Abstract |
Aarhus University (Coordinating partner)
Coordinator Jacob
Carstensen
BONUS COCOA
will analyse the pathways of nutrients in the coastal zones of the Baltic Sea
by 1) quantifying the role of bacteria, phytoplankton, benthic microalgae, seagrasses,
macroalgae and fauna in transforming and accumulating nutrients using novel
measurement techniques employed in four different types of coastal ecosystems
(learning sites: lagoons, river-dominated estuaries, embayments, and
archipelagos), 2) developing dynamic state-of-the-art coastal models for these
learning sites with a strong focus on quantifying benthic-pelagic coupling and
integrating the improved process understanding to the ecosystem level, 3)
developing empirical models to estimate the nutrient retention across coastal
ecosystems, 4) improving the model formulations for coastal nutrient retention
in the decision support system NEST, used for the revision of the Baltic Sea
Action Plan. Through model experiments, BONUS COCOA will investigate feedback
processes, associated with hypoxia and loss of key biological functions, and
examine the potential existence of alternative stable states leading to
hysteresis responses and identify critical thresholds associated with such
responses. BONUS COCOA will use models and statistical analyses to examine changes in
nutrient retention over the past and in the future given scenarios for climate
change and management responses. Consequences of altered nutrient pathways on coastal
ecosystem services will be assessed and used for identifying optimal management
strategies.
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