Marine Animal Ecology Group
Marine animal ecology (MAE) studies how marine animals adapt in response to a changing environment. Our research is focused on different organismal levels, from eco-physiology, early life-stage development, population genomics, up to whole ecological community responses. We subsequently apply our research to gain an understanding of the consequences of anthropogenic activities to ecosystem services and conservation management.
MAE Leaflet
Latest News
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Short movie on the coral work of MAE
- Dr. Ronald Osinga and Dr. Tim Wijgerde talk about the coral work that is being performed in the lab at Marine Animal Ecology in a short movie. You can... -
Molecular biology laboratory position at MAE
- Marine Animal Ecology is looking for an enthusiastic molecular biology laboratory technician to join the team. Do you have experience with working in... -
Job opening for an MAE secretary
- There is a job opening for a secretary at Marine Animal Ecology. If you think this might be something for you (or for someone you know), click the... -
Studying artifical reefs in the Caribbean
- As natural reefs are degrading, artificial reefs are being placed as a way to improve for instance fish stocks. University of Applied Sciences Van... -
Science communication efforts of MAE rewarded by KNAW
- The KNAW fund Appreciated has awarded 91 teams of scientists who currently are making a great effort to communicate science to the greater public....
MAE Publications
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Establishment of two nonnative parthenogenetic reptiles on Saba, Dutch Caribbean: Gymnophthalmus underwoodi and Indotyphlops braminus
Caribbean Herpetology 79 (2021). - ISSN 2333-2468 - p. 1 - 5. -
Spatial and temporal distribution of toxic compounds in sediments and potential ecological effects on macrobenthic faunal species in Hangzhou Bay from 2003 to 2015
Marine Pollution Bulletin 172 (2021). - ISSN 0025-326X -
Zonnebrandcrème beschermt de huid, maar verpest het koraal
Zonnebrandcrème beschermt de huid, maar verpest het koraal, de Volkskrant, 2021-05-28, Hedwig Fossen -
Correction to: Differences in genetic diversity and divergence between brooding and broadcast spawning corals across two spatial scales in the Coral Triangle region
Marine Biology 168 (2021)9. - ISSN 0025-3162 -
De triomfantelijke terugkeer van de trekvis
De triomfantelijke terugkeer van de trekvis, Trouw, 2021-06-07, Onno Havermans
Highlighted student projects
At MAE we are working on various research lines. Students can join the research efforts via thesis projects, internships and/or short research projects. See below for some highlighted projects. If you are interested in any of these, please contact mae.education@wur.nl!
Identifying cryptic species in sponges or biomonitoring structures. By using DNA, we can perform biomonitoring via the barcoding of species. Sponges are known to have symbioses with not only microorganisms but also macroorganisms. We are working on identifying the crypto-fauna associated with sponges. Furthermore, we have been deploying autonomous reef monitoring systems (ARMs) and want to quantify the biodiversity accumulating on those as well. We are looking for motivated students to join the efforts as soon as possible!
Culturing vulnerable marine invertebrates to study larval behaviour. We have cultures of various marine larvae and are using state-of-the-art technology to track their movements. We are interested how behaviour is affected by various factors so we can better understand requirements of different life stages.
Studying physiological response of oysters when exposed to heat shock. From August on lab experiments will start researching impacts of heat waves on oysters. This is part of the FutureMares project and they're looking for motivated students!
Designing a sensor device to identify food sources of large elasmobranchs. With the opportunity to start any time, we are looking for an BSc or SRP student to work on the possibility of a miniature DNA sequencing device that can be placed on or inside sharks and rays to study diets. You are asked to find out what is necessary to create such a science-fiction sounding device.
Assessing impact of electromagnetic fields on sharks and rays. This project revolves around the designing, executing, analysing and reporting laboratory experiments performed in St. Abbs Marine Station in Scotland. Three elasmobranch species will be exposed to different EMF levels and their behaviour will be assessed. We are looking for a highly motivated student to join this project around April 2022.
MAE Blogs
The Marine Animal Ecology group (MAE) is part of the cluster Biology and Aquatic Resilience.