The changeable Wadden Sea and North Sea
Production, biomass and species compositions in marine ecosystems are subject to constant change, and those in the Wadden Sea and North Sea are no exception.
An important topical question is that of whether the Wadden Sea and the coastal zones have gained or lost their bearing capacity, and whether this is the result of a gradual change or a sudden shift. The ecosystem is giving out different signals: there is a decrease in commercially important fishing, but the total fish-biomass is increasing. Whiting and cod are almost extinct, whereas solenette (yellow sole), prawns and sea bass are flourishing. Mussels are having difficulty breeding, but the total biomass of birds and sea mammals has now reached a record level. So what is happening?
This project is looking into devising models that will predict the future effects in order to examine the possible impact of these changes on the ecological quality and prolonged sustainable use of the marine system. And to explore which measures can be taken to prevent or limit specific socially-undesirable changes.