Marine ecosystems are already experiencing the effects of climate change, including ocean warming and declining oxygen levels. These changes threaten fisheries, food security, and coastal livelihoods worldwide. The AIOLI PhD project (Ancient Ichthyology & Oceanic Linkages) explores how marine ecosystems responded to past climate warming in order to better anticipate future changes.
The project focuses on the Humboldt Current System off Chile and Peru, one of the most productive fishing regions on Earth and the foundation of major anchovy fisheries. Climate projections indicate that this region may warm by up to 2 °C by the end of the century, potentially altering fish communities and threatening the sustainability of fisheries. However, modern observations are too short and strongly influenced by fishing pressure to clearly isolate climate effects.
To overcome this limitation, the project investigates sediment cores that preserve fossil fish remains and microfossils, providing a window into past ecosystems. In particular, the Last Interglacial period (~130,000–116,000 years ago), when global temperatures were similar to those expected in the near future, serves as a natural analogue for future climate conditions. By reconstructing fish communities and ocean conditions during this period, the project will test whether anchovy populations shifted southward or collapsed under warmer, low-oxygen conditions.
A major innovation of AIOLI is the use of automated imaging and artificial intelligenc, developed at CEREGE-Aix-Marseille Université, to identify tiny fish bones and scales (ichthyoliths) in sediments. This new approach will greatly accelerate analysis, reduce subjectivity, and create large, reproducible datasets. Combined with geochemical analyses that reconstruct past temperature, oxygen levels, and ocean chemistry, the project will provide a comprehensive picture of how marine ecosystems respond to climate change.
Beyond its scientific goals, AIOLI will contribute to public awareness of long-term environmental change through outreach activities and collaborations with coastal stakeholders. By linking past ecosystem responses to present-day challenges, the project aims to support informed discussions about climate adaptation, marine conservation, and the future of fisheries.
This PhD offers interdisciplinary training at the intersection of climate science, marine biology, and artificial intelligence.
The project focuses on the Humboldt Current System off Chile and Peru, one of the most productive fishing regions on Earth and the foundation of major anchovy fisheries. Climate projections indicate that this region may warm by up to 2 °C by the end of the century, potentially altering fish communities and threatening the sustainability of fisheries. However, modern observations are too short and strongly influenced by fishing pressure to clearly isolate climate effects.
To overcome this limitation, the project investigates sediment cores that preserve fossil fish remains and microfossils, providing a window into past ecosystems. In particular, the Last Interglacial period (~130,000–116,000 years ago), when global temperatures were similar to those expected in the near future, serves as a natural analogue for future climate conditions. By reconstructing fish communities and ocean conditions during this period, the project will test whether anchovy populations shifted southward or collapsed under warmer, low-oxygen conditions.
A major innovation of AIOLI is the use of automated imaging and artificial intelligenc, developed at CEREGE-Aix-Marseille Université, to identify tiny fish bones and scales (ichthyoliths) in sediments. This new approach will greatly accelerate analysis, reduce subjectivity, and create large, reproducible datasets. Combined with geochemical analyses that reconstruct past temperature, oxygen levels, and ocean chemistry, the project will provide a comprehensive picture of how marine ecosystems respond to climate change.
Beyond its scientific goals, AIOLI will contribute to public awareness of long-term environmental change through outreach activities and collaborations with coastal stakeholders. By linking past ecosystem responses to present-day challenges, the project aims to support informed discussions about climate adaptation, marine conservation, and the future of fisheries.
This PhD offers interdisciplinary training at the intersection of climate science, marine biology, and artificial intelligence.
Supervisor
Dr. Thibault de Garidel-Thoron, Centre Européen de Recherche et d'Enseignement en Géosciences de l'Environnement (CEREGE), Aix-Marseille Université
Co-Supervisor
Dr. Thomas CHALK, Centre Européen de Recherche et d'Enseignement en Géosciences de l'Environnement (CEREGE), Aix-Marseille Université
Intersectoral partner
Calanques National park, Marseille, France
International partner
Institute of Biology - University of Valparaiso, Chile