design and application in aquarium and field-based settings
• Modelling of population dynamics

Professional development will include working on research and fishing vessels, presenting research at national and international events, media training and co-authorship of additional non-PhD publications. This training will prepare the candidate for careers in academia, environmental consultancy, conservation, and resource management.

Eligibility

Applicants should have a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject or a relevant Masters qualification. We seek a motivated candidate with strong analytical skills, and an interest in biodiversity, fisheries and conservation. Willingness to join boat-based fieldwork is essential. An appropriate SCUBA diving qualification is desirable but not essential.

The studentships are supported for 3.5 years and include full Home or International tuition fees plus a stipend at the 2026/27 UKRI rate (to be confirmed; compare the 2025/26 UKRI rate of £20,780 per annum). The last 6 months of the four-year registration period is a self-funded ‘writing-up’ period.

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Bryce Stewart.

Please click on the Apply button above for further information and to apply.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 2nd February 2026.