(she/her)
My background is in zoology with a focus on animal behaviour but a move to Scotland and a subsequent job working as an aquarium research technician at SAMS ignited my interest in aquaculture. I became aware of the challenges facing sustainable aquaculture and the impacts it has on the environment, in particular the issues created by sea lice. This prompted my decision to undertake a PhD.
Understanding sea louse larval biology and natural abundance to inform modelling and assist management of the Scottish salmon industry
PI and Institution:
Kim Last, University of the Highlands and Islands, SAMS
PhD aim:
This PhD project aims to fill some of the more important knowledge gaps in sea lice larval biology to enable more powerful predictions and enhance our understanding of the impact of aquaculture on the surrounding environment.
PhD objectives:
The ultimate objective of this PhD project is to provide rigorous datasets to support accurate dispersal modelling of sea lice larvae. Specific objectives are to:
- Determine sea louse fecundity and fertility seasonally.
- Determine respiration rates as a function of salinity and temperature representative of natural seasonal cycles.
- Determine swimming behaviour (directed swimming and activity) as a function of salinity, temperature, pressure and light, representative of natural seasonal cycles.
- Determine the importance of hydrodynamic features (salinity gradients / tidal fronts) in contributing to sea lice ‘hotspots’.
- Integrate new empirical data into sea louse dispersion models.
Contact details:
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: Heather McConnell
Outreach:
While working as a technician, I realised just how key the role of a technician is and just how diverse the opportunities are. I have worked with multiple institutions including the Gatsby Foundation and UKRI and to help raise awareness of the importance of technicians and to help encourage younger generations to consider future technician careers. Heather McConnell – 101 jobs that change the world.
Publications:
McConnell H, Brereton J, Rice T, Rose P (2022) Do birds of a feather always flock together? Assessing differences in group and individual zoo enclosure usage by comparing commonly available methods. J Zoo Bot Gard. 3(1); 71-88. https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg3010007