FISHRUN – Making the invisible visible: non-commercial fisheries in ecosystem-based and maritime uses management in La Réunion M/F

Job Description

Thesis Subject

To date, fisheries management in Réunion Island does not take into account the impact of recreational and informal fisheries, despite their recognition as a major source of pressure on certain species. There is therefore an urgent need for tools capable of supporting management measures that integrate these non-commercial fishing activities. In 2023, there were 323 professional fishers and nearly ten times more recreational fishers operating either from boats or from the shoreline. Furthermore, frame surveys indicate that recreational fishing continues to expand and exerts at least as much pressure as commercial fishing on the island's coastal and pelagic marine ecosystems. Despite this, only professional fishing activities are currently monitored and regulated, and only these activities are used to assess fish stock status and define management measures. In addition, although some illegal practices persist, their impact on the socio-ecosystem remains uncertain, particularly in the context of the progressive degradation of coral reefs caused by climate change and multiple local stressors.
The main objectives of this PhD project will be:
1) to describe fishing practices and quantify catches from recreational and informal fisheries in Réunion Island using all available observations and survey data;
2) to analyze their impacts on marine ecosystems, as well as on other maritime uses — particularly commercial fishing — and on the ecosystem services provided to society, using a fisheries dynamics modeling tool;
3) to co-design realistic management scenarios with stakeholders and evaluate them in order to ensure the sustainability of fisheries and the resilience of Réunion Island's marine socio-ecosystem.

Your Work Environment

The PhD candidate will be hosted at University of La Réunion, within UMR ENTROPIE, EMR SantéCo, and at Ifremer Sète (UMR MARBEC).
Material and scientific conditions: The work will be carried out mainly in La Réunion, within EMR SantéCo and UMR ENTROPIE at the University of La Réunion. Regular exchanges will be organized with the supervisory team of UMR MARBEC in Sète. An 8-month placement in Sète at UMR MARBEC is planned at the end of the second year. The supervisory team has the technical expertise required to achieve the project's objectives, and these skills will be transferred to the student.
Financial conditions: The PhD (scholarship and research environment) is funded by the PEPR Bridges program. This funding includes €20,000 dedicated to the PhD environment, enabling the candidate to attend project training sessions (mandatory) and to cover travel expenses (seminars or the placement in Sète).

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

3105€ gross/month (including €2300.00 fixed remuneration and €805/month supplement related to overseas assignment)

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

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