Gaining knowledge on Europe's coastal regions
The NTAP project aimed to increase the available knowledge on the effects of turbulence on nutrient dynamics and plankton distribution. Human influence on turbulence levels at coastal regions is deemed significant, based on the placement of waste outfall sites, optimisation of aquaculture sites, harbour construction and maritime activities. The study included experiments in coastal Norwegian environments as well as Mediterranean coastal waters. Information was obtained on the interaction and influence of differing levels of turbulence on nutrient additions. The project has also succeeded in overcoming technical shortcomings associated with variable management in these environments and researchers are now in a position to fully control such systems. The experiments showed that turbulence affects the response of plankton to nutrient enrichment and it can also influence the chemical composition of organic matter. Overall the obtained data suggest that there are clear links between nutrient levels/behaviour and turbulence patterns in coastal waters. These observations clearly illustrate the possible effect of turbulence pattern alterations on coastal marine life. The project results could form the blue print for stricter rules regarding human activity in European coastal waters.