Socio-economic and ecological impacts of UK marine heatwaves under climate change (5021)

Project description

Record-breaking sea surface temperatures were observed around the UK in Summer 2023, and recent research has shown that the number of marine heatwaves globally has risen by more than 50% in the 30-years to 2016, compared with 1925-54. Marine heatwaves can result in the mass mortality of marine flora and fauna, leading to significant losses in habitat, biodiversity and income from fisheries and tourism.

While it is clear that UK marine heatwaves will increase under climate change, the socio-economic implications and impacts on local marine ecosystems remains an important policy question. Aims and objectives

This exciting project aims to evaluate the socio-economic and ecosystem impacts of marine heatwaves in the UK. The work will include analysis of both historical observations and state-of-the-art regional ocean climate projections to quantify the potential changes in frequency, intensity and duration of UK marine heatwaves over the 21st century. The potential scale and impacts of these events will be assessed through a combination of: (i) analysis of past data; (ii) literature reviews; and (iii) targeted modelling studies.

A particular focus of the research will be on the increased potential for harmful algal blooms, with implications for aquaculture, water quality, tourism, and human health, alongside legal and policy aspects (e.g. health warnings) and socio-economic impacts (e.g. on the desirability and viability of existing tourist and aquaculture sites).

Training

Through the University of Exeter PGR supervision system, the student will have monthly supervision meetings, providing research support and ensuring sustained progress towards completing their project within 3-years and 8 months. The student will have access to the resources and support services available at the host and partner institutions. In particular, the student will receive advanced training in research design, research methodology, research ethics, and the necessary quantitative and qualitative methods, through well-established teaching modules (which will also help integrate the student into a community of learning).

The University of Exeter Doctoral College stimulates, supports and sustains a vibrant research and intellectual environment across and between disciplines for postgraduate and early career researchers. The student will also be invited to be a member of relevant academic research centres and networks, including the Environmental Intelligence Network and Exeter Marine.

Supervisory team

The project will be supervised by a transdisciplinary team of researchers from The University of Exeter, Plymouth Marine Lab, Cefas and the Met Office.