Main objective
TTo investigate how purse-seine fishing activity and the abundance of small pelagic fish influence the probability of occurrence of
interactions between seabirds and the Portuguese purse-seine fishery in mainland waters.
Available data
Since 2005, vessel surveys are being performed to collect abundance, distribution and behaviour data of seabirds at Portugal mainland
waters, using ESAS (European Seabirds at Sea) methodology. All data will be available for analysis. The student may take part in some at sea surveys during the internship period. Data on purse seine fishing, namely fishing effort and catches per unit effort, will be requested from the authorities.
Proposed tasks
- Analysis of seabird and fisheries data
- Collect data during boat surveys (optional)
- Take part on fieldwork missions, related or not with the topic (optional)
- Submit the work in a peer-reviewed journal
Framework of the topic
- Is the topic part of an ongoing project/study? No
- Is there any financial support? Yes: fieldwork/material
Supervisor/tutor
Ana Almeida (Marine Conservation Department) | ana.almeida@spea.pt
