After a few emails after the conference I found out that Dr Andrew Griffiths was one of the scientists in his research group at Salford University. Andrew was someone who I had actually discussed a Masters research project with the previous year (weird coincidence!!) and there was a possibility to join up with a bit of work that he was currently involved with. They were investigating the deep sea shark genus, Etmopterus.
Like us, sharks are K-selected animals, which means that they have long life expectancy and invest more energy into fewer offspring based on the assumption that they will have a higher survival rate. Although usually an effective life strategy, with the amount humans are exploiting the sea, conservation concerns about these animals intensify. The main aim of this project is to understand the demographic past of these sharks and estimate levels of connectivity around Europe, and my contribution of obtaining samples from the Azores will be able to tell us how much gene-flow (reproduction) there between individuals of different populations from such an isolated place.
With Stefano and Andrew I put together an application to the Alasdair Downes Marine Conservation Fund for me to travel out to the Azores, to work with the Department of Oceanography and Fisheries at the University of the Azores, on Faial Island, where I will get the opportunity to work with fisheries experts and obtain sub-samples of deep sea sharks to bring back the the UK for subsequent molecular analysis in Stefano's lab at Salford University, Manchester.
The Alasdair Downes Marine Conservation Fund awards small grants to projects that will make a difference to marine conservation and education, whilst also contributing to the career and development of the recipient. Amazingly, I was extremely lucky and was successful in my application!
Thank you!
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