First position: A masters study in freshwater spring ecology Holar University College and the Institute of Freshwater Fisheries in Iceland offer a paid M.S. study in spring ecology.
Warm and cold springs are common in Iceland, especially within the volcanic active zone. Beside differences in water temperature, springs differ in numerous ecologically important characters. The objective of the study is to examine the importance of various ecological characteristics for the invertebrate community structure in springs. We will especially examine the importance of PH, conductivity, the spring receiver type (lotic or lentic) and predation for the community structure. The project will be a M.Sc. study which combines information from three ongoing research projects, but additional samples will also be collected. The project will provide us with increased understanding on the importance of ecological characters in shaping invertebrate communities in springs. These information’s will increase our understanding on the nature of biological diversity and be useful as a tool for decision making related to the use and protection of springs. The Department of Aquaculture and Fish Biology at Hólar University College is an international centre for research and teaching in aquatic biology, aquaculture, and fish biology. The department has a long history of successful research and development project in aquaculture, fish biology and ecology. See http://www.holar.is/english/aqua.htm Hólar University College is located in Skagafjördur in the North of Iceland, about 3.5 hours drive from Reykjavik. At Hólar, there is an aquaculture research centre that is used for Arctic charr breeding and related research. In Saudárkrókur, Hólar University College has developed state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities in a newly renovated 1,500 m2 building. Those interested should contact Bjarni K. Kristjánsson [EMAIL PROTECTED] Further information http://www.holar.is/english/rstudy.htm, http://www.veidimal.is Position 2: Opportunities for a master’s study in fish ecology at Holar University College We offer an paid opportunity to study the feeding ecology, activity and habitat selection of dwarf charr in Iceland. It is common to find dwarf Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) in Icelandic cold ground water springs. Since 2003 we have studied many such populations with the aim of correlating morphology and ecology. We have collected information on morphology, diet, and ecology of the habitat of these fish. We are now starting a large research project where we will study factors important for dwarfism in fishes, with a special focus on the role of growth hormones. The object of this project is to study the behaviour of dwarf. The study will focus on: 1. Habitat selection 2. feeding activity, 3. foraging mode and 4. diet and food availability. The Department of Aquaculture and Fish Biology at Hólar University College is an international centre for research and education in aquatic biology, aquaculture, and fish biology and has a long history of research and development in these fields (see http://www.holar.is/english/aqua.htm) Hólar University College is located in Skagafjördur in the North of Iceland, about 3.5 hours drive from Reykjavik. Facilities include an aquaculture research centre at Holar, used for Arctic charr breeding and research, and a recently developed state-of-the-art teaching and research facility in a newly renovated 1,500 m2 building at Saudarkrokur. On the lower floor is a specially designed aquaculture and research facility Interested candidates should contact Bjarni K. Kristjánsson [EMAIL PROTECTED]
