Potential Dissertation Topics

Please note that the following project ideas provided are a guide to the possible research topics

which could be conducted with Frontier on a selection of our conservation and research projects. All

the research projects proposed below will need to be discussed in detail with our scientists in the

field and London Head Quarters. Establishing whether a project is feasible will depend on a variety

of factors; including the area of expertise of the current field staff, the conditions in the field, and

possible logistical and financial limitations. It is important that if you are interested in conducting

marine research that you consider the dive qualification that will be needed for you to collect data.

Some projects are more suitable for short undergraduate dissertations, while others are more

complicated, require a longer commitment and are thus more appropriate for MSc or PhD research

theses. However, please note that most projects require a minimum commitment of at least six

weeks in order to allow for sufficient data to be collected. When incorporating a dissertation or

thesis for an MSc or a PhD please note that we may be able to offer you a discount depending on the

research focus, location, duration and start date.

Should your research or dissertation be published, you may be eligible to receive a bonus fee

between £50 and £75.

If you are interested in any of the following ideas, please contact the Research and Development

Department for more information (research@frontier.ac.uk). We are happy to discuss any other

project ideas generated by interested students.

Belize Marine Analysis of the abundance of the Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) in and

around Caye Caulker.

Belize is thought to be home to one of the largest populations of the Antillean manatee however

due to their elusive behaviour they can be a difficult animal to research and observe. Manatee

survival is highly dependent on the health of their habitat and with a wild population of only

2,500 mature individuals it is vital that further research in conducted. This species is particularly

sensitive to any anthropogenic threats including hunting and habitat degradation as well as

pollution and natural disasters. Conservation efforts are shown to have a positive effect on the

population numbers of the manatee however their extinction rate is predicted to increase

without further intervention. This study will look into the abundance and group composition of

Trichechus manatus manatus within the area of Caye Caulker and will aim to provide suggestions

for potential conservation strategies. This project is seasonally dependant.

Queen conch (Stombus gigas): Why the harvest criteria in Belize should focus on age as well as harvest quotas.

The queen conch is a highly valued commercial resource throughout the Caribbean and as a result of this their population numbers have been significantly depleted. In Belize conch fisheries tend to be small and there are a number of restrictions in place to mitigate the population being depleted further, such as the prohibition of poisons and dynamites. Despite such action the queen conch continues to be threatened by overfishing. Sustainable fishing of the conch is dependent on ensuring remaining individuals are able to successfully reproduce. While management plans include a minimum age requirement, Frontier’s research has indicated that, within one site surveyed in Caye Caulker, only 11% of conches observed were classed as adults. In order to maintain the abundance of conches within Caye Caulker it is vital that conches are able to reach sexual maturity and reproduce before being removed from the population. This research aims to observe and determine the age composition of the queen conch within Caye Caulker and provide detail into the importance having enforced restrictions on conch age as well as sustainable harvest quotas.

Parrotfish (Family: Scaridae) density and sex ratios inside and outside marine protected areas.

Parrotfish are heavily impacted by various anthropogenic effects including climate change and overfishing. Marine protected areas have provided an effective conservation strategy in increasing the abundance of marine species. Parrotfish are sequential hermaphrodites, in the case of parrotfish they are born female and change to male with maturity. The sexes are dimorphic in terms of size with the males being larger. Due to their size, males have to consume more food than females and thus it is important that they inhabit areas with sufficient food

resources to maintain their body size. This research will look into density and sex ratios of different species of parrotfish within and outside of marine protected areas and aims to determine if there are any significant differences.

An investigation into how volunteer led organisations support marine conservation in Belize.

Marine environments provide a number of vital benefits, including economic and ecological. They are increasing in popularity as a tourist destination however this is having increasing detrimental impacts on these biodiverse ecosystems including overfishing and coral reef damage/ bleaching. Marine protected areas (MPAs) provide an important tool for conservation and management and have proven to be effective in the protection of a number of different species. For MPAs to remain effective ongoing data collection is necessary to adjust and better manage these areas. Volunteer led organisations provide an additional source of funding and man power that that will contribute towards the effective management of MPAs. This research aims to investigate to what extent volunteer led organisms contribute to the goals of MPAs.

A video and photographic study of the habituation and change in natural behaviour of

nurse sharks by SCUBA divers in the CCMR.

The Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) is a popular attraction for tourists in Caye Caulker, but there are growing concerns about the impact that SCUBA tourism may have on shark behaviour. Ginglymostoma cirratum is known to have strong site fidelity, which renders this shark particularly susceptible to regular interactions with divers. The conservation status of Ginglymostoma cirratum is classified as ‘data deficient’ in the IUCN List of Threatened Species, so research into sustainable tourism of this species in Belize will support conservation efforts. This study aims to categorise shark behavioural reactions to various factors in SCUBA dive tourism such as diver group size, proximity and activity and evaluate the ecological implications of diver interaction.

Costa Rica Forest An assessment of the behaviour of Ateles geoffroyi (Geoffroy’s spider monkey) in forests

with different levels of disturbance.

Common practises such as logging, clearing and expanding urbanisation has led to global forest fragmentation. The overall effect of these anthropogenic influences on primates has not yet been fully identified; however, as these human-dominated environments continue to expand constant research needs to be conducted in order to understand the effects on primate ecology and behaviour. The Geoffroy’s spider monkey is highly threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation and is currently listed as endangered by the IUCN with decreasing populations. By comparing commonly occurring behaviours of the Geoffroy’s spider monkey in forests with differing levels of disturbance (primary, secondary and disturbed) we can begin to expand our understanding into the long term effects of deforestation.

Using hair trap methodology as a means to monitor abundance of elusive feline species.

Studying feline species is often challenging due to their elusive behaviours. The method of hair trap surveys has, therefore, recently been introduced as a potentially effective non-invasive method of monitoring feline abundance. In addition, hair traps can be used alongside tracking surveys and camera traps, producing more detailed and precise data. This survey technique is relatively new and has rarely been used in a tropical environment; therefore this study will provide further research into the effectiveness of hair trap surveys as a method of feline tracking.

Chestnut-mandibled toucan (Ramphastos swainsonii) abundance and distribution in

disturbed forests of the Osa Peninsula: A temporal analysis.

Costa Rica hosts over 850 avian species, with 160 species being endemic. Due to the high abundance of avian species in Costa Rica, a vast number of studies have been conducted on their ecology and demography however a majority of these avian studies have focused on pristine habitats and have neglected degraded habitats. An improved understanding of species found within these degraded habitats is essential in order to understand if and how species are able to adapt to these increasing pressures. This research aims to provide further research into avian ecology and demography in these understudied areas.

What factors influence the nest success of Lepidochelys olivacea (olive ridley turtle)? For

example nest size and/or location.

Sea turtle nest success is influenced by a diverse range of factors including predation, egg poaching and rising tide lines. With a significantly small number of turtle hatchlings surviving to adulthood, due to their slow life histories, it is increasingly important to understand the factors that influence the survival of nests and therefore the reproductive success of the turtles. This research aims to investigate what/ if any factors influence the likelihood of a nest’s success. Factors looked at could be nest size (depth and width) and locations of the nest (proximity to the tideline). Such results can contribute to global conservation action and protection of a number of sea turtle species. This project is seasonally dependant.

The selection of palm leaves for refuge of Chiroptera (bats) in the Osa Peninsula.

Bats are highly sensitive to any changes within their environments and therefore it is necessary that they adapt to their changing environments accordingly. One of the key aspects of their ecology is the selection of leaf when constructing their ‘tents’. Some species of bat are considered strict when selecting the leaf and placement of their refuge, this is because of the energetic constraints and cost- benefit factors of different leaf types. This study will aim to research whether specific species of bats have preferences in terms of leaf selectin for their refuge.

Fiji Marine The impact of salinity on growth and survival of red and black mangrove seedlings.

Mangroves are keystone coastal ecosystems that are found in the intertidal zone of tropical and subtropical regions. These forests are integral to the survival of a number of species and provide a vast array of ecological services. Despite the importance of these ecosystems they continue to face mass deforestation and thus it is vital that we better understand their physiology and the ideal conditions for their replantation. This research will focus on the mangrove nurseries where young seedlings are replanted, analysing whether salinity has an effect on their survival and growth rates.

A study into the use of Beqa Lagoon as a nursery site for Carcharhinus melanopterus

(blacktip reef sharks).

Blacktip reef sharks are determined as apex predators and are therefore classified as ecosystem engineers. These species are, however, frequently threatened by overfishing and habitat changes and it is therefore important to improve our understanding of their life histories and ecology as a means to improve their protection. The blacktip reef sharks often observed in the waters around Beqa Lagoon were classed as juveniles, suggesting that this area is a key nursery site. This study aims to provide further evidence that sites within Beqa Lagoon are nursery sites for backtip reef sharks by determining the age and habitat use of the individuals.

The abundance and distribution of Echinometra lucunter (rock-boring urchin) in Beqa

Lagoon.

The abundance and distribution of E. lucunter is poorly understood despite them playing a key part in controlling algal abundance on reef communities. Sea urchins can be used as an indication of the characteristics of a reef and therefore a further understanding of their distribution and abundance is vital. This study aims to provide a further understanding into the commonly occurring E. lucunter in Beqa Lagoon which will aid in closing this gap in the research of such species.

What are key drivers for outbreaks of Acanthaster planci (crown-of-thorns starfish)?

Crown-of-thorns starfish are insatiable predators that feed on coral reefs within marine environments. Outbreaks of A. planci are a cause for concern because they are a dominant coral reef killer in Fiji and present a significant threat to this marine ecosystem. While the removal of A. planci is an effective ‘treatment’ for these outbreaks, it is becoming ever more important to understand and therefore mitigate these high population numbers. This research aims to provide an insight into potential factors, such as nutrient input, salinity and O2 levels, that may be causing factors for A. planci outbreaks.

Using fine scale techniques to determine the health of coral reefs and how this influences

fish species abundance.

Coral reefs are under continuous threats including destruction, bleaching, algal overgrowth and disease. Fish species within a region can be used as an indicator of the health of the reef itself and therefore provide useful information about this habitat. Disease is one of the greatest causes of destruction for coral reefs which in turn impacts the reef-associated organisms, such as the fish found within. Research into coral reef disease and the associated effects on fish abundance is well studied however knowledge is currently limited within Fijian waters. The use of fine scale techniques allows for a close examination of the environmental and physical environment at different sites and will allow this research to draw comparisons between different levels of health and the associated fish species abundance.

Madagascar Marine An evaluation of the composition and distribution of Nudibranch species in the Nosy

Vorona Passage.

Nudibranchs are marine molluscs, often referred to as sea slugs, which belong to the gastropod class. Due to their colourful and eccentric appearance, these species are particularly popular with recreational divers. Despite their visual appeal, research into nudibranch biology and ecology is very limited, particularly in Malagasy waters. This project aims to establish quantitative data on their distribution and abundance of the species present, as well as their preferred habitats. A second aim may look into the differences in species abundance and distribution between sites of differing levels of protection.

An investigation into the use of sclearactinian corals by coral associated species:

Pomacentridae spp. and Chaetontidae spp.

Previously research has suggested that corals are an inaccessible and nonviable prey source however it is callivores are now recognised as a distinct functional group. Coral associated species have adapted unique specialisations in that their primary food source and source of protection is coral, making them an interesting and distinct group to study. There is a need for a better understanding into the ecology and feeding preferences of coral associated species, therefore this research aims to study the abundance, diversity and feeding behaviour of Pomacentridae spp. and Chaetontidae spp.

Assessing the use of mangroves as a nursery for fish species, with a key focus on

commercially important species.

Mangroves are one of the oldest and most productive marine ecosystems, adapting unique specialisations to survive within a hostile environment. Such specialisations have allowed mangrove forests to house massive amounts of biodiversity. A primary example of this is that of their complex root systems which provide a nursery and breeding site for a number of fish species, including commercially important species. Due to the mass deforestation mangroves are facing, it has become increasingly important to determine methods of protection. By determining the presence of juvenile commercially important fish within the mangrove forests of Madagascar, this project aims to provide evidence of their importance in the abundance of such fish species.

An investigation into the presence, abundance and environmental impact of marine litter

on the beaches on Ambalahonko

The environmental impact of marine pollution, in particular plastic debris, is becoming a growing global concern. The collection of such marine litter is an important and meaningful way to reduce this environmental pollution. While removal of such litter has a positive impact, it is important that we better understand the abundance and sources of marine litter so to better educate and implement potential strategies as a means to mitigate the disposal of non-biodegradable items into marine ecosystems. This project will research the presence and make-

up of marine litter in and around the area of Ambalahonko and will aim to provide potential strategies to overcome this ever growing issue.

Quantifying the extent of coral bleaching within Nosy Vorona Passage, determining which

species are most significantly impacted.

Global climate change is causing sea temperatures to rise; there is therefore an increasing importance in the monitoring and assessment of coral bleaching. Coral bleaching events are one of the most significant threats to the world’s coral reefs. It is vital to assess the extent of coral bleaching in areas of previous mass bleaching events, such as in the West Indian Ocean. Detailed research into and identification of areas that are impacted by high levels of bleaching and what species are most widely impacted is important to better understand and develop methods of conservation for effected species. This research aims to aid in the development of effective management strategies for coral reefs facing bleaching.

Madagascar Forest An investigation into the herpetological diversity across intact and modified habitats of

Nosy Be Island.

Madagascar is a global hotspot for reptile and amphibian biodiversity with over 90% of these species being endemic. Herpetofauna are facing a global decline with the primary cause being deforestation and habitat destruction. With Malagasy species showing such distinct levels of endemism it is vital to monitor the impact of habitat modification. The island of Nosy Be is home to several threatened and endangered herpotofauna species including Stupffia pygmaea and Brookesia minima, this area is however almost entirely altered by anthropogenic influences. This research aims to investigate the herpetological diversity within primary, secondary and degraded forests and to determine if there are differences in species abundance.

Avian diversity in the forests of Nosy Be: The effect of canopy cover.

Avian biodiversity is considered scarce on Madagascar however 40% of these species are endemic and large numbers of these species are restricted to forest habitats. While the effect of fragmentation and habitat destruction are well researched topics, there is a lack of research into the effects of dwindling canopy cover as a result of such. Species within forests that have a lower percentage of canopy cover are said to be more severely impacted by forest fragmentation. This research will compare the percentage of canopy cover among different areas of forests with bird species diversity and abundance.

Using butterfly diversity as an indicator of ecosystem health in the Ambalahonko Region.

Butterflies are useful indicator species because not only are they conspicuous but they are somewhat easy to identify. As a species they have been well defined and are well understood and are therefore classified as a flagship for insect conservation. Due to their sensitivity to minor environmental changes they have been determined as ecological indicators. Their behaviour towards ecological changes such as light and temperature has been well documented and correlated and it has been stated that they will only inhabit a healthy ecosystem. Using butterflies as an indicator of ecosystem health will provide detailed and insightful research into the habitats around the Ambalahonko region. Sweep nets, hand lenses and other equipment to be procured by researcher.

• Investigate the spatial distribution of chameleon species along temperature gradients and habitat type in Madagascar.

Chamaeleonidae spatial distribution within rainforests depends on many factors, such as altitude and topography, and they are generally known to be restricted to a relatively small geographical area. Natural forest edges and areas of human-degraded forest create gaps in the canopy that can be important habitats for these ectothermic taxa. Other taxa may be restricted to primary forest. This project aims to investigate the effects of temperature and habitat type on chameleon roost height and orientation, which can inform habitat conservation methods that promote Chamaeleonidae species diversity and abundance in Madagascar.

Tanzania Marine Monitoring the impact of tourism on whale shark (Rhincodon typus) behaviour around

Mafia Island.

Shark tourism is a key source of income in areas of high shark population density; this income provides an alternate for using sharks as a consumptive resource. However it has recently been observed that the shark tourism sector has negative effects on these shark species, with particular focus on altering natural behaviours. The whale shark is an iconic species and therefore draws a lot of attention within the tourism sector and for this reason the impacts on their behaviour and ecology need to be monitored. With Tanzania being a hotspot for whale shark abundance the tourism industry thrives off providing international divers and tourists with interactions with this vulnerable species. This research will be conducted as a means to provide an insight into the effect that tourism has on the behaviour of whale sharks within the Mafia Island area. This project is seasonally dependant.

A comparison between the benthic cover and invertebrate biodiversity today and in 1995

when the Marine Park was first created.

Mafia Island Marine Park was established in 1995 based on the data previously collected by the Frontier team. This marine park is amongst the most successful marine reserves globally and is Africa’s largest and most successful marine protected area. This multi-use marine park allows both tourists and locals to benefit from its resources, while still maintaining a strict level of protection. The opportunity to draw comparisons between over 20 years of historical data and current survey data is unique and will allow for a long term assessment of the success of marine reserves with regards to benthos, with particular focus on corals, and invertebrate species. This assessment of the long term effectiveness of Mafia Island Marine Park will assist in providing and evaluation conservation strategies.

Scylla serrata (mud crab) as an indicator of mangrove forest health.

Mangroves are commonly known as a nursery ground for a number of commercial fish and shellfish species and therefore they play a key role in the production and yield of global commercial fisheries. Mud crabs rely on mangrove ecosystems for most of their life history and therefore can be an accurate indicator of the health of this habitat. This species dwells within the pneumataphores on mangroves and as the juveniles mature they move further into the mangroves, digging burrows. The abundance of S. serrata within a mangrove forest can be used as a means to determine the overall health of the mangrove forests and therefore this research aims to better understand this relationship.

Fish diversity and coral health in Mafia Island’s reefs: A comparison between areas of

differing levels of protection.

Coral reefs are sensitive to anthropogenic influences and as a result it is imperative that we monitor the reef’s health and the diversity of reef dwelling species. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) act as sanctuaries for coral reefs and aim to mitigate and anticipate any negative effects on the ecosystems. Previous research has indicated that by introducing MPAs fish abundance

and coral reef health both improve substantially. No-take zones in particular have shown to be vital in improving the biodiversity of fish species and with increasing anthropogenic pressures on marine environments it is important that the effect of MPAs are better researched and more importantly reported. Within Mafia Island, there are three distinct areas of protection: General Use Area, Specified Zone and Core Zone. This research aims to determine the fish diversity and coral reef health of Mafia Island’s reef with particular focus on the effects of differing levels of protection.

Monitoring nesting turtles (Chelonioidea) and the perception of the local population towards their conservation on Mafia Marine Park.

Monitoring species and the implementation of protected areas are some of the most vital ways to conserve species biodiversity. However it is often just as important to understand the views of the local population towards such conservation efforts. Isolating local populations from conservation efforts can have a highly detrimental effect in terms of illegal hunting and general hostility. Turtles present an important natural economical resource, both through consumption and tourism however with population declines it is vital to encourage local communities to conserve these species. The success of a conservation project is highly dependent on the positive perception of the local communities and therefore it is necessary to understand their views. This research aims to determine the perception of turtle conservation within Mafia Island and how this may be used to determine future conservation strategies. This project is seasonally dependant.

Identifying the presence of Hippopotamus amphibious on Mafia Island and determining whether there is a viable breeding population.

Sighting of Hippopotamus amphibious have been recorded on Mafia Island since 1896 however these sightings are yet to be published into scientific literature. The presence of hippos on Mafia Island would present vital conservation value due to the geographically isolation of these species from mainland Africa. This isolation could represent a distinct strain or subspecies and as a result this species is likely to be under threat due to the small habitat area. Hippos may present a key factor for drawing in ecotourism to Mafia Island which is one of the key sources of the island’s economy. This research aims to draw a definitive conclusion as to whether h. amphibious is present and whether this population is viable for breeding. In addition conservation strategies for managing this undoubtedly small population will be addressed.

The El Niño coral bleaching event of 2016: Socio-economic and ecological effects.

Anthropogenic ocean warming is significantly altering marine ecosystems and events such as El Niño events cause global coral bleaching. A significant El Niño event occurred between 2015 and 2016 causing severe coral bleaching within the Indo-Pacific oceans. The severity of coral bleaching events and the consequent mortality of the coral is highly variable between geographic regions and species. Pre-bleaching surveys and present surveys can be used as a form of meta-analysis to draw comparisons for the health of the coral. Bleaching events do not only have direct ecological impacts on the ecosystems but socio-economic effects can occur, specifically in regions, such as Mafia Island, that rely on ecotourism as a main source of income. This study aims to look at the health of the coral reefs and to understand differences in coral health before, during and after bleaching events. In addition socio-economic effects will be assessed.

Seaweed farming around Mafia Island and its impact on fish species assemblages.

Seaweed farming is considered to be on of the most sustainable forms of aquaculture however recently it has been suggested that these practices are influencing fish assemblages. Seaweed farms within Mafia Island are becoming more prevalent as a form of income generation and the community are opting to develop more of these farms within the area. Previous observations by Frontier have found that there are high numbers of fish abundance, including commercially important fish, found over and around areas of thick seaweed cover however the impact of this is yet to be understood. This research aims to investigate and monitor the growth in the seaweed farming industry and its effects on marine ecosystems.

Building materials – Coral mining or plastic bottle bricks?

Removal of coral reefs from the water around Mafia Island is threatening marine ecosystems. This extraction is widely practised within the community with the coral being used as cement substitute both for local and commercial construction. The removal of coral from these marine environments has a negative impact on the ecosystem as a whole, impacting fish abundance and health. Significant amounts of plastic bottles are wasted daily which is having huge detrimental effects on the environment. It has become vital that a sustainable use for these bottles is established. Recently it has been proposed that plastic bottle bricks are used as a replacement for traditional building methods, in the case of Mafia Island this involves coral cement. This research will aim to determine if plastic bottle bricks are a suitable replacement for trasional methods of building.

Tenerife Whale and Dolphin Investigation into the effect of whale watching boats on the behaviour of short finned

pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus).

Short finned pilot whales are currently listed as data deficient, highlighting the urgency of the

need for constant monitoring and research into their populations. These species are a key focus

of whale watching exhibitions in Tenerife and attract a large number of tourists. With the

exponential growth in the popularity of whale watching among tourists and its contribution to

the local economy, it is becoming significantly more important to understand how this impacts

the behaviour of short finned pilot whales. With the use of behavioural ethograms, this research

aims to determine how short finned pilot whales are affected by the presence of whale watching

boats.

The group composition and behaviour of the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops).

In order to understand the social structure and behaviour of bottlenose dolphins, it is important

to understand their group size and composition. While these dolphins are usually found within

small pods of 2-15 individuals, this is known to range from 1-100 and previous research has

indicated that geographic region can play a role in determining the group size. The structure of

their habitat and activity patterns are primary factors in determining the dolphin’s group size,

for example group sizes have observed to be significantly larger in open water. This research

aims to determine if there is any relationship between group size and the behaviours elicited by

the group in Tenerife.

• Investigation into ‘Blue Flag’ certifications as an environmental management tool in

Tenerife

Whale watching certification schemes, such as blue flag, have become prevalent as an

environmental management tool that simultaneously supports cetacean conservation and local

economies. The tourist industry of Tenerife has increased rapidly, with more than 5,000,000

tourists visiting the island yearly and whale watching has become one of the most popular

activities. As a consequence, regulations for the whale watching industry in Tenerife have been

implemented, namely the barco azul (blue flag) label and the Quality Charter. There is evidence

from studies of programs in other locations that these tools may, however, be utilised more for

tourism promotion than environmental management. This research aims to investigate the

ecological and tourism impacts of blue flag whale watching programs Tenerife.