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Details of Award

NERC Reference : NE/B504649/1

Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning: tests using rockpools as natural mesocosms.

Grant Award

Principal Investigator:
Professor S Jenkins, Marine Biological Association, The Laboratory
Co-Investigator:
Professor S Hawkins, University of Southampton, Sch of Ocean and Earth Science
Co-Investigator:
Professor RC Thompson, University of Plymouth, Sch of Biological and Marine Sciences
Co-Investigator:
Professor M Burrows, University of the Highlands and Islands, Scottish Assoc for Marine Science UHI
Science Area:
Marine
Overall Classification:
Marine
ENRIs:
Global Change
Biodiversity
Science Topics:
Conservation Ecology
Community Ecology
Population Ecology
Abstract:
It is now well recognised that humans activities are leading to a global loss of biodiversity and concern regarding the impact of such loss on the functioning of whole ecosystems is high. The proposed research will examine the effects of biodiversity loss in the marine environment by using a tractable model system-tide pools on rocky shores. These pools act as natural mesocosms during the tide out period allowing a range of ecosystem processes including community respiration, productivity, nutrient cycling and accumulation of biomass to be readily determined. Initially an observational correlative approach will be taken in SW England and W Scotland to determine the relationship between algal and faunal diversity and ecosystem processes in a range of contrasting environments. Then manipulative experiments will simulate biodiversity loss in two trophic levels, the dominant primary producers- macrolagae and dominant consumers- grazing molluscs. The consequences of such loss to ecosystem function will be measured over a 2 year period. Finally modelling will integrate the correlative and manipulative approaches to provide a predictive understanding of biodiversity loss in the marine environment.
Period of Award:
1 Mar 2005 - 31 Aug 2008
Value:
£200,752 Lead Split Award
Authorised funds only
NERC Reference:
NE/B504649/1
Grant Stage:
Completed
Scheme:
Standard Grants Pre FEC
Grant Status:
Closed
Programme:
Standard Grant

This grant award has a total value of £200,752  

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FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)

Total - StaffTotal - T&STotal - Other CostsTotal - Indirect Costs
£122,862£14,142£7,228£56,517

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