WP2 Ecosystem Functioning

Work package leader: Prof. F. Boero,email boero@unile.it

Deliverables
D2.1: Overall synthesis on ecosystem functioning
D2.2: Report on potential hazards and threats on the stability of the ecosystem emanating from Global change.

The Mediterranean and the Black Sea areas are geographically connected by the transition basin of the Sea of Marmara , but although causes of pollution and depletion of reserves are similar in both regions, the intensity of pollution and the consequences for the marine and coastal ecosystems are fundamentally different. While the Eastern Mediterranean has important environmental problems derived from uncontrolled development, population growth and increasing pressure upon the marine environment, the situation in the Black Sea is now approaching crisis level with the wholesale destruction of commercially productive components and severe degradation of ecosystem functioning. Serious attempts have been made to remedy this situation and steps already taken indicate a slowing down or even an amelioration of the present state. International co-operative projects on many specific environmental problems did not tie in with the study of the whole environment, which requires a multi-disciplinary approach. The required integrated approach therefore, aims towards the compilation of the available information as to the current environmental status of the two basins, highlighting the functions and the variability of the system in terms of their physical, biogeochemical and ecological characteristics.

The contemporary trophic status of the two basins with regard to the important nutrient differences and the dynamics of the planktonic populations, as well as changes in the structure and composition of those communities affected by anthropogenic forcing leading to population explosions and radical alteration of the ecosystem will be identified and contrasted. The biogeochemical characteristics of the two basins will be contrasted and the consequences and effects of the biogeochemical exchange upon the ecosystems will be examined.