Student Aquaculture Research Project
MCS is looking for a Masters student or recent aquaculture graduate for a 3 month placement to undertake research as part of the charity's aquaculture programme.
Based either in the Edinburgh Office or working from home (although attendence at some meetings in Edinburgh will be required), this is a great opportunity for someone with an aquaculture background.
The project:
In order to provide comprehensive advice to consumers, retailers and the wider supply chain on the relative sustainability of seafood, MCS publishes and maintains two websites – www.goodfishguide.org and www.fishonline.org . These websites host information on the sustainability of over 150 species of wild and farmed seafood available to the UK consumer, which is summarised by a rating system.
Currently, the sustainability of these species is determined by the application of assessment methodologies. However, in order to ensure that this information remains current, comprehensive and reflects the requirements of the multiple users, MCS is now revising how farmed seafood is assessed. This revised method has to reflect the resources MCS can dedicate to this project whilst maintaining credible, usable and comprehensive information.
This project will replace the current individual species assessments with two matrices. The first will be a production standard matrix. This will display a list of current aquaculture production standards on one axis and a list of the environmental issues of concern on another axis. The issues of environmental concern will be informed by the Principles and Criteria for Sustainable Fish Farming (MCS, 2007) and the Common Methodology for Aquaculture Assessments (July 2010).
The second matrix will use the same environmental criteria but will use production methods rather than production standards on the opposing axis (see appendix).
In both matrices the empty boxes created by the matrix layout will be filled with a colour-coded icon in a similar fashion to that currently in use by the Fishing Methods League Table displayed on Fishonline. The red/amber/green icon will indicate how effective the production standard/method is in addressing the environmental issue of concern. An associated legend will explain how this has been evaluated. A combined total score will also be provided (the calculation of which to be determined) as will a final rating.
Student contribution:
MCS is seeking a Masters student or recent graduate looking for work experience to play an important and integral part in this essential research project. The student will help develop and refine the concept and be primarily responsible for researching and obtaining copies of all current production standards and criteria applicable to farmed seafood products on sale in the UK and critically appraising these against MCS environmental criteria.
This position would suit a motivated, enthusiastic and self-reliant person with good attention to detail and Excel spreadsheet experience. An aquaculture background is essential as input is required to inform the development of this concept.
Expenses: No expenses are expected to be incurred during this project.
Duration: 3 months starting May 2012
The project is unpaid.
How to apply:
Please apply with a letter of interest of no more than 1000 words describing your suitability for this position and your CV via email to: Dawn.purchase@mcsuk.org
Applications are invited by 16th April 2012 for research to commence May 2012 with an anticipated completion date August 2012.
