Project overview
The project will focus on the spatial patterns of macrofaunal biodiversity in an abyssal ecosystem over scales relevant to the management of potential deep-sea mining.
It will use the latest ecological and genomic methods on samples collected in 2024 as well as through new potential collections with the JPI-Oceans project.
Project description
Abyssal ecosystems are the largest yet most poorly understood ecosystems on the planet.
Since pioneering studies of abyssal benthic biodiversity carried out in the 1970s, we have known that they harbour a surprisingly high level of local diversity relative to abundance. Owing to the highly difficult nature of sampling in this remote system, they are very rarely studied with extensive replicated sampling appropriate to studies of spatial scaling (local diversity, species turnover, connectivity).
We have a unique opportunity to do this through a set of high-quality box core samples taken in 2024 on the JC257 SMARTEX cruise in the eastern Pacific abyss, in a region called the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ).
The main goals of the project will be to:
1. Identify the fauna in the samples using a high-throughput genomic approach (Oxford Nanopore Technology ground-truthed with traditional methods) using the NHM Deep-Sea Research Group reference library of known species.
2. Conduct a high-impact analysis of the spatial scaling of biodiversity over scales of 1-10-100km in the abyss.
3. Study genetic connectivity across the region with a view to long-term conservation and management.
4. Conduct taxonomic and life-history studies of select fauna using the latest genomic and integrative approaches.
The work will be collaborative between the Natural History Museum, the National Oceanography Centre, the University of Southampton, and Gothenburg which are all leading centres for work on abyssal ecosystems as well as CASE Partner UK Seabed Resources Ltd.
We will also work closely with the forthcoming JPI-Oceans project which will provide opportunities for research cruises in the CCZ region during the period 2026-2029.
Training
Our programme provides comprehensive personal and professional development training alongside extensive opportunities for students to expand their multi-disciplinary outlook through interactions with a wide network of academic, research and industrial/policy partners. The student will be registered at the University of Southampton and hosted at the Natural History Museum.
Specific training will include:
- Light microscopy, high-power compound microscopy and imaging.
- Abyssal species identification using morphological and genetic approaches.
- Molecular biology including genomic methods (DNA extraction, PCR methods, QC techniques, ONT, library preparation).
- Specialist taxonomic training in groups such as polychaetes and molluscs.
- Electron microscopy and imaging.
- Genomic bioinformatics training.
- R studio / ecological analysis training.
- Scientific writing, analysis and publications.
- Public engagement opportunities, for example NHM Nature Live shows, public gallery displays, roadshows.
- Policy engagement opportunities, for example FCDO, Defra, International Seabed Authority, NGOs.
- Industry partnership (UK Seabed Resources).
- EU project engagement (JPI Oceans).
Entry requirements
A UK bachelor’s degree with upper second-class honours or higher in a relevant subject. See international equivalent qualifications on our website.
English language: IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in all components. We accept other English language tests.
Further reading
Glover AG, Jones DOB, Aleynik D, Arias B, Dahlgren TG, Drennan R, Evans S, Fleming B, Glaser G, Harris L, Hartl M, Morris T, Norman L, Rabone M, Sweetman A, Van Audenhaege L, Wardell C. 2024. Cruise Report - RRS James Cook Cruise JC257, SMARTEX Project. Natural History Museum & National Oceanography Centre, UK. NERC Grant Number NE/T002913/1. doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.25809058
Hessler RR, Jumars PA. Abyssal community analysis from replicate cores in the central North Pacific. Deep Sea Research 1974 Mar 1 (Vol. 21, No. 3, pp. 185-209). Elsevier.
Rex MA, Etter RJ. Deep-sea biodiversity: pattern and scale. Harvard University Press; 2010.
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