Ecology of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems: connecting functional diversity and resilience

Ecology of Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems: connecting functional diversity and resilience

Project Description

Supervisors

Professor Kerry Howell, Plymouth Marine Laboratory

Dr Angela Stevenson, School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth

Ms Heidi Tillin, Plymouth Marine Laboratory

Dr Ana Hilario, University of Aveiro, Portugal

 

Scientific Background

Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs), such as deep-sea coral gardens and sponge fields, are biodiversity hotspots that deliver critical ecosystem services through their complex structures. However, they face increasing threats from fishing, resource extraction, and climate change. Functional diversity -the range of ecological roles species fulfil within a community –  is central to ecosystem resilience, but remains poorly understood in VMEs. Quantifying VME functional diversity can help assess vulnerability and guide conservation of VMEs. This project will advance our understanding of VME functional ecology and develop science-based indicators of ecosystem health, directly supporting international policy goals for deep-sea biodiversity protection.

 

Research Methodology

This project will combine seafloor visual survey, targeted sampling and AI-assisted image analyses to:

  1. Define and quantify functional traits of VME taxa.
  2. Identify key functional groups, map functional diversity, and compare to taxonomic diversity.
  3. Develop indicators of ecosystem health and resilience across different VME types.
  4. Build predictive spatial models for VME distribution and resilience under future climate scenarios.

 

Training

The candidate will gain skills in:

  • Deep-sea survey techniques using remotely operated and autonomous underwater vehicles
  • Image annotation, including AI-based approaches.
  • Functional trait analysis, taxonomic identification of deep-sea benthos, biodiversity metrics; and spatial predictive modelling.

Professional development will include research cruises, collaboration with international scientific presentations, and co-authorship of additional non-PhD publications. This training will prepare the candidate for careers in academia, environmental consultancy, conservation, and resource management.

 

Person Specification

We seek a motivated candidate with strong analytical skills, and interest in biodiversity, functional ecology, image/video analysis, and conservation. Experience with programming, statistical analysis, or spatial modelling is desirable but not essential, as full training will be provided. A willingness to join multi-week ship-based fieldwork is welcomed but not required.

Acceptable first degree subjects: Marine Ecology, Marine Biology, Zoology, Biological Oceanography, Environmental Science, Data Science, Environmental Informatics, or similar.

Project code: HOWELL_PML_ARIES26

References

  • Susini, I., Tillin, H.M., Anderson, L., Robertson, C.M., Rees, S. and Howell, K.L., 2025. Towards Greater Standardisation in Benthic Trait Research to Support Application to Environmental Management. Ecology and Evolution, 15(3), p.e71072. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.71072
  • Piechaud, N. and Howell, K.L., 2022. Fast and accurate mapping of fine scale abundance of a VME in the deep sea with computer vision. Ecological Informatics, 71, p.101786. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoinf.2022.101786
  • Howell, K.L., Bridges, A.E., Graves, K.P., Allcock, L., la Bianca, G., Ventura-Costa, C., Donaldson, S., Downie, A.L., Furey, T., McGrath, F. and Ross, R., 2022. Performance of deep-sea habitat suitability models assessed using independent data, and implications for use in area-based management. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 695, pp.33-51. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14098
  • Buhl-Mortensen, P., Braga-Henriques, A. and Stevenson, A., 2022. Polyp loss and mass occurrence of sea urchins on bamboo corals in the deep sea. Ecology, 103(2), pp.1-5. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecy.3564
  • Stevenson, A., Mitchell, F.J. and Davies, J.S., 2015. Predation has no competition: factors influencing space and resource use by echinoids in deep‐sea coral habitats, as evidenced by continuous video transects. Marine Ecology, 36(4), pp.1454-1467. https://doi.org/10.1111/maec.12245

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

Apply now via  University of Plymouth ARIES Doctoral Training