Hello,

Could I please advertise the following:

PhD Position on macroalgal ecology - University of Auckland

PhD Position: Understanding the ecology and impacts of exotic Caulerpa on 
Aotearoa’s reefs
Supervisors: Drs Richard Taylor & Caitlin Blain, Arie Spyksma
Position location: University of Auckland’s Leigh Marine Laboratory
Application deadline: 16 February 2025

The recent incursions of exotic Caulerpa (C. brachypus and C. parvifolia) in 
northeastern Aotearoa New Zealand represent a significant biosecurity threat 
with the impacts on marine ecosystems entirely unknown. Economic forecasts have 
suggested costs to New Zealand could reach upwards of $150 million annually. 
However, this estimate stems almost entirely from the devasting impacts 
incurred overseas from similar exotic species including C. taxifolia and C. 
racemosa. Little-to-no evaluation has been conducted on the impacts of exotic 
Caulerpa on Aotearoa’s coastal ecosystems or whether alternate management 
strategies can be used to tackle expanding Caulerpa populations while 
mitigating economic costs. We are looking for a PhD student that will advance 
our understanding of exotic Caulerpa in Aotearoa, by addressing the following 
topics (not an exhaustive):
 1. Drivers of exotic Caulerpa establishment and growth - To date, no studies 
have directly assessed how the growth of the two exotic Caulerpa species in 
Aotearoa vary in relation to environmental parameters. This topic will combine 
previously collected data on the extent and growth of exotic Caulerpa with 
long-term monitoring to assess growth across a range of habitats and substratum.
 2. Impacts on benthic biodiversity and habitat functioning - This topic will 
assess the impacts of exotic Caulerpa on benthic biodiversity and functioning 
across a range of habitat types (e.g. soft sediments and rocky reefs) by 
comparing fauna and flora associated with exotic Caulerpa patches and 
unoccupied adjacent (‘control’) areas and with other native Caulerpa species 
commonly found in northeastern Aotearoa (C. flexilis and C. geminata).
 3. The influence of grazers on exotic Caulerpa incursions - The influence of 
native grazers (e.g. Evechinus chloroticus and Centrostephanus rodgersii) on 
exotic Caulerpa growth and persistence has been relatively unexplored. This 
topic will explore the chemical composition of exotic Caulerpa and its 
palatability to herbivorous grazers in comparison to native Caulerpa species.
 4. Impact of ecosystem health for mitigating exotic Caulerpa incursions - 
Complete eradication of an invasive marine species is rare and a more holistic 
approach to management may be required. The influence of ecosystem state has 
been unexplored but may have implications for the resilience of ecosystems to 
exotic Caulerpa incursions and impacts. The value of ecosystem health (assessed 
using a multi-indicator approach) for mediating exotic Caulerpa incursions on 
rocky reefs will be assessed by comparing spread and growth of exotic Caulerpa 
on degraded reefs (e.g. sea urchin barrens) with healthy reefs (e.g. kelp 
forest).
5. The influence of grazers on exotic Caulerpa incursions - The influence of 
native grazers (e.g. Evechinus chloroticus and Centrostephanus rodgersii) on 
exotic Caulerpa growth and persistence has been relatively unexplored. The MSc 
student will explore the chemical composition of exotic Caulerpa and its 
palatability to herbivorous grazers in comparison to native Caulerpa species 
using a combination of laboratory and in situ experiments.

 This project can have a combination of laboratory and in situ subtidal 
experiments. Prospective PhD candidates should have a BSc Honours, Master’s 
Degree or equivalent, with excellent grades, and appropriate research 
experience. Experience operating small boats, SCUBA diving, and using spatial 
(GIS) and statistical software is an asset.
 The Leigh Marine Lab is situated on the beautiful coastline of northeastern 
New Zealand, approximately one hour north of Auckland. The lab provides easy 
access to boats, vehicles and equipment for fieldwork, along with flow-through 
seawater facilities and laboratories for running experiments and analyses 
(https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/science/about-the-faculty/university-reserves/leigh-marine-laboratory.html).
 The PhD scholarship will cover tuition fees and an annual stipend of ~$35,000 
NZD per annum for 3 years. The successful applicant will enrol and begin 
research as soon as possible.



Caitlin Blain, PhD

Research Fellow - Paewai Rangahau

Institute of Marine Science - Te Whare Takiura Mātai Pūtaiao Moana

University of Auckland - Waipapa Taumata Rau

Leigh Marine Laboratory

T  +64 9 923 3610 │ ext. 83610

E  c.bl...@auckland.ac.nz
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