Holly Stokes

Dr Holly Stokes is an early-career marine biologist at Swansea University's School of Biosciences, Geography and Physics within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. As a Research Officer in the Marine Conservation & Ecology Laboratory, she specializes in sea turtle behavior, ecology, and conservation. Her work combines field research with advanced technologies like satellite tagging and drone surveys to understand marine ecosystems and assess environmental change impacts.

• Position: Research Officer (Marine Conservation & Ecology Lab)
• Department: Biosciences
• University: Swansea University
• Contact: holly.stokes@swansea.ac.uk

Dr Stokes holds a BSc in Marine Biology, an MSc in Environmental Biology, and a PhD studying sea turtle ecology in the Chagos Archipelago, Indian Ocean. Her doctoral research focused on the ecological role of sea turtles in marine environments, establishing the foundation for her current work on conservation strategies and environmental monitoring.

Dr Stokes' research centers on marine ecosystems with particular emphasis on sea turtle behavior, ecology, and conservation. Her work investigates nesting patterns, predation dynamics, and the influence of environmental factors on sea turtle populations. She employs innovative methodologies including satellite tagging, drone surveys, and camera traps to collect comprehensive data on sea turtle populations in the Indian Ocean, particularly focusing on green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles. Her research spans tropical marine ecology, conservation strategies, and marine protected areas.

Analysis of Dr Stokes' publication record reveals a strong focus on sea turtle ecology, with particular attention to nesting behavior, population dynamics, and conservation methods. Her research spans multiple disciplines including marine biology, conservation science, thermal ecology, and wildlife monitoring technology. A notable trend is her increasing use of advanced technologies like UAVs and satellite tracking to address complex ecological questions related to sea turtle conservation in the face of climate change.

• Collaborates extensively with Natural Resources Wales on marine monitoring projects
• Conducts consultancy work in the Red Sea
• Assists with teaching Marine Biology to undergraduate students
• Research focuses on Indian Ocean sea turtle populations

Dr Stokes works within the Marine Conservation & Ecology Laboratory at Swansea University, where she contributes to both research and teaching activities. Her laboratory work focuses on sea turtle conservation, utilizing advanced monitoring technologies to gather data on population dynamics and ecological interactions. The lab serves as a hub for marine conservation research with applications to real-world conservation challenges, particularly in the context of climate change impacts on vulnerable marine species.