Ecological effects of currents and waves will be explored in field experiments and outdoor flume studies. As an example, the reconstructed meteo-marine data set will be used to explore whether or not the dramatic eutrophication-mediated decline of sea-grasses has been exacerbated by the wave regime over the last three decades. The history and extent of river-borne eutrophication will be assessed by sediment core studies on stable nitrogen isotopes.

Further studies will address the ecological effects of artificial hard substrates and the effects of increased fisheries exploitation as well as locally cessation of bottom trawling fisheries. Invasions of introduced species in coastal environments constitute irreversible change in the ecological web. In the case of introduced Pacific oysters, we will analyse the habitat effect of the new reefs and the tropic effect on suspended food to be shared with native filter-feeders. A sensitivity analysis of calibrated models will be point to niches where intruders are likely to be successful.