Master's Thesis in Limnology, Biology, or Related Field

Description:

Description of the Assignment The assignment is to investigate the underlying causes of the repeated collapses of underwater vegetation and the subsequent decline in the number of migratory birds in Torslandaviken in the City of Gothenburg. Background Torsvik is designated as a Natura 2000 area under the EU's Birds Directive. The area is of major importance for migratory and overwintering birds, particularly for ruff, common pochard, whooper swan, tufted duck, wigeon, and pintail. Work is also underway within the City of Gothenburg to establish a nature reserve in Torslandaviken. The results of the master's thesis may become an important basis for the reserve establishment and in the development of the management plan. In the mid-2000s, the number of migratory and overwintering birds in Torsvik decreased. This was assessed to be connected with a decline in underwater vegetation, which resulted in a diminished food supply for the migratory birds. To gain better knowledge of the area, the County Administrative Board developed a monitoring program for the area. The aim was to follow the development of the area during the period 2013―2019 and thereby provide a better basis for assessing the area's status and any measures that might need to be implemented to maintain the value for the designated bird species. When the monitoring program ended, the area's underwater vegetation had recovered. In an evaluation conducted in 2022, the conservation status was assessed as positive for four of the designated bird species and negative for two (whooper swan and ruff). In recent years, however, the underwater vegetation has again decreased drastically, resulting in a decline in the designated bird species as well. The causes of the changes and the repeated collapses of the underwater vegetation and the number of migratory birds are currently unknown. Are they due to the impact of fish in the area (especially bottom-feeding cyprinids), are they connected to salinity variations and water regime, is it the birds that are controlling it, or a combination of several factors? Perhaps what we are seeing in Torsvik is just what can be expected in an isolated water body with limited area and water depth, or are there measures that should be taken to avoid repeated collapses? Requirements for the Assignment This assignment is aimed at you who are studying at the master's level and wish to write a master's thesis with a focus on limnology, biology, or related field. The City of Gothenburg (Department of City Planning) can offer an external supervisor, but the assignment requires a main supervisor from the University/College. The student(s) are expected to work remotely, but physical meetings with the Department of City Planning and field visits may be relevant if needed. The design of the assignment will be developed together with the student, main supervisor, and the City of Gothenburg. For the selection process, we need you to attach a CV, a list of completed studies, and a brief personal letter. About Us The Department of City Planning is responsible for driving and coordinating the physical planning of Gothenburg. We create a sustainable city through our responsibility for strategic planning, detailed planning, surveying, building permit management, supervision, and provision of geographic data. The Department of City Planning is part of Gothenburg's city-developing departments. Together, we work to create conditions for functioning infrastructure, quality housing and facilities, an inviting public environment, and work towards making the city sustainable from all perspectives.Description of the Assignment The assignment is to investigate the underlying causes of the repeated collapses of underwater vegetation and the subsequent decline in the number of migratory birds in Torslandaviken in the City of Gothenburg. Background Torsvik is designated as a Natura 2000 area under the EU's Birds Directive. The area is of major importance for migratory and overwintering birds, particularly for ruff, common pochard, whooper swan, tufted duck, wigeon, and pintail. Work is also underway within the City of Gothenburg to establish a nature reserve in Torslandaviken. The results…

Overview

Type

job

Status

active

Visibility

public

City

Göteborg

Address

Göteborgs Stad

GPS

57.705114058146, 11.968068971252copyopen in

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Phone

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Views

3

Published

5. 5. 2026

Edited

3. 8. 2026

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