One of the most challenging marine species in the UK to analyse is maerl, a pinkish red coralline algae that grows in complex shapes. Although banks of maerl can be large, individually they are small, so it’s challenging to capture the extent of maerl bed health, complexity and size as surveying is across different spatial scales. This scholarship in SAMS (based in Oban) is a fantastic opportunity to work on this challenge.
This is what Dr Tom Wilding had to say: “This is an exciting and unique opportunity to join a team of researchers at SAMS (Oban, Scotland) developing and optimising automated (artificial intelligence (AI)-based) analysis of image data as applied to aquaculture developments, specifically mapping maerl. This PhD combines cutting edge data collection and analysis and brings together industry (MOWI, Scottish Sea Farms) and their regulators (SEPA/NatureScot) to ensure your PhD delivers impact and enables you to build your contacts across the entire sector”
More details are available on the SAMS website: