Fee Smulders

Fee Smulders is a Researcher in Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management at Wageningen University & Research. He also serves as a Business Manager for projects in the Mid-North region. His expertise spans seagrass ecosystems, climate change impacts, and invasive species management. Smulders completed his PhD in 2024 on 'Herbivores shape the seascape: Cascading effects of herbivores on the functioning of tropical seagrasses in a changing world.'

Research focuses on seagrass recovery dynamics, herbivore-driven ecosystem changes, and competition between invasive species and native organisms. Notable projects include studying temperature-driven seagrass recovery in the North Atlantic and niche competition between jellyfish and invasive seagrass. His work integrates field experiments and large-scale collaborations across multiple countries.

Key contributions include datasets on green turtle grazing patterns, seagrass ecosystem multifunctionality, and invasive species spread. Media engagements highlight seagrass resilience to climate change and conservation strategies. Smulders has advised on projects addressing seagrass ecosystem services and collaborated with institutions globally.

Current research emphasizes ecological restoration tools, such as the 'Toolbox voor kwelderbeheer,' and exploring how herbivory influences seagrass resilience across latitudes. Future work aims to enhance understanding of climate-driven shifts in marine ecosystems and their management implications.