A new PhD position based in Sète, France, co-supervised by Rhodes University in South Africa, offers a unique opportunity to study marine megafauna connectivity in the Southwest Indian Ocean (SWIO) using acoustic telemetry. The project will integrate movement data from over 550 tagged individuals—including sharks, trevallies, wahoo, and marine turtles—to quantify connectivity across Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), model future species distributions under climate and fishing scenarios, and upscale analyses regionally to sites such as the Comoros and Europa. By linking movement ecology at multiple scales to regional governance, the research aims to optimize cross-border spatial management and strengthen marine conservation in this biodiversity hotspot facing increasing human pressure.
The candidate will be based at the MARBEC research lab, with access to specialized technical platforms and close collaboration with the PEPR BRIDGES project. Responsibilities include participating in field missions to tag target species in South Africa and Mozambique, engaging with experts in acoustic telemetry and spatial biostatistics, and undertaking a mission at Rhodes University. The position offers €2300 gross monthly salary, 44 days annual leave, remote work compensation, and substantial transport support.
For more information and application details, visit the CNRS Project Page.
Photo: School of Trevally, Dani Escayola / Ocean Image Bank
