Marine Vertebrate Ecology Lab

The Marine Vertebrate Ecology Lab (MAVE Lab) was established at the University of Wollongong in 2023 and is led by Dr Katharina J Peters.
 

We study the ecology, health, and conservation of marine megafauna, including whales, dolphins, and seals, in Australian waters and beyond. Our research combines field ecology, quantitative modelling, molecular tools, and long-term datasets to understand how marine mammals respond to environmental change and human pressures, including climate change, fisheries interactions, pollution, and vessel activity.

Through our research, teaching, and collaborations, we aim to generate knowledge that supports evidence-based conservation and trains the next generation of marine mammal ecologists.

To learn more about our work, explore our research projects, publications and news & blog.