Future ecological diversity and ‘blue carbon potential’ within saltmarshes under a changing climate, CASE project with Cefas

Future ecological diversity and ‘blue carbon potential’ within saltmarshes under a changing climate, CASE project with Cefas

Project Description

Supervisors

Dr Natalie Hicks, School of Life Sciences, University of Essex

Dr Amanda Cavanagh, School of Life Sciences, University of Essex

Professor David Paterson, Scottish Oceans Institute, School of Biology, University of St Andrews

Professor Corinne Whitby, School of Life Sciences, University of Essex

 

Scientific Background

Saltmarshes are significant ‘blue carbon’ reservoirs and important for climate mitigation, yet, they are under constant threat and have experienced a large decline globally. Currently there is a lack of information on the role of plants in their ecology and function, especially under a changing climate. This studentship will analyse natural and restored saltmarshes along the Essex and East Scotland coastlines to assess their resilience to climate change and enable policy makers to better manage saltmarshes in the future. This novel studentship characterises plant biodiversity, and plant-microbe specific interactions, across eastern Scotland (‘current climate’ marshes) and eastern England (‘warmer’ future marshes), that drive critical greenhouse gas fluxes and better understand their ‘blue carbon’ role.

 

Research Methodology

A seasonal fieldwork campaign will be conducted along the Essex and East Scottish coastlines (including natural vs. restored; vegetated vs. unvegetated). Gas flux (CO2, N2O) will be measured using Li-Cors and gas chromatography and related to physicochemical parameters (e.g. nutrients, organic carbon, particle size). Plant physiological traits will be measured using spectral radiometers including Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (for chlorophyll content and drought stress), Photochemical Reflective Index (responses to excess light), Normalized Differential Water Index (for water content). Photosynthesis will also be measured via stomatal conductance and chlorophyll fluorescence using porometer/fluorometry. eDNA analysis will characterise the microbial communities using metagenetics (targeting taxonomic/functional genes for carbon cycling) and metagenomics.

  • Year 1- Fieldwork (at Essex and St Andrews).
  • Year 2- Plant physiology / physicochemistry analysis (Essex / Cefas).
  • Year 3- eDNA analyses (Essex).

 

Training

This interdisciplinary studentship will give the student experience and training in biogeochemistry, plant physiology, and ecology. The student will also benefit from existing datasets, and the expertise of the case partner (Cefas). Regular meetings will be held with the supervisory team to fully support the student and ensure successful project management and delivery.

 

Person Specification

Acceptable first degree subjects: Bachelors degree in Environmental Science, Marine Science, Microbiology, Ecology, Plant Science or Biological Science related subject.

Project code: HICKS_ESSEX_ARIES26_CASE

All ARIES CASE studentships include a three to 18-month placement with the non-academic CASE partner during their period of study. The placement offers experience designed to enhance professional development.

References

  • Heymans, S., Gattuso, J.P., Hicks, N., Neukermans, G., Landschutzer, P. and Pörtner, H.O., (2023) Blue Carbon: Challenges and opportunities to mitigate the climate and biodiversity crises., European Marine Board Policy Brief 11, https://marineboard.eu/publications/blue-carbon
  • Moore C, Meacham-Henshold K, Lemonnier P, Slattery R, Benjamin C, Bernacchi C, Lawson T, Cavanagh A (2021) The effects of increasing temperature on photosynthesis: from enzymes to ecosystems. Journal of Experimental Botany. 72(8):2922-2944 https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/erab090
  • F., Hynes, C., Hughes, D., … & Nelson, P. (2025, in prep). Assessing seabed carbon storage and sequestration: response to pressures and management interventions. Carbon Management Project report for Defra.
  • Underwood G, Dumbrell A, McGenity T, McKew B, Whitby C (2022). The microbiome of coastal sediments. In: The Marine Microbiome, 479-534. The Microbiomes of Humans, Animals, Plants, and the Environment, 3. Springer International Publishing. ISBN 9783030903824.
  • Taylor, B. W., Paterson, D. M., & Baxter, J. M. (2019). Sediment dynamics of natural and restored Bolboschoenus maritimus saltmarsh. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 7, 237. doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2019.00237

Key Information

  • This studentship has been shortlisted for funding under the UKRI NERC DLA funding scheme and will commence on 1 October 2026. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 7 January 2026.
  • Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£20,780 p.a. for 2025/26) 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.
  • ARIES postgraduate researchers (PGRs) benefit from bespoke training and ARIES provides £2,500 to every student for access to external training, travel and conferences, on top of all Research Costs associated with the project. Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses. Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses.
  • ARIES is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion in all areas of its operation. We encourage enquiries and applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation and transgender status. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience, and our recruitment process considers potential with the same weighting as past experience.
  • All ARIES studentships may be undertaken on a part-time or full-time basis. International applicants should check whether there are any conditions of visa or immigration permission that preclude part-time study. All advertised project proposals have been developed with consideration of a safe, inclusive and appropriate research and fieldwork environment with respect to protected characteristics. If you have any concerns, please contact us.
  • For further information, please contact the supervisor. To apply for this Studentship, follow the instructions at the bottom of the page or click the 'apply now' link.
  • ARIES is required by our funders to collect Equality and Diversity Information from all of our applicants. The information you provide will be used solely for monitoring and statistical purposes; it will remain confidential and will be stored on the UEA SharePoint server. Data will not be shared with those involved in making decisions on the award of Studentships and will have no influence on the success of your application. It will only be shared outside of this group in an anonymised and aggregated form. You will be asked to complete the form by the University to which you apply.
  • ARIES studentships are subject to UKRI terms and conditions. Postgraduate Researchers are expected to live within reasonable distance of their host organisation for the duration of their studentship. Please see https://www.ukri.org/publications/terms-and-conditions-for-training-funding/ for more information.

Apply Now

Please send a CV and Cover Letter to  ariesapp@essex.ac.uk, including the title and project code of the studentship you wish to apply for.