About the project
Natural resource management tends to consider individual sectors in isolation and in simplistic terms. However, resource domains are interconnected and complex (the Nexus) requiring a need to consider them more holistically through a systems approach in which trade-offs and synergies (win:win) can be identified.
This project will investigate the interactions between food (marine fisheries), energy (fishing vessel fuel; offshore windfarms), and the environment (marine habitat / carbon storage) and how shocks (climate events, Brexit, pandemics, war in Ukraine) impact the system in both positive and negative and sometimes unforeseen ways.
For example, fishing activity may have declined in response to COVID-19 and associated reduction in demand or increased fuel prices due to the war in Ukraine. This may result in short term negative impacts on the fishing industry, but longer-term benefits for the resource (potential recovery from overfishing). Alternatively, for some the potential to remain at sea for longer periods may have reduced risk of catching COVID-19 on land if they have the ability to freeze their catch, while UK sanctions on Russian imports of whitefish may have increased demand and value of the product, offsetting the cost of fuel.
The successful applicant will have an interest in natural resource management,. as indicated by a degree in the relevant subject (Environmental Science, Economics or Environmental Engineering related discipline), an interest in developing new skills and using novel techniques (related to computer science) to solve challenges posed, and be comfortable with complexity with an ability to embrace nuance. They will develop data analytical skills, potentially in Big Data obtained from social media and AI, study design, Matlab and R, and technical writing capabilities. The student will join a cohort of like-minded researchers working on interdisciplinary projects. The research team at the International Centre for Ecohydraulics Research has a strong track record in publishing high impact scientific articles, public engagement and political outreach, and employability for graduates.
