Project Overview
SML students assist during feeding time at UNH's open ocean aquaculture facility (photo by J. Coyer)
Marine fisheries are an integral component of the biology, ecology, and sociology of the Gulf of Maine region. Shoals Marine Laboratory is uniquely situated on Appledore Island at the nexus of New Hampshire and Maine waters which provides access to multiple fisheries related study sites for commercially important fisheries in the region (lobster, groundfish, tuna, mackerel, and more). Management of marine fisheries draws on a suite of natural and social science disciplines and requires engagement with a wide range of stakeholders through inter-connected local, state, regional, and federal policy processes. The Fisheries Science Undergraduate Researcher will work closely with Shoals faculty and staff who have extensive experience in collaborative research with fishing industry partners as well as quantitative ecology, marine technology, and fisheries management and policy.
This project will use innovative approaches to study fish populations. With decreased costs in video equipment and processing, underwater video cameras have become a common approach to studying aquatic systems throughout the world. These systems have the advantage of being easy to deploy, are cost-effective, and can be used in a variety of habitats. The fisheries intern will deploy underwater cameras at Shoals to provide information on fish abundance and diversity. This data will be used for both long-term monitoring and the intern’s independent summer project.
Prerequisites
Appropriate coursework in marine ecology, fisheries science and/or marine resource management. For SML alums, directly relevant SML Courses include: Sustainable Fisheries, Marine Ecosystem Research and Management, Shark Biology and Conservation, and the Shoals Research Apprenticeship. The most competitive applicants will be those that have an interest in both marine science and data analysis. A substantial component of the project will be in conducting data analyses.
Project Mentors
Dates: June 5 - August 14, 2023
SML Research Symposium: Saturday, August 12, 2023
Stipend: $2100
Includes room & board for 10 weeks, and roundtrip vessel transportation from Portsmouth, NH to Appledore Island. Interns are responsible for their own transportation to/from Portsmouth, NH at the beginning and end of the program.
1 researcher will be selected.
To Apply
- Application Deadline: TBD
- Applicants should be prepared to upload (as separate files): cover letter, resume/CV, and unofficial transcripts.
- Request two letters of recommendation. At least one letter must be from a professor/faculty member. The second can be from a graduate student TA or employer.
- Undergraduates in all majors may apply.
- Prior relevant field/lab experience preferred but not required.
Note for international students: International students studying in the United States under an F-1 visa are eligible to work as a research intern at SML. Before applying, we encourage students to confirm with their academic institution about their eligibility for off-campus employment through a Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or other comparable program. Students not currently studying in the United States can also apply for a research internship but will be required to secure their own J-1 visa. Information on third-party assistance for J-1 applications can be found at the following website: https://j1visa.state.gov/participants/how-to-apply/sponsor-search.
Questions?
Email shoals.lab@unh.edu