Reef to Rescue: Advancing Ex Situ Breeding for Marine Conservation

Applications are invited for a 3.5-year PhD studentship with UoP and the Ocean Conservation Trust’s National Marine Aquarium, starting 1 October 2025.

Apply

To apply please use the online application form. Simply click on the online application link below for PhD Biological Sciences
Online application
Within the research section of the application form, in the following fields, please add:
‘Proposed project title/studentship title’ add 25-10 BMS-S1-P2 Richard Preziosi
When the application asks for a research proposal, please just upload a blank document. A research proposal is not needed for this programme as you are applying directly to a studentship project.

Application guidance

It is important that you follow the instructions above or your application for this studentship may be missed and therefore will not be considered.
Before applying, please ensure you have read the Doctoral College’s general information on  applying for a postgraduate research degree .
For more information on the admissions process please contact research.degree.admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
Reef to Rescue: Advancing Ex Situ Breeding for Marine Conservation
Funded PhD project (open to applications from students worldwide).
Applications are invited for a 3.5-year PhD studentship with the University of Plymouth and the Ocean Conservation Trust’s National Marine Aquarium. The studentship will start on 1 October 2025.
Plymouth has been at the forefront of global marine research for more than a century, and today it is home to the largest concentration of marine researchers in the UK. Come and join our vibrant community of marine PhD students.

Project description

The overexploitation of marine ornamental species for the aquarium trade has led to significant declines in wild populations, particularly for species with limited distributions or specialized habitat requirements (Rhyne et al., 2012). Developing ex situ breeding programs is essential to conserve these species and reduce pressure on natural populations (Olivotto et al., 2011). This proposal outlines a research plan to establish captive breeding populations for four marine species of concern.

Research objectives

1. Establish captive breeding protocols
  • Develop and refine breeding techniques for each species.
  • Identify optimal environmental conditions for reproduction and rearing.
2. Contribute to conservation efforts
  • Reduce demand for wild-caught specimens by supplying captive-bred individuals.
  • Provide data and methodologies to support global conservation initiatives.

Species profiles

Pterapogon kauderni (Banggai Cardinalfish)
  • Status: Endangered (IUCN, 2021)
  • Challenges: Limited natural range, overcollection, habitat degradation (Vagelli, 2008).
  • Goal: Develop a sustainable breeding program to supply the aquarium trade and support potential reintroduction efforts.
Hippocampus erectus (Lined Seahorse)
  • Status: Vulnerable (IUCN, 2021)
  • Challenges: Overexploitation, habitat loss, low reproductive rates (Foster & Vincent, 2004).
  • Goal: Enhance captive breeding success rates and improve larval survival.
Siganus uspi (Bicolored Foxface Rabbitfish)
  • Status: Near Threatened (IUCN, 2021)
  • Challenges: Habitat degradation, lack of established breeding protocols (Durville et al., 2003).
  • Goal: Pioneer breeding techniques to establish the first ex situ population.
Chrysiptera hemicyanea (Azure Damselfish)
  • Status: Least Concern but faces localized pressures (IUCN, 2021).
  • Challenges: Overcollection in certain regions (Wabnitz et al., 2003).
  • Goal: Optimize breeding methods to prevent future population declines.

Research methodology

1. Facility preparation
  • Aquarium setup: Design species-specific tanks that mimic natural habitats, including appropriate substrate, vegetation, and hiding spots (Koldewey & Martin-Smith, 2010; Watson & Hill, 2006).
  • Water quality management: Implement advanced filtration and monitoring systems to maintain optimal water parameters (Spotte, 1992).
2. Breeding protocol development
  • Environmental conditioning: Adjust lighting, temperature, and salinity to stimulate spawning behaviours (Wittenrich, 2007).
  • Diet optimization: Provide a varied and nutrient-rich diet to enhance reproductive health (Palma et al., 2011).
  • Behavioural observation: Monitor courtship rituals and mating patterns to identify key reproductive triggers (Fishelson, 1998).
3. Larval rearing techniques
  • Larval tank design: Utilize specialized rearing systems appropriate for each species, such as kreisel tanks for delicate larvae (e.g., seahorses) (Ohs et al., 2010).
  • Feeding regimens: Cultivate live food cultures such as rotifers, copepods, and Artemia nauplii enriched with essential fatty acids (Sargent et al., 1999).
  • Survival enhancement: Research probiotic use and other methods to reduce mortality rates (Ringø et al., 2010).

Expected outcomes

  • Successful Breeding Protocols: Establish reliable methods for captive breeding of all four species.
  • Increased Survival Rates: Improve larval and juvenile survival through optimized rearing techniques.
  • Educational Contribution: Publish findings in scientific journals and present at conferences to aid global conservation efforts.
  • Sustainable Supply: Provide the aquarium industry with captive-bred specimens, reducing pressure on wild populations.
 
 
 

References

  • Durville, P., Collet, A., & Champeau, O. (2003). Successful larval rearing of the rabbitfish (Siganus lineatus) in New Caledonia. Aquaculture, 218(1–4), 237–244.
  • Fishelson, L. (1998). Behaviour, socio-ecology and sexuality in damselfishes (Pomacentridae). Italian Journal of Zoology, 65(S1), 431–435.
  • Foster, S. J., & Vincent, A. C. J. (2004). Life history and ecology of seahorses: implications for conservation and management. Journal of Fish Biology, 65(1), 1–61.
  • IUCN. (2021). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved from IUCN Red List
  • Koldewey, H. J., & Martin-Smith, K. M. (2010). A global review of seahorse aquaculture. Aquaculture, 302(3–4), 131–152.
  • Ohs, C. L., DiMaggio, M. A., & Broach, J. S. (2010). Rearing methods for larval and early juvenile Pterapogon kauderni, the Banggai cardinalfish, in recirculating aquaculture systems. North American Journal of Aquaculture, 72(1), 1–7.
  • Olivotto, I., et al. (2011). Breeding and rearing the longsnout seahorse Hippocampus reidi: rearing and feeding studies. Aquaculture, 315(3–4), 146–154.
  • Palma, J., Bureau, D. P., & Andrade, J. P. (2011). Effect of different lipid sources on growth and survival of juvenile long-snouted seahorse, Hippocampus guttulatus. Aquaculture, 314(1–4), 255–260.
  • Ringø, E., et al. (2010). Lactic acid bacteria vs. pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract of fish: a review. Aquaculture Research, 41(4), 451–467.
  • Rhyne, A. L., et al. (2012). Revealing the appetite of the marine aquarium fish trade: the volume and biodiversity of fish imported into the United States. PLOS ONE, 7(5), e35808.
  • Sargent, J., McEvoy, L., & Bell, G. (1999). Requirements, presentation and sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids in marine fish larval feeds. Aquaculture, 179(1–4), 217–229.
  • Spotte, S. (1992). Captive Seawater Fishes: Science and Technology. Wiley-Interscience.
  • Vagelli, A. A. (2008). The unfortunate journey of Pterapogon kauderni: a species recently discovered and already threatened with extinction. SPC Live Reef Fish Information Bulletin, 18, 17–28.
  • Wabnitz, C., et al. (2003). From Ocean to Aquarium: The Global Trade in Marine Ornamental Species. UNEP-WCMC.
  • Watson, C. A., & Hill, J. E. (2006). Design criteria for recirculating, marine ornamental production systems. Aquacultural Engineering, 34(3), 157–162.
  • Wittenrich, M. L. (2007). The Complete Illustrated Breeder's Guide to Marine Aquarium Fishes. TFH Publications.

Person specification

We seek an enthusiastic individual with an interest in Ex situ breeding and marine conservation. Prior experience with aquaria, aquaculture, captive breeding, or laboratory techniques, including larval rearing or water quality management would be advantageous. Additionally experience in behavioural observation, nutritional studies, or conservation initiatives are also desirable.

Eligibility

This PhD studentship is open to applicants worldwide. Applicants should have a first or upper second-class honours degree in an appropriate subject or a relevant Masters qualification. If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English requirements for the programme, IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component test area) or equivalent.
The studentship is supported for 3.5 years and includes full home or international tuition fees plus a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) maintenance stipend (£19,237 per annum for 2024/25) and generous bench fees. The last 6 months of the four-year registration period is a self-funded ‘writing-up’ period.
If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Professor Richard Preziosi .
Please see our apply for a postgraduate research programme page for a list of supporting documents to upload with your application.
For more information on the admissions process generally, please visit our apply for a postgraduate research programme page or contact the Doctoral College .
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 14 March 2025.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview after the deadline. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications. Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.