The Plankton research group monitors and carries out research on:
- phyto- and zooplankton, fish eggs and larvae in our major marine ecosystems
- production conditions, biological diversity and successions
- biological feedback mechanisms, food webs, effects of eutrophication, the biology and ecology of harmful algae
- interactions between algae and viruses/bacteria, and introduced microorganisms
Knowledge of the lower links in the food chain is essential to our ability to develop integrated management of the resources in our marine regions.
The aim of the group is to contribute to a better understanding of plankton processes, such as primary and secondary production and nutrient flow. The group employs research and monitoring techniques to disseminate data and interpretations of the condition of plankton in marine ecosystems.
Important national and international partners:
- The Universities of Bergen, Oslo and Tromsø
- The Norwegian Polar Institute, the Norwegian College of Veterinary Medicine
- SINTEF, NTNU, NIVA
- ICES (working groups)
- European research institutes and universities
- American research institutes and universities
Research group manager: Webjørn Melle, +47 55 23 84 77
