Project Details
Projekt
Resolving Trophodynamic Consequences of Climate Change (RECONN2): Match-mismatch between Secondary and Tertiary Production in the Baltic Sea
Applicant
Dr. Catriona Clemmesen-Bockelmann
Subject Area
Hydrogeology, Hydrology, Limnology, Urban Water Management, Water Chemistry, Integrated Water Resources Management
Term
from 2004 to 2011
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5430034
To improve our capabilities in understanding and predicting the impact of a changing climate on marine ecosystems it is essential to identify the underlying causal relationships and processes. In the proposed project we will specifically investigate the effect of the predicted climate change on match-mismatch situations of zooplankton, larval and adult fish in the Baltic Sea. The key trophic player in focus is sprat (Sprattus sprattus), a small pelagic fish which seems to be a sensitive bio-indicator of climate change. The effect of shifts in the timing of secondary production shall be resolved through an analysis of time series data on zooplankton and sprat (all life stages) to evaluate the effect of a changing climate on match-mismatch situations. Laboratory experiments will be conducted in microcosms (temperature-gradient tables) to determine the response of sprat eggs and larvae to changes in temperature, food availability and food quality. Vital rates of the larvae will be determined by using biochemical indicators. Aim is to develop model parameters for process models and to determine key factors and key stages in the early life history of sprat.
DFG Programme
Priority Programmes
Participating Person
Dr. Gerd Kraus
