Developmental programming and climate change in oviparous sharks.

Shark populations are in decline worldwide due to numerous anthropogenic stressors including climate change. This may be particular true for oviparous shark species, who's sessile, permeable egg cases render the embryo exposed to, and unable to move from, harmful environmental conditions during development (Rodda and Seymour, 2008). Recent work has shown that environmentally-induced changes in DNA methylation can occur during development which alters gene expression. Very little is known about the effect of epigenetic developmental programing in sharks, and less still is understood about how different developmental programmes affect fitness post-hatch. The aim of this PhD project is to determine the impact of multiple and realistic climatic variables during development on post-hatch fitness of juvenile lesser spotted catsharks (Scyliorhinus canicula). The student will gain skills in genetic analysis, whole animal swimming metabolism, swimming biomechanics, and animal behaviour. The research approaches span genes to behaviour and thus provide truly integrative training to the student whilst tackling important issues in marine biology and global climate change.