Our research
The iSeal project is divided into 7 work packages (WPs), which complement and build on each other. The contents of each work package are briefly explained below.
First project phase
Impact of multiple stressors on biodiversity, functionality and ecological status
This work package investigates and assesses the impacts of climate change and fisheries on biodiversity and ecological state in the two “living labs”, the Wadden Sea national parks in Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony. To investigate possible links between changes in the ecosystem and various pressures and their magnitude, long-term and monitoring data will be analysed. Based on these results, threshold values for the status assessment will be (further) developed.
Detecting and assessing the impact of invasive species on natural and artificial mussel beds
This work package deals with the detection of invasive species using genetic methods in the Wadden Sea of Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony. In addition, the influence of these species on natural and artificial mussel beds will be investigated. Keystone species is the native blue mussel (Mytilus edulis).
Mesocosm experiments
Using large tanks, so-called mesocosms, the influence of climate change and invasive species on intertidal blue mussel bed communities is studied. In a first experiment, the water temperature is gradually increased. In the second experiment, the combined effects of the invasive Pacific oyster (Magallana gigas) and increasing watertemperatures on the blue mussel bed communities are examined in detail.
Food web modelling using Ecological Network Analysis (ENA)
By using the Ecological Network Analysis (ENA) approach, the direct and indirect trophic interactions between living and non-living components in an ecosystem can be investigated (meaning: who eats whom and what rate?). Using long-term data and the data gathered in work packages 1 to 3 food web models will be created for the Wadden Sea in Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony to analyse the influence of e.g. climate change and fisheries on food web structure and functioning.
Transdisciplinary integration of Social and Ecological Network Analysis
To illustrate the interactions of the various actors, stakeholders and user groups a social network analysis (SNA) will be conducted. Secondly, this SNA will be coupled with the ENA in order to investigate possible applications of the socio-ecological network analysis (SENA) for the management of both National Parks. The aim of this coupling is to familiarise involved parties with ENA and its possible use.
Transfer and recommendations for management
Research results will be discussed and evaluated together with participating stakeholders and user groups. The diverse memberships of the iSeal project participants in national, trilateral and international working and expert groups ensures the transfer of these results as well as their application in nature conservation practice. Together with science and stakeholders, recommendations for management will be developed to preserve the good environmental status of coastal ecosystems.
Data management
The data collected in the project is managed centrally according to the Open Access and FAIR principles. FAIR means that the data should be findable, accessible, interoperable and re-usable.
Second project phase
Management and coordination of the Monitoring & Assessment working group
iSeal heads the sustainMare mission's Monitoring & Assessment working group, which develops and discusses different and innovative methods for recording biodiversity. It also aims to close gaps in the descriptors of the various guidelines and further develop indicators. Results from iSeal can thus be directly incorporated into the discussions.
Effects of climate change on fish: Management tools for the Wadden Sea fish community
Based on the findings from the first phase, indicators for assessing the ecological status specifically for fish communities in the Wadden Sea are now being further developed and recommendations for action for monitoring are being drafted. These will be summarized in a management tool.
Influence of cumulative stressors on food webs using the example of Sylt-Rømø Bay and Amrum Bank
This work package will examine food webs in Sylt-Rømø Bay and Amrum Bank with regard to various human influences. In Sylt-Rømø Bay, the focus is on coastal warming and non-native species, while on the Amrum Bank, fishery and the exclusion of fishery are being investigated.
Smart Farms
Based on the results of the first phase, the influence of non-native species on seed mussel farms (Smart farms) in Schleswig-Holstein will now be investigated using genetic methods. A standardized monitoring procedure will be developed. These investigations will take place in cooperation with local mussel fishermen.
Strategies for marine spatial planning (Loop analysis)
By combining various data analysis and modeling approaches and several human disturbance factors (e.g., climate change, overfishing, eutrophication, ...), a toolkit for marine spatial planning is being developed to propose ideal uses of marine space.
Analysis and design of the governance structure
In the second phase, this work package will continue to address the main topics identified with stakeholders (1. Development of indicators, 2. Identification and management of invasive species, 3. Identification of potential zero-use zones). In addition, future visions for stakeholder cooperation in national parks will be developed, as well as process paths for achieving these visions.
Transfer and synthesis
All iSeal partners will transfer their research findings to the mission, as well as relevant national and international groups and develop recommendations for action.
The iSeal project is part of the research mission of the German Marine Research Alliance (DAM) focusing on "Protection and sustainable use of marine areas".
