Research Measure: Policy
Funding Type: IRCET/IRCHSS GREP
Funding Year: 2009
Project Duration: 48 Months
Project Type: Project-Based
Total Grant-Aid: €100,000
Lead Partner:
University College Dublin (Marine Biodiversity Ecology & Evolution)
Project Summary:
This research will establish a framework of parameters to take into account and clarify the relative importance of magnitude, variance and timing of disturbance in different contexts in the marine ecological environment. The combined effects of multiple disturbances on selected ecosystems will be tested and the effects of multiple disturbance on ecosystem functioning (e.g. productivity and export of material) examined. Suitable model systems will be selected on the coast of Ireland. Disturbance regimes combining different stressors will be imposed in long-term field experiments and impacts on ecosystem structure and functioning will be sampled. Findings will contribute to a better general understanding of the individual and combined effects of different disturbances. Relevant findings will also be communicated to the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Environmental Protection Agency and other relevant bodies to help underpin effective environmental management.
Further information and updates on this research are available from the UCD MarBEE website.