Hydromorphological stage and river habitats classification

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Organisation

University of Turku

Description

River-specific conservation limits (or spawning targets) for each individual salmon populations are based on subjective habitat evaluation and are currently used as the basis for salmon stock management. The set targets will be revisited, and a new, quantitative, data-based approach will be developed for their re-assessment including hydromorphological stage analyses and improved methods for bathymetry and flow measures.

The Teno river is in the epicentre of the indigenous Sami peoples’ homeland, and salmon fishing forms the core of the local Sami culture. Science-based, socio-ecologically acceptable, and population-specific assessment and management of the precious salmon resources of the Teno system is a crucial element in safeguarding the future of Sami culture in the area.

PhD project description:

We are seeking a talented doctoral researcher with good knowledge on fluvial studies including remote sensing, hydraulic modelling, fluvial morphology and/or population ecology.  The PhD project aims to classify spawning tributaries of salmon within the Teno river system under varying discharge scenarios and hydromorphological stages caused by climate change and provides crucial insights for preservation of habitat and intra-specific diversity of salmon populations and the ecosystem services they provide. This PhD project utilises geospatial methods and population ecology to assess geodiversity and its relation to river biodiversity in subarctic river environments. The doctoral researcher will have/collect field data on boreal-subarctic catchments by applying the state-of-the-art in-situ measurement techniques, laser scanning, sonar mapping, SfM, process the data, build computational models, and use those to analyse the river systems.

Specific requirements:

The position requires an active approach, diligence and cooperation skills, willingness to work as a part of a team and a passion to learn new.  We also expect an excellent master’s degree in, for example, physical geography, water engineering, hydrology, or related fields. The candidate should also have the following skills: Advanced techniques including SfM drone images, multibeam sonar, drone laser scanning.

Secondment:

LUKE

Dept./Faculty to which the thesis belongs:

Department of Geography and Geology/ Faculty of Science

Principal supervisor:

Prof. Petteri Alho, UTU

2nd supervisor

Res. Prof. Jaakko Erkinaro, LUKE

3rd supervisor:

Adj. Prof. Elina Kasvi, UTU

Secondment host: