The invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans and Pterois miles) started invading the Caribbean Sea since the 1980’s and were first sighted on the Saba Bank since 2009 where they established themselves fully during the following two years. They have no specific preference for prey species and their predation …

Azorean waters have long been known to be inhabited by a vast number of cetacean species, representing a hotspot for marine wildlife within the North Atlantic. Various ecological factors are related to the complex habitat requirements of marine species such as water temperature, physiography and presence …

Spatial variation in habitat riskiness has a major influence on the predator–prey space race. However, the outcome of this race can be modulated if prey shares enemies with fellow prey (i.e., another prey species). Sharing of natural enemies may result in apparent competition, and its implications for …

It has been widely recognized that the rapidly increasing amounts of marine plastic debris are causing problems. However, current studies are mainly focused on the presence and effects of macroplastic and often do not consider microplastic. WMR has conducted research on microplastic uptake by North Sea …

Global climate change (CC) affects marine mammals, such as cetaceans, by exposing them to an altered marine environment. Cetaceans are indirectly influenced by CC (e.g. through their prey, warmer environment). They are indicator species, significant to marine ecosystems and one of the most endangered …

This investigation tries to give more insight in the relation between the Carcinus maenas, acting as predator in this part of the food chain and the Ruditapes philippinarum, being hunted by the Carcinus maenas. The focus in this investigation has been based on the occurrence of the different sizes of …

Population size increase at the Balgzand intertidal in the western Dutch Wadden Sea suggested a growth decrease in both plaice and flounder populations over summer. Research into the seasonal growth of 0-group plaice, Pleuronectes platessa, confirmed this suspicion. The years 1995 and 1996 had contrasting …

This study aimed to get more insight into the habitat use and distribution of three sandeel species (Ammodytes sp. & H. lanceolatus) in the Voordelta and describes the findings regarding the Voordelta as a transitional habitat for sandeel populations. As compensation for loss of habitat and foraging …

Conflicts between livestock owners and wolves are already present for ages in Europe. In southern Europe, especially in areas with important livestock production, wolves may depend heavily on livestock as prey (Iliopoulos et al., 2009). Predation on livestock is the crucial factor promoting wolf persecution. …

To protect the otter population in the Netherlands, it is important to understand the otter's ecology. Otters have a very high metabolic rate, and they need to eat often. Here for we need to know of what species their diet consists, as this might influence their behaviour and distribution. When we know …