Developing and applying camera monitoring tools for inshore fish assemblages

Applications are invited for a four-year PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1 January 2027

Developing and applying camera monitoring tools for inshore fish assemblages

Applications are invited for a four-year PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1 January 2027

Apply

To apply please use the online application form. Simply select the online application link below for PhD Marine Sciences

Online application

Within the research section of the application form, in the following fields, please add:

‘Proposed project title/studentship title’ add 27-01 BMS S1-P1 Ciotti

'Proposed supervisor' add Dr Benjamin Ciotti

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.

Director of Studies DoS:

Dr Benjamin Ciotti

2nd Supervisor:

Dr Oliver Tills

3rd Supervisor: Adam Waugh (Adam.Waugh@naturalengland.org.uk)

4th Supervisor:

Dr Fabio Favoretto

5th Supervisor:

Mr Ziad Ibbini

Applications are invited for a four-year PhD studentship. The studentship will start on 1 January 2027.

Project description

This PhD focuses on developing and deploying underwater cameras systems to reveal patterns of habitat use by inshore fish assemblages and to advance future monitoring capabilities. Shallow inshore areas provide important habitats for a range of fish species and are particularly important as nursery areas underpinning fisheries productivity and the viability of threatened populations. Tools to monitor fish assemblages in these areas are necessary to support nature conservation, habitat restoration and sustainable fishing. However, fisheries‑dependent data is often unavailable and many traditional monitoring methods are too resource‑intensive or unsuited to the complex, delicate habitats used by juvenile fishes.

This project aims to offer both unique insights into specific juvenile habitats and help transform future monitoring capabilities. Focusing on selected habitat mosaics within the National Marine Park and protected areas in Plymouth Sound, and building on developments in camera technology through the FinVision project, the student will implement a network of video cameras to investigate fine-scale patterns of habitat use over extended periods, in relation to key environmental drivers. This camera network will also act as a testbed to develop automated AI-based workflows for video processing: a key bottleneck in upscaling video-based approaches.

As a collaborative project between the University of Plymouth and Natural England, the PhD is an exciting platform for translating innovative research directly into policy and management practice. Building on extensive experience of the supervisors working in both the research and management of juvenile fish habitats, the student will be trained in a range of inter-disciplinary skills including coastal fish sampling, scientific diving, digital technologies and computer vision.

Would suit individuals with interests in fisheries and conservation ecology, with an enthusiasm for developing novel technology and AI-based approaches.

If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact Dr Benjamin Ciotti.

Eligibility

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 4 years and includes full home tuition fees plus a stipend of £19,830 per annum 2026/27 rate. The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for home fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants normally required to cover international fees will have to cover the difference between the home and the international tuition fee.

There is no additional funding available to cover NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs, visa costs, flights etc.

Working part-time while receiving a stipend at the University of Plymouth is generally permitted, provided it does not conflict with the terms of your funding or visa requirements.

Full-time jobs cannot be held alongside a full-time stipend.
International students are generally limited to 20 hours of work per week.

How to apply

To apply, please select the ‘Online application’ link above. Please include the following documents with your application:

CV / résumé.
Personal statement (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).
Degree certificates and transcripts (please provide interim transcript if you are still studying).
Contact information for two referees familiar with your academic work.
If relevant, proof of English Language Competency (Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language with an IELTS Academic of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or equivalent).

Please view a list of supporting documents to upload with your application.

For more information on the admissions process generally, please visit our how to apply for a research degree webpage or contact the Doctoral College at research.degree.admissions@plymouth.ac.uk. Applications will not be considered if information is missing.

The closing date for applications is 29 October 2026.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview in the week commencing 9 November 2026. 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.