Marine biology

The project will develop knowledge about the potential for ecological effects of offshore wind on benthic habitats in 17 areas identified by NVE.

Artificial underwater structures often serve an important societal function but can have negative impacts on biodiversity by providing surfaces for colonizing benthic species that are significantly different from those found in natural habitats. The main objective of this project is to conduct a pilot study to test the potential of different materials for the re-establishment of marine life. We have chosen to focus on the quality of concrete (pH and porosity) in this project.

The overarching goal of OOMYCOAST is to identify and characterise the diversity of oomycetes associated with three ecologically important species of rockweed in the intertidal and upper subtidal along the Norwegian coast: bladder wrack (Fucus vesiculosus), serrated wrack (Fucus serratus) and knotted wrack (Ascophyllum nodosum).

MicroLEACH (Microplastics – Long-term Effects of plastics and Additive Chemicals on marine organisms) is an interdisciplinary four-year project funded by the Research Council of Norway (Marinforsk call) that brings together scientists from fields of microplastic and other particulate research, analytical chemistry, ecotoxicology and risk assessment

This Horizon EU project will identify and develop innovative tools to monitor, map and describe marine organisms, from microbes to mammals and coastal vegetation, across different habitat types in European coastal and marine waters. OBAMA-NEXT will support sustainable marine conservation strategies and policies. Existing and emerging technologies are studied, including satellites, drones, ROVs, drop-video, acoustics, eDNA, and Citizen Sciences.

The section contributes to increased understanding of how marine ecosystems are affected by human activities and how they should be managed. We are commissioned and cooperate with the public administration on the development of mapping and monitoring methods and tools for classifying environmental status in coastal areas.