Marine Vertebrate Ecology Lab
Kara Stokes
Kara completed a Bachelor of Marine Science as a Deans Scholar student in 2024 at the University of Wollongong. Kara has a deep passion for the conservation of marine mammals and for bridging the gap between environmental conservationists and the public through wildlife media. She is currently undergoing SCUBA diving courses to reach her Dive Master Certification. Kara is an Honours student at the MAVE Lab under the supervision of Dr Katharina J Peters, Dr Frédérik Saltré (University of Technology Sydney) and Dr Clarissa Teixeira (Oregon State University, USA).
Research
Marine mammals play a vital role in ocean ecosystems, yet a comprehensive understanding of their trophic dynamics, migration patterns, and habitat use remains incomplete. This project seeks to bridge that gap by conducting a global meta-analysis of stable isotope studies, synthesising decades of research to reveal broad-scale ecological patterns and the impacts of environmental change on marine mammal foraging ecology. By compiling and analysing isotopic data (e.g., δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N), we aim to identify regional and global trends, address knowledge gaps, and explore how environmental changes impact the foraging ecology of marine mammals. This work has the potential to enhance our understanding of marine ecosystems and inform conservation strategies on a global scale.