Download The response of New Zealand freshwater fishes to fine inorganic

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