I am interested in the effect of abiotic disturbances on interactions within and between species. Specifically, I would like to know how predator-prey interactions in the marine environment are affected by anthropogenic sound.

More information about Annebelle Kok

Brief biography

• 2020-present: PostDoc at Scripps Institute of Oceanography, USA
• 2015-2020: PhD project on the effects of anthropogenic noise on predator-prey interactions in marine communities studying marine mammals and their prey. Promotor: Prof. Carel ten Cate. Co-promotors: Dr. Hans Slabbekoorn & Dr. Fleur Visser
• 2014-2015: Freelance researcher at Fascimare
• 2010-2013: MSc Evolution, Biodiversity and Conservation at Leiden University
• 2007-2010: BSc Biology at Leiden University

Research

I am interested in the effect of abiotic disturbances on interactions within and between species. Specifically, I would like to know how predator-prey interactions in the marine environment are affected by anthropogenic sound.

Sound is an important medium of signal perception and production in the marine environment. I focus on two groups of species that are sensitive to sound: marine mammals and fish. Marine mammals rely on sound for social communication and foraging purposes, but fish are sensitive to sound as well. In the past decades, anthropogenic noise has been increasing, not only in terrestrial environments, but also underwater.

Sound may lead to changes in behaviour, such as a decrease in foraging efficiency and a decreased ability to avoid predators. I am intrigued by this phenomenon: who will benefit from this alteration in behaviour, predator or prey? And is the mechanism behind the alteration similar for foraging and anti-predator behaviour? With a combination of experiments and observational studies in the field, as well as theoretical modelling, I hope to gain more insight into this topic. Ultimately, knowledge that I obtain may be useful in predicting population-level consequences of anthropogenic sound and aid in mitigation strategies.

Publications

• Liew, T.S., Kok, A.C.M., Schiltuizen, M. and Urdy, S. 2014 On growth and form of irregularly coiled shell of a terrestrial snail: Plectostoma concinnum (Fulton 1901) (Mollusca: Caenogastropoda: Diplommatinidae). PeerJ 2: e383; DOI 10.7717/peerj.383

Teaching

During spring I am involved in the BSc. theoretical course and field course Behavioural Biology. Furthermore, I supervise BSc and MSc students on research projects of several months. Positions fill up quickly, but if you are interested, do not hesitate to contact me.

Publications