Reef to Rescue: Advancing Ex Situ Breeding for Marine Conservation

Applications are invited for a 3.5 years PhD studentship with the University of Plymouth and the Ocean Conservation Trust’s National Marine Aquarium. The studentship will start on 1st October 2025. 

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

The overexploitation of marine ornamental species for the aquarium trade has led to significant declines in wild populations, particularly for species with limited distributions or specialized habitat requirements (Rhyne et al., 2012). Developing ex situ breeding programs is essential to conserve these species and reduce pressure on natural populations (Olivotto et al., 2011). This proposal outlines a research plan to establish captive breeding populations for four marine species of concern.

Research Objectives

• Establish Captive Breeding Protocols
• Contribute to Conservation Efforts

Species Profiles

• Pterapogon kauderni (Banggai Cardinalfish)
• Hippocampus erectus (Lined Seahorse)
• Siganus uspi (Bicolored Foxface Rabbitfish)
• Chrysiptera hemicyanea (Azure Damselfish)

Research Methodology

• Facility Preparation
  • Aquarium Setup
  • Water Quality Management
• Breeding Protocol Development
  • Environmental Conditioning
  • Diet Optimization
  • Behavioural Observation
• Larval Rearing Techniques
  • Larval Tank Design
  • Feeding Regimens
  • Survival Enhancement

Expected Outcomes

• Successful Breeding Protocols
• Increased Survival Rates
• Educational Contribution
• Sustainable Supply

Person Specification

We seek an enthusiastic individual with an interest in Ex situ breeding and marine conservation. Prior experience with aquaria, aquaculture, captive breeding, or laboratory techniques, including larval rearing or water quality management would be advantageous. Additionally experience in behavioural observation, nutritional studies, or conservation initiatives are also desirable.

Eligibility

This PhD studentship is open to applicants worldwide. Applicants should have a first or upper second-class honours degree in an appropriate subject or a relevant Masters qualification. If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English requirements for the programme, IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component test area) or equivalent.  

The studentship is supported for 3.5 years and includes full home or international tuition fees plus a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) maintenance stipend (£19,237 per annum for 2024/25) and generous bench fees. 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 Prof Richard Preziosi (Richard.preziosi@plymouth.ac.uk)

To apply for this position please click the 'Apply' button.

Please see our 'Apply for a postgraduate research programme' page for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application. 

For more information on the admissions process generally, please visit our 'Apply for a postgraduate research programme' page or contact the Doctoral College.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 14 March 2025. 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview after the deadline. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications.  Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. 

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