Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/B504657/1
Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning: tests using rockpools as natural mesocosms.
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Professor S Jenkins, University of Plymouth, Biological Sciences
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor RC Thompson, University of Plymouth, Sch of Biological and Marine Sciences
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor S Hawkins, University of Southampton, Sch of Ocean and Earth Science
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor M Burrows, University of the Highlands and Islands, Scottish Assoc for Marine Science UHI
- Grant held at:
- University of Plymouth, Biological Sciences
- 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:
- £29,258 Split Award
Authorised funds only
- NERC Reference:
- NE/B504657/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Standard Grants Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Standard Grant
This grant award has a total value of £29,258
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Staff | Total - Other Costs | Total - Indirect Costs |
|---|---|---|
| £7,094 | £2,339 | £19,823 |
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