Posted: March 20th, 2023

Impact of Ship Noise Pollution on Marine Mammal Communication

Undergraduate Dissertation in maritime environment and biology:
Impact of Ship Noise Pollution on Marine Mammal Communication
Ship noise from propellers and machinery interferes with cetacean communication. A dissertation may analyze long-term acoustic monitoring data from recent years in key habitats. Using statistical analysis, it can correlate noise levels to changes in vocalization patterns as indicators of disturbance. Recommendations to shipping lanes or technologies like quieter propellers may help reduce anthropogenic impacts on populations.
Role of Genetic Monitoring in Combating Illegal Fishing
Seafood fraud and illegal fishing threaten sustainability. A project may propose a DNA reference library of commercial fish species. Case studies show genetic testing of market samples and recent confiscations aiding prosecutions by identifying origin. Interviews with enforcement agencies and legal experts can discuss framework needed for adoption.
Ballast Water Treatment Systems for Invasive Species Control
Ballast water discharge transports invasive species globally. A dissertation may evaluate treatment technologies used in systems installed recently based on guidelines like disinfection efficacy. Port biologists can provide data on establishment of non-native species post-treatment to validate system effectiveness over the years.
Big Data Applications in Modeling Marine Disease Outbreaks
Disease outbreaks impact fisheries and aquaculture. A dissertation may develop epidemiological models incorporating data on recent disease events, environmental parameters and host/pathogen genetics. Models validated using past data may help predict risk areas and support management decisions to control future epidemics.
Role of Genomics in Sustainable Fisheries Management
Genetic monitoring aids stock assessments. A project may review recent applications like identifying overfished populations. It can propose framework for a regional genomic database and sample collection program. Stakeholder interviews on challenges/benefits will help assess technical and economic viability. Regulatory needs for implementation may also be discussed.
Impact of Microplastics on Marine Species Distribution
Microplastics are ubiquitous pollutants. A dissertation may analyze gut content and tissue samples from recent years to determine ingestion levels across species in a particular habitat. Statistical analysis of sampling locations and species occurrence data can help map risk areas and influence on habitat use over time.
Use of Environmental DNA in Marine Biodiversity Monitoring
eDNA analysis detects species from water samples without direct observation. A project may test eDNA metabarcoding kits on samples from designated protected areas to create species inventories. Temporal data on community changes can help evaluate area’s effectiveness over the years in conserving biodiversity. Stakeholder interviews provide management perspectives.
Role of Genetic Monitoring in Sustainable Shark and Ray Fisheries
Overfishing threatens cartilaginous fish. A dissertation may review recent genetic studies aiding stock assessments. It can propose a monitoring program involving tissue banks and catch sampling. Case studies show such data improving management by identifying overexploited populations. Stakeholder buy-in needs may also be discussed.
Impact of Ocean Acidification on Shellfish Aquaculture
Rising CO2 levels impact calcifying organisms. A project may analyze water parameters and shell characteristics of commercially farmed species over recent production cycles. Statistical models relating abnormalities to acidification under different growth scenarios can help farmers mitigate risks through adaptation strategies.
Big Data Applications in Modeling Marine Protected Area Network Connectivity
Network design impacts conservation. A dissertation may develop simulation models incorporating data on recent larval dispersal patterns, ocean currents and seascape features. Models validated using genetic and tagging studies may help identify priority areas supporting larval exchange and recommend ecologically coherent MPA expansion.
Role of Genetic Monitoring in Sustainable Seaweed Mariculture
Seaweeds support livelihoods and bioproducts. A dissertation may review applications of genetic data in cultivar selection and farming management. Case studies show monitoring wild stock impacts and detecting escapes. Stakeholder interviews provide industry and management perspectives to assess framework needs for a regional program.
Impact of Microplastics on Marine Invertebrate Recruitment
Plastics ingestion impacts reproduction. A project may expose common invertebrate larvae to environmentally relevant microplastic concentrations under controlled conditions. Larval development, settlement success and juvenile survival over time can help assess sub-lethal effects on recruitment dynamics of key reef-forming and filter-feeding species.
Use of Environmental DNA in Ballast Water Compliance Monitoring
Port biologists conduct ballast water inspections. A dissertation may test eDNA analysis of ballast holdings discharged post-treatment onboard commercial vessels. Comparing pre/post-treatment species detections to microscope examinations will help validate eDNA as a rapid, sensitive tool supporting compliance verification and enforcement of ballast water regulations.
Role of Genetic Monitoring in Sustainable Aquaculture Broodstock Management
Genetic health impacts yields. A dissertation may review applications of parentage analysis, genetic diversity estimates from recent years in a commercial hatchery. Case studies show such data improving selective breeding programs by minimizing inbreeding, informing stocking decisions. Stakeholder perspectives on technical, economic and regulatory needs for long-term implementation may be discussed.
Impact of Microplastics on Marine Bacterial Communities
Plastics may transport hitchhiking microbes. A project may analyze plastic debris and seawater samples from recent years to characterize bacterial assemblages. Comparing community structures based on microhabitat type and degradation status will help understand microplastics as vectors altering marine microbial ecology with implications for biogeochemical cycles and health of higher trophic levels.