PhD Studentship: Developing and Applying Camera Monitoring Tools for Inshore Fish Assemblages

DoS: Ben Ciotti (benjamin.ciotti@plymouth.ac.uk, tel.: 01752 586183)

2nd Supervisor: Oliver Tills (oliver.tills@plymouth.ac.uk, tel.: 01752 586093)

3rd Supervisor: Adam Waugh (Adam.Waugh@naturalengland.org.uk)

4th Supervisor: Fabio Favoretto (fabio.favoretto@plymouth.ac.uk)

5th Supervisor: Ziad Ibbini (ziad.ibbini@plymouth.ac.uk)

Applications are invited for a four-year PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1st January 2027.

Project Description

This PhD focuses on developing and deploying underwater cameras systems to reveal patterns of habitat use by inshore fish assemblages and to advance future monitoring capabilities. Shallow inshore areas provide important habitats for a range of fish species and are particularly important as nursery areas underpinning fisheries productivity and the viability of threatened populations. Tools to monitor fish assemblages in these areas are necessary to support nature conservation, habitat restoration and sustainable fishing. However, fisheries‑dependent data is often unavailable and many traditional monitoring methods are too resource‑intensive or unsuited to the complex, delicate habitats used by juvenile fishes.

This project aims to offer both unique insights into specific juvenile habitats and help transform future monitoring capabilities. Focusing on selected habitat mosaics within the National Marine Park and protected areas in Plymouth Sound, and building on developments in camera technology through the FinVision project (https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/marine-conservation-research-group/fishing-and-aquaculture/finvision), the student will implement a network of video cameras to investigate fine-scale patterns of habitat use over extended periods, in relation to key environmental drivers. This camera network will also act as a testbed to develop automated AI-based workflows for video processing: a key bottleneck in upscaling video-based approaches.

As a collaborative project between the University of Plymouth and Natural England, the PhD is an exciting platform for translating innovative research directly into policy and management practice. Building on extensive experience of the supervisors working in both the research and management of juvenile fish habitats, the student will be trained in a range of inter-disciplinary skills including coastal fish sampling, scientific diving, digital technologies and computer vision.

Would suit individuals with interests in fisheries and conservation ecology, with an enthusiasm for developing novel technology and AI-based approaches.

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Ben Ciotti, benjamin.ciotti@plymouth.ac.uk.

Eligibility

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 4 years and includes full Home tuition fees plus a stipend of £19,830 per annum 2026/27 rate. The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for Home fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants normally required to cover International fees will have to cover the difference between the Home and the International tuition fee.

There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.

To apply for this position please click on the button above.

The closing date for applications on 29th October 2026.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview in the week commencing 9th November 2026.