(version March 2015)
Research projects outside UvA
2015
------------------------------------
A. Subjects in the Netherlands
 Decoupling and adaptation of trophic interactions in aquatic food webs under climate change
(NIOO)
 Validation of harmful algal bloom forecasts by remote sensing images (Deltares)
 Excavating sponge communities in permanent quadrants on Curacao and Bonaire coral reefs
 Design of an improved bioassay for antibiotics activity (Waternet)
 Biodiversiteit sponzen op de Sababank
B.












Subjects abroad
Marine biotoxins (in New Zeeland)
Cryopreservation of biotoxin producing micro-algae (in New Zealand)
Impact of flood events on sediment resuspension and seagrass viability in Moreton Bay (in
Australia)
Sediment and nutrient budgets over a subtropical Reservoir (in Australia)
Nutrient fate modelling for application of Life Cycle Assessment LCA (in Australia)
Molecular ecology of mesophotic coral ecosystem (in Australia)
Persistence of benthic invertebrates in metal polluted high altitude Andean streams (in Peru)
Onderzoek aan koraalrif en vis op Bonaire (in Caraïbisch Nederland)
Distribution, abundance and biology of conch (Strombus gigas) on St Eustatius, Saba Bank,
Anguilla and St Barts.
Status of the lobster, reef fish, deep-water snapper and pelagic (tuna, wahoo etc) fisheries on
St Eustatius, Saba and Bonaire
Status of shark and fish communities in the Dutch Caribbean
Depth and habitat map of Bonaire Marine Park
1
(version March 2015)
Project title: Decoupling and adaptation of trophic interactions in aquatic food webs
under climate change
Examiner: Petra Visser (UvA)
Supervisor: L.N. de Senerpont Domis (NIOO-KNAW)
Project description:
Recent climate warming has been shown to advance the seasonal timing of life cycle events, such as budding of
trees and egg laying by birds. Species-specific differences in these changes in phenology may result in a
decoupling of trophic relationships in food webs and subsequent cascading effects on community structure. For
the timing of life cycle events, such as emergence, moulting and sexual reproduction, each species requires
specific cues, which are used as proxies for the suitability of the environment for their reproduction and growth.
Climate warming may change the validity of the proxies different species use. We use a tritrophic pelagic food
web to test several hypotheses concerning the impact of climate warming on their phenological coupling. Our
experimental model system consists of highly and lowly nutritious algae as primary producers, the zooplankter
Daphnia as a key-herbivore, and small planktivorous fish as predominant predators. Experiments are carried out
using laboratory systems of different scales, ranging from mesoscale laboratory ecosystems (1000-L
Limnotrons), to microcosms and small-scale flow through systems. We complement these experiments with
model analyses of the full ecosystem model for shallow lakes- PCLake.
Technical skills / methods:
Plankton culturing and sampling, microscopy, carbon/nitrogen analyser, photospectrometer,
CASY/Flowcytometer, PHYTO-PAM, oxygen measurements, pH measurements, chemical analyses (e.g. total P,
total N, P content of algae), physical parameters (light intensity), PCR-based techniques and allozymeelektrophoresis ,data analysis (statistical packages, MS Excel), computer modeling (various setups and
programming environments), aquatic field work.
Allowed timespan: 30 EC=21 weeks; 40 EC=28 weeks; 50 EC=35 weeks; 60 EC=42 weeks
Remarks
The project will be carried out at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology- centre for Limnology,
Droevendaalsesteeg in Wageningen.
Contact person for students to address questions to:
Petra Visser (p.m.visser@uva.nl), tel: 525 7073
2
(version March 2015)
Project title: Validation of harmful algal bloom forecasts by remote sensing images
Examiner: Petra Visser (UvA) / Sharon Tatman-Baker (Deltares)
Supervisor: Sharon Tatman-Baker/Tineke Troost (Deltares)
Project description
In the past, sudden explosive growth of harmful algae has led to upsetting events such as mass mortality of
shellfish, smelly beaches and poisoning. To be able to respond more quickly to such harmful blooms, a real-time
information system has been developed that combines modeled forecasts with field measurements and remote
sensing images of the Dutch coastal area. This information system provides early warnings that for example will
enable fisherman to bring their shellfish to safety before damage is done. As yet, the algal bloom model
forecasts need to be validated by means of the remote sensing images. This will lead to a better understanding
of the model behaviour, and will quantify the reliability of the forecasts. Depending on the timespan of the
project, the model may be adjusted as to optimize the goodness of fit of the forecasts. Through this internship,
you will gain knowledge on algal growth, expertise on statistical validation methods, and experience in the field
of ecological modeling. At the end of the project, you are expected to write a report and/or a scientific
publication.
Technical skills / methods:
The methods used in this internship include interpretation of modeling results, application of statistical (goodness
of fit) tests, and datafile handling. Ecological knowledge of algal growth and some affinity with statistics or
datahandling is therefore advantageous. If desired, the project may also involve modeling work, but would then
need a longer time span (50-60EC).
Allowed timespan: 30 EC=21 weeks; 40 EC=28 weeks; 50 EC=35 weeks; 60 EC=42 weeks
Remarks:
The student will spend most of the time at Deltares (Delft), due to the availability of modeling facilities and
supervision. Help at writing a scientific publication is part of the project-supervision, and is provided until the
publication is finished.
Contact person for students to address questions to:
dr. ir. Tineke Troost (tineke.troost@deltares.nl) Tel: 015-2858881
3
(version March 2015)
Project title: Excavating sponge communities in permanent quadrants on Curacao and
Bonaire coral reefs.
Project description
Coral reef systems are facing worldwide decline due to a variety of anthropogenic impacts. The resulting loss of
coral cover seems rapidly followed by loss of reef complexity. Structural complexity, provided by the carbonate
skeleton of reef building corals, fulfils a key function in a reef’s metabolism and provides refuge and substrate to
many reef species as well as important ecosystem services. Under the current global conditions, however, reef
accretion might drop to a point where reductive forces (bio-, physical- and chemical erosion) become dominant
over bioconstructing processes (e.g. corals, CCA), resulting in the loss of reef complexity, unavoidably initiating
changes in the reef community and metabolism.
Bioerosion is considered the main destructive force reducing structural complexity on coral reefs. In a ‘healthy’
system bioeroders aid in shaping the reef, increase substrate availability and produce sediment. However, in
combination with ocean acidification, global warming and eutrophication, the reef calcification balance might shift
to net erosion.
Excavating sponges are among the most efficient bioeroders found on coral reefs and can be responsible for up
to 95% of the total bioerosion. Single sponges can remove up to 30 kg CaCO 3 m-2 year-1, roughly equal to some
fast growing corals. Nevertheless, little is known about their community structure. The aim of this project will be
to determine the current state of the excavating sponge community on the reefs of Curacao and Bonaire. Project
will involve fieldwork on both islands as well as image analyses at IMARES and NIOZ (Texel).
Supervision:
Didier de Bakker didier.debakker@wur.nl
dr. Erik Meesters
dr. Fleur van Duyl
Duration: 6-9 months
4
(version March 2015)
Project title: Design of an improved bioassay for antibiotics activity
(Waternet research MSc internship - 6 months)
Examiner: Dr. Michiel Kraak (UvA)
Supervisor: Ron van der Oost
Project description:
Organic micropollutants can be a high risk for the ecological water quality. It is virtually impossible to
determine all potentially hazardous substances by chemical analyses. Therefore, the Smart monitoring
project, initiated by Waternet, aims to design an environmental risk assessment strategy by using
effect measurements in biological tests (bioassays). One of the toxicological endpoints of the bioassay
panel is the activity of five classes of antibiotics. Currently this test is performed with the RIKILT
WaterSCAN bioassay, looking at the growth inhibition of bacteria on agar culture plates. A major
disadvantage of this test is that it is not possible to reliably quantify the antibiotics activity, due to
differences in diffusion behaviour of substances through the agar plates.
An alternative approach would be to convert the test to a 96-well microplate format and use liquid
media to culture the bacteria. This approach is theoretically possible, but has not been applied thus
far. The research aim is to design and validate a test method for quantification of five classes of
antibiotics activities, with five strains of susceptible bacteria (provided by RIKILT). If bacterial growth
can be analysed by measuring optical density in a 96-well microplate reader, it should be possible to
measure the effect of antibiotics on growth inhibition. Different steps have to be investigated in order
to optimize the bioassay performance, and concentration ranges of antibiotics have to be tested to
validate the quantification. Finally, real water samples (passive sampling extracts) will be tested both
with the regular RIKILT WaterSCAN and the newly designed bioassay, in order to compare
performances.
The project will be supervised by Waternet (Ron van der Oost), while practical research will be
performed at the Waterproef Laboratory at Edam (under supervision of Thao Nguyen).
Additional information on antibiotics assays and culturing of bacteria can be required at the RIKILT
Institute of Wageningen University (Mariel Pikkemaat). This research may lead to a scientific
publication, co-authored by the intern.
More information:
Ron van der Oost (Toxicologist at Waternet)
email: ron.van.der.oost@waternet.nl
phone: 06-52534378
5
(version March 2015)
Project title: Biodiversiteit sponzen op de Sababank
IMARES is looking for a MSc student who will study the sponge diversity on the Saba Bank. How has the
diversity, abundance and cover of sponges changed through time since the 1970s?
Activities:
Collection and photography of sponges on the Saba Bank during the IMARES Saba Bank expedition in October
2015. The student will make an identification-reference-database, based on underwater pictures and the
identification of sponges using morphological characters and DNA-barcoding. Subsequently the student will use
this database to identify sponge species, their abundance and their cover in from pictures taken of transects
from expeditions to the Saba Bank in the years 2011, 2013, and 2015. The species diversity will also be
compared with the collection in Naturalis from the 1970s. This time-series data will be the basis of subsequent
community ecology analysis.
Requirements:





Diving experience required for fieldwork of 1 week on Saba Bank
Enthusiasm is also required
Molecular lab experience preferred, but not required;
Student will gain skills in sponge identification, molecular analysis, and community ecology statistics
Student must acquire own funding for ticket to St. Maarten
From: 2015 / 2016
Period: 8 - 12 months
Location: Dutch Caribbean (field work) and Den Helder, The Netherlands
If you are interested in this project, please send a detailed CV to Lisa Becking (lisa.becking@wur.nl)
(more information: http://www.wageningenur.nl/en/Expertise-Services/Research-Institutes/imares/show2/Internship-Sponge-Biodiversity-on-the-Saba-Bank.htm)
6
(version March 2015)
Project title: Marine biotoxins (in New Zealand)
Examiner: Dr. Petra Visser (UvA)
Supervisor: Dr. Lesley Rhodes (Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zeeland)
Project description:
Marine biotoxins produced by micro-algae may cause human illnesses, for example, when contaminated
seafood is eaten. The epiphytic/benthic dinoflagellate Gambierdiscus is the cause of ciguatera fish poisoning
throughout the tropical regions of the world and imported strains are maintained in the Cawthron Institute Culture
Collection of Microalgae. Other epiphytic/benthic dinoflagellates of interest include the genera Prorocentrum
(causes diarrhetic shellfish poisoning), Coolia, Amphidinium and Ostreopsis. The latter produces the highly toxic
compound, palytoxin. Morphological and genetic studies of these dinoflagellates are proposed to determine the
identification of isolates. Optimisation of growth conditions with a view to continuous culturing of these species is
proposed to provide enough material for further chemical and toxicity studies to be carried out.
Technical skills / methods:
Micro-algal culturing (batch and continuous), epifluorescent microscopy, DNA based techniques, toxin extraction
methods.
Allowed timespan: 20 or 40 EC= 14 or 28 weeks
Remarks:
This project takes place in Cawthron Institute, Nelson, New Zeeland more information:
http://www.cawthron.org.nz/
Contact person for students to address questions to:
Petra Visser (P.M.Visser@uva.nl) tel: 020 525 7073
7
(version March 2015)
Project title: Impact of flood events on sediment resuspension and seagrass viability in
Moreton Bay
6 month Masters Research project
Seagrass meadows provide essential ecosystem services such as sediment stabilization and oxygenation,
nutrient cycling and provision of habitat, food and nurseries for marine animals, including threatened species and
species. Currently seagrass abundance and distribution are declining worldwide.
Once seagrass decline has commenced, it is difficult to reverse due to the positive feedback loop between
seagrass loss, sediment re-suspension and turbidity. In the coastal zone, this equates to a loss of seagrass
which results in reduced water clarity, high nutrient concentrations and associated negative impacts on
biodiversity.
Floods have a major impact of coastal waterways in tropical and subtropical regions. Sediment particle size and
distribution are affected by floods, especially in modified catchments where heavy rainfall can generate
extensive soil erosion and sediment deposition. This has long-term implications for seagrass viability, due to the
nutrients associated with the sediments and light deprivation associated with the resuspension of fine sediments.
This project: The purpose of this project is to analyse sediment size distribution data and model predictions of
wind-driven resuspension to assess how sediment entering Moreton Bay, Queensland affects the viability of
seagrass populations. This will involve:
- Calculating timescales for clearing of the water column after sediment resuspension events, based on
sediment size;
- Mapping likely risk of decline in benthic light availability, based on the timescales of sediment
resuspension and water column clearing;
- Compare the predicted risk of sediment resuspension with the vertical profile of turbidity measured
monthly at 40 sites over the past decade;
- Assess how the change in sediment size distribution measured across Moreton Bay over the past
decade is likely to impact sediment resuspension processes and hence seagrass recovery.
The student will need to analyze, synthesize and compare data and model output, using matlab or similar.
For more details, contact:
Dr Kate O’Brien, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane 4072. Ph. 07
3365 3534, email: k.obrien@uq.edu.au
8
(version March 2015)
Project title: Sediment and nutrient budgets over a subtropical Reservoir
6 month Masters Research project
Land clearing and application of fertilizers have increased the loss of sediments and nutrients from
terrestrial to aquatic systems via erosion. At the same time, impoundment of waterways has reduced
the sediment load delivered to the ocean and affected nutrient cycling. The result is the
accumulation of sediments and associated nutrients in reservoirs.
This has important implications for water cycle management, aquatic ecosystem health and food
productivity. Siltation reduces the volume available for water supply and flood mitigation. Accumulation
of nutrients can adversely affect water quality and aquatic ecosystem processes, reducing recreational
amenity, increasing the cost of water treatment, and raising the risk of a severe toxic algal blooms.
The loss of nutrients and soil from agricultural land to the reservoir also has an economic cost, and
important implications for land productivity and food security.
Hence there is a need to quantify the amount of sediment and nutrient material entering reservoirs,
and the conditions which promote loss of nutrients and soil to aquatic systems.
This project: This study will involve completing a sediment and nutrient budget over a subtropical
reservoir, which supplies water to Brisbane, Queensland and plays a major role in flood mitigation. A
number of different catchment models will be applied, allowing comparison of the results of the budget
for each model. The impact on the budget of the time scales for data interpolation on predicted budget
will also be assessed. Uncertainty will quantified for all predictions.
The student will need to analyze, synthesize and compare data and model output, using matlab or
similar.
For more details, contact:
Dr Kate O’Brien, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane 4072.
Ph. 07 3365 3534, email: k.obrien@uq.edu.au
9
(version March 2015)
Project title: Nutrient fate modelling for application of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in
Australia
6 month Masters Research Project
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a method increasingly used by the Australian agricultural sector for
quantifying environmental impacts. One key impact from the sector is the emission of nutrients (N and
P) to waterways. However, there remains a gap in modelling the fate of N and P in the Australian
environment, in a manner that
is consistent with the modelling approach used in LCA studies.
A number of recent studies have proposed methods for incorporating the environmental fate of
nutrients into LCA studies. For example, a global model can be used to estimate phosphorus fate in
freshwater streams. This provides information that could be used in LCA of Australian activities.
However further analysis is required to determine whether the global models used in that study are
appropriate in the Australian context.
This project: The objective of this study is to model phosphorus fate in Australian waters, following the
available international LCA modelling frameworks, using the best available Australian data and expert
knowledge. This will involve:
- Reviewing best practice approaches to phosphorus fate modelling in international LCA, and
choose a model for testing under Australian conditions;
- Collecting the necessary Australian data for populating the chosen model;
- Determining how much the model results change using the best available Australian data;
- Identifying key research gaps necessary to improve phosphorus fate modelling in the context
of Australian LCA studies;
- Present findings through a written report;
The project will require GIS and spatial analysis, and basic environmental chemistry knowledge.
For more details, contact:
Dr Kate O’Brien, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Queensland, St Lucia,
Brisbane 4072. Ph. 07 3365 3534, email: k.obrien@uq.edu.au
10
(version March 2015)
Project title: Molecular ecology of mesophotic coral ecosystems
Examiner: Dr. Petra Visser (UvA)
Supervisor: Dr. Pim Bongaerts (Global Change Institute, The University of Queensland,
Australia)
Project description:
Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems (MCEs) are deep, light-dependent coral communities that occur in the
deepest half of the photic zone (~30-150 m). Compared to shallow reefs, mesophotic communities
have received very little scientific attention due to the logistical challenges of accessing these
communities. As such, little is known about the biodiversity, ecology and connectivity of these deepwater ecosystems, and their susceptibility to climate change. Over the years we have built up an
extensive collection of environmental data, benthic imagery and coral specimens (skeletons/DNA)
from mesophotic reefs across several regions in the Indo-Pacific and the Western Atlantic. Associated
with these collections, we have several student projects in which molecular techniques are used to
address questions with regards to the biodiversity of deep coral reefs and genetic adaptation to the
mesophotic reef environment.
Technical skills / methods:
The study will be based at the Coral Reef Ecosystems Laboratory at The University of Queensland in
Brisbane, which is headed by Prof. Ove Hoegh-Guldberg and Sophie Dove. Most projects will
constitute of a combination between molecular techniques (DNA extraction, PCR and sequencing) and
phenotypic trait analyses such as morphometrics and reproductive histology. Prior experience with
molecular techniques beyond undergraduate courses is a requirement. Depending on the type of
project and prior experience of the student, students could be involved in the analysis (and generation)
of next-gen sequencing data. In addition to the molecular work, we could also host a student
interested in a project on benthic ecology through image analyses.
Allowed timespan: 40 EC=28 weeks; 50 EC=35 weeks; 60 EC=42 weeks
Remarks:
Unfortunately travel and living expenses will have to be covered by the student, and are reasonably
high in Brisbane (e.g. rent between $150-180 / week). Although the project is largely lab-based, it can
often be arranged to help someone in the field for short periods of time (e.g. 2 weeks).
Contact person for students to address questions to:
Dr. Pim Bongaerts (pim@uq.edu.au)
11
(version March 2015)
Project title: Persistence of benthic invertebrates in metal polluted high altitude
Andean streams
Examiner: Michiel Kraak
Supervisors: Raul Loayza Muro; Hans Breeuwer (UvA)
Project description:
High altitude Andes are a unique ecoregion characterized by an elevated ultraviolet radiation and
natural leaching of high concentrations of toxic metals into streams. This suit of multi-stress conditions
may challenge the persistence of aquatic biota. Adaptation processes under these harsh conditions
may produce shifts in community composition towards less sensitive taxa and may also lead to
genetic differentiation of populations. The aim of this study is to determine how benthic invertebrates
manage to persist in high altitude reference and metal-rich streams in the Peruvian Andes.
The benthic community composition has been described and the influence of metal pollution and high
UV-B radiation has been characterized. We observed that especially chironomids were able to persist
in high altitude metal polluted streams, where melanin synthesis has been identified as defense
strategy against the harmful effects of both UV-B and metals. The intriguing question to be answered
now is if the persistence of chironomids under these harsh conditions is due to changes in species
composition or genetic population differentiation. Yet, taxonomic keys for the Andes are lacking and
therefore this project will analyse the genetic structure of chironomid communities using mitochondrial
cytochrome oxidase I gene sequencing. Microsatellite analysis will allow determining differences in
population genetic structure and evaluating if midge assemblages at different sites are in panmixis or
not.
Invertebrates will be sampled in Peru and subjected to genetic identification, pigment analysis and
toxicity testing in Amsterdam.
For further information please contact Raul Loayza-Muro (raul.loayza@upch.pe)
12
(version March 2015)
Project titel: onderzoek aan koraalrif en vis op Bonaire, Caraïbisch
Nederland
Hou je van duiken in de tropen en ben je goed in het analyseren en rapporteren van
onderzoeksgegevens? Doe dan je stage bij IMARES op Bonaire! Wij zoeken vier zeer gemotiveerde
studenten (bij voorkeur MSc-niveau) voor onderzoek aan het koraalrif in Caraïbisch Nederland.
Koraalrif en visgemeenschapen in kaart brengen
Het koraalrif van Bonaire is van groot belang voor het duiktoerisme, en speelt daarnaast ook een
belangrijke rol in kustbescherming. Een netto calcificerend koraalrif draagt bij aan de bescherming
tegen stormen en zeespiegelstijging.
Kun je duiken? Hou je van de tropen? Ben je goed in analyseren?
Voor het systematisch inventariseren van koraal- en visgemeenschappen aan de lijzijde van Bonaire
zoeken we vier studenten die kunnen SCUBA duiken: twee voor het visteam en twee voor het benthos
team. Naast rifopnames van de vis en koraalgemeenschappen zullen ook andere aspecten van het
koraalrif onderzocht worden, zoals bio-erosie en calcificatie. Onderzoeksresultaten zijn ook van
belang voor ander onderzoek zoals het in kaart brengen van het rif van Bonaire.
Hoewel binnen dit onderzoek veel gedoken zal worden, zoeken we studenten met aantoonbare
ervaring in het analyseren en rapporteren van onderzoeksgegevens. Ervaring met R strekt tot
aanbeveling.
Taken bij de stage:




Ontwikkelen en toepassen van protocollen (gebaseerd op AGRRA) voor inventarisatie van de
koraal- en visgemeenschappen;
Verzamelen van onderzoeksdata (vissen en benthos, oa koralen, algen, sponzen) op ongeveer
100 locaties tot 15m diepte;
Statistische analyse van data met R;
Analyseren van de calcificatiestatus van het rif van Bonaire, om te bepalen of het rifgroeit of
verdwijnt.
Stage van 6 maanden (waarvan 1 maand voorbereiding en 2 maanden analyseren en rapporteren in
NL), duikervaring vereist (minimaal 2-ster of advanced open water of gelijk, >50 duiken), student
toelage €200-400 per maand, onderzoekkosten gedekt door IMARES, maar niet de duikuitrusting,
levensonderhoud en reiskosten. Beoogde aanvang stage in mei. Bij voorkeur per viertal aanmelden.
Geïnteresseerd?
Neem contact op met Ingrid van Beek (http://www.wageningenur.nl/nl/Personen/IJM-Ingrid-vanBeek.htm)
13
(version March 2015)
Title: Distribution, abundance and biology of conch (Strombus gigas) on
St Eustatius, Saba Bank, Anguilla and St Barts.
Supervisor(s) Dr M de Graaf (IMARES martin.degraaf@wur.nl; phone 0317 486826) and Dr LAJ
Nagelkerke (AFI, Wageningen University leo.nagelkerke@wur.nl; phone 0317 483940)
Location St Eustatius, Saba, Anguilla or St Barts (Caribbean)
SHORT DESCRIPTION & ACTIVITIES: The conch is listen as a CITES Appendix II species. Fishing
for and trading in conch is still allowed if these activities are proven to be non-detrimental to the
population. Although fishing for conch is common on most Caribbean islands, the status of the stock is
usually unknown. The aim of this project is to describe the population structure of the stock and to
determine if the current fishing pressure can be classified as “non-detrimental finding” according to
CITES protocol on several islands.
Tasks:
- Develop protocols for long-term monitoring of conch populations (towed video and diving
surveys)
- Develop protocols for long-term monitoring of conch fisheries
- Study basic biology of conch (growth, reproduction etc)
Period: 2015
Info & Requirements: Student allowance €200-400 per month, diving experience (Advanced Diver,
>50 dives) is a benefit, research costs covered by IMARES but not travel to Caribbean. For working
on St Barts reasonable knowledge of French is a benefit. Both MSc and HBO students are welcome to
apply.
14
(version March 2015)
Title: Status of the lobster, reef fish, deep-water snapper and pelagic (tuna,
wahoo etc) fisheries on St Eustatius, Saba and Bonaire.
Supervisor(s) Dr M de Graaf (IMARES martin.degraaf@wur.nl; phone 0317 486826) and Dr LAJ
Nagelkerke (AFI, Wageningen University leo.nagelkerke@wur.nl; phone 0317 483940)
Location St Eustatius, Saba or Bonaire (Caribbean Netherlands)
SHORT DESCRIPTION & ACTIVITIES On all three islands (Saba, St Eustatius, Bonaire) small-scale
fisheries exist targeting lobster, reef fish, deep-water snapper and large pelagic fish species (tuna,
wahoo etc). The status of the fisheries and the population of the target species are, however, largely
unknown. The aim of this project is to describe the the status of the different stocks and to determine if
the current fishing pressure can be classified as sustainable.
Tasks:
-
Develop protocols for long-term monitoring of the different fisheries
Conduct fisheries surveys
Study basic biology of the different target species (growth, reproduction, recruitment etc)
Data analysis and modelling
Period 2015
Info & Requirements Student allowance €200-400 per month, diving experience (Advanced Diver, >50
dives) preferred but not required, research costs covered by IMARES but not diving gear and travel to
Caribbean. Both MSc and HBO students are welcome to apply. Within this project there are options
for both field related and/or data related projects.
15
(version March 2015)
Title: Status of shark and fish communities in the Dutch Caribbean
Supervisor(s) Dr M de Graaf (IMARES martin.degraaf@wur.nl; phone 0317 486826) and Dr LAJ
Nagelkerke (AFI, Wageningen University leo.nagelkerke@wur.nl; phone 0317 483940)
Location St Eustatius, Saba, Bonaire, St Maarten (Dutch Caribbean)
SHORT DESCRIPTION & ACTIVITIES The aim of the project is to develop a robust method for longterm shark and fish community surveys in the Dutch Caribbean. As many of the reefs in the Dutch
Caribbean, e.g. the Saba Bank, extend below safe limits for diving surveys, baited remote underwater
stereo-video (stereo BRUV) will be used to study fish diversity, relative abundance and population
structure. Where possibly diver operated stereo-video transects (stereo DOV) will be compared with
stereo-BRUV.
Tasks:
- Develop protocols for long-term monitoring of sharks and fish communities
- Conduct shark and fish surveys using BRUV and/or DOV
- Data analysis and modelling
Period 2015
Info & Requirements Student allowance €200-400 per month, diving experience (Advanced Diver, >50
dives) preferred but not required, research costs covered by IMARES but not diving gear and travel to
Caribbean. Both MSc and HBO students are welcome to apply. Within this project there are options
for both field related and/or data related projects.
16
(version March 2015)
Title: Depth and habitat map of Bonaire Marine Park.
Supervisor(s ) Dr M de Graaf (IMARES martin.degraaf@wur.nl; phone 0317 486826) and Dr LAJ
Nagelkerke (AFI, Wageningen University leo.nagelkerke@wur.nl; phone 0317 483940)
Location Bonaire (Caribbean Netherlands)
SHORT DESCRIPTION & ACTIVITIES While the benthic community on the leeward site of Bonaire
between 0-25m dept (diving limits) has received a lot of attention by scientists, surprisingly little is
known of the windward side (east coast) and between the 25-60m on both sites of the island. The aim
of this project is to build a detailed depth and habitat map of the Bonaire Marine Park around the
whole island.
Tasks:
- Build a depth (0-60m) and habitat map of the whole Bonaire Marine Park (west and east coast)
using drop camera technology
Period 2015
Info & Requirements Student allowance €200-400 per month, diving experience (Advanced Diver, >50
dives) preferred but not required, research costs covered by IMARES but not diving gear and travel to
Caribbean. Both MSc and HBO students are welcome to apply.
17
(version March 2015)
18