The specific objectives of BITIS studies in 2003-2005
Objective 1:
Introduction of phytoplankton and potential for harmful algal blooms
(i) Which phytoplankton species, especially dinoflagellates, occur in ballast water
tanks, and in bottom sediments and water in harbours
(ii) Bloom potential and toxicity of non-native dinoflagellates in different
temperatures, salinities and nutrient conditions in the Baltic Sea and their
capability to compete with native Baltic dinoflagellates
(iii) Species concept, ecology and toxicity of the dinoflagellate Prorocentrum
minimum.
Objective 2:
Impact of established alien species on biodiversity and ecosystem funtion
(i) Succession and distribution of selected key-species in bottom fauna and
zooplankton
(ii) Their contribution to the observed trends, present community structure and
interaction with indigenous fauna
(iii) Impact on ecosystem functioning, with special focus on benthos and
eutrophication-related processes in sediment. As model species will be used the
polychaete Marenzelleria viridis and the cladoceran Cercopagis pengoi.
Objective 3:
Biological risk assessment of port areas
(i) The role of selected ports in Southern Finland as recipient and donor areas for
species introductions from/to other ports and seas with matching climate and
salinity. Study is based on the ecophysiological demands of the species and shipping
patterns and statistics
(ii) The vector capacity of ship traffic: organisms transferred from selected source
regions with ballast water, tank sediment and biofouling
(iii) The role of fouling organisms in modifying hard bottom habitats.
|