11.4 RCC()1I1lllcndatiOlh for the Realization of loint Projects
277
populations. Also, the transfer and exchange of organisms between the sub- and
intertidal has to be quantified.
There is a growing awareness that benthic organisms are much more mobile
than previously assumed. Secondary dispersal and drift have been documented for
many species. But it is still unclear for a great many species, whether they are only
mobile as juveniles or as adults as well and what the reasons and effects of specific drift behaviours are. Here lies an immediate research demand, as mobility
affects recordings of benthic distribution patterns and has to be considered for
sampling schemes. Mobility is important for recolonization and the ecological
function of benthos in these soft sediments. Relations between drift and current
regimes, the vertical distribution in the water column, transport distances and
seasonal variations in drift patterns should all be investigated. The staining technique developed in ELA W AT is a promising tool to study the exchange rates of
benthic organisms between the sediment and the water column (Chap. 5.4).
The recolonization after the ice winter indicated that the recruitment and
recolonization could originate from source populations in "mainland"-populations
of more southerly areas (e.g. English Channel) or the deeper North Sea. Genetic or
enzymatic methods should be used to clarify the population size and exchange
between sub-populations.
11.4
Recommendations for the Realization of Joint Projects
Duration
• The duration of a project has to be adjusted to the requirements of the topic.
Alternatively, approaches compensating for restrictions in time have to be included (e.g. literature surveys, ecological modelling).
• Time-limited projects do not allow flexible reactions to episodic events. Eventoriented research can only be carried out when experienced scientific staff and
finances are available straight away, without the need to apply for external
funds.
• Long-term research is absolutely necessary and cannot be fulfilled by simple
monitoring. Long-term research should be carried out by established scientific
institutions with experienced scientific staff (i.e. with permanent employment)
and sufficient budgets.
loint meetings
• Meetings are essential to promote collaboration in joint projects. The time required for such seminars and working groups has to be taken into consideration
during the planning stages.
• For participation at these joint meetings, it is necessary to have sufficient dedicated travel allowances identified in the overall project budget.
• The integration of all scientist involved in a joint project into an ecosystem
research centre can reduce the cost and time required for joint meetings. Furthermore, this spatial federation would enhance interdisciplinary exchange.
277
populations. Also, the transfer and exchange of organisms between the sub- and
intertidal has to be quantified.
There is a growing awareness that benthic organisms are much more mobile
than previously assumed. Secondary dispersal and drift have been documented for
many species. But it is still unclear for a great many species, whether they are only
mobile as juveniles or as adults as well and what the reasons and effects of specific drift behaviours are. Here lies an immediate research demand, as mobility
affects recordings of benthic distribution patterns and has to be considered for
sampling schemes. Mobility is important for recolonization and the ecological
function of benthos in these soft sediments. Relations between drift and current
regimes, the vertical distribution in the water column, transport distances and
seasonal variations in drift patterns should all be investigated. The staining technique developed in ELA W AT is a promising tool to study the exchange rates of
benthic organisms between the sediment and the water column (Chap. 5.4).
The recolonization after the ice winter indicated that the recruitment and
recolonization could originate from source populations in "mainland"-populations
of more southerly areas (e.g. English Channel) or the deeper North Sea. Genetic or
enzymatic methods should be used to clarify the population size and exchange
between sub-populations.
11.4
Recommendations for the Realization of Joint Projects
Duration
• The duration of a project has to be adjusted to the requirements of the topic.
Alternatively, approaches compensating for restrictions in time have to be included (e.g. literature surveys, ecological modelling).
• Time-limited projects do not allow flexible reactions to episodic events. Eventoriented research can only be carried out when experienced scientific staff and
finances are available straight away, without the need to apply for external
funds.
• Long-term research is absolutely necessary and cannot be fulfilled by simple
monitoring. Long-term research should be carried out by established scientific
institutions with experienced scientific staff (i.e. with permanent employment)
and sufficient budgets.
loint meetings
• Meetings are essential to promote collaboration in joint projects. The time required for such seminars and working groups has to be taken into consideration
during the planning stages.
• For participation at these joint meetings, it is necessary to have sufficient dedicated travel allowances identified in the overall project budget.
• The integration of all scientist involved in a joint project into an ecosystem
research centre can reduce the cost and time required for joint meetings. Furthermore, this spatial federation would enhance interdisciplinary exchange.