How well do ecosystem indicators communicate the effects of anthropogenic eutrophication? |
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| Authors: | Abigail McQuatters-Gollop Alison J Gilbert Laurence D Mee Jan E Vermaat Yuri Artioli Christoph Humborg Fred Wulff |
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| Institution: | 1. Sir Alister Hardy Foundation for Ocean Science, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth PL1 2PB, UK;2. University of Plymouth Marine Institute, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK;3. Institute for Environmental Studies, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands;4. Department of Chemical Processes of the Engineering, University of Padua, via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padua, Italy;5. Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, UK;6. Department of Applied Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden;g Baltic NEST Institute, Stockholm Resilience Center, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden;h Department of Systems Ecology, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden |
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| Abstract: | Anthropogenic eutrophication affects the Mediterranean, Black, North and Baltic Seas to various extents. Responses to nutrient loading and methods of monitoring relevant indicators vary regionally, hindering interpretation of ecosystem state changes and preventing a straightforward pan-European assessment of eutrophication symptoms. Here we summarize responses to nutrient enrichment in Europe's seas, comparing existing time-series of selected pelagic (phytoplankton biomass and community composition, turbidity, N:P ratio) and benthic (macro flora and faunal communities, bottom oxygen condition) indicators based on their effectiveness in assessing eutrophication effects. Our results suggest that the Black Sea and Northern Adriatic appear to be recovering from eutrophication due to economic reorganization in the Black Sea catchment and nutrient abatement measures in the case of the Northern Adriatic. The Baltic is most strongly impacted by eutrophication due to its limited exchange and the prevalence of nutrient recycling. Eutrophication in the North Sea is primarily a coastal problem, but may be exacerbated by climatic changes. Indicator interpretation is strongly dependent on sea-specific knowledge of ecosystem characteristics, and no single indicator can be employed to adequately compare eutrophication state between European seas. Communicating eutrophication-related information to policy-makers could be facilitated through the use of consistent indicator selection and monitoring methodologies across European seas. This work is discussed in the context of the European Commission's recently published Marine Strategy Directive. |
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| Keywords: | eutrophication Marine Strategy Directive indicators time-series |
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