Research Measure: Policy
Funding Type: IRCSET EMPOWER
Funding Year: 2009
Project Type: Post-Doctoral Fellowship
Total Grant-Aid: €83,100
Lead Partner: NUI, Galway
Project Summary:
This project focuses on the functional and adaptive ability of two macroalgal species, with differential annual growth patterns, that play an important role in marine ecosystems in particular on the Irish west coast. Ascophyllum nodosum is an abundant indigenous species that is commercially harvested along the west coast whilst Sargassum muticum is an invasive species whose rapid colonisation of Irish shores can have significant ecological impacts. In situ and laboratory experimentation are undertaken to determine the seasonal importance of these two macroalgae in the carbon and nitrogen cycling of coastal areas, and their ability to respond to current and future environmental conditions, induced by climate change and ocean acidification. The project includes the measurement of seasonal and diurnal variability in carbon fluxes and assessment of potential impacts of increased CO2 and temperature on intertidal organisms using microcosms. The expected results will contribute to the global understanding of the contribution of macroalgae to seasonal and annual carbon budgets and hence allow us to determine if macroalgal systems are a sink or source of CO2 to the atmosphere. The overall importance of this work will rest in its contribution to national and international efforts to comprehend the impacts of invasive species and climate change on the functioning of marine ecosystems.