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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Using mangroves to create sustainable deltas
- Dolfi Debrot wrote a blog about sustainable delta management by using mangroves. Many deltas have been destroyed, which has resulted in some adverse... -
Researchers build new coral reef
- Off the coast of Kenya, a one-thousand square metre coral reef was replaced over the last five years. By dragging their nets over the coral and even... -
Dr. Lisa Becking on how our holidays could help protect reefs
- Dr. Lisa Becking recently held a video lecture at the University of the Netherlands on coral reefs. Coral reefs are under a lot of stress due to... -
Ultimately Dutch: Sequencing DNA while biking
- Dr. Reindert Nijland is going viral on Twitter with a video of him sequencing DNA while riding his bike. On the way from the lab to his home he... -
MAE PhD candidate Karlijn on the International Bottom Trawl Survey
- Karlijn Doorenspleet has joined the International Bottom Trawl Survey this year, which is held yearly from the end of January until the beginning of...
Click here to read more news.
MAE Publications
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Put them on the map! : Optimising cetacean conservation management in Indonesia through governance refinement and habitat-use-based spatial planning using complementary methods and underused data
Wageningen University. Promotor(en): A.J. Murk, co-promotor(en): Putu Liza Kusuma Mustika. - Wageningen : Wageningen University - ISBN 9789463956987 - p. -
Data underlying the publication: Sex differentiation in seasonal distribution of the starry smooth‐hound Mustelus asterias
: Wageningen University & Research -
Expansion of the mangrove species Rhizophora mucronata in the Western Indian Ocean launched contrasting genetic patterns
Scientific Reports 11 (2021)1. - ISSN 2045-2322 -
Early detection of marine non-indigenous species on Svalbard by DNA metabarcoding of sediment
Polar Biology (2021). - ISSN 0722-4060 -
Cetacean habitat modelling to inform conservation management, marine spatial planning, and as a basis for anthropogenic threat mitigation in Indonesia
Ocean & Coastal Management 205 (2021). - ISSN 0964-5691 - p. 1 - 20.
Click here to read more publications.
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 diede.maas@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!
Quantifying nutrient fluxes in marine mesocosms. We are doing various work in mesocosms where primary producers and primary and secundary consumers are present. For example toxicological studies of influences of microplastics or consequences of CO2 increase. Now we are looking for a motivated student to model nutrient fluxes (N and P) in these systems!
Culturing vulnerable marine invertebrates to study larval behaviour. We have cultures of corals and sea urchins and are using state-of-the-art technology to track their movements. We are interested how how behaviour is affected by various factors so we can better understand requirements of different life stages.
Scouting for another opportunity to start a Reefolution project on Lombok or Flores. We are looking to expand the reef restoration efforts by the Reefolution organization to Indonesia. We are therefore looking for an Indonesian student to join! This is an internship opportunity likely with YAPEKA.
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.
MAE Blogs
The Marine Animal Ecology group (MAE) is part of the cluster Biology and Aquatic Resilience.