Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/R007233/1
Recommendations For Improving Maerl Bed Protection, Informed By A Combined Genetic, Physiology And Modelling Approach
Training Grant Award
- Lead Supervisor:
- Dr H Burdett, Heriot-Watt University, Sch of Energy, Geosci, Infrast & Society
- Grant held at:
- Heriot-Watt University, Sch of Energy, Geosci, Infrast & Society
- Science Area:
- Marine
- Overall Classification:
- Marine
- ENRIs:
- Biodiversity
- Global Change
- Natural Resource Management
- Science Topics:
- Earth & environmental
- Environmental genetics
- Conservation Ecology
- Genetic diversity
- Population Ecology
- Marine protected areas
- Population Genetics/Evolution
- Population dynamics
- Sediment/Sedimentary Processes
- Blue carbon
- Abstract:
- The student will combine genetics, physiology and modelling to yield a step-change in the evidence-base that supports UK maerl bed conservation. Maerl beds are biodiverse marine ecosystems formed by accretions of free-living red coralline algae. They are also known to be highly effective at locking up carbon that may otherwise be in the atmosphere (blue carbon). All European maerl beds are 'Vulnerable' or 'Endangered' and threatened by climate change and human activities (e.g. trawling, pollution). Scotland is a European maerl bed stronghold but current protection is based on a paucity of empirical data. To improve management practice, we need to know: 1. If there are other, currently unknown, maerl beds 2. How genetically connected the maerl beds are 3. The species-specific variability in carbon sequestration capacity 4. The effectiveness of current protection strategies This project combines genetic and physiological information with distribution modelling to support maerl bed protection, directly aligning to stakeholder needs via a tripartite collaboration between the Lyell Centre (Heriot-Watt University), Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Scottish Natural Heritage. The project outcomes will directly inform Scottish Natural Heritage's management strategies - impacting marine policy, as well as increasing maerl bed awareness with coastal businesses and public groups. This will ultimately safe-guard the economic and ecological value of maerl beds, therefore contributing to the UK's natural capital and cultural resource. The research objectives are: OBJECTIVE 1: Construct a probabilistic distribution map of Scotland's maerl beds to identify if there are likely to be other,currently unknown, beds. This will be informed by location records, water temperature and current velocity. High-probability areas will be field-validated. Key training skills: modelling, literature review, meta-analysis, fieldwork. OBJECTIVE 2: Determine the genetic connectivity and reproductive strategy of Scottish maerl beds to identify sources and sinks of genetic diversity, and areas at risk of environmental perturbation (asexually dominated). A new suite of microsateillite markers will maximise data quality. Outgroups from SW England, Iceland and Norway will place results in a wider geographical context. Key training skills: environmental genetics, big-data, bioinformatics. OBJECTIVE 3: Compare the carbon sequestration capacity of the 3 key UK maerl species (Lithothamnion glaciale, L.coralloides and Phymatolithon calcareum) to improve our understanding of maerl bed blue carbon processing. Specific measurements will include rates of photosynthesis, respiration and calcification. Key training skills: aquarium experimentation, biogeochemistry, statistical analysis. OBJECTIVE 4: Evaluate the effectiveness of current protection strategies and make policy / management recommendations to maximise the success of future plans. Priority areas will be identified from Objectives 1-3, e.g. large beds, sources of genetic material and/or species most effective in carbon sequestration. Mismatch between priority areas,current protection and projected environmental change will shape the recommendations put forward. Key training skills:science-policy translation, science communication. The student will be embedded in a multi-disciplinary, multi-sector training environment. Over the course of the project, the student will gain technical skills in spatial modelling, big-data management, statistical numeracy, fieldwork, research-policy translation, science communication and multidisciplinarity - all have been identified as priority areas of concern in NERC's skills need review. The student will also gain transferable skills across the Research Development Framework, including: critical thinking, creativity, professional interaction & communication across sectors, time management, prioritisation, team work, and financial and project management.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/R007233/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- DTG - directed
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Industrial CASE
This training grant award has a total value of £89,516
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Fees | Total - RTSG | Total - Student Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| £17,480 | £11,000 | £61,038 |
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