The project aims to improve our knowledge of the metabolic state of coastal ecosystems, which is fundamental in terms of nutrients and carbon cycling/storage. The trophic status will be determined in diverse ecosystems using simultaneously different methods at various time scales. The effect of nutrients speciation and organic carbon fractionation will be studied in systems of various eutrophication levels. A model will be implemented to estimate transfer and fluxes of carbon/nitrogen and to forecast the impact of human intervention on trophic status change. Results will be translated into management criteria and directives for monitoring procedures to assess the trophic status of coastal ecosystems. Dissemination will be organized at several levels, from general public to policy makers and environmental organisations.
Keywords:
Coastal landscapes and ecosystems, Decision-making process, Monitoring and evaluation