PhD Studentship: Comparative Fisheries Management in the Arctic and Antarctic in a Changing Climate

Scientific background:

Climate change is rapidly altering marine ecosystems, particularly in the polar regions where warming is occurring faster than the global average. Changing ocean conditions are leading to substantial changes in the distribution, abundance and productivity of fish stocks, creating challenges for sustainable fisheries management. 

This exciting interdisciplinary project will investigate how climate change may affect key commercial fish species and fisheries management in both Arctic and Antarctic waters. By comparing these globally important systems, through a combination of ecological modelling, evaluation of management implications and policy analyses, the research will provide important insights into how fisheries management can adapt to future change. 

Research methodology:

Based primarily at BAS with time also spent at Cefas and UEA, the PGR will use ecological, fisheries and environmental datasets to undertake quantitative analyses investigating climate change impacts on polar fish species. This will include ecological modelling, climate projections and risk assessments to examine how future climate scenarios may affect distribution, productivity and vulnerability of key species. Potential study species include commercially important species from both regions, such as Atlantic mackerel, cod and toothfish. They will assess and compare how these changes may affect fisheries management in the Antarctic and Arctic, involving analyses of management measures, governance frameworks and policy processes to examine common challenges and contrasting responses. The research will generate novel outputs, including species vulnerability assessments, climate risk assessments, and comparative analyses of management responses to climate change, and will identify opportunities for climate-resilient fisheries management.

Training:

The PGR will gain interdisciplinary training in ecological modelling, fisheries science, risk assessment and policy analysis. They will benefit from the collaboration between BAS, Cefas and UEA, with opportunities to engage with international scientific and policy communities, attend conferences, and develop a range of scientific (e.g. data analysis, paper writing) and transferable skills (e.g. stakeholder engagement, media training).  

Person specification: 

We seek an enthusiastic and committed individual with a background in marine science, ecology, fisheries science, environmental science and/or a related discipline. Strong numerical, analytical and communication skills are desirable. An interest in marine ecosystems, fisheries, climate change and policy will be advantageous.

Funding details:

ARIES studentships are subject to UKRI terms and conditions. Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27) and a research training and support grant (RTSG). A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees being waived by the registering university. Please note, however, that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK, such as visa costs or the health surcharge. 

After submitting their application for the relevant ARIES project(s), applicants are expected to complete the ARIES Equality and Diversity Form Applicants - 2027 Entry – Fill in form. One form is required per application, so applicants applying to more than one project must complete a separate form for each.