Objective
a) To complete comparative field and laboratory studies, with standardized methodology, into the relation between eutrophication and submerged macrophyte communities (seagrasses, macro-algae) in European lagoon- and coastal bay-systems (Baltic, North Sea, Atlantic, Mediterranean). b) To undertake experimental studies in macro-algal taxonomy and eco-physiology, to standardize and unify the kinetic parameters for a number of properly identified dominant nuisance algae along the European coast. c) To initiate the construction of a validated and balanced modelling-concept for the "eutrophication-macrophyte" problem in marine coastal areas, in a later stage to be implemented by the leading European institutions in this field. The final aim is a (preliminary) European Eutrophication Marine Macrophyte Model (EUMAC).
The possible long-term chronic effects of coastal eutrophication, together with the offshore consequences have been largely ignored. The increasing chemical and physical disturbance of nearshore coastal systems will finally affect also the undisturbed oligotrophic open seas.
Untill recently coastal eutrophication and related growth of excess macro-algae, have mainly been treated as local, short-term problems. In fact, the problem has been neglected in favour of eutrophication and related phenomeandna of plankton blooms in the open sea. However, the local problem increased to an overall coastal and inshore area phenomenon, and recently we are scfacing coastal eutrophication problems on a global scale. No attempt has been undertaken to approach the "eutrophication - macrophyte" problem on a European scale.
Adequate management of the coastal "eutrophication - macrophyte" problem is still impossible and balanced models to be implemented on a larger than local scale do not exist. The developemnt of these models is strongly retarded by the lack of fundamental taxonomical and physiological knowledge of the macroalgae concerned.
The important links between algal taxonomy and the reliability, and hence applicability of physiological responses (nutrient, light and temperature kinetics), together with the geographical variations in physiological responses can neither properly be interpreted nor applied in model generalizations.
Objectives of the project
A) To carry out comparative field and laboratory studies, with standardized methodology, into the relation between eutrophication and submerged macrophyte communities (seagrasses, macro-algae) in European lagoon- and coastal bay-systems (Baltic, Noth Sea, Atlantic, Mediterranean). B) To carry out experimental studies in macro-algal taxonimy and eco-physiology, to standardize and unify the kinetic parameters for a number of properly identified dominant nuisance algae along the European coast. C) To construct a validated and balanced modelling concept for the "eutrophication - macrophyte" problem in marine coastal areas, to be implemented by the leading European institutions in this field (united in
Funding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
4401 EA Yerseke
Netherlands
Participants (7)
54006 Thessaloniki
22610 Pleubian
24105 Kiel
09170 Oristano
30123 Venezia
PO11 0DG Hayling Island
34200 Sète