The Wadden Sea Ecosystem

1. Front Matter

   Pages I-XII

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2. Introduction

   • Sabine Dittmann

   Pages 1-4

3. ELAWAT: Goals and Conceptual Framework

   • Sabine Dittmann, Volker Grimm

   Pages 5-13

4. Study Area: The Backbarrier Tidal Flats of Spiekeroog

   • Andreas Hild, Verena Niesel, Carmen-Pia Günther

   Pages 15-49

5. Statistical Models and Techniques for the Analysis of Conditions of an Ecological System

   • Ulrike Schleier

   Pages 51-76

6. Spatial and Temporal Distribution Patterns and Their Underlying Causes

   • Verena Niesel, Carmen-Pia Günther, Marlies Villbrandt, A. Hild, Sabine Dittmann, Volker Grimm

   Pages 77-173

7. Recolonization of Tidal Flats After Disturbance

   • Sabine Dittmann, Carmen-Pia Günther, Ulrike Schleier

   Pages 175-192

8. Effects of the Ice Winter 1995/96

   • Carmen-Pia Günther, Verena Niesel

   Pages 193-205

9. Grid-Based Modelling of Macrozoobenthos in the Intertidal of the Wadden Sea: Potentials and Limitations

   • Volker Grimm, Carmen-Pia Gunther, Sabine Dittmann, Hanno Hildenbrandt

   Pages 207-226

10. Stability Properties in the Wadden Sea

    • Volker Grimm, Hauke Bietz, Carmen-Pia Günther, Andreas Hild, Marlies Villbrandt, Verena Niesel et al.

    Pages 227-259

11. Assessing Stability Properties: How Suitable is this Approach for Ecosystem Research in the Wadden Sea?

    • Sabine Dittmann

    Pages 261-265

12. Joint Research Projects: Experiences and Recommendations

    • Sabine Dittmann, Andreas Hild, Volker Grimm, Carmen-Pia Günther, Verena Niesel, Marlies Villbrandt et al.

    Pages 267-280

13. Protection of Processes in the Wadden Sea

    • Marlies Villbrandt, Carmen-Pia Gunther, Sabine Dittmann

    Pages 281-288

14. Summary

    • Sabine Dittmann

    Pages 289-292

15. Back Matter

    Pages 293-307

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This book covers the synthesis of the joint research project ELA W AT (Elastizitat des Okosystems Wattenmeer = Resilience of the Wadden Sea Ecosystem), which was part of the "Ecosystem Research Wadden Sea" in Germany. The major ob­ jective of ELA WAT was the analysis of potential stability properties and relevant processes for regeneration in this intertidal ecosystem. The synthesis of this pro­ ject summarizes the results of several years of field studies on spatial and temporal patterns of several abiotic and biotic parameters and on the effects of disturbances. Based on this analysis, stability properties and mechanisms were identified. The results contribute to the protection of processes in this coastal ecosystem (Chap. 12). This book on the interdisciplinary project ELA W AT also provides a detailed case study on the ecology of a backbarrier system. The "Ecosystem Research Wadden Sea" was part of the Ecosystem Research Program of the Federal Republic of Germany and a contribution to the MAB­ programme of the UNESCO (MAB-5). Results of this interdisciplinary research scheme were meant to form the scientific background of political decisions for the protection and sustainable use of this coastal ecosystem. Thus the "Ecosystem Research Wadden Sea" followed the guidelines of the precautionary principle and environmental research of the federal government. The research was carried out in association with the administrations of the Wadden Sea National Parks in the states of Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony.

• Ecosystem Research
• Environmental Sciences
• Fauna
• Marine Ecology
• Marine Sciences
• Oceanography
• ecosystem
• plankton
• ecotoxicology

• Forschungszentrum Terramare, Wilhelmshaven, Germany

  Sabine Dittmann

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