PhD Position Design of new flatfish stimulation devices

Fisheries targeting sole and plaice typically use heavy  tickler chains dragged through the sediment to startle and catch the fish. This technique results in (1) low catch selectivity with high bycatch, (2) high fuel costs owing to high drag, and (3) severe environmental impact (bottom disturbance, CO2 production, and release of pollutants). Therefore, a better fishing technique without tickler chains is required. Supported by the Applied and Engineering Sciences of NWO (the Netherlands Science Foundation), Wageningen University, Wageningen Marine Research, and Delft University of Technology aim to develop new catching techniques that are more efficient with a reduced environmental impact.

To help achieving this, the PhD candidate will study the physics of acoustic, optical, hydraulic and mechanical stimuli and based on this knowledge develop appropriately dimensioned actuators. The stimuli should be optimal to increase both the volume and selectivity of the catch, but at the same time minimize the impact on the seabed and water column. In addition, the actuators should also minimize the energy usage and avoid large power fluctuations. The latter is important to promote the usage of alternative (electrical) energy sources in future fishing vessels. This requires an in-depth understanding of the underlying physics. The PhD will conduct both experiments and numerical simulations to achieve this knowledge. The PhD will closely collaborate with a PhD at Wageningen University that focusses on fish behavior in response to various stimuli (see: link ). In the second phase of the project the PhD will also collaborate with a postdoc who will integrate the knowledge into a future demersal fishing gear design concept.

You will work in a stimulating environment composed of an interdisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians at the Department of Maritime & Transport Technology of Delft University of Technology, in close cooperation with Wageningen Marine Research and Experimental Zoology Group of Wageningen University. Together, we aim to develop better fishing techniques, based on an in-depth understanding of escape behavior and swimming biomechanics of flatfish. Here you can find more information about the project and the link to the vacancy of Wageningen University.