Enhancing Marine Biodiversity Through Repurposing Manmade Structures with Secondary Coastal Flood Defence Benefits

Manmade marine structures, such as decommissioned cooling water intake tunnels from power stations, represent significant infrastructural assets that can be repurposed to address pressing environmental challenges. This research will focus primarily on the biodiversity benefits of utilising such structures as artificial habitats to enhance marine ecosystems. A secondary objective will be to assess the potential for these structures to contribute to coastal flood defence as part of a broader nature-based approach to climate resilience.

By focusing on the biodiversity aspects first, we aim to explore how the strategic design and modification of these structures can promote marine life, foster ecosystem connectivity, and contribute to species conservation in degraded or underutilised marine environments. The Sizewell A Nuclear Power Station's decommissioned cooling water intake heads offer an ideal case study for examining how infrastructure originally intended for industrial use can be transformed into ecological assets.

Aims and objectives:

Objectives

•           To evaluate how repurposed cooling water heads can support marine biodiversity and serve as artificial reefs.

•           To identify the types of species that can thrive in such environments and the ecological conditions necessary for their success.

•           To explore how these structures can provide secondary benefits for coastal flood defence by attenuating wave energy and stabilising the seabed.

Background and Literature Review

Artificial reef projects worldwide have demonstrated that human-made structures can serve as crucial biodiversity enhancers in marine environments. These reefs provide habitat complexity, food sources, and protection for various marine species. For example, the Rigs-to-Reefs programs in the Gulf of Mexico have shown how decommissioned oil rigs can be repurposed as valuable marine habitats, supporting fish populations and contributing to local biodiversity.

The concept of marine habitat enhancement techniques can be closely aligned with the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, which emphasises the restoration and protection of marine ecosystems. The rewilding of coastal environments and the creation of new habitats through human intervention is also gaining traction to address the loss of marine biodiversity caused by overfishing, pollution, and climate change.

 Applicant Eligibility

Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a Master’s Degree or equivalent from a reputable University in an appropriate field of Engineering. Exceptional candidates with a First Class Bachelor’s Degree in an appropriate field will also be considered.

How to apply 

Please complete the enquiry form to express your interest. 

We strongly recommend you contact the project supervisor after completing the form to speak to them about your suitability for the project. You can find their details on the project listing. 

If your qualifications meet our standard entry requirements, the CDT Admissions Team will send your enquiry form and CV to the named project supervisor. 

Our application process can also be found on our website: Apply | EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Skills And Training Underpinning a Renaissance in Nuclear | The University of Manchester. If you have any questions, please contact SATURN@manchester.ac.uk 

We want all of our staff and Students to feel that Liverpool is an inclusive and welcoming environment that actively celebrates and encourages diversity. We are committed to working with students to make all reasonable project adaptations including supporting those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or other personal circumstances. For example, If you have a disability you may be entitled to a Disabled Students Allowance on top of your studentship to help cover the costs of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result.

We believe everyone deserves an excellent education and encourage students from all backgrounds and personal circumstances to apply.

Candidates wishing to discuss the research project should contact the primary supervisor, Prof Nicoletta Leonardi [N.Leonardi@liverpool.ac.uk] or specific question on the SATURN CDT framework for PhD to saturn@manchester.ac.uk

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