Coupled physical and ecosystem model (Task 6.2)

This task assessed the potential to develop coupled ecological models for the two seas, focusing on the impact of the biogeochemical exchange through the Straits on the regional ecosystems in each basin.

Background and Rationale

Both basins have remarkably different physical and biogeochemical characteristics since the Eastern Mediterranean has been characterised as one of the most oligotrophic areas of the world in contrast to the Black Sea which exhibits eutrophic conditions. The ecological impact of the Black Sea Water inflow in the Mediterranean environment and vice versa has not been fully investigated, and no modelling effort has been carried out aiming at the understanding of the two basins ecosystem behaviour and their coupling.