Warming oceans from climate change is driving an increase in the occurrence of tropical fishes in temperate latitudes. While we are beginning to understand the factors that may limit their establishment success in novel temperate environments, we still known comparatively little about the mechanisms which affect the dynamics of their larval stage. The project will investigate these processes for tropical fishes arriving in the temperate waters of NSW in the summer months.
Associate Professor William Figueira.
School of Life and Environmental Sciences
Masters/PHD
This project will seek to understand the dynamics of the larval stage that results in the variable delivery of tropical larvae to temperate habitats. It will focus on understanding factors affecting the timing of arrival as well as the consequences of this on post settlement success. It will also attempt to look at the variable success of different species to determine what role interspecific differences in performance may play in determining which species are seen in NSW. The project will involve snorkel-based fieldwork and lab-based analysis of fish otoliths and body condition.
Participants in this project will require current driver’s license valid for use in NSW and they should be very comfortable snorkelers.
HDR Inherent Requirements
In addition to the academic requirements set out in the Science Postgraduate Handbook, you may be required to satisfy a number of inherent requirements to complete this degree. Example of inherent requirement may include:
The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 2707