Simulating transport and distribution of marine macro-plastic in the Baltic Sea.

We simulated the spatial distribution and dynamics of macro plastic in the Baltic Sea, using a new Lagrangian approach called the dynamical renormalization resampling scheme (DRRS). This approach extends the super-individual simulation technique, so the weight-per-individual is dynamic rather than fixed. The simulations were based on a mapping of the macro plastic sources along the Baltic coast line, and a five year time series of realistic wind, wave and current data to resolve time-variability in the transport and spatial distribution of macro plastics in the Baltic Sea.

Predation risk triggers copepod small-scale behavior in the Baltic Sea.

Predators not only have direct impact on biomass but also indirect, non-consumptive effects on the behavior their prey organisms. A characteristic response of zooplankton in aquatic ecosystems is predator avoidance by diel vertical migration (DVM), a behavior which is well studied on the population level. A wide range of behavioral diversity and plasticity has been observed both between- as well as within-species and, hence, investigating predator-prey interactions at the individual level seems therefore essential for a better understanding of zooplankton dynamics.

Fatty acid trophic markers in the pelagic marine environment.

Fatty acids have been used as qualitative markers to trace or confirm predator-prey relationships in the marine environment for more than thirty years. More recently, they have also been used to identify key processes impacting the dynamics of some of the world's major ecosystems. The fatty acid trophic marker (FATM) concept is based on the observation that marine primary producers lay down certain fatty acid patterns that may be transferred conservatively to, and hence can be recognized in, primary consumers.