Impact of multi-stressors on seagrass seed germination and survival: implications for natural bed dynamics and restoration programmes

This project is part of the NERC-funded Centre for Doctoral Training, ECOWILD. For more details, and for a full list of projects offered under this programme, please visit:  https://ecowild.site.hw.ac.uk/

This project examines how combinations of abiotic and biotic stressors affect germination and survival of seagrass seeds and seedlings, alongside use of synthetic materials (e.g. polyacrylamide) as a matrix for planting, which may protect against stressors, but may also constitute stressors on benthic infauna. This knowledge will help to understand the dynamic interannual changes in seagrass density and bed extent observed in nature and will help inform seagrass restoration efforts by allowing targeted planting of seeds in the best available areas.  It will involve seed collection, aquarium work, challenge of seedlings with combined stressors, verification of stressor levels in the field and mapping of these to predict in situ germination and survival rates. Work involved will include testing of different approaches for seed planting and sediment mixtures, including enrichment, and possible effects of these approaches on benthic biota.

Skills to be developed will include seagrass survey and seed collection, plant health assessment and growth protocols, field measurements of biotic and abiotic stressors, use of laboratory challenge protocols, chemical analytical techniques, statistical analyses, GIS mapping, networking and communication with agency and stakeholder groups.

No information is available on multi-stressor effects on seagrass germination and survival.  Work to date has looked at single environmental factors in isolation or at correlates of seagrass density or extent.  This project aims to directly determine the influence on seagrass establishment of combinations of abiotic and biotic stressors.  The combination of expertise in germination (derived from malting-related plant science) at Heriot-Watt (HWU), ecotoxicology (HWU and SAMS) and restoration (HWU and NE) brings together a unique blend of relevant experience.  The Forth, through work done by the PI,  is the best-studied marine/estuarine system for time-series of intertidal seagrass distribution in the UK, which makes it an ideal location for the proposed studies.

Seagrass is a threatened habitat worldwide which contributes to coastal stabilisation, fisheries production and maintenance of coastal biodiversity.  Understanding reasons for changes in natural seagrass distribution is essential to design and develop successful restoration efforts, including where they should be targeted and to predict where loss of seagrass might be likely, so as to optimise conservation efforts and to inform assessment of increased risks (e.g. erosion/sediment transport).  This information addresses problems in coastal erosion/stability, sustainable fisheries production and biodiversity conservation.

Funding

This is a full scholarship which will cover tuition fees for Home students and provide an annual stipend in line with UKRI recommended levels (£19,795 in 2025-26) for the 44 months duration of the project.

International candidates may apply but if successful, will need to demonstrate that they (or their supervisory team) have co-funding to cover the difference between home and international fees to be eligible. The difference in fees varies by programme. The current difference for 2024/25 academic year is approximately £20,000 per year.

Supervisors

Dr Alastair Lyndon – Heriot Watt University

Dr Hazel Selley – Natural England

Dr Ross Alexander - Heriot Watt University

Dr Helena Reinardy – University of the Highlands and Islands

Eligibility

This project is available to home and overseas students*. Applicants typically should have a first or upper second-class honours degree or equivalent in an appropriate subject and preferably a relevant Masters’ qualification or similar experience.

Essential Skills:

• Field-based skills
• Laboratory skills
• Data analysis

We recognise that not every talented researcher will have had the same opportunities to advance their careers. We therefore will account for any particular circumstances that applicants disclose (e.g. parental leave, caring duties, part-time jobs to support studies, disabilities etc.) to ensure an inclusive and fair recruitment process.

*Due to CDT funding rules and Institutional policies, there is a cap on the number of scholarships that can be awarded to international students. Once this limit has been reached, ECOWILD CDT scholarship will only be awarded to students who are eligible for Home fee status.

English Language Requirements

Overseas students must be able to provide proof of their ability in the English language.

We require an IELTS certificate showing an overall score of at least 6.5 with no component scoring less than 6.0, or a TOEFL certificate with an overall score of at least 85, including reading 20, listening 19, speaking 20 and writing 21. Alternatively, if you have received an English-taught Bachelors or Masters degree from one of the countries listed on the UK Government Guidance under ‘Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English’, and it was obtained less than two years from your intended start date, you should provide evidence of your award that clearly states it was delivered and assessed in English language.

How to Apply

For information on how to apply, please visit the ECOWILD website: https://ecowild.site.hw.ac.uk/how-to-apply/

For project specific enquiries, please contact a.r.lyndon@hw.ac.uk

For general enquiries or technical support with your application, please contact ecowild@hw.ac.uk

Timelines

The closing date for applications is 5pm GMT Thursday 9th January, and applicants must be available to start in October 2025.