Interactions between eutrophication, oil and contaminants in marine ecosystems

Although there is much knowledge about environmental processes associated with environmental pressures such as eutrophication, oil and contaminants, there is limited understanding of how such pressures interact in their effects in marine ecosystems. This project aims to clarify interactions between the three pressures in major ecosystem compartments: the surface microlayer, the pelagial, the sediment-water interface and the sediment proper. The project involves researchers from the Universities in Bergen and Oslo, NIVA, CEFAS (UK) and the University of Gøteborg (Sweden). Experimental studies will be done at the University of Bergen, at NIVA?s experimental facility at Solbergstrand and at Kristineberg Marine Research Station. Results from experiments will be modelled and a framework developed to aid in prediction of effects from interacting pressures in marine ecosystems.