Marine Science

Applications for 2023-2024 are now closed.

Exploring the hearing system of sharks and rays in 3D

Supervisors

Lucille Chapuis

Craig Radford

Discipline

Institute of Marine Science

Project code: SCI125

Project

Sharks and rays have a uniquely diverse hearing system, with different inner ear morphologies. However, we don’t know the functional significance of this diversity and how it relates to the ecology of each species. A few inner ears from different species of sharks and rays have been scanned with micro-computed tomography.

This project aims to quantify the morphological differences by using Image Processing software to segment the inner ears and reconstruct the hearing system of each species in 3D, as well as the brain, calculate sizes and volumes and to make comparisons. The student will work with the computer to segment the picture into structures – essentially, trace the outline of the structure. This process is time-intensive and relies on the skills of the segmenter.

Requirements

Good IT knowledge (Windows), precision and patience!

Specific training with the software used will be provided, but a basic understanding of other image software is welcome (e.g. imageJ, Adobe suite)

Sea anemone metabolism

Supervisor

Tony Hickey

Discipline

Institute of Marine Science

Project code: SCI126

Project

A quick perusal of the literature reveals that little is known about mitochondrial function within cnidarians. This is interesting, as it cnidarians are ancient metazoans, that likely arose before the Cambrian. What is known is that coral mitochondria appear to be relatively inefficient, producing less ATP for a given amount of oxygen consumed and that they may produce and tolerate large amounts of the reactive oxygen species hydrogen peroxide.

However, cnidarians such as corals and sea anemones can have photosynthetic symbionts, which produce oxygen, a vital yet reactive substance. Therefore they likely have good reason to dispose of oxygen and most likely have active antioxidant systems. This may be more evident for species living in the intertidal zone relative to those living in the subtidal zone.

This summer studentship will explore some core aspects of mitochondrial function (and maybe chloroplast) in anemones. We have developed methods to measure free radical production, antioxidant capacity, respiration and photosynthetic rates of very small samples. We have also developed methods to image some mitochondrial functions in situ. The student will be able to test out several methods, and work in a fun and diverse group with research interests spanning from ecophysiology to biomedicine.

Loss of a natural carbon sink? Effects of sediment resuspension on marine carbon storage

Supervisor

Ines Bartl

Discipline

Institute of Marine Science

Project code: SCI127

Project

Human activities such as fossil fuel combustion pump tremendous amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere – in 2022, emissions reached a new high of 36 billion tons. The increase of this greenhouse gas unbalances the global carbon cycle and leads to climate change effects like global warming, extreme weather events, and sea-level rise.

Our planet has natural carbon sinks that capture and store CO2 long-term, which can help us mitigate these climate change effects. On land, forests are a well-known example, but the ocean's coastal and shelf sediments store carbon, too. These sediments suffer, however, from intense disturbance through bottom trawling and dredging, causing sediment resuspension, which weakens the carbon storage function.

This project will involve field experiments investigating the effect of sediment resuspension on the carbon storage potential by quantifying organic carbon mineralisation rates. With the samples collected and methods applied, we teach combined ecological and biogeochemical approaches for a holistic understanding of seafloor disturbance effects. Along with this project, the student can engage with other exciting projects in our research group to gain experiences and skills in seafloor ecology.

The project will be based at the Leigh Marine Laboratory.

No specific prior experience is required. (Training will be provided.) The ideal candidate for us will be someone who enjoys working in a team and outdoors / on boats (and doesn't mind getting muddy!) but can also organise themselves and work independently in the lab.

Real time underwater noise monitoring system

Supervisor

Ben Lawrence

Discipline

Institute of Marine Science

Project code: SCI128

Project

The traditional approach to underwater noise monitoring is to deploy passive acoustic monitoring devices (hydrophones) for a period of time, then retrieve the devices to analyse the data. However, projects in sensitive marine environments require action to be take quickly if underwater noise levels are above a given threshold, or if species are identified in the area through click detection. Real-time underwater noise monitoring with the ability to send alerts to devices would significantly improve the management of underwater noise.

This project involves investigation potential systems that can monitor underwater noise levels and provide real time feedback to manage noise effects. Examples include:

  • Send an alert when noise levels exceed a given threshold
  • Send an alert when a species is detected (e.g. through click detections)

Requirement

An understanding or interest in underwater noise.

Explore new approaches to assessing the effects of underwater noise effects on marine life

Supervisor

Ben Lawrence

Discipline

Institute of Marine Science

Project code: SCI129

Project

Underwater noise is a rapidly evolving area and novel approaches are being developed to assess physiological and behavioural effects on sensitive marine species around the world. It is important that these new approaches are understood and included in assessments in New Zealand where relevant.

This project is to investigate approaches to assessing underwater noise effects that could benefit projects in New Zealand. This can include investigation of:

  • Underwater noise calculation methods and parameters in implementation in software packages such as dBSea
  • Inclusion of ecological data such as species prevalence, swim speeds/directions as modelling parameters
  • Mitigation measures
  • Methods to manage noise effects such as the use of drones to detect marine mammals

Required skills: understanding or interest in underwater noise effects.

Predicting urchin barrens through benthic imagery

Supervisors

Arie Spyksma

Nick Shears

Discipline

Institute of Marine Science

Project code: SCI130

The sea urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii forming urchin barrens within the Poor Knights Marine Reserve.

Project

The climate-driven range expansion of the longspined sea urchin, Centrostephanus rodgersii, is one of the most urgent threats to kelp forests in northeastern New Zealand. Assessing this species impact over large spatial scales requires the collection and analysis of benthic imagery datasets.

This project will involve collecting and analysing benthic imagery that will contribute towards the training and testing of machine learning models being developed to rapidly predict and map the presence of C. rodgersii and C. rodgersii barrens across NE New Zealand.

This project will be based at the Leigh Marine Laboratory. It will involve field work and photo analysis so will suit someone with ability to work in both the field and at the computer.

Ideal student

Though not a requirement, the project could involve diving if the candidate had a SCUBA certification to rescue diver. Alternatively, someone with skills in computer programming would have the opportunity to assist with the machine learning development.