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Dean of Postgraduate Research Vice-Chancellor’s Office Extension: 7285 Email: [email protected] Summer Research Scholarship Scheme 2015-2016 Project Application Form Please complete and submit the application form as a WORD document and send to [email protected] The Project Title of Project (max 30 words): The response of New Zealand freshwater fishes to fine inorganic sediment. Project Leader(s): Prof. Jon Harding & Nicky P. C. Glenjarman Host Department/Organization: School of Biological Sciences Other persons involved in this topic/activity: (List other significant members involved along with their affiliation to the research project.) Name Affiliation to project Dr Kristy Hogsden Associate Supervisor Brief outline of project Describe the proposed research project – maximum of 400 words (box will expand as you type). Note that this information will be published on the web in order to attract student applicants and therefore be mindful of any Intellectual Property issues This project will investigate the effect of fine sediment on freshwater fish species. The project will include both field work and laboratory experiments. Many land use activities (e.g. agriculture and mining) result in significant erosion and fine sediment entering streams. Research has shown that this dramatically affects stream insects, however much less research has been done on how our freshwater fish communities respond. We will conduct a field survey of streams in Canterbury, Nelson, West Coast and Otago to determine how fish diversity and community composition is effected by deposited sediment (i.e. bed sediment cover). We will also conduct a series of laboratory experiments investigating how turbid water affects the feeding efficiency of selected fish species. This is part of an MSc thesis and the summer student will work the MSc student but will also have their own component investigating the effects of sediment on 1 different fish life history stages. If the project involves work away from the University campus (e.g., at fieldwork sites) please detail all locations. A provisional field schedule is: 30 November to 4 December 2015 7 to 11 December 2015 11 to 15 January 2016 25 to 29 January 2016 8 to 12 February 2016 Westport Hari Hari Nelson Nelson Catlins If the student be required to work outside of normal university hours (8am-5pm) please provide details The student will be involved in night spotlighting of freshwater fish, so will need to work 1 or 2 hours on selected evenings. Benefits student will gain from involvement in the project Describe the research experience and skills that the student will acquire through involvement in this research project – maximum of 100 words. The student will gain considerable freshwater field experience. They will develop skills including an understanding of freshwater ecology, an ability to identify NZ freshwater fish and invertebrates, problem solving, experimental design, team work, statistical analysis, field risk management, and the correct use of technical equipment in the field and laboratory. Specific student requirements Please provide details of all requirements you have for the student to work on this project – for example, if specific courses/experience are necessary. The student must be motivated and able to use their initiative. They should be comfortable working in streams and rivers and ideally have a drivers license. Completion of either vertebrate biology or animal physiology would be useful, but not essential. 2