PHD (M/F) IN GEOGRAPHY / SOCIAL SCIENCES (FISHERIES AND MARINE CONSERVATION IN THE SWIO)

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Small-scale fisheries are central to coastal livelihoods, food security, and marine biodiversity conservation, yet fishers' knowledge and practices are often insufficiently integrated into governance frameworks. This PhD project investigates the interactions between local ecological knowledge, small-scale fishing practices, and conservation institutions in Mayotte, a French overseas territory characterized by a postcolonial context, high ecological value, and persistent social tensions. Despite the creation of the Mayotte Marine Natural Park in 2010, conservation policies are frequently perceived as top-down and poorly adapted to local realities, generating conflicts, limited compliance, and governance inefficiencies. The project addresses the overarching research question: How do the relationships between local ecological knowledge, small-scale fishing practices, and conservation institutions condition the possibilities for more inclusive and adaptive marine governance? Framed within the concept of interactive governance, the project examines both the "system-to-be-governed" (fishers, practices, and socio-ecological dynamics) and the "governing system" (rules, institutions, and management instruments), and their interactions in lagoon socio-ecosystems—reef flats, seagrass beds, and adjacent coastal habitats—at the interface of ecological dynamics, livelihoods, and power relations. Methodologically, the thesis combines institutional ethnography, ethno-geographical analysis, and participatory approaches. It documents fishers' knowledge, spatial practices, and adaptive strategies across diverse and marginalized profiles; analyzes how ecosystems and resources are framed, managed, and contested; and observes the co-construction of knowledge and management scenarios in BRIDGES workshops. Beyond documenting “what” knowledge exists, the project emphasizes “who” holds knowledge, “how” it is mobilized, and the role of fishers in decision-making arenas, providing insights into power asymmetries and governance dynamics. Expected contributions include enhancing socio-ecosystem observation, informing vulnerability and risk assessment, and supporting the co-production of context-sensitive governance pathways. The thesis will produce actionable recommendations for conservation policies, participatory management, and conflict mitigation, with relevance for fishing communities, park managers, and local authorities in Mayotte and other coastal territories of the southwestern Indian Ocean. It also generates transferable methodological insights for BRIDGES, bridging ecological, social, and governance dimensions to foster adaptive, inclusive, and resilient marine governance.

Skills:
- Knowledge: Master's degree in social sciences (geography, anthropology, sociology, political science, etc.); research methods in social sciences; issues affecting the sub-region (SOOI); participatory research practices (community-based research); knowledge of fisheries issues would be an advantage
- Skills: Ability to work independently, attention to detail and organisational skills; Fluency in English (spoken and written); Ability to work in a team and collaborate with various partners; Ability to communicate and write;
- Interpersonal skills: Ability to interact with a diverse range of stakeholders; Ability to work in multicultural environments and/or adapt to different working environments; Ability to listen

Your Work Environment

The PEPR BRIDGES programme, 'Fisheries and Biodiversity in the Western Indian Ocean', is jointly led by the CNRS, Ifremer and the IRD. It aims to strengthen social and environmental resilience in the south-western Indian Ocean (SWIO) through collaborative research, and to support a future generation of researchers and stakeholders in the region. The main focus of this role is to conduct doctoral research into the interactions between local knowledge, small-scale fishing practices and biodiversity conservation approaches in Mayotte (one of the BRIDGES study sites). In addition to working with the unit's management and on the thesis, this role involves collaboration with:
- members of the BRIDGES programme (particularly those involved in the PC5 Co-construction project)
- members of the LETG joint research lab (particularly in its Nantes site)
- the national scientific community in the field of marine sciences (e.g. GdR OMER) and the international scientific community
- local stakeholders (Mayotte) and, more broadly, stakeholders in the SWIO.

Working conditions:
- Full-time role
- Short-term and long-term assignments (LTAs) in Mayotte (and possibly in other parts of the South-West Indian Ocean), to be undertaken as part of the PhD (conducting interviews, observations, project meetings, etc.)
- Occasional travel to mainland France (data collection, project meetings, academic promotion, etc.)
- Remote working possible (subject to employer's policies)
- Position based at the LETG unit's Nantes site
- Work in a shared office
- Resources provided: laptop, access to a printer, access to the Nantes University IT network

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

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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