PhD Thesis Marine Ecology and Resources (M/F)

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PhD Thesis Marine Ecology and Resources (M/F)

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Job description

Offer DescriptionThe PhD student will work in the MARBEC laboratory (UMR 248) based at the Ifremer station in Sète, which has strong expertise in marine ecosystems, their resources and their exploitation. He or she will be attached to the GAIA doctoral school.
The thesis will be supervised by a multidisciplinary team working on common geographical areas and themes. This thesis will be co-directed by Johann Mourier (Junior Professor at the University of Montpellier, specializing in shark and ray ecology at UMR MARBEC) and Catherine Sabinot (Researcher at IRD, ethnoecologist and anthropologist at UMR 228 ESPACE-DEV).
This thesis will also benefit from the “Fisheries and governance” actions of phase 2 of the LMI MIKAROKA, with partners from CNRO Nosy Be and the University of Antsiranana. The student will be hosted on the CNRO’s premises, and will be involved with Malagasy students and researchers in the collection networks in place. The field activities of the thesis will also take place during the first years of the PEPR BRIDGES and should be able to benefit from the framework of actions undertaken in the Target Programs (TP) 2 “Observatories” and 4 “Socio-Ecosystems”.Elasmobranch populations have declined by 70% in 50 years due to their massive exploitation by fisheries. Appropriate management measures are therefore urgently needed to restore populations of these key species of marine ecosystems. In the south-west Indian Ocean, there is a crucial lack of data and knowledge on artisanal fisheries and their interactions with elasmobranchs. The perceptions and knowledge of local communities are often not integrated into the monitoring and assessment of stocks aimed at sustainable exploitation. Approaches based on socio-ecological systems, which help to conceptualize the interactions between the elements of a system and coastal fisheries in particular, are on the increase, but they often still neglect or underestimate the importance of cultural values and community perceptions for sustainable resource management.
The aim of the thesis is to question, understand and synthesize the diversity of knowledge – some derived from local knowledge, others from academic research – on sensitive species such as elasmobranchs, in order to identify biocultural indicators that will enable us to envisage prospects for monitoring and evaluating their long-term exploitation, and thus develop conservation measures at a local scale.
To support this reflection, the aim of this thesis, established in the science of sustainability (mobilizing approaches from ecology and ethnoecology), will be to: (1) take current knowledge on elasmobranchs, their diversity, distribution and vulnerability status in the study area (Mayotte-North Madagascar); (2) understand the evolution of abundances and demographic structure of the various populations of these species and their interactions with artisanal fishing since their massive exploitation at the beginning of the 20th century; (3) characterize the place elasmobranchs occupy in the communities of the study area (values, uses and associated norms).

Where to apply WebsiteRequirementsResearch Field Biological sciences Education Level PhD or equivalentResearch Field Environmental science Education Level PhD or equivalentLanguages FRENCH Level BasicResearch Field Biological sciences Years of Research Experience NoneResearch Field Environmental science Years of Research Experience NoneAdditional InformationAdditional comments: Profile : The candidate should have a multi-disciplinary background or have a good disposition to work on an interdisciplinary subject. He/she should have a Master’s degree in Biology and Ecology, Anthropology or Human Geography. Holders of an engineering degree in agronomy with a specialization in marine ecology and skills in human and social sciences (surveys in particular) may also apply. He/she must be motivated and dynamic, with a real aptitude for field work in difficult conditions (isolation, tropical climate, poor environment, insecurity, language…). He or she must be both autonomous and able to federate and get involved in team activities. Strong written and spoken skills in French and English are expected. Experience of internships in marine research laboratories and/or fisheries ecology would be an asset, as would good knowledge of the North-East Mozambique Channel region.
Other skills expected:
Experience with SHS survey techniques (semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, participant observation)
Analytical and synthesis skills
Ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team
Knowledge or previous research in the insular context would be appreciated Website for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Biodiversité Marine, Exploitation et Conservation Country France City MONTPELLIER GeofieldContact CityMONTPELLIER WebsiteSTATUS: EXPIREDShare this page

Expected salary

Location

Montpellier

Job date

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 06:25:58 GMT

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