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Effects of eutrophication on fish-prey interactions in shallow archipelago areas

Date: 1.3.1998-31.12.2000
Code: 3681
Department: Åbo Akademi University / Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (MNF), Dept. of Biology
Address: BioCity, Artillerigatan 6, FIN-20520 Åbo
Phone +358-2-2154 384
Fax +358-2-2154 748
E-mail johanna.mattila@abo.fi
Project leader: FD Johanna Mattila, intendent (1.3.1998-31.12.2000)
Researchers: FK Katri Aarnio (1.3.1998-31.12.2000)
FK Alfred Sandström (1.3.1998-31.12.2000)
Type of research: 0 (0=Within duty, 1=Ordered research, 2=Co-operation)
- basic research 80 %
- applied research 20 %
Finnish funding organizations: Maj och Tor Nesslings stiftelse, Helsingfors () FIM 135600
Foreign funding organizations: Stiftelsen för miljöstrategisk forskning, Stockholm, Sverige () sek 300000
Man months: Totally: 102 months
Partners: Kustfiskelaboratoriet, Öregrund, Sverige (Dr.Peter Karås/Fiskeriverket)
Keywords: alger, eutrofiering, levät, rehevöityminen, eutrofiering, grumlighet, drivande alger, fiskpredation, skärgård, eutrophication, turbidity, drift algae, fish predation, archipelago,

The aim of this project is to study the impact of eutrophication on interactions between fish predators and their prey in shallow archipelago areas.We are especially interested in changes due to increased turbidity, changes in underwater vegetation and increased frequency of drift algae on the bottom.Increase/decrease of prey potential prey populations, changes in the behaviour and habitat choice of both predators and prey impact interactions between predators and prey.All factors mentioned above are in direct connection to eutrophication level and changes in it.Shallow archipelago areas are important feeding and spawning grounds for many fish species.Animal abundances and species diversity are often high in these areas.Shallow areas thus play an important role besides in maintenance of overall biodiversity also in fisheries.According to the current prognoses, eutrophication will continue and deepen its progress in the Baltic Sea in the near future.It is thus important to study fish predator-prey interactions and the impact of eutrophication on them to be able to assess and forecast future situations when eutrophication level will change.Results from this project can be applied as basis for plans made by environmental and fisheries authorities.

Publication(s)

15.2.1996 / 10.3.1998