Projects / Programmes
January 1, 2004
- December 31, 2008
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.03.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Biology |
|
| 1.06.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Geology |
|
| 1.08.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Control and care of the environment |
|
| 2.15.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Metrology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B260 |
Biomedical sciences |
Hydrobiology, marine biology, aquatic ecology, limnology |
coastal marine ecosystems, production, plankton, benthos, biodiversity, marine pollution, biomarkers, ecotoxicology, photochemistry, sedimentary biogeochemistry, circulation, modelling
Researchers (26)
Organisations (1)
| no. |
Code |
Research organisation |
City |
Registration number |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
0105 |
National Institute of Biology |
Ljubljana |
5055784 |
13,278 |
Abstract
Multidisciplinary program aims at integrating approaches of biological, chemical and physical oceanography of coastal sea into research of ecosystem biocomplexity including human dimension. The research includes primary production coupled to taxon-specific plankton biomass and long-term community transformation in relation to main oceanographic driving forces. Tide, wind-driven and high-frequency variations of circulation will be studied particularly in the season when different eutrophication or other harmful phenomena occur (mucilage, HAB, bottom layer oxygen depletion). An automated probe for measurements of delayed luminiscence for in situ qualitative and quantitative characterisation of phytoplankton will be developed. Plankton studies will be completed by research of microbial food web and research of gelatinous zooplankton massive outbreaks, a serious ecological problem in many enclosed seas. Assessment of the trophic status and its changes due to pollution will be complemented by analyses of biomarkers. Impairement of dissolved organic matter degradation has been implied as most important causative factor for development of mucilage accumulations. Photochemical transformations and microbial degradation of organic matter are both important in shallow coastal waters and research into these processes represent important part of our study of biogeochemistry of OM. Benthic studies include biogeochemistry of sediments within seagrass meadows and meiofauna variations in polluted/unpolluted environments. Variations in small coastal ichthyofauna as related to climatic changes complete biodiversity studies. Advances in laboratory methods and modelling will help reaching our research goals and field work using research boat is the backbone of research activities; field data are continuously provided also by Coastal Oceanographic Station (located about 1 mile offshore).
Significance for science
Knowledge of structure and their functioning form the basis for understanding complex and dynamic marine systems that are under threat due to climatic changes, overexploitation of marine resources, coastal development and input of pollutants. Variability of oceanographic and anthropogenic driving forces act on marine communities leading to different noxious phenomena (presence of toxic phytoplankton species, phytoplankton and jellyfish blooms, mucilage accumulation, bottom layer oxygen depletion, invasive species). These events appear in many semi-enclosed seas worldwide that are characterised by modifications of organic matter cycling. Assessment and evaluation of changes in marine ecosystems related to natural and anthropogenic influences is one of the most important topics of current marine research. Interdisciplinary approach of our research program, modelling and application of new techniques in the ecological research helped to elucidate mechanisms and driving forces of harmful phenomena. Comparative analyses of different coastal ecosystems improve our ability to understand, predict and possibly prevent these processes.
Significance for the country
Research program contributes towards new knowledge of natural characteristics and to critical assessment of modifications in marine ecosystems. Our research elucidated some key mechanisms related to undesirable phenomena like toxic phytoplankton and jellyfish blooms, mucilage accumulations, and impacts due to anthropogenic pollution. Results of our research support national efforts to implement EU environmental legislation, and help to comply with obligations that R Slovenia has as a contracting party of international conventions related to sustainable management of marine ecosystems. Research program contributed to development/application of new methodology including modelling and predictions in oceanography and improved monitoring of marine ecosystem. Marine biodiversity research is critical for assessment of natural heritage and its preservation and contributes to evaluation of effectiveness of protection measures. Sustainable use of marine and coastal area is important factor for development of Slovenia nationally as well as for Slovenia's international relations. Program research results contribute towards improvement of undergraduate and graduate education in natural and environmental sciences and help raising marine literacy of general public.
Most important scientific results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
