Extension: 7285
Email: lucy.johnston@canterbury.ac.nz
Please complete and submit the application form as a WORD document and send to summerscholarships@canterbury.ac.nz
Title of Project (max 30 words):
Light delivery in shallow seaweed assemblages: importance of variability in enhancing photosynthesis
Project Leader(s):
Prof. David Schiel, Dr. Leigh Tait
Host Department/Organization:
School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury
NIWA Christchurch
Other persons involved in this topic/activity:
(List other significant members involved along with their affiliation to the research project.)
Name
Prof. Ian Hawes
Affiliation to project
Provision of equipment and advice
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
Photosynthesis of kelp and seaweed is vital to the energy production of coastal ecosystems. However, the production and habitat provision of seaweed/kelp beds is increasingly under threat from terrestrially derived sediments and nutrients which decrease the light availability to benthic kelp beds. Although the effects and drivers of decreasing light availability are well understood, the changes to light variability caused by sediments have been largely ignored. Variation in solar radiation within shallow-water ecosystems is greater than any natural ecosystems, yet the importance of this variation for photosynthesis of seaweeds has rarely been examined. Furthermore, suspended sediments have the potential to dampen this variability by increasing the scattering of light. The proposed research project will use lab and field based techniques to examine the effects of a variable light environment on photosynthesis of shallow-water seaweeds, and the effects of suspended sediments on light availability and variability.
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If the project involves work away from the University campus (e.g., at fieldwork sites) please detail all locations.
The project will involve a small amount of fieldwork based at the University of Canterbury field station in
Kaikoura. The laboratory portion of the project will be done using facilities at the NIWA, Christchurch campus.
If the student be required to work outside of normal university hours (8am-5pm) please provide details
No afterhours work required.
Describe the research experience and skills that the student will acquire through involvement in this research project – maximum of 100 words.
Students will gain skills in ecology, physiology and measurement of environmental variables, as well as interacting with scientists from the University of Canterbury and NIWA. The successful applicant will gain skills in data collection, analysis and interpretation.
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 should have a background in ecology or physiology (preferably both).
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