Integrating new technologies for the study of benthic ecosystem response to human activity: towards a Coastal Ocean Benthic Observatory (COBO)
Apitz S. E.; E. Bell; E. Breuer; L. Damgaard; F. Gilbert; R. Glud; P. Hall; P. Kershaw; B. Lansard; L. Nickell; R. Parker; C. Rabouille; G. Shimmield; M. Solan; T. Soltwedel; Spagnoli F; H. Stahl; A. Tengberg; E. Waltpersdorf; U. Witte;
Marine coastal ecosystems are among the most productive and diverse communities on Earth and are of importance to global climate, nutrient budgets, and primary productivity. Shelf sea sediments and their associated biota represent a reservoir for biodiversity, hosting benthic communities as well as resting and reproductive stages of planktonic organisms. Yet, these ecosystems, and in particular sedentary benthic (bottom-living) invertebrate communities at their base, are compromised by human-induced stresses, such as over-fishing, habitat destruction and pollution. This in turn compromises biodiversity, ecosystem stability and biogeochemical processes. However, due to the remoteness and spatio-temporal variability of the benthic environment, the relationships between tightly coupled biological and geochemical processes are poorly understood.
The overall objective of COBO was to integrate emerging and innovative technologies from different disciplines (physics, chemistry, biology, imagery) to provide in situ monitoring of sediment habitats, in order to understand complex interactions between the biota (function and diversity) and their chemical environment. Existing standard technologies have limited spatial and temporal sampling resolutions and as such hamper progress in determining key parameters, explaining biogeochemical patterns/processes and in modelling ecosystem dynamics. Improved in situ technologies were required to provide rigorous scientific information on processes regulating this unique and fragile habitat and for assessing, controlling and minimising human impact on European coastal waters. COBO scientists have developed powerful tools to significantly advance our understanding of organism-sediment interactions under dynamic coastal conditions; enhancing predictive capability and contributing to ecosystem management and policy development.
2006 - Abstract in atti di convegno
XVIII Congresso dell'associazione Italiana di Oceanologia e Limnologia (AIOL), Napoli, 3-7/07/2006
Keywords: Benthic station