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Masteroppgåver ved Havforskingsinstituttet f.o.m. våren 2024

Her finn du moglege masteroppgåver ved Havforskingsinstituttet frå våren 2024 og utover, sortert etter forskingsgruppe. 

NB! Det må etablerast kontakt med ein internrettleiar ved universitetet så snart som mogleg i dei tilfelle det ikkje allereie er angitt.
Contact must be established with an internal supervisor at the university as soon as possible in cases where it is not already stated. 

FG Bentiske ressurser og prosesser – Benthic resources and processes

Kontaktperson: Carsten Hvingel (carsten.hvingel@hi.no)

Beiteeffekten av kongekrabbe på bløtbunnssamfunn 

Kongekrabben er en av verdens største tifotkreps og ble introdusert i Barentshavet på 1960-tallet. Siden har krabben blitt til en viktig økonomisk ressurs langs norskekysten. Men den har også blitt ansett som en trussel mot naturlig forekommende fauna, siden den er en aktiv predator på blant annet muslinger, sjøstjerner og børstemark.

Havforskningsinstituttet har som mål å overvåke beiteffekten av kongekrabben som en del av sin bestandsrådgivning. Prosjektet vil bli et samarbeid mellom HI og UiT, med veileder fra begge instituttene. Masterprosjektet har som mål å sammenligne fauna fra grabbprøvene (skal tas i 2024) med tidligere undersøkelser i indre og ytre Porsangerfjorden, eventuelt Varangerfjorden, med bakgrunn i ulike tettheter kongekrabber. Prosjektet skal spesielt se på bentisk artsmangfold og biomasse, eventuelt funksjonell sammensetning og sekundærproduksjon. Resultatene fra oppgaven skal gå inn i framtidig overvåkning.

Som masterkandidat vil du bidra til metodeutvikling til overvåkningen og få erfaring innafor et tema relevant for fiskeri- og naturforvaltning. Avhengig av dine interesser og kvantitative evner, vil du få god kunnskap i identifikasjon av ulike bentiske faunagrupper, studiedesign og dataanalyse/statistisk analyse. Planen er at studenten skal delta i feltarbeid (kongekrabbetokt) i 2024. Det vil være en fordel om studenten har noe erfaring i taksonomisk arbeid.

Kontaktpersoner: Mona Fuhrmann (mona.maria.fuhrmann@hi.no) og Ann-Merete Hjelset (ann.merete.hjelset@hi.no)

Bestandsvurdering av dypvannsreke i Barentshavet

Dypvannsreke er en kommersiell og økologisk viktig bestand i Barentshavet, der bestandsvurderingen skjer gjennom ICES (Det internasjonale havforskningsrådet) og NAFO/ICES Pandalus Assessment Working Group. Selv om den nåværende bestandsmodellen antas å fungere bra og tilstanden av bestanden er god, har vi fortsatt mange spørsmål om bestandsdynamikk, data som blir brukt i bestandsmodellen, og selve bestandsmodellen.

HI har som mål å forbedre den nåværende bestandsmodellen ved å 1) analysere den romlige bestandsdynamikken over tid, 2) vurdere estimeringsmetoder for de ulike bestandsindeksene (fra økosystemtokt og fangstrate fra fiskeri) og 3) utvikle en rekrutteringsindeks basert på tidsserier av lengdedata. Som masterkandidat vil du bidra til ett av disse temaområder avhengig av dine interesser og kvantitative evner. Arbeidet vil gi grunnlag for en forbedring av bestandsvurderingen av dypvannsreken og rådet fra ICES. Det vil være muligheter for kandidaten til å delta i relevant feltarbeid. 

Kontaktpersoner: Carsten Hvingel (carsten.hvingel@hi.no) og Fabian Zimmermann (fabian.zimmermann@hi.no)

Haneskjell i Svalbard-området: etablere et grunnlag for fremtidig forvaltning

Etter et mislykket fiskeri for nesten tretti år siden som resulterte i en bestandskollaps, viser nyere forskning at haneskjellbestanden i Svalbard-området har tatt seg opp igjen. Det gjør det mulig å overvåke den ufiskete bestanden og etablere en basis for en fremtidig forvaltning før en mulig gjenåpning av fiske på haneskjell.

For tiden fokuserer HIs forskning på å undersøke toktmetoder og tilnærminger for bestandsestimering, spesielt bruk av videopptak til å bestemme skjelltetthet. Vi planlegger å forbedre robustheten og effektiviteten til metodene for å etablere rutiner for toktarbeid og et kunnskapsgrunnlag for en fremtidig bestandsovervåking. Som masterkandidat vil du bidra med å vurdere videoanalysemetoder, sammenligne video- og skrapemålinger, teste muligheter til å bestemme skjellstørrelse fra bilder, og utforske effekter av toktdesign på bestandsestimater. Det vil være muligheter for kandidaten til å delta i relevant feltarbeid. 

Kontaktperson: Fabian Zimmermann (fabian.zimmermann@hi.no)

Intertidal colonization and mortality of early life stages of Mytilus edulis over a salinity gradient

The blue mussel (M. edulis) has external fertilization where eggs and sperms are shed directly from the genital ducts into the water column. The fertilized egg undergoes several different larval stages before metamorphosis ends the pelagic life. The larvae growth is affected by temperature, salinity and food ration, and the duration of the pelagic phase is normally between 3 to 5 weeks. Mortality during the larval phase is high, primarily due to predation, but extremes in temperature and salinity and food shortage also contribute. 

Most bivalve larvae are able to settle when they reach 250 to 300 µm in shell length, yet final settlement may not occur until the post larva reach 2 mm. The larvae show different behavior to different substrates and are understood to be able to discriminate between habitats. Settlement is difficult to measure in the field and is normally inferred from recruitment data post settlement (days to weeks). Little is known on the mortality and growth of post settled mussel in natural habitat.

The IMR has started to monitor the abundance of mussels over a fjord to coast salinity gradient. These observations indicate recruitment of mussels to the full gradient, yet adult mussels are mainly observed in the less saline inner and mid-section of the gradient. This point to high mortality of the early life stages of mussels in coastal areas. 

In this MS thesis we aim to investigate: The colonization, growth and mortality of mussel larva (on natural and artificial substrate?) over a salinity gradient in the intertidal zone, by testing the overall hypothesis:
There are no differences in the colonization, growth and mortality of mussel larva (on natural and artificial substrate) over a salinity gradient in the intertidal zone.
The master thesis will comprise experimental design, field experiments and data analysis. The following parameters can be collected: Temperature, salinity, seston?, mussel metrics, predators and photos (abundance, size distribution and predators).

The field work will be conducted in two periods with an overall duration of approx. 12-16 weeks:
1.    Spring to summer – deployment of collectors and collecting settlement mussel larva
2.    Summer – monitoring colonization, growth and mortality of mussel larva

The MS requires basic marine biological and ecological knowledge.

Contact persons at the HI/IMR: Tore Strohmeier (mob 907 20 754; tore.strohmeier@hi.no) / Antonio Aguera (mob 948 80 039)

Physiological responses in mussels to natural variation in salinity 

Mussels are osmoconformers and reside in salinities ranging from 4 psu to fully marine conditions. Mussel feeding rate may be similar for populations living under different salinities, but when transferred to a marked change in salinity the feeding rate drop. The time to acclimate feeding rate (and to recover respiration rate) to control values is dependent on the extent of the salinity change and may exceed several weeks. There is currently a lack of knowledge on the acclimatization of mussel feeding physiology to the natural variation in salinity encountered in estuaries and fjords. 

In this MS study we aim to investigate the mussel feeding and respiration rate in a natural environment (e.g. in situ) that inhabit short term fluctuations in salinity. As this experimental approach do not control other environmental factors known to impact mussel physiology (e.g temperature and food) it requires frequent measures of physiological rates and environmental stimuli over several events of stimulus. 

The master thesis will comprise experimental design, field experiments and data analysis. The following parameters can be collected: Temperature, salinity, food/seston, physiological rates and mussels. 

The field work will be conducted in the inner part of the Hardangerfjord during spring and summer (approx. 10-12 weeks) using the IMR mobile physiological laboratory and instrumentation. 

The MS requires basic marine biological- and physiological knowledge, life history of marine invertebrates and basic statistical skills.

Contact persons at HI/IMR: Tore Strohmeier (mob 907 20 754; tore.strohmeier@hi.no) / Antonio Aguera (mob 948 80 039)

Mussel larvae physiology under natural environmental conditions

There is a raising interest in understanding the distribution of mussels along the Norwegian coast and assessing the impact of their culture in fjord ecosystems. Modelling the spatial and temporal distribution of adult mussel and their larvae is key to understand the impact of blue mussels in fjord ecosystem. To obtain realistic models we need to understand mussel larval physiology, how long the larvae stays in the water column, how are the natural low seston conditions and physicochemical temporal and spatial gradients affecting the larval development and their potential distribution and competition with other important zooplankton species.

We have some knowledge already on mussel larval development, the role of food, and other environmental conditions. However, this information is not sufficient, it is based on laboratory experiments under controlled conditions that limit our understanding of the larvae feeding physiology and development.

This experiment will aim to develop a system to successfully culture larvae in a flow through setup using natural seston as food and exposing larvae to natural variations of food and physicochemical seawater parameters (temperature, salinity and pH) during a full mussel reproductive season. Other factors such as maternal provisioning and how it changes during the reproductive season may be considered.

The master thesis will comprise the formulation of specific hypothesis related to larval development of blue mussels, experimental design, take of measurements, data processing and statistical analyses. Experiments lasts from 3-6 weeks plus analyses, several experiments to focus on different hypothesis can be run during the reproductive season between May-August.

The MS requires basic marine biological- and physiological knowledge, life history of marine invertebrates and basic statistical skills.

Contact persons at HI/IMR: Tore Strohmeier (mob 907 20 754; tore.strohmeier@hi.no) / Antonio Aguera (mob 948 80 039)

Spatial distribution of blue mussels along a fjord coastal gradient.

The IMR has started to monitor the abundance of mussels over a fjord to coast gradient. These observations indicate recruitment of mussels may be happening along the whole shoreline, however stablished populations with several year classes are patchy. The monitoring effort initiated by IMR already comprises the assessment of presence/absence of mussels, cohort presence and other qualitative metrics of abundance at randomly selected stations along the fjord shoreline. An effort that will be continued during the coming year.  

Species distribution models (SDM) has proven a valuable tool to describe, predict and find drivers of species distributions. These models use of the concept of fundamental niche to assess the ranges and combinations of environmental (biotic and abiotic) that drives the observed patterns to predict the potential distribution of the species within the area of study.

In this MS, the student will analyze and develop SDMs for the blue mussels in Hardangerfjord, using the data gathered during the mussel monitoring program and diverse sources of spatial information on the Hardangerfjord environmental conditions (physical: depth, slope, temperature, salinity and biotic: primary production) 

The MS requires basic GIS skills and statistical analyses of spatial data using R.

Contact persons at HI/IMR: Tore Strohmeier (mob 907 207 54; tore.strohmeier@hi.no) / Antonio Aguera (mob 948 80 039)

FG Bunnfisk – Demersal fish

Kontaktperson: Jane Godiksen (jane.godiksen@hi.no)

Available Food Index

[Project is taken, but contact daniel.howell@hi.no if you are interested in projects involving computer simulations of fish populations]

IMR supervisor: Dr. Daniel Howell (daniel.howell@hi.no).

UiB supervisor: TBD

FG Bunnsamfunn

Contact person: Sigurd Heiberg Espeland  (sigurd.heiberg.espeland@hi.no

Assessing changes in invertebrate faunal communities in Norwegian eelgrass meadows

Seagrass meadows provide numerous ecosystem services, including sustaining biodiverse communities of fish and invertebrates. Invertebrate fauna are essential and important in ensuring proper functioning of eelgrass meadows. Seagrass meadows and their associated fauna are threatened by climate change, eutrophication, and other human activities. In Norway the most common seagrass is eelgrass (Zostera marina) which is found in shallow areas along the entire coastline but is relatively understudied compared to other ecosystems. At IMR, we are currently filling in gaps in our understanding of Norwegian eelgrass meadows. 

Shifts in eelgrass-associated faunal communities have been documented in many areas, including the Baltic Sea and Swedish Skagerrak coast. In this project, we will explore whether the same is true in southern Norway. Invertebrate epifauna and infauna were sampled in several eelgrass meadows near Arendal in 1999-2001, and in 2023-2024 we will resample the same areas to evaluate whether and how the faunal communities have changed. Field sampling will take place in June 2023, September 2023, November 2023, and April 2024.

The MSc student will

  • potentially join in field sampling (depending on timing)
  • sort and identify invertebrate epifauna (or infauna) samples in the laboratory
  • analyse the data to compare the communities over time (statistical analysis in R: diversity indices, multivariate analyses, functional traits, etc.)
  • link changes to human activities (climate change, eutrophication) 

The project is based at IMR Flødevigen research station (Arendal).

If interested contact: Karine Gagnon (karine.gagnon@hi.no) / Kjell Magnus Norderhaug (kjellmn@hi.no) / Stein Fredriksen (stein.fredriksen@ibv.uio.no

Species identification of benthic fauna with focus on class Ascidiacea and with relations to environmental variables

The class Ascidiacea (phylum Chordata, subphylum Tunicata) is a diverse group of sac-like marine invertebrate filter feeders. Ascidiaceans are characterized by having an outer “tunic” (of various thickness) made of polysaccharide. The diversity, in a presence/absence manner, of species/taxa along the coast of Norway has been previously addressed through projects led by Norwegian Environment Agency (Miljødirektoratet).

In the project MAREANO we have collected a huge amount of data based upon beamtrawl hauls and vanVeen grab from various depths. This is biomass data and amount per taxon measurements, sampled within the MAREANO area between 2006 and present (http://mareano.no/kart/mareano.html#maps/6949) , accompanied by CTD- and other metadata. It is here suggested a master-thesis to provide: 

i) an updated account of Ascidiacea species/taxa, 
ii) identify possible patterns in taxa distribution relative to environmental variables and 
iii) identify eventual species new for Norwegian waters. 
 

We are open to a large degree of autonomy in the development of other scope of interest under the frame suggested above. Knowledge in basic statistics is an advantage.  There will be possibilities for participating in relevant fieldwork.  

Contact person: Sten-Richard Birkely (sten-richard.birkely@hi.no

Juveniles associated with benthic habitats – look for nursery habitats

The MAREANO programme has been collecting video of the offshore seabed since 2006, identifying species and habitats, and recording the occurrence of juvenile species along the way (invertebrates and fish). However, the records of juveniles remain unused in our analyses, offering an opportunity to explore this data for the first time. There are habitats, abiotic variables and species data offering a chance to identify associations using multivariate statistics/modelling approaches. Nursery habitats are of particular conservation relevance and are therefore important to identify and flag to marine managers nationally and internationally.

Suits Bergen-based Master students.
Are you interested - contact: Rebecca Ross (Rebecca.Ross@hi.no)

Fish associated with benthic habitats

The MAREANO programme develops offshore benthic habitat maps relevant to Norwegian offshore marine management needs. With records of invertebrate taxa, fish taxa, associated habitats, and abiotic conditions, there is a lot of room for the exploration of fish/habitat associations which could provide useful knowledge to marine managers interested in supporting the fishing industry whilst balancing conservation needs.

Suits Bergen-based Master students.
Are you interested - contact: Rebecca Ross (Rebecca.Ross@hi.no)

Vulnerable benthic habitat patch sizes

The mapping of vulnerable benthic habitats (e.g. coral reefs, sponge aggregations, sea pen fields) is of particular interest to marine managers who are responsible for ensuring appropriate conservation actions are taken. However, observation records are not always enough to judge how big a patch is likely to exist. While modelling methods are already used in MAREANO to offer best guesses as to offshore vulnerable habitat extent, the MAREANO video database offers a wealth of data to further explore the drivers of patch size and to estimate the natural range of patch sizes that occur for each vulnerable habitat in Norwegian offshore waters. This would help temper national advice and inform international discussions on standards for vulnerable habitat surveys.

Suits Bergen-based Masters students.
Are you interested - contact: Rebecca Ross (Rebecca.Ross@hi.no)

FG Fangst – Fish capture

Contact person: Svein Løkkeborg (svein.loekkeborg@hi.no

Quantifying the behaviour of Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) during rod and line capture

Ensuring animal welfare during food production is a humane and legal obligation. Despite this, understanding of how animals are impacted by wild-capture fishing is limited. This represents a missed opportunity, because promoting welfare during capture can improve the sustainability, product quality, profitability, and ethical reputation of the fishing industry. Together with changing societal perspectives, this suggests an important role for animal welfare in the future of fisheries management.

In recent years, coastal power boats have used rod and line to capture Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) in Norwegian waters. The nature of the gear (i.e. catching fish one-by-one) and the target species (i.e. whose market price is highly dependent on quality) means the fishery is well placed to transition towards welfare-responsible capture methods. To do so, however, requires a thorough understanding of how tuna respond to the stress of capture.

The aim of this MSc project is to quantitatively describe the behavioural response of bluefin tuna to rod and line capture. Cameras and accelerometers will be fitted to the gear to record fish behaviour during capture in the field. Of particular importance will be correlating behavioural states observed on camera to acceleration data. Data from this MSc project is expected to provide the basis for future development of new capture methods that promote welfare. Opportunities for the student to participate in research cruises in Autumn 2024 is likely.

Location: Fish capture research group, Institute of Marine Research - Bergen

Contact: Applicants should send a CV and a letter of application to: Neil Anders  and Mike Breen.

Can better control of trawl position relative to target fish improve catch success in acoustic trawl surveys?

Knowledge of fish stock sizes is a key element in sustainable fisheries management. The knowledge is needed to assess the state of the stock, investigate the effects of fisheries and to set future harvest levels. A common way of estimating fish stock size is by acoustic trawl surveys where acoustic energy is converted to fish abundance, with the help of samples of species composition and size distributions from trawl hauls. When schools or aggregations of fish are registered on the vessel mounted echosounder a sample of the fish is usually obtained by trawling. However, it can be difficult to catch the fish with the trawl several hundred meters behind the vessel, especially when fast swimming fish are targeted. Missed catches result in wasted effort and uncertainty in the trawl samples.

In this project the aim is to investigate whether catch success can be improved by better control of the trawl position relative to the targeted fish. Fish abundance estimated from acoustic data will be compared with catch size and related to trawl position. For better temporal and spatial resolution catch data will be obtained from a stereo-camera system mounted inside the trawl. The aim is also to investigate whether catch success is affected by species or school specific behaviour.

The project is part of a research-based innovation center, CRIMAC (www.crimac.no) financed by the Norwegian Research council. The student will collaborate with other MSc and PhD students in the center. Data for the project were collected in the Norwegian Sea ecosystem survey in May 2022 and there will be an opportunity to participate in a future survey for further data collection and for better understanding of the fishing operation and the monitoring methods.

Are you interested - contact: 
Maria Tenningen (maria.tenningen@hi.no) og/eller Nils Olav Handegard (nilsolav@hi.no).

FG Fiskeridynamikk – Fisheries dynamics

Contact person: Jon Helge Vølstad (jon.helge.voelstad@hi.no)

Robustness-analysis of fishery dependent estimates 

The IMR run several sampling programs to collect data from commercial fisheries, and provide estimates using a Bayesian modelling framework dependent on several use choices, such as categorization of fishing gears and post-stratification of spatial and temporal covariates. We wish to analyse the roboustness of estimates to user choices and sampling variation. The candidate will analyse results from different model configurations and assess the robustness of estimates and implications for interpretation. Some familiarity with Bayesian statistics and R will be required.

IMR-supervisor: Edvin Fuglebakk (edvin.fuglebakk@hi.no). 

Comparative study of estimators for non-probabilistic samples 

Practical constraints commonly lead to deviation from probabilistic approaches in sampling. This can be addressed with explicit modelling approaches, or with post-stratification and assumptive applications of traditional design-based estimators. These approaches come with different formulations of assumptions and different technical implications for estimation support systems. We would be interested in do a comparative study of such estimators for evaluating their practical utility and interpretability for non-probabilistic sampling of biological parameters from commercial fisheries.

IMR-supervisor: Edvin Fuglebakk (edvin.fuglebakk@hi.no).

Time series analysis of survey estimates 

The survey estimates are traditionally used as input to assessment models, but there could be simpler models serving as alternatives to the assessment models, which are worth pursuing. 

Suggested contact: Jon Helge Vølstad (jon.helge.voelstad@hi.no)

FG  Fôr og ernæring - Research group Feed and Nutrition

Contact person: Nina Liland (nina.liland@hi.no

We study the uptake and utilization of nutrients and effects of diets on health and performance in aquaculture fish. In principle, all our running research projects in the research program can be available for master student studies.

Investigating the requirements for micronutrients in Lump sucker (Cyclopterus lumpus). IMR-supervisor: Øystein Sæle (oystein.saele@hi.no)

Investigating the requirements for micronutrients in Ballan wrasse (Labrus berggylta). IMR-supervisor: Øystein Sæle (oystein.saele@hi.no)

Applying a gut sac model (from salmon) to investigate the impact of undesirables in feed, such as pesticides, on intestinal integrity. IMR-supervisor: Øystein Sæle (oystein.saele@hi.no

Requirement of vitamin and trace mineral for Atlantic salmon health

The new salmon health project REVITALISE offers opportunities for a master's thesis. Nutrition in freshwater and during the smoltification phase of Atlantic salmon is important. The need for micronutrients may be even higher than existing recommendations and maximum limits set by the EU. However, the health effects of micronutrients related to disease and other challenges are too poorly documented for salmon, which will be the main aim of this project. Using several feeding trials, the project aims to find the optimal levels of selected micronutrients for farmed salmon in different life phases, both under normal and challenging conditions. This will improve the salmon's ability to withstand stress and resist diseases. Link: https://www.hi.no/hi/nyheter/2023/januar/24-millioner-til-nytt-laksehelseprosjekt.

As part of the master thesis, you will have the chance to work practical and follow up experimental trials (e.g. at our research stations in Matre) and/or learn and perform analyses in the lab (e.g. nutrient analyses).

Interested in nutrition and salmon health? 
Contact researcher and project manager Nini Sissener (nini.sissener@hi.no) or researcher Anne-Catrin Adam (aad@hi.no).

Developing an extraction protocol of prostaglandins and leukotrienes from fish plasma and quantification by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry

Prostaglandins and leukotrienes, such as PGE2 and LTB4, respectively, are members of the lipid class of biochemicals derived from arachidonic acid by means of the cyclooxygenase enzyme. These substances are known for their varying physiological properties, pathological effects and association with inflammation and pain in human and animal models. Immunological assays (e.g., ELISA) are the most widely used methods for the estimation of prostaglandins due to their inherent sensitivity, inexpensiveness, and simplicity. The main drawbacks of these assays are their lack of specificity for complex biological fluids, such as plasma, trend to overestimate the levels of metabolites due to cross-reactivity and limitation to the detection of a single product at the time. 

The present research project aims at developing a rapid, simple, and efficient method for the extraction of PGE2 and LTB4 from fish plasma and subsequent quantification using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS). In this context, the determination relevant performance parameters such as selectivity, specificity, accuracy, precision, linearity, range, limit of detection, limit of quantitation, ruggedness, and robustness will be an essential part of the project. The developed extraction and quantification protocols will be included in the existing battery of analytical methods of the Institute of Marine Research (IMR) at Bergen. The student will gain theoretical and practical experience in experimental design, sample treatment, LCMS, analytical validation, and data analysis.

Contact researcher: Pedro Araujo, Pedro.Araujo@hi.no.

FG Fremmed- og smittestoff – Contaminants and biohazards  

Kontaktperson: FG-leder Monica Sanden (Monica.Sanden@hi.no)

Want to do your master’s thesis on antibiotic resistance? In collaboration between Institute of Marine Research (IMR) and University of Bergen (UiB). 

We have a master’s project in microbiology connected to the Res-Marine project funded by the Norwegian Research Council (NRC) funded , that aims at understanding the role of the marine environment in dissemination and emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The student will carry out isolation of bacterial pathogens from waste water, marine sediments and water samples, and carry out antibiotic susceptibility testing. The tasks would also include learning DNA sequencing and analysis of whole genome sequences (bioinformatic analysis). 

If interested contact Nachiket Marathe (nachiket.marathe@hi.no).

Master’s opportunity on Microplastic and antibiotic resistance.

Plastic pollution is a global environmental problem that is projected to increase in upcoming decades because of the upward trend in global production and consumption. MPs provide surficial substrates for the microorganisms to attach and form biofilms. Fish pathogens such as Aeromonas spp., Vibrio spp. and opportunistic human pathogens like E. coli are present in biofilms from marine plastics. Recently, previous master student on the project has characterized multidrug resistant pathogens and environmental bacteria present on marine plastics from western Norway, using whole genome sequencing. This work has led to 2 publications (Radisic et al., 2020; Radisic et al., 2021). The master’s project will focus on the role of microplastics in dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes and resistant pathogens in the marine environment. The student will carry out isolation of pathogens, DNA extraction and Whole genome sequence analysis. 

If interested contact Nachiket Marathe (nachiket.marathe@hi.no).

Kjemi- og fremmedstoff-lab – Chemistry and Undesirables Lab

Kontaktperson: forsker Marc Berntssen (marc.berntssen@hi.no

Tittel: Å utvikle og sammenligne metoder som identifiserer og måler mikroplast i fisk og fôr.
Kontaktperson
: Senioringeniør Jennifer Gjerde, Jennifer.Gjerde@hi.no 

FG Marin toksikologi – Marine toxicology

Contact person: forsker Marc Berntssen (marc.berntssen@hi.no

In recent years, in the global food market fraud and adulteration is increased violating consumers' safety. The food products available in the market are highly processed; therefore, difficult to identify the species or tissue origin by visual inspection. Molecular tools, i.e., PCR, genome sequencing, barcoding, and proteomics can be used to identify species from highly processed samples. Among the established methods, DNA methods are accurate and precise but unable to identify the tissue origin of the food sample.

Our present study will implement an untargeted shotgun proteomics approach for species and tissue authentication from food and feed samples with the spectral library method. The approach is independent of any genomic information and is easy to implement on non-model species lacking such information. To implement this method for routine analyses across various laboratories, we want to create a spectral library database with bioinformatics tools and would like to involve a student with bioinformatics or biotechnology expertise. This database will use a tool to match any given food or feed spectra to all the available libraries and help to identify the origin of the sample. All the required proteomic data is collected by us (Institute of Marine research); libraries were built for sample matching and testing food and feed samples of interest. Making these libraries available online as a database will benefit regulatory agencies to use this approach for routine analyses. Besides authentication, the spectra data from the database can be used to establish a phylogenetic relationship between species by using a direct spectra comparison tool called ‘compareMS2’. 

Are you interested - contact: Madhushri Shrikant Varunjikar (madhushri.shrikant.varunjikar@hi.no)

FG Marin økosystemakustikk – Ecosystem acoustics

Contact person: Rolf Korneliussen (rolf.korneliussen@hi.no

Bootstrapping of acoustic-trawl surveys. Variance estimation of acoustic-trawl and swept-area survey estimates has received increasing attention with the on-going REDUS project (Reduced Uncertainty in Stock Assessment) at the IMR. Using the StoX software, the variance of the survey estimates can be estimated by bootstrapping echosounder and trawl data. This routine has however not been intensively tested with regards to number of bootstrap replicates, number of data points available and the stochastic nature of the data. Evaluating these bootstrap routines and suggesting alternatives would be a valuable contribution to the assessment of fish stocks. 
Suggested contact: Espen Johnsen (espen.johnsen@hi.no).

Image analysis of echosounder and sonar data. Machine learning initiatives have been initiated at the IMR for categorizing images of fish, seals and other organisms, and similar approaches are intended for acoustic data. Alternatively, traditional image analysis can be applied. 

Suggested contact: Nils Olav Handegard (nilsolav@hi.no).

Detecting internal waves in echosounder data

Waves in the ocean does not only occur at the surface. They are also commonly observed in the ocean interior as internal waves and are considered important features for vertical mixing of water masses.

For internal waves to exist, the ocean must be stratified. As such, the density must change with depth due to changes in temperature and/or salinity. If the density changes over a small vertical distance (as in the case of the thermocline) the waves propagate horizontally like surface waves, although at slower speeds due to the density difference across the thermocline interface. If the density changes continuously, the waves can also propagate vertically as well as horizontally through the ocean.

Uniformly scattered organisms and particles in the water column can be observed using scientific echosounders. If these scatters are located where internal waves occur, the wave patterns become visible on the echograms. Conversely, if no waves are present, the scatterers will be evenly distributed. The scatterers can then be used to detect internal waves in the water column.

The objective of the project is to develop a data mining algorithm that automatically locate the presence of internal waves from acoustic data. 

The One Ocean expedition are collecting acoustic data around the world, and this data set will be used as test case. IMR has also a large database of historical acoustic data that also can be mined for these features and can be used as a complementary option. 

The project is associated with the One Ocean expedition (https://oneoceanexpedition.com/), the Center for Research-based Innovation in Marine Acoustic Abundance Estimation and Backscatter Classification (https://crimac.no/)  and the Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center.

Are you interested - contact: Nils Olav Handegard (nilsolav@hi.no) and/or Johnny A. Johannessen (johnny.johannessen@nersc.no).

FG Oseanografi og klima – Oceanography and climate

Contact person: Jan Erik Stiansen (jan.erik.stiansen@hi.no)

Conditions in the surface layer of the Scotia Sea in summer 2019 

As part of the international Antarctic krill survey, krill trawls were carried out across the entire Scotia Sea. Sensors mounted on the krill trawls collected temperature and salinity data. Combined with regular CTD casts from research vessels involved in the survey, analysis of this dataset will provide valuable information of the hydrographic conditions during the krill survey, and an update to a similar survey conducted in 2000.

Contact person: Angelika Renner (angelika.renner@hi.no)

Working place: Tromsø

Currents in Bransfield Strait: During January-February 2019, several combined current profilers/echosounders were deployed for ~1 month in Bransfield Strait. Analysis of this unique dataset will provide insight into dynamic processes contributing to water mass exchange and krill swarming mechanisms in this hotspot for Antarctic krill fisheries.
Contact person: Angelika Renner (angelika.renner@hi.no)
Working place: Tromsø

Klimatrender i kyst- og fjordstrøk: Kombinere målinger fra Hardangerfjorden og faste overvåkningsstasjoner på kysten med NorKyst800, modellarkiv med 800 m oppløsning langs hele norskekysten 1995-2020, for å identifisere endringer i det fysiske miljøet og mulige konsekvenser for fjordøkosystemene.
Kontaktperson: Mari S. Myksvoll (mari.myksvoll@hi.no)
Arbeidssted: Bergen

Utslipp fra rør til det marine miljø: Lage en matematisk modell for spredning av utslipp fra renseanlegg og industri til det marine miljø, basert på kjente empiriske formler. Modellen kan testes mot profiler i det eksisterende modellarkivet NorKyst800 for å diskutere konsekvenser av f.eks. storskala utbygging av landbaserte oppdrettsanlegg.
Kontaktperson: Pål Næverlid Sævik (paal.naeverlid.saevik@hi.no)
Arbeidssted: Bergen

Studere hvilke effekter økt ferskvannstilførsel i Polhavet har på hydrografi og sirkulasjon ved å bruke en regional havmodell (NEMO-NAA10km). 
Predicting the Future of the Arctic Ocean is a Non-Linear Story: Can a stronger river inflow actually increase the salinity of the Arctic?

The Oceanography & Climate Research team at IMR has designed a new regional ocean model based on the NEMO Ocean Engine, a community Ocean Model publicly available (check links below), that represents the thermo-haline dynamics of the Arctic Ocean. This ocean model permits to conduct cool experiments, such as for example study what happens if one increases the river inflow to the Arctic basin. Figure 9 (in the enclosed article) shows what happens if one increases the river inflow to the Arctic basin by 4% over a period of 50 years: the surface salinity of the Arctic Ocean becomes lower in most places, but actually becomes higher in the central region of the Arctic. Why is this possible? How can putting more freshwater lead to areas of higher salinity? What are the implications for the Arctic Ocean in a changing climate? If you like to brainstorm on non-linear problems you can help us answer these questions! 

Links: The NEMO Ocean Engine, an Open Source Ocean Model anyone can download https://www.nemoocean.eu/.  An article with detailed results on our Arctic Ocean simulations using the NEMO Ocean Engine https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2021JC017270 

Contact person: Robinson Hordoir (robinson.hordoir@hi.no

FG Pelagisk fisk – Pelagic fish

Contact person: Espen Johnsen (espen.johnsen@hi.no)  

Loddeakustikk  

Lodde er den desidert viktigaste pelagiske bestanden i Barentshavet, og svært viktig for både økosystemet og for fiskerinæringa. Kvart år gjev Havforskingsinstituttet kvoteråd for lodde basert på akustiske estimat frå eit omfattande tokt om hausten. Over dei siste 5 åra har ei heilt ny overvaking om vinteren blitt testa ut, og det viser seg at dei akustiske målingane av lodde i enkelte tilfelle er svært ulik det som er forventa. Dette kan ha stor påverknad på rådgjevinga. 

I denne masteroppgåva er målet å finna ut om dei uventa akustiske målingane er knytt til ulik størrelse på svømmeblæra. Studenten vil arbeida med akustiske data samla inn i felten, og fryste prøvar av lodde som vil bli scanna eller undersøkt med røntgen for å tallfesta morfologi og kvantifisera om det er samanheng mellom svømmeblære-størrelse og akustisk respons.

Capelin acoustics

The capelin is a key species in the Barents Sea efficiently linking low-trophic zooplankton with high trophic predators. It is also harvested commercially and each year IMR provides advice on catch quota based on acoustic estimates of capelin from research surveys. Recently a new winter monitoring of capelin has been tested out, and it has been revealed that the acoustic response from capelin is sometimes very different from what is expected, which can potentially strongly bias biomass estimates. In this proposed master, the aim is to find out whether the unexpected acoustic response is linked to a changing size of the swimbladder. The student will work with acoustic data collected in situ and frozen samples of capelin that will be scanned or X-Rayed to quantify swimbladder size and investigate whether there is a link between swimbladder size and observed acoustic response.

Contact person: Georg Skaret (georg.skaret@hi.no

Comparison of otolith and scale growth of Atlantic herring

Calcified structures such as otoliths and scales are usually used for age reading of fish. Both structures are also used for back-calculations of length-at-age. In Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus), scale size is clearly related to fish length (Smoliński and Berg, 2022). However, this scale size – fish length relationship varies over time and is dependent on environmental factors. For Norwegian spring spawning herring, both structures are used for age reading, but the otolith size – fish length relationship has historically not been used. Since 2021 herring otoliths and scales have been sampled routinely from the same individuals. This will allow us to investigate and compare the growth of both otoliths and scales. The aim is to validate if both calcified structures show similar growth trajectories between years and cohorts. 

During this project, you will learn how to apply growth measurements of otoliths and scales typically used for age reading and apply basic back-calculation of growth using both structures (Francis, 1990) This includes both, technical methods like photographing and measuring of growth increments as well as statistical analysis. You might have the possibility to sample your own material during a survey in the Norwegian Sea during summer.

Keywords: herring, growth trajectories, Norwegian Sea, otoliths, scales

Supervisor IMR: Florian Berg, Institute of Marine Research (IMR), Bergen, Norway; telephone: +47 94209887; e-mail: florian.berg@hi.no  
Co-supervisor: Arild Folkvord, Department of biological science, University Bergen, Norway; e-mail: arild.folkvord@uib.no

Validation of 1st winter ring in otoliths of blue whiting

Calcified structures such as otoliths are usually used for age reading of fish and their size is clearly related to fish length (Smoliński and Berg, 2022). However, identifying the first annual growth zone, also called winter ring, is the most challenging part for age readers. Misidentification would lead to over-/under-estimation of age which impacts stock assessment. For blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou), the problem has been highlighted during the latest age reading workshop. Therefore, the aim of this project is to validate the 1st winter ring in blue whiting. Otoliths of young-of-the-year (YOY) and potentially 1-year-old blue whiting should be measured monthly over a year covering the winter season. Measurements will be used to provide an estimate where the 1st winter ring should be deployed in an otolith. Furthermore, this can be combined with more complex otolith shape analysis as well as weight measurements of otoliths.

During this project, you will learn how to apply growth measurements of calcified structures used for age reading. This includes both, technical methods like photographing and measuring of growth increments as well as statistical analysis. You might have the possibility to sample your own material during a survey in the Norwegian Sea during summer.

Keywords: blue whiting, growth trajectories, Norwegian Sea, otoliths, age validation

Supervisor: Florian Berg, Institute of Marine Research (IMR), Bergen, Norway; telephone: +47 94209887; e-mail: florian.berg@hi.no
Co-supervisor: Arild Folkvord, Department of biological science, University Bergen, Norway; e-mail: arild.folkvord@uib.no

FG Plankton 

Kontaktperson: FG-leder Kjell Gundersen (kjell.gundersen@hi.no)

Mengden av raudåte i Norskehavet.

Raudåte (Calanus finmarchicus) utgjør hovedmengden av dyreplanktonet i Norskehavet, hvor den beiter på planteplankton, mens den selv er viktig som byttedyr for fiskelarver og voksen pelagisk fisk som sild og makrell. Raudåta overfører dermed energi fra primærprodusentene og oppover i næringsnettet og gir et viktig bidrag til den høye produktiviteten i Norskehavet. De siste årene har det også vært et fiskeri på raudåta. For å kunne overvåke og forvalte bestanden på en god måte, ønsker Havforskningsinstituttet å forbedre bestandsestimatene og øke forståelsen av raudåtas dynamikk i Norskehavet i tid og rom. Modellen Norwecom (Hjøllo et al., 2012) beregner raudåtebestanden basert på den totale dyreplanktonbiomassen, som igjen er inndelt i ulike størrelsesfraksjoner. Ulike stadier av raudåta fordeler seg i de ulike størrelsesfraksjonene. Vi har derimot begrenset kunnskap om hvor mye raudåta utgjør av biomassen i de ulike størrelsesfraksjonene gjennom året. Modellen bruker gitte antakelser av hvor mye raudåta utgjør av dyreplanktonbiomassen (Skjoldal et al., 2004), men disse er usikre og gir ikke rom for variasjon gjennom året. 

Masteroppgaven går ut på å forbedre beregningene over hvor stor andel raudåta utgjør av den totale dyreplanktonbiomassen i Norskehavet gjennom hele året. Dette gjøres ved å sammenstille og analysere tilgjengelige opparbeidede dyreplanktondata for biomasse og art, benytte kjente stadievekter fra litteratur, bestemme usikkerhet i estimat etc. Kandidaten bruker de nye estimatene i Norwecom modellkjøringer for bl.a. å oppdatere bestandsestimatene. Det kan være muligheter for kandidaten å delta i relevant toktarbeid. 

Kontaktpersoner: Cecilie Broms (cecilie.thorsen.broms@hi.no) og Solfrid Sætre Hjøllo (solfrid.hjollo@hi.no)

FG Reproduksjon og utviklingsbiologi – Reproduction and developmental biology

Kontaktperson: FG-leder Anna Troedsson Wargelius (annaw@hi.no).

Influence of light on signaling pathways and metamorphosis behaviour of halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus)

The aim of this MSc project is to understand the signaling pathways that will lead to flatfish swimming behaviour prior eye migration and pigmentation formation under influence of light. The student will use imaging and video analyses for recording fish behaviour and morphological defects (eye and pigmentation) under light regime. He/she will also examine molecular markers involved in eye migration modulation.

Contact: Torstein Harboe (torsteinh@hi.no); Prescilla Perrichon (prescilla perrichon@hi.no); Birgitta Norberg (birgittan@hi.no

The role of multiple vitellogenins and cathepsins in acquisition of egg buoyancy in Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus)

Atlantic halibut oocytes undergo extraordinary hydration during maturation, and halibut eggs exhibit highly variable buoyancy. Egg buoyancy is an important parameter representing egg quality in most marine fishes. The objective of this MSc project is to 1) investigate the involvement of multiple vitellogenins (Vtgs) and the functionality of certain cathepsins (CTS) in the process of maturational yolk proteolysis and oocyte hydration in the Atlantic halibut, and 2) relate them to egg quality. The candidate will utilize molecular, biochemical and immunochemical tools for detection of multiple Vtgs in prehydrated and mature oocytes leading to eggs of different buoyancy grades. 

Contact: Birgitta Norberg (birgittan@hi.no); Özlem Yilmaz (ozlem.yilmaz@hi.no)

FG Sjøpattedyr – Marine mammals

Contact person: Martin Biuw (martin.biuw@hi.no)

Analyser av allerede innsamlede data av hvalarter. Kontaktperson: Nils Øien (nils.oien@hi.no).

FG Økosystemprosesser – Ecosystem processes 

Contact person: Mette Skern-Mauritzen (mette.mauritzen@hi.no).

Diettanalyser 0-gruppe torsk gjennom kritisk fase Skagerrak. Innsamlet materiale, men studenten kan bli med på tokt. To oppgaver. HI-veileder: Tore Johannessen (tore.johannessen@hi.no).

Eksperimentelt oppsett for å teste konkurranse mellom stillehavøsters fucus-arter ift. kolonisering av hardbunn. HI-veileder: Anders Jelmert (anders.jelmert@hi.no). 

Økosystembasert høsting av rekefjorder inkl. modelleringsverktøyet ECOPATH. I dette prosjektet kan det bli aktuelt med masterstudenter i flere arbeidspakker. HI-veiledere: Guldborg Søvik, guldborg.soevik@hi.no, Kjell Nedreaas, kjelln@hi.no; Bérengère Husson, berengere.husson@hi.no  og Lis Lindal Jørgensen (lislin@hi.no).
 

Regime shifts in the Norwegian Sea, what is the evidence?

Regime shifts have been reported in many marine ecological systems and appear to be ubiquitous features (Blenckner and Niiranen, 2013; Möllmann et al., 2015). They consist in an abrupt and persistent shift between configurations of the system (i.e. the regimes). Beyond this general definition of regime shift, there are however limited agreement on what regime shifts are and the methods for detection of regime shifts from observations are not always appropriately grounded to the mathematical theory of complex systems. Some argue that apparent regime shifts may simply emerge from systems with non-stationary dynamics or when the dynamics are dominated by coloured noise, without actual shifts occurring (Doney and Sailley, 2013; Overland et al., 2008, 2006). In addition, the evidence for regime shifts in marine ecological systems may be weakened by uncertain data and short time-series.

One challenge is therefore to establish the robustness of regime shift detections for real systems, for which theoretical (mathematical) models rarely exist, and for which data availability is restrained (in time and precision). When working with real world examples of marine ecosystem regime shifts, one can ask: What is the ‘class’ of an apparent regime shift? What is the evidence to support it? Could it have emerged by chance and possibly reflect a non-stationary / coloured noise process?

In the Norwegian Sea, it has been argued that an ecological regime shift occurred in the mid-2000, connecting changes in oceanography, plankton and fish (Vollset et al., 2022). This will be used as a test case to evaluate the evidence for regime shift.

Objective
The aim of this master project is to: 
1. review and establish a typology (i.e. classify) of ecological regime shifts in marine systems and relate these to regime shift detection methods,
2. develop a framework to evaluate the evidence in support for regime shifts,
3. assemble a body of evidence for and against an ecological regime shift in the Norwegian Sea, and possibly in other regions.

Project work
The student will have to:
1) develop a good understanding of the multiple concepts of regime shifts based on existing literature, with particular focus on marine systems, and establish a typology (i.e. classify) of the different class of regime shifts,
2) master the numerical techniques used to detect regime shifts from single and multivariate datasets,
3) develop a set of questions and tests to evaluate regime shift detection performance,
4) compile relevant time-series for the in the Norwegian Sea,
5) perform regime shift detection on the Norwegian Sea time-series and evaluate the evidence for and against regime shift in this region,
6) extend the analysis to other regions, if time permits.

Candidate
The student should:
1) be familiar with marine ecology and time-series analysis,
2) have documented experience in computer programming in R or similar language
3) have good writing and oral communication skills
Additional knowledge on the Norwegian Sea ecosystem, multivariate analysis, hypothesis testing and non-linear dynamics is advantageous.

Location
The project will take place at the Institute of Marine Research in Tromsø, Norway.

Contact
Applicants should send a CV and a letter of application to benjamin.planque@hi.no  and lucie.buttay@hi.no 

Additional information is available upon request from: 
Lucie Buttay, Tel : (+47) 45390464, email : lucie.buttay@hi.no  or
Benjamin Planque, Tel : (+47) 488 93 043, email: benjamin.planque@hi.no

Arktiske Calanus-arter i norske fjorder  

Dyreplankton har en viktig rolle som link mellom primærprodusenter og høyere trofiske nivå i marine næringskjeder. Kopepoder i Calanus-slekten er særlig tallrike dyreplankton i nordiske hav og arktiske økosystem, og med høyt fettinnhold anses de gjerne som nøkkelarter bl.a. for planktivore predatorer som sild, makrell og lodde. Historisk sett har man koblet utbredelsen av Calanus-arter med ulik kroppsstørrelse til ulike temperaturforhold: store arter (C. glacialis og C. hyperboreus) i kaldt, arktisk vann og den mindre C. finmarchicus i atlantisk vann med høyere temperaturer. Flere nyere modell- og genetikk-studier har imidlertid utfordret denne oppfatningen og vist at arktiske arter også transporteres til, og kan overleve i atlantiske forhold, samt at de arktiske artene er mer utbredt i norske fjorder med atlantiske forhold enn tidligere antatt. 

I denne masteroppgaven er formålet å studere fjordpopulasjoner av arktiske Calanus-arter. Vi vil ta utgangspunkt i fjorder med forekomster av C. glacialis og/eller C. hyperboreus og bruke eksisterende resultater fra en økosystemmodell (NORWECOM.E2E) for å se på om disse er isolerte fjordpopulasjoner, samt kvantifisere utvekslingen med mer oseaniske Calanus-populasjoner. Dette er viktig for å øke forståelsen av lokale økosystemer i norske fjorder, samt den overordnede forståelsen for utbredelsen av Calanus på våre breddegrader. Mastergradsstudenten må beherske bruk av R, Python eller Matlab, samt ha interesse for økologisk modellering.

Kontaktpersoner: Morten D. Skogen (morten.skogen@hi.no) og Johanna M. Aarflot (johanna.aarflot@hi.no)

Impacts of climate change on primary production in the Barents Sea

Introduction: The Barents Sea is a seasonally ice-covered sub-Arctic shelf sea which exhibit high primary production that supports large populations of fish and mammals. Primary production in this region takes place in both the water column (pelagic production) and in/below sea ice (ice-algae production). In comparison to pelagic phytoplankton, ice algae are considered higher quality prey for zooplankton due to their relatively large size and high lipid content. Temperature has increased and sea-ice coverage has decreased substantially in the last decades leading to a shift in the pelagic to ice-algae production ratio, a pattern that is expected to continue in the future. A shift in source of primary production may have cascading effects on the entire ecosystem.

Objectives: This master student projects aims to investigate the effects of climate change on the magnitude and relative distribution of primary production in the Barents Sea using different carbon emission scenarios. The project will use existing model output from the ecosystem modelling tool NORWECOM.E2E. The student is expected to:

  • Analyze changes in primary production in the Barents Sea over time and space, using appropriate metrics and statistics.
  • Investigate the relative importance of ice algae and pelagic production, and assess the underlying drivers of change including changes in temperature, ice-cover and nutrient availability.
  • Discuss potential implications of the findings for the future of the Barents Sea ecosystem and ecosystem services such as fisheries.

Requirements: The candidate should have a background in marine science, with focus on oceanography, ecology, and/or biogeochemistry. The project involves analyzing large datasets and will require proficiency in R or a similar coding language.
Practical: The project will be supervised jointly by University of Bergen (contact person: Øyvind Fiksen, oyvind.fiksen@uib.no)  and Institute of Marine Research (contact person Erik A. Mousing, Erik.mousing@hi.no
Application: To apply, please send a CV and application letter to Erik A. Mousing, IMR

Modelling ecosystem responses to marine stressors

Process-based ecosystem models synthesize existing observational and experimental knowledge into a numerical framework. They quantify processes that are difficult or impossible to measure, reveal ecosystem functions and complex food web interactions (e.g. trophic cascading effects) and evaluate responses of the local or wider ecosystem components to pressures from human activities and natural drivers. For predictions about the future ocean, models are the only tool to study long-term ecosystem responses to marine stressors. 

The ecosystem modelling tool NORWECOM.E2E is a merger of several models using physical fields (salinity, temperature, velocities, etc.) from an ocean model as forcing: a Nutrient-Phytoplankton-Zooplankton-Detritus (NPZD) model for nutrient cycling and the lower trophic levels, a selection of Individual Based Models (IBMs) for zooplankton, fish and fishing vessels, as well as modules for ocean acidification and contaminants. The model system is used to study natural variations and effects of, for example, climate change, ocean acidification or fishing in coastal regions, North Sea, Norwegian Sea or Barents Sea ecosystems, but also as a tool for assessing monitoring strategies and management options. 

We offer student projects related to all aspects of the abovementioned tools and fields of applications, for example

  • timing and magnitude of primary production in a changing climate
  • spatial-seasonal patterns of calanoids and fish 
  •  assessment of representativity of sparse observation programs
  • implementation and testing of new modules,  e.g., ice-algae, contaminants etc.
  • Implementation and testing of novel behavioral and/or ecological algorithms

A selection of simulations with present day or future environmental forcing are available.
Projects can be fitted to the student’s interest and background.

Requirements: The candidate should have a background in marine science, with focus on oceanography, ecology, and/or biogeochemistry. The project involves analyzing large datasets and will require proficiency in R or similar analyzing tool.
Practical: The project will be supervised jointly by University of Bergen and a member of the ecosystem modelling group at the Institute of Marine Research in Bergen, Norway. 
Application: Please contact Solfrid Sætre Hjøllo, IMR (solfrid.hjollo@hi.no) or Øyvind Fiksen, UiB (Oyvind.fiksen@uib.no) for additional details

Bruk av modeller for å vurdere prøvetakning etter EUs vannrammedirektiv 

Norge er etter innføringen av EUs vannrammedirektiv forpliktet til å overvåke miljøtilstanden i kystvann og fjorder, for å dokumentere klimaendringer og fange opp uønskede menneskelige påvirkninger som eutrofiering. Prøvetakningen omfatter blant annet målinger av fysiske (temperatur, salinitet) og biokjemiske parametere (næringssalter, oksygen, planteplankton), og prøvene tas ved faste stasjoner inntil 12 ganger per år. En generell utfordring med in situ prøvetakning er at det er kostbart og har lav oppløsning i rom og tid. Til eksempel så omfatter Økokyst, det nasjonale overvåkningsprogrammet for kystvann, totalt 253 stasjoner som skal informere om miljøtilstanden langs en kystlinje på om lag 25 000 km. Samtidig så vet vi lite om hvor gode enkeltobservasjoner er til å informere om miljøtilstanden i et større område eller faktiske endring over tid – dvs. hvor representative dataene er for det vi ønsker å måle. 

Modeller har høyere oppløsning både i rom og tid, og kan derfor brukes som et verktøy til å vurdere kvaliteten på enkeltobservasjoner, samt levere utfyllende informasjon som naturlige variasjoner for de ulike måleparameterne. I denne masteroppgaven er formålet å bruke tilgjengelige modelldata til å vurdere representativitet av in situ-målinger som benyttes i rapportering på miljøtilstand bl.a. til EU og OSPAR. Masterkandidaten må beherske bruk av R, Python eller Matlab og håndtering av større datasett. Kunnskap om statistikk er en fordel, men ikke en forutsetning.

Kontaktpersoner HI: Johanna M. Aarflot (johanna.aarflot@hi.no) og Morten D. Skogen (morten.skogen@hi.no

See also https://www.hi.no/hi/forskning/student-som-vil-bli-havforsker 

Study programme: Fisheries biology and Management / Marine biology

Energy and lipids in capelin 0-group fish in the Barents Sea: Study the spatial variations and the role the zooplankton distribution has for the energy status and lipid composition in different ocean currents (Atlantic, mixed sone and Arctic waters).

Supervisor University of Bergen:

  • Prof. Arild Folkvord (BIO), email: arild.folkvord@uib.no, phone: 55584456
  • Supervisor Institute of Marine Research:
  • Georg Skaret (Institute of Marine Research), IMR: georg.skaret@hi.no, phone 65161038
  • Sonnich Meier (Institute of Marine Research, IMR): sonnich.meier@hi.no, phone 47272166
  • Other Collaborations at IMR (Elena Eriksen, Erling Kåre Stenevik, Geir Odd Johansen).

Objective:

To compare the energy status and fatty acid composition of capelin 0-group fish caught in different areas of the Barents Sea and relate it to the zooplankton distribution.

Background:

The Barents Sea is an important nursery area for many of the commercial important fish in Norwegian water. In 2022 high numbers of fish larvae and early juveniles were observed in the Barents Sea. However, there was also observed low abundances of large Calanus copepods, and it is therefore a question if there will be enough high-quality prey for the fish larvae/early juvenile to build up a good energy storage to survive the first winter.  

The aim of this study is to compare the energy status measured by energy density and lipid content of 0-group capelin. In addition will the fatty acids composition be analyzed in 0-group capelin and different zooplankton as biomarkers of prey selection.

Climate changes are affecting the recruitment of the fish in the Barents Sea (Skjoldal et al., 2022), and we wish to establish a baseline study on energy content in different 0-group fish that can be used for measure potential changes with changing in water temperature in the future.

During the ecosystem cruises in autumn 2022 have there been collected a large sample material of 0-group fish: Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua), Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), Saithe (Pollachius virens), Caplin (Mallotus villosus) and Polar cod (Boreogadus saida). In addition, have there been collected samples of important prey organism (copepods and other zooplankton). We aim for several master theses analyzing different species.

Method: Capelin 0-group fish shall be measured (length, body weight), and after being freeze dried the lipid amount will be quantified, and the fatty acid composition will be analyzed by gas chromatography (Meier et al., 2006). Energy density will be analyzed by calorimetry.

Prerequisites:

An interest in ecology of fish at early life stages and interactions between environment, fisheries, and other human activities. The work will involve combining marine biology with analytical chemistry. The candidate will work in a team together with technician from the chemistry laboratory at IMR and will be given training in different lipid detecting methods (direct metanolysis and gas chromatography, lipid extraction and lipid classes analysis by HPLC), as well as multivariate data exploration and analysis.

Map of the Barents Sea
Fig 1. Map of the Barents Sea with the main ocean currents (Atlantic water - red, Arctic water - blue, coastal water - green).

 

Overview over 44 stations with capelin 0-group collections
Fig 2. Overview of the 44 stations where capelin 0-group fish have been collected.

References
Meier, S., S. A. Mjøs, H. Joensen and O. Grahl-Nielsen (2006). "Validation of a one-step extraction/methylation method for determination of fatty acids and cholesterol in marine tissues." Journal of Chromatography A 1104(1-2): 291-298.

Skjoldal, H. R., E. Eriksen, H. Gjosaeter, O. Skagseth, D. Prozorkevich and V. S. Lien (2022). "Recruitment variability of fish stocks in the Barents Sea: Spatial and temporal variation in 0-group fish length of six commercial species during recent decades of warming (1980-2017)." Progress in Oceanography 206.

Energy and lipids in cod 0-group fish in the Barents Sea: Study the spatial variations and the role the zooplankton distribution has for the energy status and lipid composition in different ocean currents (Atlantic, mixed sone and Arctic waters).

Study programme: Fisheries biology and Management / Marine biology
Supervisor University of Bergen: Prof. Arild Folkvord (BIO), email: arild.folkvord@uib.no, phone: 55 58 44 56
Supervisor Institute of Marine Research:
Elena Eriksen (Institute of Marine Research), IMR: elena.eriksen@hi.no, phone 908 13 570
Sonnich Meier (Institute of Marine Research, IMR): sonnich.meier@hi.no, phone 472 72 166
Other Collaborations at IMR (Georg Skaret, Erling Kåre Stenevik, Geir Odd Johansen).
Objective:
To compare the energy status and fatty acid composition of cod 0-group fish caught in different areas of the Barents Sea and relate it to the zooplankton distribution.
Background:The Barents Sea is an important nursery area for many of the commercial important fish in Norwegian water. In 2022 high numbers of fish larvae and early juveniles were observed in the Barents Sea. However, there was also observed low abundances of large Calanus copepods, and it is therefore a question if there will be enough high-quality prey for the fish larvae/early juvenile to build up a good energy storage to survive the first winter.  

Climate changes are affecting the recruitment of the fish in the Barents Sea (Skjoldal et al., 2022), and we wish to establish a baseline study on energy content in different 0-group fish that can be used for measure potential changes with changing in water temperature in the future.

The aim of this study is to compare the energy status measured by energy density and lipid content of 0-group cod. In addition will the fatty acids composition be analyzed in 0-group cod and different zooplankton as biomarkers of prey selection.

During the ecosystem cruises in autumn 2022 have there been collected a large sample material of 0-group fish: Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua), Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), Saithe (Pollachius virens), Caplin (Mallotus villosus) and Polar cod (Boreogadus saida). In addition, have there been collected samples of important prey organism (copepods and other zooplankton). We aim to have several master theses analyzing different species.

Method: 0-group Cod shall be measured (length, body weight and liver weight), and the otolith shall be removed for age measurement. After being freeze dried, the lipid amount will be quantified, and the fatty acid composition will be analyzed by gas chromatography (Meier et al., 2006). Energy density will be analyzed by calorimetry.

Prerequisites: An interest in ecology of fish at early life stages and interactions between environment, fisheries, and other human activities. The work will involve combining marine biology with analytical chemistry. The candidate will work in a team together with technician from the chemistry laboratory at IMR and will be given training in different lipid detecting methods (direct metanolysis and gas chromatography, lipid extraction and lipid classes analysis by HPLC), as well as multivariate data exploration and analysis.

Map of the Barents Sea with the main ocean currents
Fig 1. Map of the Barents Sea with the main ocean currents (Atlantic water - red, Arctic water - blue, coastal water - green).
Overview of the 44 stations where 0-group cod have been collected
Fig 2. Overview of the 44 stations where 0-group cod have been collected.

Referances

Meier, S., S. A. Mjøs, H. Joensen and O. Grahl-Nielsen (2006). "Validation of a one-step extraction/methylation method for determination of fatty acids and cholesterol in marine tissues." Journal of Chromatography A 1104(1-2): 291-298.

Skjoldal, H. R., E. Eriksen, H. Gjosaeter, O. Skagseth, D. Prozorkevich and V. S. Lien (2022). "Recruitment variability of fish stocks in the Barents Sea: Spatial and temporal variation in 0-group fish length of six commercial species during recent decades of warming (1980-2017)." Progress in Oceanography 206.

Energy and lipids in Herring 0-group fish in the Barents Sea: Study the spatial variations and the role the zooplankton distribution has for the energy status and lipid composition in different ocean currents (Atlantic, mixed sone and Arctic waters).

Study programme: Fisheries biology and Management / Marine biology
Supervisor University of Bergen:Prof. Arild Folkvord (BIO), email: arild.folkvord@uib.no, phone: 55584456

Supervisor Institute of Marine Research:
Erling Kåre Stenevik (Institute of Marine Research), IMR: erling.stenevik@hi.no, phone 4790813570
Sonnich Meier (Institute of Marine Research, IMR): sonnich.meier@hi.no, phone 47272166
Other Collaborations at IMR (Georg Skaret, Elena Eriksen, Geir Odd Johansen).

Objective: To compare the energy status and fatty acid composition of herring 0-group fish caught in different areas of the Barents Sea and relate it to the zooplankton distribution.

Background:The Barents Sea are an important nursery area for many of the commercial important fish in Norwegian water. In 2022 high numbers of fish larvae and early juveniles were observed in the Barents Sea. Especially were the 0-group of Atlantic herring very abundant and distributed over most of the Barents Sea. This may be promising for recruitment of new strong year classes of herring (Hi.no).  However, there was also observed low abundances of large Calanus copepods, and it is therefore a question if there will be enough high-quality prey for the fish larvae/early juvenile to build up a good energy storage to survive the first winter.  

Climate changes are affecting the recruitment of the fish in the Barents Sea (Skjoldal et al., 2022), and we wish to establish a baseline study on energy content in different 0-group fish that can be used for measure potential changes with changing in water temperature in the future.

The aim of this study is to compare the energy status measured by energy density and lipid content of o-group herring collected in the Barents sea in August/Semptember2022. In addition will the fatty acids composition be analyzed in o-group herring and different zooplankton as biomarkers of prey selection.

The energy and lipid composition of o-group Herring collected in November 2022 and (1 year-old) herring collected in February will also be analysed to establish the “energy coast of overwintering.

Method: Herring o-group fish shall be measured (length, body weight), and the otolith shall be removed for age measurement. After being freeze dried, the lipid amount will be quantified, and the fatty acid composition will be analyzed by gas chromatography (Meier et al., 2006). Energy density will be analyzed by calorimetry.

Prerequisites: An interest in ecology of fish at early life stages and interactions between environment, fisheries, and other human activities. The work will involve combining marine biology with analytical chemistry. The candidate will work in a team together with technician from the chemistry laboratory at IMR and will be given training in different lipid detecting methods (direct metanolysis and gas chromatography, lipid extraction and lipid classes analysis by HPLC), as well as multivariate data exploration and analysis.

. Map of the Barents Sea with the main ocean currents
Fig 1. Map of the Barents Sea with the main ocean currents (Atlantic water - red, Arctic water - blue, coastal water - green).
Overview of the 46 stations where herring o-group fish have been collected.
Fig 2. Overview of the 46 stations where herring o-group fish have been collected.

Referances
Meier, S., S. A. Mjøs, H. Joensen and O. Grahl-Nielsen (2006). "Validation of a one-step extraction/methylation method for determination of fatty acids and cholesterol in marine tissues." Journal of Chromatography A 1104(1-2): 291-298.
Skjoldal, H. R., E. Eriksen, H. Gjosaeter, O. Skagseth, D. Prozorkevich and V. S. Lien (2022). "Recruitment variability of fish stocks in the Barents Sea: Spatial and temporal variation in 0-group fish length of six commercial species during recent decades of warming (1980-2017)." Progress in Oceanography 206.

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