North Sea Benthos

Diversity of benthic biotopes

We investigate the variability of benthic biodiversity and the effects of various stressors on animal communities to describe the structuring of benthic biotopes in the North Sea.
Our research builds on extensive data sets that we collect in the course of governmental monitoring programmes, which are continuously refined methodologically. Our field observations are complemented by laboratory experiments with selected key species.
The gathered knowledge is used directly for environmental management and governmental decision-making processes.

Our research is integrated into POF-IV in Subtopics 4.2 / 6.1.

Projects

Benthos-Monitoring

Long-term series

ORCHESTRA