Nina Rothe

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I am a PhD candidate, assessing humpback whale population health and how health metrics can be linked to environmental conditions and human impact in whale’s feeding grounds in Antarctica.

I grew up in Germany, then moved to Portugal to complete a Master of Science in Marine Biology at the University of Algarve in 2015. I have since worked in various research and conservation roles with focus on coral reef ecology, sea turtles, manta rays and cetaceans.

I am passionate about contributing to the protection and conservation of the natural balance of our environment, through high quality research, to ensure wild places can continue to thrive.

Supervisors: Dr Katharina J Peters (MAVE Lab, University of Wollongong), Dr Frédérik Saltré (BEAM), Prof Barbara Bollard (University Wollongong)

My research

Nina’s PhD research investigates whale health in Kaikōura, New Zealand, by studying two ecologically distinct species: sperm whales, deep-diving toothed whales that forage in the region year-round, and humpback whales, migratory baleen whales that pass through Kaikōura during their northern migration. Using health indicators including body condition, respiratory microbiome diversity and scarring, she examines how whale health varies with environmental conditions and between these species with very different life histories, feeding strategies and patterns of habitat use.

My interests

Ecosystem response to climate change
Marine mammal ecology
Conservation biology
Ecological modelling

Fun facts

I am currently living on an island, and this is the 5th island I have lived on in my life. I seem to enjoy being surrounded by water

Favourite quote

“A ship in port is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” ― John A. Shedd