Managing benthic ecosystems in relation to physical forcing and environmental constraints

Objective

MaBenE aims at developing a modular, coupled physical-biological model describing the dynamics and biodiversity of estuarine and coastal systems characterised by large (cultivated) populations of shellfish. Based on extensive field studies of physical-biological coupling, as well as on comprehensive system descriptions (for Limfjorden, Oosterschelde, Ria de Vigo) it will develop new model descriptions for the relation between physics, biogeochemistry and biodiversity as a function of forcing by physical conditions, management of the shellfish populations and external human pressure from eutrophication. The model will be flexible in structure. It will be tested in small-scale applications against the field measurements, and applied to whole-system simulations at the three study sites to demonstrate its use in management to relevant stakeholders.

Programme(s)

• FP5-EESD - Programme for research, technological development and demonstration on "Energy, environment and sustainable development, 1998-2002"

Topic(s)

• 1.1.4.-3. - Key action Sustainable Marine Ecosystems

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

ROYAL NETHERLANDS ACADEMY OF ARTS AND SCIENCE

Address

7,Korringaweg 7
4400 AC Yerseke
Netherlands

Participants (6)

BOLDING AND BURCHARD HYDRODYNAMICS GBR

Germany

Address

Uhlenhorst 17
21493 Schwarzenbek

CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS

Spain

Address

6,Eduardo Cabello 6
36208 Vigo

GKSS - FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM GEESTHACHT GMBH

Germany

Address

Max-planck-strasse 1
21502 Geesthacht

INSTITUTO SUPERIOR TECNICO

Portugal

Address

Avenida Rovisco Pais 1
Lisboa

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE - MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY

Denmark

Address

399,Frederiksborgvej 399
4000 Roskilde

UNIVERSITY OF WALES - BANGOR

United Kingdom

Address

Askew Street
LL59 5EY Gwynedd