Project Description

Overview

Kelp farming is increasing due to its low intensity, lack of competition for space and the perceived health-benefits. In addition to the direct benefits of kelp farming, it also provides a wealth of additional ecosystem services e.g. nutrient cycling, coastal protection, yet these services are poorly quantified. Working with industry partners (e.g. Cornish Seaweed Company) this PhD will:

1) Collate existing evidence on kelp ecosystem service provision
2) Determine the wave attenuation potential of farmed kelp
3) Quantify the role of kelp in the uptake and removal of nutrients
4) Model kelp ecosystem services through space and time.

Name of supervisor/s

Prof Pip Moore (Newcastle University) https://www.ncl.ac.uk/nes/people/profile/pipmoore.html

Prof Clare Fitzsimmons (Newcastle University) https://www.ncl.ac.uk/nes/people/profile/clarefitzsimmons.html

Dr Dan Smale (Marine Biological Assocation) https://www.mba.ac.uk/staff/dr-daniel-smale/

Funding Information

Award summary

100% Home fees covered and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £21,805 (2026/27 UKRI rate) plus additional research funds.

Number of awards

Award duration

3.5 years

Sponsor

Newcastle University

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (e.g. Marine Biology, Ecology, Biology).

You should also hold an HSE SCUBA diving qualification or equivalient (i.e. CMAS 3* or above).

The studentship covers fees at the Home rate (UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status and meet the residency criteria).

Application Process

Application closing date

18th November 2026

How to apply

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:

Search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8315F
Research Area: Marine Sciences
Select ‘PhD Marine Sciences (full time) – Marine Biology as the programme of study

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section:

A ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) – upload a document or write a statement directly in to the application form
The studentship code SNES319 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field
When prompted regarding your research proposal – select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal.

In the ‘Supporting Documentation’ section please upload:

your CV

You must submit one application per studentship, you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application.

PhD Studentship: Quantifying Ecosystem Service Provision of Kelp Farming for Nutrient Removal and Coastal Protection