[3.5 years of support including Home or International tuition fees plus a stipend of £20,780 per annum (2025-26 rate; 2026-27 rate TBC).]

The University of Plymouth invites applications for a 3.5-year PhD studentship focused on developing innovative solutions to reduce ghost fishing and plastic pollution in fisheries. Hosted by the Marine Institute, this opportunity places you at the heart of the UK's largest concentration of marine researchers and within the dynamic Marine Conservation Research Group. The project is supported by a partnership between academia, fishers, and marine managers, ensuring that your research will have direct policy relevance and real-world impact.

This transdisciplinary PhD project addresses the urgent issue of plastic pollution, a major contributor to the Triple Planetary Crisis, and aims to protect planetary health and promote a sustainable future. The fishing industry is a significant source of plastic pollution, with lost or degraded fishing gear causing ghost fishing and generating microplastics that accumulate in marine environments. Despite the importance of preventing biodiversity loss and reducing plastic pollution, the risks posed by plastics in fisheries have been largely overlooked.

As a PhD student, you will conduct field, laboratory, and modelling studies, working closely with stakeholders to:

• Review the global use of natural materials in marine applications, both historic and current, and identify key gear types for focus.
• Test the durability and suitability of natural materials for fishing gear.
• Collaborate with fishers to develop and test gear that meets fisheries requirements while reducing risks from plastic pollution and ghost fishing.
• Use socio-ecological modelling to evaluate ecological and economic outcomes of transitioning away from plastics in the industry.
• Identify regulatory pathways and develop recommendations for positive change.

You will benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, technical support, and comprehensive training in laboratory, field, and analytical techniques. The project is further strengthened by partnerships with Defra, the MMO, AIFCA, and expert stakeholders, including fishers, to maximize research impact.

Eligibility: Applicants should hold a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject or a relevant Masters qualification. Candidates with a background in marine or environmental sciences and knowledge of fisheries management are particularly encouraged to apply. A passion for making a positive impact on fisheries sustainability is highly valued.

Funding: The studentship covers full Home or International tuition fees and provides a stipend of £20,780 per annum (2025-26 rate; 2026-27 rate to be confirmed) for 3.5 years.

Application Process: Applications must be submitted via the University of Plymouth studentships webpage by 12 noon on Monday 2nd February 2026. For informal discussions about the project, prospective applicants may contact Dr Sarah Gall.

Join a vibrant community of marine PhD students and contribute to cutting-edge research with direct policy and industry relevance, helping to shape a sustainable future for global fisheries.