September 2003
http://www.nioz.nl/loicz/
No. 28
hand, and on the diet of various flatfish
Coastal biogeochemistry at
types living off the Rhone delta on the
the EGS-AGU-EUG Joint
other hand, an attempt was made to
identify dependencies of the growth and
Assembly, Nice, France,
reproduction of economically relevant
6-11 April 2003
flat fish on the different, i.e., marine and
terrestrial, food sources.
Helmuth Thomas1, Jean-Pierre
The riverine supply of dissolved organic
Gattuso2 and Stephen V. Smith3
matter and nutrients continuously
enhances primary production off the
During the EGS-AGU-EUG Joint
Rhone delta, but the amount of POM
Assembly held in Nice, France, 6-11
released to the sea is directly related to
April 2003, a special session was devoted
the river discharge, which shows large
to Coastal biogeochemistry and its
year-to-year fluctuations. The riverine
response to anthropogenic perturbations:
POM is mainly deposited in the surface
inputs, gas exchange, carbon and nutrient
sediments of the prodelta where its
cycling. The session, which was co-
incorporation into marine benthic food
sponsored by LOICZ and PNEC, the
webs plays a major role in determining
This is the twenty eighth
French Coastal Oceanography Program,
the macrobenthic communities fluc-
newsletter of the Land Ocean
focussed on the wide field of coastal bio-
tuations. This in turn is assumed to cause
Interactions in the Coastal Zone
geochemistry and provided both detailed
significant temporal variations in the
(LOICZ) International Project of
insights into the state-of-the-art science
population size of some benthic top
the IGBP. It is produced quarterly
as well as an excellent overview of
predators as demersal fishes. In order to
to provide news and information
achievements and open questions in this
estimate the potential responses of the
regarding LOICZ activities
field. The session comprised 61 contri-
five main flatfish species living off the
butions, of which 23 were presented
Rhone delta (Solea solea, S. impar,
orally. A suite of presentations opened
cycle metabolisms. These findings were
Buglossidium luteum, Arnoglossus
the session by positioning coastal bio-
complemented by modelling studies
laterna and Citharus linguatula) to
geochemistry into the global carbon
investigating mechanisms and temporal
variations in river discharge, carbon
cycle and moreover, indicating the need
variability of such processes. The ses-
(13C) and nitrogen (15N) isotopic
to develop tools for the extrapolation of
sion's abstracts can be reviewed at http://
signatures were analysed in the five fish
results from regional studies onto the
www.cosis.net/members/meetings/
species and their main benthic preys.
global scale. The majority of the contri-
sessions/accepted_contributions.php?
These were related to the 13C and 15N
butions were devoted to regional experi-
p_id=45&s_id=664.
signatures of the two main organic
mental and modelling studies reporting
Three individual presentations, taken as
matter sources: the riverine POM and the
results from most of the coastal regions
representatives for the overall session,
marine POM from phytoplankton
of the world ocean. All relevant questions
are summarised below.
production, since the carbon isotope
of coastal biogeochemistry were
signatures of these two POM pools are
addressed such as the quantification and
Darnaude et al. (abstract no. EAE03-A-
significantly different. This allows to
qualification of riverine inputs into and
02518) provided evidence of the imme-
identify two main food sources for
the impacts on the coastal zone; carbon
diate interaction of land and oceans in
primary consumers: one of marine origin
and nutrient transports across boundaries
the coastal zone, investigating the incor-
(marine phytoplankton), and one of
and interfaces (atmosphere and sedi-
poration of terrestrial organic matter into
terrestrial origin gathering the Rhone
ments) and the impact of anthropogenic
the marine food web in the delta region
POM in the plume water and the surface
perturbations on the ecosystems. For
of the Rhone River, NW Mediterranean
sediment. These two primary food
example, observational evidence was
Sea. Relying on the isotopic signature of
sources fuel two distinct food webs: one
provided for various regions that relative
carbon (13C) and nitrogen (15N) of
essentially based on phytoplankton (sup-
changes of nitrogen, phosphorus and
particulate organic matter (POM) from
plying most benthic preys), and the other
silicate inputs to the coastal zone may
terrestrial and marine origin and of
(deposit-feeding and carnivorous
alter algal communities and thus carbon
marine benthic organisms on the one
polychaetes) on terrestrial organic
A CORE PROJECT OF THE
I
G
B
P
INTERNATIONAL GEOSPHERE-BIOSPHERE PROGRAMME

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page 2
LOICZ NEWSLETTER
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
-16
3
15N
Si A
-17
Bl J Cl J
Cl A
2
C II
pagurids
Si J
-18
Al A
holothurians ophiurids
gast.
Al J
-19
Bl A
macrurids
1
gobiidae
bivalves
ad.
mysids
Ss A
-20
C I
Ss J
amphipods
pol S
cumaceans
bivalves
-21
juv.
phytopK
brachyurids
pol C
copepods
-22
C II
-23
pol DsS.
-24
pol DS
water
POM
-25
sediment
C I
Rhone
-26
POM
Marine phytoplankton-based food web
-27
Terrestrial POM-based food web
-28
13C
Figure 1 - Structure of the benthic food webs of the juveniles (J) and adults (A) of five flatfish species (Ss = Solea solea, Si = Solea impar,
Bl = Buglossidium luteum, Al = Arnoglossus laterna, Cl = Citharus linguatula) studied off the Rhone river. C I = primary consumers, C II =
secondary consumers, Gast. = gastropods, phytopK = phytoplankton, POM = particulate organic matter, pol = polychaetes (C = carnivorous,
DS = surface deposit feeders, DsS = sub-surface deposit feeders, S = suspensivorous). Numbers in bold indicate the 3 groups of fishes indi-
vidualised according to fish diet: 1 = fishes mainly feeding on CI and/or CII from the terrestrial POM-based food web; 2 = fishes principally
eating CI and/or CII from the "marine" food web + variable amounts of CI and/or CII from the terrestrial POM-based food web; 3 = fishes
mainly (or exclusively) feeding on "marine" CI and/or CII.
matter. Accordingly, terrestrial POM
stage, Rhone river floods intensity can
ecosystem processes and metabolism,
enters marine benthic food webs mainly
increase both growth and condition of
particularly in shallow coastal waters,
via deposit-feeding polychaetes and is
mature females and, through an increase
such as reef lagoons, and are important
transferred to fishes by the ingestion of
in reproduction success, also have an
sites for carbon cycling and bacterial
these prey organisms or other benthic
impact on fish recruitment. In this last
activity, and are all potentially important
consumers that feed upon them. The
case, the positive impact will be delayed
contributors to ecosystem respiration.
results allow to separate the above 5 but it can last for several years through
Hitherto, no comprehensive evaluation of
species into three groups (Fig. 1). The
the successive breeding of the positively
the respiration rate of benthic coastal eco-
first group feeds almost exclusively on
influenced adults. For the 5 species systems exists, so that their contribution
preys from the terrestrial POM based
studied, the authors predict little effect of
to the respiration of the global ocean
food web. The second one feeds mostly
Rhone river floods on C. linguatula and
remains undetermined. Middelburg et al.
on preys coming from the marine food
S. impar populations, but a high and long
derived a global estimate for respiration in
web but ingest small amounts of preys
lasting effect on the 3 other species. This
coastal benthic communities from
from the terrestrial food web. The third
effect should be maximal in the common
various regional studies covering all
group feeds almost exclusively on preys
sole, Solea solea, which has strong im-
relevant benthic ecosystem types such as
from the marine phytoplankton-based
plications for the local fishery manage-
coral reefs, mangroves, salt marshes,
food web. The exploitation of terrestrial
ment of this high value fish [Darnaude,
seagrasses, and sublittoral sediments.
POM is maximal for S. solea, in which
2003; Salen-Picard et al., 2002].
Considering the areas covered by these
both juveniles and adults essentially
ecosystems a bottom-up extrapolation of
depend on the terrestrial POM-based-
Middelburg et al. (abstract no. EAE03-
the corresponding benthic respiration
food-web for their growth [Darnaude et
A-03923) provided a global compilation
rates was performed (Fig. 2). Accor-
al., 2003]. According to these results, the
of benthic organic carbon respiration in
dingly, the respiration in benthic coastal
Rhone river floods should differently
the coastal zone. Benthic coastal com-
ecosystems constitutes a major part of
affect the fish population size of these 5
munities are highly diverse and include
total coastal ocean respiration. The aut-
species, since the impact of an increase
systems, in which biological entities are
hors' estimate of benthic coastal respira-
in terrestrial food availability on the fish
a structuring factor (e.g., coral reefs,
tion of 7.5 Pg C a-1 is well above earlier
population size will be different for the
mangroves, seagrass beds) as well as
estimates based on published global
individual species and their life stages. If
those, in which physical features and
coastal carbon budgets (~1.8 Pg C a-1),
the continental inputs are exploited
processes determine the landscape (e.g.,
but similar to top-down estimates of coas-
during the juvenile stage, Rhone river
rocky shores, rippled sandy sediments).
tal respiration by heterotrophs based on
floods can enhance post larvae growth
Moreover, metabolism in shallow sedi-
the balance between net primary
and survival and thus directly increase
ments depends on whether they extend
production and river inputs on the one
fish recruitment success. When the con-
within or below the euphotic zone. hand, and sediment burial on the other
tinental inputs are exploited at the adult
Benthic communities often dominate
(~7.5 Pg C a-1). The authors argue that

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page 3
LOICZ NEWSLETTER
the excellent agreement of the bottom-
enclosed sea. The dominant feature is the
phytoplankton production in the
up and community-production top-down
circulation of Atlantic Ocean water
euphotic zone. The annual CO2 uptake
approaches should not be overempha-
through the North Sea entering at its
from the atmosphere is thus driven by the
sised, since both approaches are subject
Northwestern boundary and leaving
carbon export to the deeper basins
to serious uncertainties.
through the Norwegian Channel. The
(60%), since it replenishes the exported
DIC transport by this circulation con-
carbon. Only part of the CO2 taken up
]
3
25
-1
Global:
]
stitutes the major (gross) player of the
from the atmosphere by biological
= 27*10 k
6
m2
20
m
= 7.5 Pg C a-1
k
carbon budget, however without rele-
processes is available for export to the
62
2
vance for the netbudget. During the trans-
North Sea (40%). For the efficiency of
15
t
i
on [Pg C a
r
ea [10
port though the North Sea the DIC con-
the continental shelf pump in the Baltic
i
r
a
p
s
10
1
centrations of the Atlantic Ocean water is
Sea this means that despite large net
ace a
l
re
a
5
increased. Major sources increasing the
carbon exports (from terrestrial sources)
ob
Surf
Gl
carbon contents of the Atlantic Ocean
to the North Sea, the Baltic Sea acts as a
0
0
Coral
Man-
Salt
Sea- Macro- Sedi-
water are the Baltic Sea and rivers (provi-
weak continental shelf pump, since a
Reefs groves Marshesgrasses algae
ments
(sublit.)
ding 73% of the net carbon import to the
major part of the atmospheric CO2 is
North Sea) and the atmosphere (27%).
transferred to the sediments, whereas in
Figure 2 - Global and specific respiration in
The uptake of atmospheric CO2 by the the North Sea it is almost entirely ex-
coastal benthic ecosystems and correspon-
North Sea amounts to 1.3 mol C m-2 a-1
ported to the North Atlantic Ocean. A
ding surface areas.
and is maintained by the above biological
mechanistic reason for this is given by
pump. The short flushing time and the
the circulation pattern, since the water is
The uncertainties of the bottom-up
bottom topography prevent almost slowly transported through the Baltic
approach presented here are related to the
entirely the final burial of POM (3% of
Sea while seasonal recycling and sedi-
diversity of benthic communities, aggre-
net export) and the entire CO2 draw-down mentation processes counteract high
gation problems necessary for upscaling,
caused by biological activity is available
export rates of "atmospheric" carbon to
limited availability of data and large
for export to the Atlantic Ocean (97% of
the North Atlantic Ocean. The Baltic Sea
variability within and among ecosys-
net export) being the ultimate driver for
thus serves as a collecting basin for fresh
tems. Compared to a recent world ocean
the CO2 uptake. This process is sup- water and terrestrial carbon, which
respiration estimate of 66 Pg C a-1 (del
ported by the above short flushing times
finally is injected via the Skagerrak to
Giorgio and Duarte, 2002) the relevance
constituting an efficient DIC removal
the North Sea (injection pump, Fig 3b),
of coastal seas, covering about 7% of the
out of the North Sea to the Atlantic
however the efficiency of the continental
world ocean's surface, in the global car-
Ocean. Thus, the North Sea can be seen
shelf pump here is much lower than in
bon cycle is evident, since they would
as a bypass pump (Fig. 3a), which in-
the North Sea, where the export is
contribute for approximately 11% to the
creases the carbon content of Atlantic
controlled by the rapid circulation and
world ocean respiration. Note that this
Ocean while it is circulated (bypassed)
shelf-type bottom topography [Thomas
estimate does not account for pelagic
through the North Sea.
et al., 2002 a, b]
respiration in the coastal seas [Middel-
In comparison, the water budget of the
burg et al., 2004].
brackish Baltic Sea is mostly controlled
We will continue to address latest advan-
by riverine inputs and to a lesser extent
cements in Coastal biogeochemistry in a
Thomas et al. (abstract no. EAE03-A-
by water exchange with the North Sea.
special session during the 1st EGU
01736) established carbon budgets for
Together both processes result in water
General Assembly to be held in Nice,
the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, both
renewal times of about 25 years. This France, 26-30 April 2004. For further
located in NW Europe and connected via
circulation pattern and the bottom topo-
information please visit:
the Skagerrak. The carbon budgets of
graphy with several deep basins allow
http://www.copernicus.org/.
both seas were used to establish two sedimentation of the POM produced by
different operational modes of the conti-
a) Bypass pump
b) Injection pump
nental shelf pump, which is thought to
transfer atmospheric CO2 to the open
oceans and might be seen as a biological
carbon pump. Phytoplankton produces
POM, which partly settles out to the sub-
surface layers. Here, the POM is remine-
ralised to dissolved inorganic carbon,
(DIC) and nutrients. If these subsurface
waters are circulated to the open ocean
the above DIC will be exported as well.
The efficiency of the continental shelf
pump is controlled by biological proces-
ses as well as by the hydrography and the
bottom topography of the individual
coastal sea, causing different operational
modes of the continental shelf pump.
The carbon budget describes the North Figure 3 - Different operational modes of the continental shelf pump in the North Sea (a) and
Sea as an overall autotrophic semi- the Baltic Sea (b).

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page 4
LOICZ NEWSLETTER
References:
sensitivity analyses will be undertaken
Darnaude, A.M. (2003). Apports "Catchment2Coast" linking
on the basic scenarios. By the end of the
fluviaux en zone côtière et réseaux
coastal resources variability
third phase, in which all analytical
trophiques marins benthiques: transfert
and river inputs in Africa
exercises thus far will be integrated, the
de matière organique particulaire
modeling platforms will be linked. It
terrigène jusqu'aux poissons plats au
Pedro Monteiro* and Sue Matthews
should then be possible to identify the
large du Rhône. PhD Thesis, Université
most important forcing factors in bio-
Aix-Marseille II: 373 p.
Catchment2Coast is an interdisciplinary,
physical functioning of the catchment
Darnaude A.M., Salen-Picard C.,
multi-institutional modelling research
that affect the economics of shrimping in
Polunin N.V.C., and Harmelin-Vivien,
project, which aims to improve the Maputo Bay.
M.L. (2003). Transfer of terrestrial scientific understanding of the linkages
organic matter into marine coastal food
between river catchments and their asso-
The complexity of the approach can be
webs through depositivorous polychaetes
ciated coastal environments. Supported
seen in the various modeling platforms
elucidated by stable isotopes off the
by EU-INCO it took off in October 2002.
involved:
Rhone River delta (Gulf of Lions, NW
· River hydrology and water quality ­
Mediterranean). subm. to Oecologia.
The general objective of Catchment2
aims to simulate the impacts of land-
delGiorgio, P.A., and Duarte, C.M.
Coast is to design, implement and vali-
use changes and catchment manage-
(2002). Total respiration and the organic
date a generic integrated planning and
ment on hydrology and water quality;
carbon balance of the open ocean.
management support system for linked
· Groundwater hydrology and water
Nature, 420: 379-384.
catchment­coast systems in southern
quality processes in the Incomati estu-
Middelburg, J.J., Duarte, C.M., and
Africa, which can also be implemented
ary ­ aims to reveal the influence of
Gattuso, J.-P., 2004, Respiration in coastal
beyond the region. This project aims to
groundwater quantity and quality on
benthic communities. pp. xxx-yyy. In
adopt a systems thinking approach as the
the estuarine mangrove habitat;
P.A., del Giorgio, and P.J. le B., Williams,
basis for a set of diagnostic and predictive
· Coastal-estuarine hydrodynamics and
[eds] "Respiration in Aquatic Eco-
tools with explicit dynamic capabilities in
physical processes in Maputo Bay ­
systems", OUP, Oxford.
respect of the aquatic environment. These
aiming to capture the interaction of
Salen-Picard, C., Darnaude, A.M.,
capabilities will promote sustainable
river flow regimes with coastal water
Arlhac, D. and Harmelin-Vivien, M.L.
resource management on a whole catch-
stratification and effects on coastal
(2002). Fluctuations of macrobenthic
ment basis, specifically including the
resources;
populations: a link between climate
coastal zone. This project also aims to i)
· Sediment and water column biogeo-
variability, run-off and coastal fisheries.
strengthen the regional aquatic system
chemistry in Maputo Bay
Oecologia, 133: 380-388.
scientific capabilities; ii) strengthen the
· Mangrove ecosystem-habitat health
Thomas, H., Bozec, Y., deBaar,
links between aquatic scientists and
and function in the Incomati estuary ­
H.J.W., Elkalay, K., Frankignoulle, M.,
resource economists; and iii) strengthen
tries to use a mangrove ecosystem
Kühn, W., Lenhart, H.J., Moll, A.,
collaboration between scientific institu-
model (including the nursery functions
Pätsch, J., Radach, G., Schiettecatte, L.-
tions in South Africa, Mozambique and
for shrimp stocks) as the receiving
S. and Borges, A. (2002b). Carbon and
Swaziland supported by specialist module for other outputs aiming to esti-
nutrient budgets of the North Sea and
interactions with European partners.
mate shrimp production under different
Thomas, H., Pempkowiak, J., Wulff, F.
The project uses as a case study the
catchment management scenarios
and Nagel, K. (2002a). Carbon and
Maputo Bay-Incomati river system in
· Ecology of commercially exploited
nutrient budgets of the Baltic Sea. Both
Mozambique. The case study focuses on
shrimp resources in Maputo Bay ­
in: L. Atkinson, K.K. Liu, R. Quinones,
the shrimp industry, which supports the
linking above information to estimate
L. Talaue-McManus (eds.). Carbon and
livelihood of some 3000 artisanal and
maximum sustainable yield and
nutrient fluxes in global continental mar-
semi-industrial fishers (value of catches
recruitment;
gins, Springer, New York, accepted.
estimated to equal US$ 3.5 million in the
· Resource economics modeling of
early 1990ies). The focus will be on the
shrimp production in Maputo Bay ­
Contact details:
influence of runoff and material loads
aims to estimate and express coastal
1 Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research
from the Incomati and Maputo river
ecosystem and resource goods and
(NIOZ)
catchments on shrimp production in the
services variability in monetary terms
Department of Marine Chemistry and Geology
bay. The project comprises three phases,
· Integration of models and systems
P.O. Box 59, NL-1790 AB Den Burg, Texel
the first of which sets up numerical plat-
analysis ­ aims to provide a cost
The Netherlands, hthomas@nioz.nl
forms using existing data sets to
effective tool deriving from the links
constrain model parameters, boundary
between the model platforms and
2 Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche
conditions and process calibration. Each
enabling a number of scenarios that
CNRS-Université de Paris 6, B.P. 28
of the modeling platforms will then be
will provide information on impacts
F-06234 Villefranche-sur-mer Cedex
France, gattuso@obs-vlfr.fr
used to undertake sensitivity analyses to
and critical flows for sustainable
identify the most important gaps in data
goods and services of the coastal eco-
3 Department of Ecology, CICESE
and understanding. Following will be a
system. This is the part where the
P.O. Box 434844
co-ordinated field measurement pro-
policy and management interface will
San Diego, CA 92143-4844
gram, together with the platforms using
be located nourished by scientifically
USA, svsmith@cicese.mx
scenarios defined at stakeholders'
underpinned recommendations. Trans-
workshop. The data collected over three
ferability to other tropical regions is
seasons will be used for verification, and
anticipated.

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page 5
LOICZ NEWSLETTER
Catchment2Coast relies on a partnership
efforts to budget nutrient fluxes in coastal
In addition to this publication, infor-
between six institutions in southern
water bodies (see for example NL 4, 10,
mation related to these results was
Africa and three centres in Europe. Those
21 and LOICZ R&S 24), we have derived
presented at the American Society of
are the CSIR South Africa, University of
an extended database of approximately
Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO)
Cape Town and Natal University from
165 sites for which dissolved inorganic
meeting in Salt Lake City in February
South Africa; University Eduardo Mond-
nutrient delivery to the coast can be esti-
and at the Estuarine Research Federation
lane and the Fisheries Research Institute-
mated nominally, for the late 1990's. For
(ERF) meeting in Seattle in September
IIP from Mozambique; and the Univer-
both dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN)
2003.
sity of Swaziland. The European partners
and dissolved inorganic phosphorus
are Delft Hydraulics, the Netherlands, the
(DIP), the logarithm of yield (that is,
Transiting towards a
University of Wales' School of Ocean
delivery/area of catchment) can be esti-
Sciences, United Kingdom, and the mated as functions of the logarithms of
"New" LOICZ
Institute of Marine Research, Portugal.
population density and runoff/area.
- outcomes of the 14th SSC
While other, more detailed regression
Meeting held in Banff, Canada,
While African partners will conduct most
models for nutrient delivery have been
19 and 24 June 2003 -
of the work, exchange with the European
developed, this one can be readily
collaborators will add specialised capa-
applied to the 0.5 degree gridded data
Facing the manifold challenges of a
bilities in process understanding and
available in the LOICZ typology data-
successful transition from a classical
modelling. Capacity building and training
base (see NL 3, 19 and R&S 24). It thus
scientific project towards an integrated,
of project members and postgraduate provides an estimate of the geographical
flexible and truly interdisciplinary
students form a key component. A rather
distribution of nutrient delivery from
research frame the LOICZ SSC in this
modern feature of the project, paralleling
land to the ocean.
14th Meeting, the first one of the "New"
other international efforts such as Euro-
The ratio of DIN:DIP delivery globally
LOICZ, has approved a set of major
Cat and daNUbs, is to strengthen the links
is rather constant, with a delivery ratio of
changes. Decisions made encompass its
between aquatic scientists and resource
about 18:1. This conclusion is consistent
own set up, restructuring of the IPO,
economists, and on the regional scale, to
with Meybeck's analysis. The global
collaboration with sponsors and parent-
encourage institutional collaboration in
loads for DIN and DIP are estimated to
ship within the ESSP (Earth System
the SADC region. The project aims to
be about 1300 and 70 x 109 mol y-1.
Science Programme) and in particular
engage an active media strategy allowing
These fluxes are about three times as large
the operational approach of the "New"
to communicate the findings on various
as Meybeck's estimates for the early
LOICZ in dealing with scientific issues.
levels including the stakeholder com-
1970's and about five times his estimates
The aim is to make LOICZ a rolling
munity (see also http://www.catchment2
of "pristine flux." While some of this synthesis mechanism with continuous
coast.org/). The project will showcase the
difference might be methodological, the
delivery of scientific products. They will
need for high-quality biophysical under-
observed direction of the difference (i.e.
be derived from a regularly reviewed and
standing, at the water-continuum scale, in
higher fluxes now than in the past) would
flexible agenda within a frame of five
developing ecosystem-based policy to
be expected to occur in response to overarching themes. The massive moun-
sustainably manage the interaction of
growing pollution from agriculture and
tains and the full kaleidoscope of land-
river catchments, coastal zones and their
other human activities.
scape and climatic features including
resources. This includes promoting more
This leads to two further observations.
shifts from 28 degree C down to summer
equitable water allocation, taking account
First, while there are places of very high
snowstorm conditions provided an in-
of renewable resources that depend on
nutrient delivery per unit area to the
spiring platform for discussions among
water flow and quality.
ocean, much of the world coastline still
our old and new member, who we had
receives relatively low delivery. Second,
the pleasure to introduce in NL 27.
* CSIR, P.O. Box 320, Stellenbosch 7599,
even though high delivery does occur in
The new approach is expected to foster
South Africa, e-mail: p.monteir@csir.co.za
response to various pollution sources,
fast delivery and responsive input to an
(summarised from South African Journal of
most nutrient mobilization on land (ferti-
advanced understanding of the Earth
Science 99, 2003)
lizer application, domestic waste, etc.)
System and its functions and processes
does not reach the ocean and can be said
as well as to the management and policy
to be assimilated on land.
relevant issues of the coastal people. This
On the way to synthesis:
These and related results are presented in
means to identify those priority issues
Humans, hydrology and coastal
more detail in the following publication: under each theme calling for immediate
nutrient loading ­ some key
analysis and synthesis in a regular review
results of the LOICZ global
S. V. Smith, D. P. Swaney, L. Talaue-
with the SSC, the wider LOICZ network
McManus, J. D. Bartley, P. T. Sandhei, C.
budgeting effort
and stakeholders and to address them in
McLaughlin, V. C. Dupra, C. J. Crossland,
a meaningful sequence ­ also subject to
Stephen V. Smith
R. W. Buddemeier, B. A Maxwell, F.
availability of capacities ­ per time. The
Wulff. 2003.Humans, hydrology, and the
SSC will be asked to identify (a) cham-
Most modern estimates of nutrient deli-
distribution of inorganic nutrient loading
pions for an individual topic and jointly
very to the oceans can be traced back to
to the ocean. BioScience. 53(3):235-245. find a way to lead it to a product within
Michel Meybeck's (1982) estimates
some 2 or 3 years.
based on approximately 30 large rivers.
An electronic version of the paper can be
QWaMPA is a rather simple and product
His estimates are for the period of the
found at: http://ecologia.cicese.mx/archi/
oriented set of supporting questions to be
early 1970's. As part of the LOICZ
svsmith-01.pdf.
applied for each of the topics individually.

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page 6
LOICZ NEWSLETTER
They will assist in identifying the appro-
teams are appropriate to enable fast track
engagement on an operational and
priate owners/stakeholders of a certain
targeted synthesis and product provision
exchange of knowledge base. A liaison
coastal change issue and the critical mass
in a reasonable time frame. They benefit
for LOICZ at the IHDP office has been
of scientific disciplines needed to provide
from co-sponsoring and extended scien-
appointed.
the answers to both, the Earth System
tific networking.
The LOICZ-IPO will maintain responsi-
Science community and the science
The SSC will be expanded to a maximum
bilities comparable to the situation
users. The goal is to enable integrative
of 25 full Members in order to provide for
during the first decade (LOICZ Imple-
science to underpin the decisions needed
the appropriate disciplinary and geo-
mentation Plan 1994 pp. 199-200). An
for better management. The QWaMPA
graphical coverage needed to handle an
earlier recommendation to establish a
questions are:
extended and flexible scientific agenda.
distributed IPO has been confirmed by
It will operate on the basis of an Executive
the SSC and IGBP. This option is
What is the Question?
Group of 7-8 people incl. theme currently being explored in light of
Who has the questions and Why (and
champions, the chair and vice chair and a
sponsorship opportunities and sponsors'
Who should be involved to answer it)?
member likely to be appointed from
comments. A distributed IPO with 3 to 5
What is the state of the art answer to the
IHDP. Recognising that core funding
nodes located in different countries is
questions? (does it need more scientific
from parentprogram/s will remain on
expected to not only increase the visi-
attention? and if:)
past levels, annual SSC Meetings will
bility and effectiveness of the future
What's the best Method to address the
invite only up to 15 members including
LOICZ in particular on regional scale,
questions and get a more elaborate the Executive Group. An additional
but to offer greater opportunities in
answer? (this includes approaches, selection of 7 to 8 SSC Members to reach
accessing regional funding. Each node is
techniques, and tools needed)
the 15 can be invited in a flexible fashion.
represented by a Project Officer (expec-
What are the Products to be expected?
This will allow us to generate the approp-
ted to be allied to at least one particular
What's the final Answer to the original
riate critical mass of related scientific
global theme of LOICZ) and receives
question and how best to communicate it?
expertise needed for addressing the office support. An Executive Officer and
priority agenda items. Thus the extended
project Administrative Manager will be
The 5 guiding themes presented earlier
SSC of 25 full Members will provide
located at one of the nodes. The Exe-
(NL 24) have been subject to iterative
much better flexibility and improved
cutive Officer has responsibility for the
scientific and institutional review invol-
regional engagement. 4 Members are
IPO as a whole. It is proposed that this
ving an active exchange with and input
expected to be recommended by IHDP.
structure will be achieved during the
from the human dimensions community
An unlimited group of "Corresponding
transition phase, 2003-5. A Deputy Exe-
in a joint LOICZ/IHDP "science plan
Members" can be invited upon recom-
cutive Officer function to support this
scoping team". In Banff the following
mendation of the SSC and those earlier
transition will soon be established at the
version was approved, putting theme 5
involved can get an "Ex Officio" Status.
central IPO node on Texel. Since mid
"Towards system sustainability and
This new structure has been agreed on at
2003 a first regional/thematic IPO node
resource management" in the position of
the SSC in consulting with IGBP.
has been established and started opera-
an overarching platform cutting across
Discussions with IHDP on a parentship
tions at the Nanyang Technological
all the other four:
agreement with LOICZ and the joint
University, Environmental Engineering
"science plan scoping team" are consi-
Research Centre (Prof. Lawrence Koe,
Theme 1 ­ River basin deliveries to the
dered to be a very positive development,
(ccckoe@ntu.edu.sg); further options
coastal zone and human dimensions
although final formal agreements will be
are explored among other countries in
Theme 2 ­ Coastal development and
subject to internal IHDP SC decisions in
particular Germany, Australia, the USA,
change: implications of land and sea use
2004. For the immediate future we have
China and Sri Lanka. An extended
Theme 3 ­ Fate and transformation of
agreed on a "semi"-parentship enabling
generous funding agreement with the
materials in coastal and shelf waters
Theme 4 ­ Vulnerability of Coastal
Systems and Human Safety
This restructuring underlines that the
scientific community has given priority
to the sustainability and management
related research topics interfacing with
the human dimensions (see Figure ).
Collaboration with other projects is an
obvious need and will be tailored accor-
ding to the requirements per topic.
IMBER, SOLAS, GLOBEC, and the
HD projects are appreciated and obvious
partners, so will be LAND; others will
be considered on a case by case basis.
Joint working groups, such as the
recently approved SCOR/LOICZ group
on sediment retention processes in
estuaries (see next NL 29) and joint task

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page 7
LOICZ NEWSLETTER
Dutch sponsors enables LOICZ to main-
replied to us by using the reader
tain the central IPO at the Royal Dutch
survey or who will do so after this issue
WHAT'S ON THE WWWEB
Institute for Sea Research on Texel until
of the LOICZ newsletter. The reader
the end of 2005 after which this office
survey is still available on our web-site
Web-sites on Biogeochemical Budgets
will have to move elsewhere. IGFA has
at http://www.nioz.nl/loicz/firstpages/
and Modelling, Typology, the typological
been informed and agreed to address this
fp-newsletters.htm. Of course it is also
clustering tool LOICZView, Basins,
critical issue accordingly to seek a possible to send us an e-mail and
Deltas Management & South-Asia
solution. The SSC and IPO expect that
inform us whether you would like to
Coastal Fluxes are accessible via the
with these decisions a solid foundation
keep receiving the newsletter as a hard
LOICZ web-site: www.nioz.nl/loicz
supporting the transition towards the
copy.
"New" LOICZ can be established.
We anticipate that the future mailing
New/useful information on IGCP-475
database will thus be improved to activities and meetings related to
function as a growing platform of shallow marine sedimentology provided
actively involved scientists, policy-
by the Asian Deltas Project of
IPO NOTES
makers, managers and people with a
GSJ/AIST Home Page:
general interest in LOICZ activities.
http://unit.aist.go.jp/mre/mre-cev/
ADP/ADP_en/a_index_en.html
Important announcement
Action to be taken by you, THE
NEWSLETTER READER
READER: if you haven't responded yet,
PUBLICATIONS
SURVEY
please download the reader survey and
send it back to us, or send us an e mail!
To investigate the involvement of the
LOICZ R & S volumes are downloadable
LOICZ Newsletter readers, a survey was
Action to be taken by LOICZ: as of
from the LOICZ web-site. For hard
conducted as part of NL 25 with a
next year's first newsletter (No. 30), all
copies (as long as stocks last) e-mail:
second call in NL 26. From the results
individual members (excluding institu-
loicz@nioz.nl
we can conclude the following: about
tions and sponsoring organisations)
17% (some 450) of the readers have
who have not approached us will auto-
Collaborative Learning Initiatives in
responded which indicates that they are
matically be removed from the mailing
Integrated Coastal Management.
active and interested in LOICZ. News-
database.
Nickerson, Donna and Stephen B. Olsen.
letter information is used for individual
2003. Coastal Management Report #
LOICZ related research or teaching USE THIS OPPORTUNITY - LET
2239.
purposes. Some very constructive
US KNOW NOW!
Available electronic at: www.crc.uri.edu.
suggestions were made to increase the
For more information contact: Coastal
effectiveness and usefulness of this
Resources Center, University of Rhode
medium. For instance increasing the
Island, Narragansett Bay Campus, South
HAVE YOU SEEN
attractiveness and using the newsletter as
Ferry Road, Narragansett, Rhode Island
a showroom for science highlights and
02882 USA. Tel: (+1-401) 874 6224.
as an enabling mechanism for better Call for nominations: Dr A.H. Heine-
Fax: (+1 401) 798 4670.
global networking. We wish to express
ken Prize for Environmental Science
E-mail: communicatons@crc.uri.edu
our gratitude to those of you who have
2004 ($150.000,-). Every other year the
taken the time to respond and make
Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and
The Special Issue of Fisheries Oceano-
these meaningful suggestions.
Sciences (KNAW) awards this prize for
graphy, including a selection of papers
However, we know there are a lot more of
outstanding scientific achievements in
presented at the 2nd GLOBEC Open
active LOICZ scientists out there, who
the field of environmental research.
Science Meeting, Qingdao, October
unfortunately may not have had a chance
Scientists as well as scientific institu-
2002, is published as Volume 12: Issue
to respond. To seriously improve our tions can nominate candidates who have
45, September 2003.
product and optimise the involvement of
made a major contribution towards the
Full contents of the issue available at
our readers we provide this final oppor-
improvement of the relation between
http://www.blackwellpublishing.com.jo
tunity for all these readers to do so now!
man and his environment within the
urnals/fog/
Since the "New" LOICZ will attract a
filed of the natural, technical or social
whole group of scientists from new dis-
sciences. Please visit: www.knaw.nl/
LOICZ/IGBP/IHDP
ciplines and regions we wish to narrow
heinekenprizes/prizes_env.html
CALENDER
down the database to our active readers
and give the new entries the opportunity
3 June-1 July 2004, Rhode Island,
to become part of such an active group of
USA: Summer Institute in Coastal
For a complete list of future meetings
responding scientists. Obviously the
Management 2004. Contact: Kimberly
and regular updates visit our web-site at
newsletter will remain available on our
Kaine (kkaine@gso.uri.edu) and/or
www.nioz.nl/loicz and click on `Calendar'
web-site for all others, so a widespread
visit: http://www.crc.uri.edu
global community will be reached.
2-5 December 2003 Morelia, Mexico:
Therefore the IPO and SSC Chair Funding Opportunity from European
Land Open Science Conference. The
decided that the first newsletter of
Science Foundation (ESF).
More science plan and implementation
2004 (NL 30) will only be sent to those
information can be found on the EFS
strategy for the new LAND project of
readers who either have already
web-site: www.esf.org
IGBP and IHDP will be presented and

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page 8
LOICZ NEWSLETTER
discussed. A Preceding Global Change
Cycle. Visit: http://www.gns.cri.nz/news/
Call for Papers: General session G-21.04
and Terrestrial Ecosytems (GCTE) conferences/igcp/ or contact: Francesco
Coastal and Deltaic Depositional
Symposium will be held on the 1st of
Chiocci, francesco.chiocci@uniromal.it
Systems. Contact Prof. A. Colella at
December. For more information visit
or Allan Chivas, toschi@uow.edu.au
albinacolella@virgilio.it
http: www.oikos.unam.mx/landOSC and
or fax: +39 0971 206077.
the web-sites of GCTE:
13-18 January 2004, Bangkok, Thai-
http://www.gcte.org and LUCC:
land: Fifth International Conference on
25-28 August 2004,
Stockholm,
www.geo.ucl.ac.be/LUCC/lucc.html
Asian Marine Geology. (ICAMG-V). The
Sweden: Euroscience Open Forum. For
fist circular of the IGCP-475 and the
an introduction, background and
18-20 October 2004 Dunedin, New
second circular of ICAMG-V are available
intentions go to http://www.esf.org/
Zealand: Making Connections: Cross-
from http://www.gsj.jp/HomePage.html.
generic/598/esof.pdf.
boundary Coastal Management. The
15-20 January 2004, Bangkok &
For more information and updates please
2004 Annual Conference of the New
Ayutthaya,
Thailand:
Joint Inter-
visit: www.esf2004.org
Zealand Coastal Society. Incorporating a
national Conference and First Annual
LOICZ workshop in association with the
Meeting of IGCP-475 DeltaMAP and
12-16 October 2004, Nanjing, China:
New Zealand IGBP Committee, `The
APN Project on the Mega Deltas of Asia. The 3rd International Nitrogen Confe-
Impact of Major Dams, Diversions and
For both conferences the deadline for
rence. Deadline for abstracts December
Water Abstraction on Coastal Sedi-
registration, pre-payment of registration
2003. Visit: www.issas.ac.cn/n2004 or
mentation in New Zealand'. Conference
fee, excursions, hotel reservations and
e-mail: n2004@ns.issas.ac.cn
Web-site: www.coastalsociety.org.nz/
abstract submission is: 1 November 2003.
conference2004.htm
1-3 September 2004, Bergen, Norway:
15-20 February 2004,
Honolulu,
Open Science Conference Bjerknes
Hawaii: ASLO/TOS Ocean Research
Centenary 2004: Climate Change in
OTHER MEETINGS
Conference. With special attention for
High Latitudes.
the following Special Session: SS5.15:
Visit: http://www.bjerknes. uib.no/
27-30 October 2003, Kiev, Ukaine: 30th
Biogeochemical Processes Within
conference2004/ , inquiries:
Pacem in Maribus - A Year after Johan-
Freshwater Influenced Coastal
conference2004@bjerknes.uib.no
nesburg. Ocean Governance and Sustai-
Systems. Organizer: Joseph E. Salis-
nable Development: Ocean and Coast - a
bury, University of New Hampshire
4-9 September 2004, Christchurch,
Glimpse into the future. Conference of
(joe.salisbury@unh. edu).
New Zealand: 8th International Global
the International Ocean Institute.
For information visit: http://aslo.org/
Atmospheric Chemistry Conference.
For information visit:
honolulu2004/submission.html.
Visit: www.IGAConference2004.co.nz.
http://www.30pim.sevinfo.net
Deadline for submission of abstracts:
1 October 2003
IPO STAFF
4-7 November 2003, Port Macquarie,
Australia: 12th NSW Coastal Con-
19-21 May 2004, Singapore: 2nd Inter-
ference. Visit: http://www.hastings.nsw.
national Conference and Exhibition on
gov.au/coastalconference
Ballast Water Management (ICBWM)
Hartwig Kremer
organised by the Institute of Environ-
Executive Officer
10-14 November 2003, St. Petersburg,
mental Science & Engineering (IESE).
Hester Whyte
Russia: 4th Arctic Coastal Dynamics
Visit: www.iese.ntu.sg/ballast2004
Office Manager
Workshop: Coastal Geology, Cryology,
Morphodynamics, and Biodiversity.
30 May-4 June 2004, Honolulu,
Visit: www.awi-potsdam.de/www-pot/
Hawaii: The Eleventh Pacific Congress
geo/acd.html or e-mail Volker Rachold
on Marine Science and Technologie,
LOICZ International Project
at: vrachold@awi-potsdam.de
PACON 2004 (20th Anniversary): New
Office
Technologies, New Opportunities.
Royal Netherlands Institute
3-6 December 2003, Rome, Italy: Joint
Visit: www.hawaii.edu/pacon
for Sea Research
Commission on groundwater-Seawater
Interactions Executive meeting during
20-25 June 2004, Ballina, Australia:
PO Box 59
the Basis of Civilization Water Science
ECSA 37 - ERF 2004 Conference:
1790 AB Den Burg - Texel
Symposium.
Estuaries and Change. Second Announ-
The Netherlands
For information please contact Annette
cement and Call for Abstracts. For more
Kimmich at kimmich@bluewin.ch
information please visit: http://scu.edu.
au/ecsa37erf2004conference
Phone: +31-222 369404
15-20 December 2003, Wollongong,
Fax: +31-222 369430
Australia:
International Geological
20-28 August 2004, Florence, Italy:
E-mail: loicz@nioz.nl
Correlation Programme (IGCP)-project
The 32nd
International Geological
#464-3rd Annual Conference: Conti-
Congress. For information about the
nental Shelves during the Last Glacial
congress visit http://www.32igc.org/.
www.nioz.nl/loicz/
A CORE PROJECT OF THE
I
G
B
P
INTERNATIONAL GEOSPHERE-BIOSPHERE PROGRAMME

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