The principal challenges of the Channel and North Sea Fisheries Research Unit (HMMN) are to analyse and predict the dynamics of fisheries, marine ecosystems and their biodiversity under pressure from fishing, global change and emerging uses, and to evaluate management strategies to assure their sustainability and conservation.
The HMMN Unit is structured around three major research themes: (1) Individuals, populations and ecological niches, (2) Communities, trophic networks and biodiversity and (3) Fleets, fisheries and management scenarios, sharing observation tools – Observations on land and at sea, Sclerochronology National Centre, the Zooplankton Taxonomy and Ecology Centre, the Trophic Networks Platform, and the CREDO cell.
Under the authority of the head of the HMMN Unit, within the fisheries laboratory of Boulogne-sur-Mer, he / she is in charge of research carried out in marine resource and ichthyoplankton ecology within the framework of the State-Region CPER_IDEAL Planning Contract (Integrated approach to marine and littoral challenges). This research is part of Theme 1 (Individuals, Populations and Ecological Niches) and Theme 2 (Communities, Trophic Networks and Biodiversity) of the HMMN Unit, in close relation with the work carried out within the Sclerochronology National Centre, the Trophic Ecology Platform, and the Zooplankton Taxonomy and Ecology Centre.
General areas of responsibility
A number of hypotheses and complex processes can be studied with in-situ observations. Due to the complexity of the natural marine environment, surveys at sea and field studies do not always make it possible to precisely identify and isolate the causes of change observed in wild populations. Sclerochronological analyses of growth and microchemistry of captured fish otoliths, in combination with measures of individual fish condition and temporally explicit environmental and ecological data, however, allow the reconstruction of the responses to temperatures experienced, along with relationships to the relevant periods for environmental and ecological indices, such as productivity. These temporally explicit analyses offer the possibility of identifying and assessing the effects of environmental change on the production of larval herring, with implications for stock-recruitment and for ecosystem models.
The principal goals of this post-doctorate are to investigate issues of fishery and ichthyoplankton ecology; in particular, through the understanding of the response mechanisms of individuals and populations of exploited wild fish to global change, in interaction with different components of the ecosystem.
This study aims to improve knowledge of the early life stages of ecologically and economically structural fish species in the Eastern Channel, and will be based on results from wild-caught larval fish (herring, Clupea harengus) over the several years. By investigating the responses of larval fish to temporally explicit environmental conditions over time, this study aims to, (1) investigate metabolic, growth and production responses to experienced temperatures and productivity, (2) illustrate the ranges of these responses and plasticity of herring larvae to variable climatic conditions.
The objective for the obtained results will be at least one publication, and should be presented at international conferences.
Principal activities
Many potential research avenues are envisaged for this post-doctorate; the candidate’s inclination towards each will depend on their experience and creativity:
- Study the effects of global change on larval growth via analyses of daily growth increments of otoliths within and between years (sclerochronology);
- Study the effects of global change on the metabolic rate of larval fish within and between years in relation to the experienced temperatures (stable isotope analyses);
- Relate the measures of growth, metabolic rate, larval fish condition, and experienced temperatures, along with indices of ecosystem productivity to predict the consequences for larval herring production.
Collaborative work environment
- Externally: Researchers from LOG (Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Littoral Côte d´Opale)
Profile
- Doctoral degree in marine ecology (obtained 3 years ago maximum)
Required knowledge, skills and characteristics
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Knowledge of the ecology and development of ichthyoplankton
- Physiology of fish larvae
- Strong numerical and statistical skillsAnalysis of multivariate and statistical data
- Understanding of uses of stable isotope ecology
- Excellent laboratory competence
- Permit/Category B driving licence essential
- Ability to participate in scientific research surveys at sea
Personal qualities
- Personal initiative and great organisation skills
- Ability to work in a team
- Professional rigour and autonomy
Specific working conditions
- Activity rate: 100% – possibility to participate in at-sea research surveys.
- Temporary contract of 18 months
The Institute
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:
- Protect and restore the ocean
- Sustainably use marine resources to benefit society
- Create and share ocean data, information & knowledge.
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.
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