The Kapiti Marine Reserve mapping group (Assoc.-Prof Geoffroy Lamarche of NIWA/University of Auckland, Dr. Shane Geange of the Department of Conservation and Prof. Jonathan Gardner of Victoria University of Wellington) has an opportunity for a Masters-level student to carry out independent research on the large geophysical and biogenic habitat dataset that we have collected around Kapiti Island, including its associated marine reserve.
Project Background – Our research team has carried out an extensive mapping survey of the Kapiti Island region, including the marine reserve, producing a comprehensive geophysical and biogenic habitat dataset. To date, we have produced two maps and a book chapter that describe the seafloor geomorphology of the region, but there is still a lot of work to do in terms of integrating the geophysical data set (the processed backscatter data set) with the seafloor morphology and metrics of biodiversity to produce biological data layers. The aim of the MSc project is to produce a series of targeted habitat and habitat suitability maps, with associated uncertainties, inside and outside of the marine reserve. The ideal candidate – You will have an interest in seafloor mapping and an appropriate undergraduate degree (surveying, marine biology, geomorphology or any other relevant discipline). Students with a 3-year BSc degree will be enrolled in the 2-year MSc programme, whilst students with BSc Honours (or equivalent) will be enrolled in the 1-year MSc by thesis programme. You will have experience of processing large data sets and an understanding of how such data sets may be used to provide new insights into how geophysical properties of the seafloor may contribute to biological complexity. You will be able to work as a member of a large multi-disciplinary team but will also be able to work independently (having received instruction) for periods of time. Knowledge of Geographical Information System (GIS - ArcGIS, QGIS) would be helpful but good support will be provided to acquire the right skills in GIS work. The research environment – Our team is based Wellington, an outstanding science and public city. For the second year of the MSc you will be based at NIWA’s Greta Point campus, working as part of the mapping team there, but will also interact with team members from the Department of Conservation and Victoria University of Wellington. Total value – The Scholarship comprises a $17,000 stipend, plus $10,000 tuition fees per annum for up to two years. International students other than those from Australia will be liable to pay the difference between the full international student fee and the domestic fee. How to apply – Enrolling as a Master’s student and applying for this research opportunity are two separate processes. Applicants should send a letter of application addressing their suitability for the research opportunity, an academic transcript, CV and contacts for two referees to Geoffroy Lamarche [email protected]. Successfully applying for this opportunity is conditional upon the recipient gaining enrolment as a Master’s student at either the University of Auckland or Victoria University of Wellington. Closing date for applications – Applications close 15 August. For more information please contact one of the following: [email protected] ; [email protected] ; [email protected] References: Lamarche G, Laferriere A, Geange A, Gardner J, Pallentin A. In Press. “Inner shelf habitat surrounding the Kapiti Marine Reserve, New Zealand; in GeoHab Atlas of seafloor geomorphic features and benthic habitat”, second edition. Lamarche G, Pallentin A, Geange S, Gardner J, Laferriere A, Mackay E. 2016. Kapiti. NIWA Chart, Miscellaneous Series 98. Published by NIWA Ltd, New Zealand. https://www.niwa.co.nz/media-gallery/detail/109673/42527 Lamarche G, Laferriere A, Gardner J, Geange S, Pallentin A, Mackay E. 2016. Beneath the waves: Kapiti. NIWA Chart, Miscellaneous Series 99. Published by NIWA Ltd, New Zealand. https://www.niwa.co.nz/media-gallery/detail/109673/42526 https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ourchangingworld/audio/201759550/mapping-underwater-landscapes
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April 2021
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