Professor Stephen Wing
Position: Professor, Department of Marine Science, University of Otago.
Field: Marine Ecology.
Professor Stephen Wing is based in the Department of Marine Science at the University of Otago in Dunedin. He is part of 2 research groups working on fiord systems and larval ecology. His research focuses on food web structure, population structures of fish and invertebrates, conservation biology of marine systems, and Fiordland and Southern Ocean ecosystems.
Professor Stephen Wing
Professor Stephen Wing is based at the Department of Marine Science at the University of Otago in Dunedin.
From a young age, growing up in the USA, Steve was fascinated by living things and how they interact with each other. As a result, he decided to major in biology and ecology at university. After completing his PhD at the University of California-Davis, Steve did a postdoctoral fellowship and was then offered a job at the University of Otago. For over 20 years, Steve has focused on marine ecology projects in Fiordland, Stewart Island, Antarctica and Otago.
Scientific research offers an occupation where you can explore the natural world.
Steve really enjoys the variety that his job offers. He gets to spend a lot of time out in the field scuba diving, working on research boats and collecting information on fish, invertebrates and algae in the marine environment. He also teaches about marine ecology, fisheries, oceanography, invertebrate and vertebrate biology, and subtidal ecology. He helps to organise the ecology research programme at the university and supervises numerous postgraduate student research projects.
What’s an ecologist?
Professor Stephen Wing, from the University of Otago, is a marine ecologist. In this video, he talks about the role of an ecologist and the types of research questions ecologists try to answer.
Steve’s job also involves service to the community in terms of reviewing journal articles and grant applications and helping to interpret science for managers and the public.
Professor Wing was the Project Leader on a research project 'Forensic Food Webs' for the National Science Challenge, Sustainable Seas. The project looked at ecosystem connectivity to inform ecosystem based management.
Steve is able to combine one of his favourite hobbies – underwater photography – with his work. His other interests include wood carving, furniture making, organic gardening and restoration of native forest. He’s also a keen runner and tramper.
Blue cod
Steve Wing is a keen underwater photographer and enjoys being able to combine a hobby with his work. This photo shows a blue cod, which is endemic to New Zealand. Adults may reach 60 centimetres in length. They feed mainly on small fish and crabs.
This article is based on information current in 2009 and 2018.
Related content
Professor Wing’s research investigates the interactions between marine organisms and he has been researching New Zealand’s marine food webs for many years. He is particularly interested in how humans affect these fragile food webs and what can be done to conserve our marine environment.
In Antarctic life – penguins, seals and fish, learn about Professor Wing’s research into crocodile ice fish and their links to other parts of the Antarctic food web.
Useful links
Learn more about the research Professor Wing led for the Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge – Ecosystem connectivity: tracking biochemical fluxes to inform ecosystem based management.
See his profile on the University of Otago's website.
In the RNZ podcast Voice of the Sea Ice (episode More life!), Professor Wing talks about his research into how crocodile ice fish are linked to other parts of the Antarctic food web.
