PhD : Integrated approach for the evaluation of spatial management scenarios for a fishery affected by toxic algal blooms.
The case of the scalop fishery in the Eastern Channel (M/F)
Reference: PV-2024-1429
Department/Office : Département des Ressources Biologiques et Environnement
Unité de recherche Economie Maritime
Duty station: Brest, Bretagne, FR , France
Starting date on the job :
Deadline for applications : 23/04/2024
General areas of responsibility
Located on the site of the Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer, beside Ifremer Centre in Brittany, the Maritime Economics unit (EM) is an integral part of the Joint Research Unit 6308 AMURE (AMénagement des Usages des Ressources et des Espaces marins et littoraux), which brings together staff from Ifremer, the University of Brest and the CNRS (French National Centre for Scientific Research) in the humanities and social sciences. The main topics addressed by the EM unit are the economic analysis of the development trajectories of maritime activities, the assessment of their impacts on marine and coastal ecosystems and their associated ecosystem services, and the analysis of the responses that can be provided by public policies, particularly in terms of institutions and regulatory mechanisms. The work of the EM team focuses more particularly on the issues of managing exploited living marine resources (e.g. professional and recreational fishing, marine farming) and policies for the marine environment conservation.
Summary
Thesis Title « Integrated approach for the assessment of spatial management scenarios of a fisheries social ecosystem faced with multiple issues. Application to the scallop fishery in the Eastern English Channel affected by toxic algal blooms » (M/F)
Sustainable fisheries management faces multiple challenges in the context of global change and degradation of production conditions. Harmful and toxic algal blooms (HAB) are also a major issue for fisheries management in France, due to the risks they pose to human health via the consumption of seafood, and the potential socio-economic impacts they may have. This PhD project will address the issue of fisheries sustainability and the governance of this activity in relation to HAB, with a focus on the spatialized management of the scallop fishery in the Eastern Channel. Temporary bans on access to fishing areas aim to manage the resource or protect consumers by preventing the sale of animals contaminated by toxic algae. The aim of this thesis is to (1) develop an integrated spatial modelling approach to characterize the spatial dynamics of the fishery under analysis, considering forcings linked to management measures, particularly of a spatial nature, and forcings linked to HAB dynamics, and (2) to explore suitable management mechanisms to better manage both the fishery and the health issues it cyclically suffers. The aim of this integrated model is to explore a new approach to anticipatory management of the resource/health fishery, as opposed to the current mode of crisis management without collective coordination.
Key words
King scallop, bio-economy, HAB, ecosystem approach, governance, sustainability, impacts, adaptation, English Channel, integrated models.
Required Knowledge, skills, and characteristics
you have an engineering profile in fisheries or equivalent, with a good level of knowledge in processing quantitative and qualitative spatialized data from heterogeneous sources. Strong skills in modelling approaches, computer programming and statistical processing of long-time series are required. Knowledge of HAB and their associated impacts would be of interest. Awareness on social and economic issues of fisheries management and the capacity to conduct fieldwork in interaction with stakeholders will also be required
Specific working conditions
The tasks to be carried out as part of the thesis mainly involve modeling and data processing. In addition, interviews with stakeholders will be necessary to gather the quantitative and qualitative information required for the analyses to be carried out. Fieldwork may be supplemented by workshops with fishermen and stakeholders to discuss about management scenarios that could be developed as part of the thesis.
Phd is a real opportunity to work on Ifremer's scientific and technological priority themes. It entitles the holder to a gross monthly salary of 2300 euros gross for a period of 3 years, which cannot be combined with other scholarships.
How to apply for this position
Your application file must include:
Your application must be compiled into 2 PDF files, up to 3 MB for each file.
The deadline for applications is April 15th, 2024. Nevertheless, we strongly urge you to let us know as soon as possible of your intention to apply, by contacting the subject supervisor: jose.perez@ifremer.fr
Doctoral students' contracts will start as of October 1st, 2024, subject to the submission of administrative documents authorizing Ifremer to recruit the doctoral student (certificate of completion of the Master 2 or engineering degree + visa for foreign doctoral students outside the EU).
The Institute and the recruiting departement
A pioneer in ocean science, IFREMER’s cutting-edge research is grounded in sustainable development and open science. Our vision is to advance science, expertise and innovation to:
With more than 1,500 personnel spread along the French coastline in more than 20 sites, the Institute explores the 3 great oceans: the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific oceans. A leader in ocean science, IFREMER is managing the French Oceanographic Fleet and its dedicated scientists create ground-breaking technology to push the boundaries of ocean exploration and knowledge, from the abyss to the atmosphere-ocean interface.
Well-established in the international scientific community, our scientists, engineers and technicians are committed to advance knowledge about our planet’s last unexplored frontiers. They provide the science we need for informed decision-making and public policy and they transfer this knowledge and technology to businesses to fulfill public and private needs. Core to our mission is also to strengthen public awareness about the importance of understanding the ocean and its resources, and empowering future generations of leaders through education and outreach national campaigns.
Founded in 1984, IFREMER is a French public organization and its budget approximates 240 million euros. It is operating under the joint authority of the French Ministry for Higher Education, Research and Innovation, the french Ministry of the Sea, the French Ministry for the Ecological and Solidary Transition, and the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
How to apply for this position
Deadline for applications: 23/04/2024
All applications are processed exclusively via our website. Interested candidates can apply by clicking the “Apply” button.
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