PhD Program in Biology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York

Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior

Kristen Ampela

CUNY—College of Staten Island
Email: kampela@gc.cuny.edu

My research focuses on the diet and foraging habits of gray seals (Halichoerus grypus) in U.S. waters. This seal population has grown dramatically in the last twenty years, expanding southward from Canada as far as New York and New Jersey. In order to determine the species composition of their diet, I examine seal scat and stomach contents for prey remains. Fatty acid analysis of blubber samples also provides information about the animals' diet history. In addition, I use satellite telemetry of tagged seals to help determine where they forage, and how much time they spend foraging as opposed to resting. I then integrate this information with fisheries data to help to determine the percentage of the seals' diet that is composed of commercially desirable species, a subject on which there is a conspicuous lack of data.

I see my research as an opportunity to inform important wildlife management decisions affecting these animals. The issue of seal-fishery interactions also speaks to broader ecological questions. For example, how do we choose to share the planet's resources with other species? At what point does a wild species become a "nuisance"?

Although my work focuses on the Ecology and Behavior aspects of the CUNY EEB program, I have also received excellent training as an evolutionary biologist. Consequently, I've been provided with tools that will help me respond effectively to those who attempt to undermine evolutionary science and education. Given this controversy, and ever-growing global ecological problems, the EEB program offers highly relevant biological training.

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