March 2004
http://www.loicz.org
No. 30
Why Global NEWS?
Links and partners for the
· Humans have dramatically altered the
"New" LOICZ:
earth's nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P),
Global Nutrient Export from Watersheds
silica (Si), and carbon (C) cycles,
(Global NEWS)
resulting in considerable coastal
environmental degradation (e.g.,
LOICZ does not work in isolation and
increased algal growth and harmful
looks to introduce other efforts or agencies
blooms, alteration and loss of seagrass
that, while operating formally outside the
habitats, increase in extent and duration
LOICZ core project, work on common
of anoxic and hypoxic water, and coral
issues and are worth considering as
reef degradation.)
mutual partners in the implementation of
· Sources of nutrients entering the coastal
the "New" LOICZ. In the following
zone such as fertilizer use, sewage,
paragraphs we feature the Global NEWS
livestock production, and fossil fuel
task force. Global NEWS investigates the
combustion are projected to increase
links between anthropogenic drivers/
rapidly over the next decades.
pressures on land and nutrient loading to
· Uneven spatial distribution of human
coastal waters, which are reflected in
population, agriculture, and industrial
changing coastal ecosystem structure and
This is the thirtieth
activity leads to spatial differences in
function. NEWS aims to provide scientific
newsletter of the Land Ocean
nutrient inputs to coastal ecosystems
understanding of this coupling through
Interactions in the Coastal Zone
(Fig. 1).
the development of sophisticated models.
(LOICZ) International Project of
· Future nutrient export to the coastal zone
Mutual agendas and fields for cooperation
the IGBP. It is produced quarterly
is likely to be spatially diverse as well,
with the "New" LOICZ occur in the area
to provide news and information
with enormous relative and absolute
of model evaluation and further develop-
regarding LOICZ activities
increases concentrated in developing
ment, i.e. at the interface of LOICZ themes
regions such as Africa, South America,
3-4, including the evaluation of the filter
and Eastern and Southern Asia (Fig. 2).
functions in estuaries and in translating
Oceanographic Commission (IOC) (with
Increases are also predicted for Eastern
this information to inform management
co-sponsorship by UNEP, US-NSF, and
Europe and N. America.
and policy, (LOICZ Theme 5). The global
US-NOAA). The primary aim of Global
· Previous spatially explicit global models
character of NEWS is likely to facilitate
NEWS is to construct and apply the next
of nutrient export have focused on a
the further development of the LOICZ
generation of spatially explicit, global nu-
single element or nutrient form. Because
typology database and, classification of
trient export models. Dr Sybil Seitzinger of
the relative availability of different
coastal areas against their land/water use
Rutgers University's Institute of Coastal
nutrients and different nutrient forms
nutrient change characteristics. Another
and Marine Sciences is the chair of this
(dissolved vs. particulate, inorganic vs.
important field of cooperation between
workgroup.
organic) can influence ecosystem
LOICZ and NEWS may be the develop-
response, single element approaches are
ment and application of scenarios to better
understand how coastal systems are likely
DIN Export from Watersheds to Coastal Systems
to respond to anthropogenic change. This
will be a priority task in the "New"
LOICZ and relevant also to our long
lasting co-operation with IOC, e.g., in the
implementation of the coastal GOOS:
What Is Global NEWS?
Global NEWS is an international, inter-
disciplinary, scientific taskforce, focused
on understanding the relationship
between human activity and coastal
nutrient enrichment. Global NEWS was
formed in spring of 2002 as a workgroup
Figure 1 - Nitrogen (inorganic N) export from watersheds to coastal systems.
of UNESCO's Intergovernmental
units: kg N km-2 watershed y-1. (S.P. Seitzinger and C. Kroeze 1998.)
A CORE PROJECT OF THE
I
G
B
P
INTERNATIONAL GEOSPHERE-BIOSPHERE PROGRAMME
page 2
LOICZ NEWSLETTER
often insufficient to predict ecosystem
Project Co-chairs
(ii) bringing out the niche of the "New"
vulnerability or response. NEWS will
S. Seitzinger, Rutgers University, USA,
project more visibly. The SSC Chair and
take a multi-element, multi-form ap-
A.F. Bouwman, RIVM, Netherlands, IPO have engaged with the whole LOICZ
proach to generate improved scientific
N. Caraco, Institute Ecosystem Studies,
SSC and, in particular, the designated
understanding and management tools.
USA, D. Conley, National Envir. Res.
theme leaders to revise the document
Inst., Denmark, J. Garnier, UMR Sisyphe,
looking specifically at (i) state of the
Goals of Global NEWS
France, J. Harrison, Rutgers University,
science, (ii) gaps identified and, (iii)
· Development of next generation of USA, C. Kroeze, Univ. Wageningen,
thematic prioritisation. In common with
spatially explicit, multi-element (N, P,
Netherlands, W. Ludwig, Univ. Perpignan,
other draft project plans, IGBP has
Si, and C), multi-form model systems
France
appointed two SC members, Sybil Seit-
to predict nutrient transport to coastal
zinger and Seth Krishnaswami, to assist
systems as a function of natural For more information about Global NEWS
LOICZ to finalise the document. We aim
processes and human activities on the
and other partners involved, please visit
to have the revised draft ready for circu-
landscape
http://marine.rutgers.edu/globalnews/.
lation by the end of May allowing the 15th
· Advance understanding of the relation-
If you would like to contribute river
LOICZ SSC Meeting, to be hosted by the
ships between human activities and
nutrient or discharge data to Global
Singapore IPO Node between 4-5 June, to
natural processes on land and nutrient
NEWS, please contact Dr John Harrison at
finally review the draft and produce a final
inputs to coastal systems
harrison@imcs.rutgers.edu.
version for circulation to the IGBP in July.
· Analysis of past, current, and future
scenarios
We wish to express our sincere thanks for
· Inform environmentally sound eco-
IGBP SC, Moscow, approves in
all the valuable comments received. They
nomic development, particularly in
principle the "New" LOICZ
came from the joint LOICZ/IHDP scoping
developing regions, through improve-
draft Science Plan/
team as well as from within and beyond
ment and distribution of scientific
the LOICZ SSC irrespective of having put
Implementation Strategy;
understanding and analysis of nutrient
tremendous pressure on people in the
sources and fates at the regional scale
IHDP SC in Bonn
final phase of drafting. We hope that this
(e.g., through links with the UNEP-
considers scientific partnership
last effort will generate the broadest
Mediterranean Action Plan and
with LOICZ
possible joint ownership by the science
UNESCO/IOC)
and user community. Our special thanks
· Career development for postdoctoral
Based on the last version (No. 11) of the
also go to the IGBP and IHDP secretariats
fellows and training for graduate LOICZ Futures Document, drafted after
which circulated the document imme-
students
the Banff SSC Meeting in June 2003, a
diately to their team experts.
first official "Draft Science Plan and
Possible Applications
Implementation Strategy" for the "New"
Subsequently, by invitation, the IPO also
· Identification of areas prone to nutrient
LOICZ has emerged. Following IGBP's
presented the draft plan at the IHDP SC
over-enrichment and ranking of peer review process, the document was
held in Bonn, Germany, 22-24 March.
potential sources
recently presented to the IGBP SC for
This derived as a logical consequence
· Explanation of regional patterns in
approval. We are glad to say that during
from earlier considerations about mutual
coastal nutrient enrichment
this meeting, held in Moscow 2-5 March,
agendas and potential for a scientific
· Prediction and mitigation of environ-
the document received in principle appro-
partnership with LOICZ. Tracing back to
mental impacts of nutrient over-
val subject to some editorial change.
1999, they entered the level of SC
enrichment (e.g., occurrence of harm-
Reviewers comments (3 from IGBP and considerations in Banff in 2003. Supported
ful algal blooms)
3 from experts engaged by IHDP) were
by the chairs of the LOICZ SSC, Han
· Evaluation of potential environmental
very positive in general. More specific
Lindeboom (until 2003), Liana Talaue
impacts of economic and policy comments centre around issues of (i)
McManus (from 2004), and the IGBP
decisions at the national, regional, and
strengthening the rational for the themes
(Guy Brasseur), and based on the strong
global levels.
and topics for LOICZ' future work, and
and serious interest in a close scientific
partnership with IHDP, the IHDP SC
discussed the matter of how LOICZ can
DIN Export by Rivers for World Regions 1990 and 2050 (BAU Scenario)
be value adding to the global efforts of
16
human dimensions sciences. In return
LOICZ is expected to benefit from a
14
formalised relation with the HD
12
community that would seem pivotal to
accomplishing the complex inter-
10
-1
disciplinary goals of its science plan. We
8
are looking forward to IHDP's decision
2050
regarding the shape and timelines for such
TgNyr
6
1990
a partnership link, which will also be
4
reflected in membership of initially 4 HD
experts in the LOICZ SSC.
2
0
The meeting provided an excellent forum
North
Sourth
Africa
Europe
North
Eastern
Southern
to present and discuss initial plans for
America
America
east Asia
Asia
Asia
joint activities with the IHDP SC and core
Figure 2 - Predicted increases in N export to coastal systems by the year 2050 under a Business
projects. We are grateful for this oppor-
as Usual (BAU) scenario. Model predictions from C. Kroeze and S. P. Seitzinger. 1998.
tunity. In addition LOICZ continued a
page 3
LOICZ NEWSLETTER
series of substantial considerations with
economic drivers and impacts as well as
in research, education, capacity building
interfacing projects of the ESSP, such as
biophysical, biogeochemical fluxes in order
and consultancy, particularly in the area of
the GWSP and GECAFS, that had started
to analyse human dimensions of major
science underpinning management, and is
in Moscow. This process is ongoing and
biophysical and biogeochemical changes
well known for its association with the
will considerably assist the SSC to clearly
in catchments. It has to have both a retro-
MSc programme in tropical coastal
identify and communicate the niche for
spective and future oriented part, which in
management offered by the University of
the "New" LOICZ.
the end should cater for the development of
Newcastle: these activities are been
scenarios for strong vs. weak sustainability
continued by Envision. Martin brings to
options. The workshop participants LOICZ a wide experience of working
AfriCat I
recognised the need to improve practices
with coastal scientists, academics
Synthesis and Futures Meeting,
within three broad areas:
Governmental and non-Governmental
Mombasa, Kenya, 16-18 February
1. Identifying user-friendly indicators/
officers developing capacity to address
thresholds for state changes in the
the multiple scales of coastal issues and
The New Partnership for African Develop-
coastal zone.
stakeholder conflict in the coastal zone
ment, NEPAD, Coastal and Marine 2. Validating socio-economic linkages to
across the spectrum of science to manage-
Sub-theme office in Nairobi, hosted the
coastal change.
ment, as well as a broad network of con-
START/LOICZ AfriCat I Synthesis and
3. Elucidating environmental system
tacts to contribute to the "New" LOICZ.
Futures Meeting supported by local
functioning.
His work has led to keen interest in the
organizer, IOC Mombasa, UNESCO-IHP
application of science to the management
and START. The meeting invited the The NEPAD representative, Mr Ali
of the coastal zone that has resulted in
AfriCat I principal investigators, together
Mohamed, concluded by underlining the
programmes to design and implement
with a broad African and international
need for expanding the AfriCat process
capacity building courses, work related
community of scientists/ projects as well as
and networks and using this as a platform
learning and curricula for Government
a number of institutions from within and
to inform the formulation and implemen-
organisations, academics and NGOs for
beyond the UN system. Damming of river
tation of the NEPAD action plan, in parti-
integrated coastal management.
systems in response to increasing fresh-
cular the Coastal and Marine Sub theme.
Martin graduated from the University of
water and energy demand was reviewed as
A future strengthening of the role of the
Newcastle with a degree in Zoology. He
a key major driver of coastal change
"New" LOICZ in Africa, including options
took a one year programme in teacher
against a background of climate change.
to establish an IPO Node, are under consi-
training before studying for a PhD
Based on the draft synthesis papers sub-
deration and will be endorsed by NEPAD.
investigating the formation of skeletons
mitted by the four AfriCat I PI's covering
The collaboration with START, IOC and
by corals, a theme that he continued in
· the Sebou and Moulouya rivers in IHP is seen to provide a fruitful and strong
post-doctoral positions at the Universities
Morocco, both of which have been
mechanism in this respect. The results of
of Reading and Newcastle. His studies
dammed;
the AfriCat pilot project are now in a peer
have broadened to include the ecology
· the Senegal River, dammed in its lower
review and publication of the case studies
and ecophysiology of corals particularly
course;
and a synthesis is foreseen for 2004 with
in response to environmental change. The
· the Tana and Sabaki rivers in Kenya, the
editing support provided by LOICZ and
benefits of studying corals and coral reefs
former having been dammed; and
Mr Russell Arthurton.
have included ample opportunity to travel
· the Rufiji River in Tanzania, for which
and work with scientists and organisations
damming has been proposed,
throughout South and South-East Asia,
the scientists identified common and
the Middle East and the Caribbean.
IPO NOTES
integrative as well as individual features
Martin will split his time between the IPO
between the studies and developed a
at Texel, the Netherlands and Newcastle
ranking of catchment-based coastal issues
when not travelling in support of LOICZ
and change trends. At the same time the
ensuring that the transition to the "New"
participating stakeholder agencies and
LOICZ and establishment of IPO Nodes
policy makers provided their ranking of the
leads to a programme every bit as
issues based also on the priorities for infor-
successful and more as the "Old" LOICZ.
mation needs. Though there was broad
agreement between the findings of the two
approaches, with priority being put on
First LOICZ Regional Thematic
coastal salinisation and geomorphological
IPO Node in Singapore
change, views and priorities differed in
detail and in individual catchments. Adap-
As the Land-Ocean Interactions in the
tation strategies and a need to properly
Martin Le Tissier
Coastal Zone (LOICZ) crosses into its
inform management on sustainability
joins LOICZ IPO
second decade of addressing key global
options ranked particularly high in the
system research in land-ocean pro-
views of the agency/policymaker group.
LOICZ has a new Deputy Executive grammes, its core strategic thrust is to
Officer who comes with the backing of a
direct its efforts towards bridging the gap
In order to determine the nature of future
spin-out environmental consultancy between biogeochemistry, coastal system
research needs, the workshop also conside-
company from the University of New-
functioning and the human dimension.
red the methodologies and tools; structures
castle upon Tyne UK. Martin Le Tissier is
Five different themes, have been drawn up
and management; organisation and seconded from Envision Partners LLP a
for the next decade: 1) Vulnerability of
institutional arrangements; funding and
new environmental consultancy company
Coastal Systems and Hazards to Human
mechanisms that would be needed for a
that formed from the Centre for Coastal
Societies; 2) Implications of Global
research programme. The design should
Management (CCM) at the University of
Change and Land and Sea Use on Coastal
aim to improve linkages between socio-
Newcastle. CCM had a long track record
Development; 3) Anthropogenic Influences
page 4
LOICZ NEWSLETTER
on the River Catchment and Coastal Zone
establish a focal point for upstream
Second LOICZ Regional
Interaction; 4) Fate and Transformation of
research & development in environmental
Materials in Coastal and Shelf Waters;
engineering and to develop appropriate
Thematic IPO Node
and 5) Towards Coastal System Sustain-
environmental technologies and inno-
to be established in Germany
ability by Managing Land-Ocean Inter-
vative approaches to cater to the national
actions. These themes would act as a
and regional needs. It also acts as a
Planning for a second LOICZ IPO Node
backbone of the scientific activities.
regional environmental engineering
has reached a final phase. In principle
To assist in the implementation of research
resource and technology transfer centre
approval was received from the GKSS
initiatives under the "New" LOICZ through organizing regular conferences,
Research Centre in Geesthacht, Germany,
(2003-2012), a regional IPO Node has
exhibitions and training courses and
some 50 km upstream of the city of
been established in Singapore at the
workshops. Covering a combined area of
Hamburg at the banks of the Elbe river. As
Environmental Engineering Research
more than 13,200 sq ft of laboratory and
with other Regional/Thematic IPO Nodes,
Centre (EERC) of the Nanyang Techno-
research space, the centre has a wide range
the German Node will represent a national
logical University (NTU). Managed by
of scientific and laboratory equipment. In
and institutional commitment to support
the centre, a full-time Research Executive
February 2003, another research centre has
the implementation of the "New" LOICZ.
is supporting the operation of this Node.
been set up in the new $40 million state-of-
The regional focus beyond core Europe
the-art Research Technoplaza in NTU.
should include the new independent states
The Singapore Node aims to link the
in Eastern Europe and the Arctic.
regional scientists to the global LOICZ
The Centre is under the direction of GKSS is one of 15 national research
activities. Its role is to coordinate regional
Professor Lawrence Koe, who has been
centres under the Helmholtz Association.
research collaborations, to build and involved with the activities of LOICZ since
Founded in 1956 as a research centre for
maintain scientific linkages with other 1993, when global change programmes
nuclear power ship propulsion, GKSS
programs as well as to disseminate infor-
started in the region. Professor Koe is a
started with environmental research in the
mation. It will emphasize on the past Chairman of SARCS and was mid-seventies. Today, GKSS focuses on
integration and synthesis required to
instrumental in the establishment of IGBP
material and coastal research. With more
develop a regional picture of changes in
and START activities in Southeast Asia.
than 700 employees it is one of the largest
material fluxes in coastal zones and their
He will be assisted by Ms Jasmine Foo, a
research institutions in Northern Germany.
links to socio-economic drivers. Collabo-
full-time research executive at the Centre.
One of the focal points in the past was the
rative links with other programs and inter-
Similar to the SARCS Secretariat, the
analysis of the then highly polluted Elbe
national agencies will be a priority task.
Singapore Node aims to bring regional
river and its impact to the Wadden Sea and
scientists, here with focus on land-ocean
the German Bight. Following the German
So far the Node presented LOICZ at the
research, closer together under the "New"
reunification in 1990, GKSS monitored
recent "Advanced Training Workshop on
LOICZ.
the gradual cleaning of the Elbe resulting
South China Sea Regional Carbon Issues"
from the breakdown of the Eastern German
held on 16 29 November 2003 in Taiwan.
For any inquires kindly contact:
industry and improvement of wastewater
This was part of a regional capacity Assoc. Prof. Lawrence Koe, Director
treatment (e.g., ammonia concentration
building program Global Carbon Project
Environmental Engineering Research
decreased by factor 18 since 1988).
(GCP) aiming to promote GCP-related
Centre
Mapping the sensitivity of the Dutch,
research programs. Member countries of
Nanyang Technological University
Danish and German Wadden Sea with
the Southeast Asian Regional Committee
Block N1, #B3b-18, 50 Nanyang Avenue,
respect to oil spills has been on-going for
for START (SARCS) received advanced
Singapore 639798
more than ten years. This activity has
training on the carbon measurement, Tel: (65) 6790 4100; Fax: (65) 6792 7319
gained growing attention in particular
monitoring and modeling techniques, and
Email: ccckoe@ntu.edu.sg
following recent ship accidents off the
were guided to develop a GCP research
Spanish coast and in the North Sea.
collaboration team within SARCS. Funded
Ms. Jasmine Foo, Research Executive
Other developments include the so-called
by the National Science Council of Taiwan
Environmental Engineering Research
Ferry Box system, an automated device
and co-organized by multiple academic
Centre (Annexe)
designed to monitor water quality para-
institutions and the SARCS Secretariat, it
Nanyang Technological University
meters along the track of ferry lines.
saw a gathering of young talented scientists
Research TechnoPlaza,
Along with satellite information (mainly
from around the Southeast Asian region
Level 5, BorderX Block,
from ESA's ENVISAT) and additional
and a pool of distinguished world-leading
50 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637553
water quality data, the development and
experts on GCP research. This two-week
Tel: (65) 6790 5949; Fax: (65) 6791 9394
application of ecosystem models (and data
long workshop facilitated knowledge and
Email: cxyfoo@ntu.edu.sg
assimilation) is a future aim.
technology transfer through a series of
discussions, presentations and hands-on
experience on carbonate parameter
measurements. Most importantly, it
presented a good chance for organizers,
speakers and participants to share thoughts
about new developments in carbon and
land-ocean issues in their countries as
well as to promote regional research
collaboration.
EERC is a multi-disciplinary research and
development centre established jointly by
NTU and the Ministry of the Environment
Associate Professor Lawrence Koe
Ms. Jasmine Foo,
(ENV) of Singapore. It aims to
Director of EERC
Research Executive, EERC
page 5
LOICZ NEWSLETTER
Interdisciplinary science bridging into the
also contribute into the overarching theme
human dimensions is a challenge, GKSS
5 (Towards coastal system sustainability by
LOICZ SSC Update
already addressed some five years ago. managing land-ocean interactions). In
It took part in a study, for the Port of principle the German Node seeks harmo-
Besides new SSC members, who will be
Rotterdam, on the future environmental
nisation and synergies based on mutual
introduced in the following, a number of
quality of dredged material in relation to
agendas between the LOICZ topics and
changes within the current SSC have
different management scenarios in the
MARCOPOLI, the common coastal
taken effect from January 2004.
Rhine catchment. GKSS also works in the
Research Programme of AWI and GKSS.
Liana Talaue-McManus
has been
co-ordination of the EU-project EuroCat, a
Following initial consultations with
assigned the new SSC Chair assisted by
LOICZ-ELOISE regional project, where
LOICZ, a first set of potential topics Jozef Pacyna as vice-chair. We look
integrated management and sustainable
feeding into themes 2 and 5 have been
forward to their continued involvement in
use of water and coastal resources is identified including new forms of sea use
the SSC in their new positions. We take
strived for at the catchment scale.
such as wind-parks and related issues of
this opportunity to thank Han Lindeboom
The question "how are statements of fisheries, and aquaculture as well as oil and
(SSC Chair 1997-2003), Wim Salomons
climate researchers transferred into and
gas exploitation. Other suggestions com-
(SSC vice-chair 2003) and Gerardo
perceived by the public?" was addressed in
prise issues such as "coastal urbanisation"
Perillo, who have officially finished their
a recent successful GKSS project. It looked
and its temporal and spatial footprint. All of
terms, for their fundamental input and
at the transformation of scientific results
these topics have considerable implications
dedication in the SSC as well as their
while being communicated to the general
for the human dimensions challenging
contribution towards the future of LOICZ
public by the media.
scientists to seek effective ways for inter-
in the form of the new Science Plan.
An initial common effort of three German
disciplinary integration.
We hope to count on their continued
coastal research centres, GKSS, the Baltic
As part of a broader commitment to foster
involvement and also wish them all the
Sea Research Institute (IOW; Rostock-
capacity building and training, the German
best in their own future activities.
Warnemünde) and the Alfred Wegener
Node will start planning for a LOICZ
Institute (AWI; Bremerhaven/Sylt) is the
science oriented Summer School in A warm welcome to our new SSC
annual Coastal Research Summer School
October 2005. "Analysis, Visioning and
members who, together with the existing
for PhD students and young scientists
Assessment of Coastal Environmental
SSC are challenged with shaping the
which started in 2002
Change: the Cases of Climate and Pollu-
future of LOICZ. We look forward
(3rd run from 30 Aug. to 10 Sep. 2004,
tion in a Changing Social World" will bring
working with all of them.
www.gkss.de/summerschool).
together scientists from geosciences, eco-
An additional group of 4 new SSC
GKSS also cooperates closely with the
nomists and social science. LOICZ is members will be identified by the IHDP
Carl von Ossietzky University of Olden-
prepared to assist in identifying lecturers
soon and join us thereafter. They will be
burg and the Terramare Research Centre
and seeking support for this activity as well
introduced in the next issue of the LOICZ
in Wilhelmshaven (www.terramare.de).
as disseminating the results to its global
Newsletter.
Whereas Terramare's task is to coordinate
network. A priority list of topics and
and support (coastal) marine research all
immediate day to day tasks for the first
The New SSC members:
over the state of Lower Saxony, the Institute
years of the IPO Node will be refined at the
of Chemistry and Biology of the Marine
15th LOICZ SSC and Node meeting in
Environment at the University of Olden-
June 2004. The official start of operations
burg (ICBM; www.icbm.de) focuses on
is anticipated to be in spring this year.
environmentally-oriented coastal and
shallow-marine research. At present,
Contact partner at the Node will be
ICBM runs the DFG Research Group on
the BioGeoChemistry of Tidal Flats,
centred on the Wadden Sea. The goal is to
obtain a sediment and nutrient budget for a
particular back-barrier tidal flat system. It
also looks at the microbial system and its
metabolic role in the water column, across
Dr Alan Whitfield
the sediment/water interface and down into
(a.whitfield@ru.ac.za)
the deeper anoxic sediments. An output is
a broadly applicable mathematical model
received his PhD from the University of
of the hydrodynamics and ecosystem func-
Natal in 1983. He is currently a Principal
tions, which also enables prediction of
Scientist and Research Manager at the
future developments. ICBM is also respon-
Dr Götz Flöser
South African Institute for Aquatic Bio-
sible for the diploma curriculum on Marine
Research Associate
diversity and has focused his research on
Environmental Sciences and the inter-
GKSS Research Centre
the ecological interactions that occur
national masters programme on Integrated
Max-Planck-Strasse 1
within the estuarine environments of
Coastal Zone Management.
D 21502 Geesthacht
southern Africa. These investigations
Germany
have covered a broad field, ranging from
In relation to the "New" LOICZ Science
Tel: (49) 4152 87 1834;
physico-chemical to botanical and
Plan and Implementation Strategy, GKSS
fax: (49) 4152 87 2818
zoological studies, with most of his work
has expressed an interest to focus on theme
email floeser@gkss.de
being directed towards assessing the
2 (Implications of global change and land
www.gkss.de
importance of estuaries in the life cycles
and sea use on coastal development) and 4
of individual fish species and monitoring
(Fate and transformation of materials in
the impacts of human developments on
coastal and shelf waters), with an interest to
fish assemblages. A recent interest has
page 6
LOICZ NEWSLETTER
been the use of fishes as indicators of eco-
eutrophication, dynamics of oxygen-
logical and environmental changes within
depleted waters and their effects, and
estuaries. Much of Dr Whitfield's research
river/ocean interactions. She has studied
over the past decade has been directed at
the effects of Mississippi River discharge
informing the scientific community and
and constituent flux on the adjacent
decision makers about the consequences
coastal ecosystem of the northern Gulf
of altered river flows on the functioning of
of Mexico since 1985. She and her
estuaries, especially the influence of these
colleagues have documented the extent of
changes on the fish communities occu-
bottom-water hypoxia and the physical,
pying these systems. Apart from serving
chemical, and biological parameters
on the IUCN Species Survival Commis-
associated with it, the direct links of
sion Fish Specialist Group he is also a
severity and extent of hypoxia with river
founding member of the South African
Dr Nalin Wikramanayake
constituent flux, especially nitrate, and the
Consortium for Estuarine Research and
(Tomwiks@yahoo.com)
long-term response of the coastal system
Management and serves on the editorial
to changes in flux of materials from the
boards of the journal Fisheries Manage-
is a Senior Lecturer in the Dept. of Civil
river and climate change. Dr. Rabalais has
ment and Ecology and the African Journal
Engineering at the Open University of Sri
participated in LOICZ workshops and
of Zoology.
Lanka. He obtained a PhD in Civil Engi-
provided written materials for the news-
neering from the Massachusetts Institute of
letter and synthesis documents. She is
Technology in 1993 for a study of sediment
Fellow of the American Association for
transport under the combined action of
the Advancement of Science (AAAS), an
waves and currents. Over the last 10 years
Aldo Leopold Leadership Program Fellow,
he has worked in Sri Lanka as a lecturer
a Past President of the Estuarine Research
and a consultant in the fields of Coastal,
Federation, a National Associate of the
Hydraulic and Environmental Enginee-
U.S. National Academies of Science, and
ring. His current research interests include
currently she chairs the Ocean Studies
the coastal wave climate of Sri Lanka,
Board of the National Research Council,
coastal hydrodynamics, sediment transport
National Academy of Science.
and shoreline change, nutrient fluxes to the
coastal zone and appropriate sanitation for
developing countries. Over the last three
Dr Bill Dennison
years Dr. Wikramanayake was the Deputy
(dennison@ca.umces.edu)
Principal Investigator and Team Leader, Sri
Lanka for a LOICZ related project entitled
is a Professor of Marine Science and Vice
"An Assessment of Nutrient, Sediment and
President for Science Applications at the
Carbon Fluxes to the Coastal Zone in
University of Maryland, Center for South Asia and their Relationship to
Environmental Science. Since obtaining
Human Activities" under which research,
his PhD from the University of Chicago
capacity building and networking activities
in 1984 on seagrass ecophysiology, he
were carried out in five South Asian
has been conducting coastal marine
countries. He is a member of the Coastal
research on a diversity of topics: sea-
IOGOOS Development Committee.
Professor Isao Koike
grasses, corals, macroalgae, microalgae,
(koike@ori.u-tokyo.ac.jp)
bacteria and viruses, effects of toxicants,
nutrients and sediments on marine eco-
is director of Ocean Research Institute,
systems, harmful algal blooms, water
at the University of Tokyo, Japan. He
quality and ecosystem health. He spent
received his DSc in microbiology from
one decade based on the east coast of the
the University of Tokyo in 1975. After his
US and another based on the east coast of
DSc study on physiology of denitrifying
Australia, and has been involved in
bacteria, his first interest was to assess in
various major coastal environmental
situ denitrifying activity in coastal environ-
studies on both continents. In addition
ments including sediments. Since then, his
to scientific publications, he has also
primary focus of research has been the
produced a variety of science communi-
coupling of microbial metabolisms and
cation products: conceptual diagrams,
cycling of nitrogen and carbon in marine
books, newsletters, posters, video/DVDs,
Dr Nancy Rabalais
environments by participating and
web sites. His focus has been on:
(Nrabalais@lumcon.edu)
organizing many cruises in the region of
a) studying the ecophysiology of marine
Western Pacific, Bering Sea and Southern
plants and b) developing tools and is a Professor at the Louisiana Universities
Ocean. He also conducted a project on
techniques to solve environmental Marine Consortium in Cocodrie, nutrient dynamics and biological commu-
problems associated with the land-sea
Louisiana where she has been since 1983.
nities in tropical seagrasses for more than
interface. He is currently leading the effort
She is also an Adjunct Professor in the
20 years based on the field studies in
to develop an Integration and Application
Department of Oceanography and Coastal
Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Australia and
Network (www.ian.umces.edu), which
Sciences at Louisiana State University.
Thailand. His current interest is dynamics
attempts to involve scientists in solving,
She earned a PhD in Zoology from the
of organic aggregates and dissolved
not just studying environmental problems. University of Texas at Austin in 1983. organic matters and the role of microbial
Dr Rabalais' research focuses on issues of
food webs in coastal environments
page 7
LOICZ NEWSLETTER
including estuaries. Since 1989 he has been
Area). She has delivered postgraduate
involved in IGBP as JGOFS-SSC member
courses at the Universities of Wales,
HAVE YOU SEEN
and as IGBP-SC member, and served as
Bergen, Szczecin, Portsmouth and Gdansk
Treasurer of IGBP. He has been chair of the
on Eutrophication and on Coastal lagoons.
Japan JGOFS, and Secretary of the IGBP
Alice is a member of the Steering GLOSS Training course: Sea Level
Japan National Committee (Japan-NC),
Committees of the Centre for Excellence
Changes-Observation, Interpretation,
which he is currently chairing.
for Baltic Development, Research at Application. Sea Level Training Course
Gydnia, Poland, as well as a member of the
at the University of the West Indies,
Centre for Excellence for the Black Sea at
St. Augustine, Trinidad from 5-16 July
Varna, Bulgaria and the proposed SPICES
2004. For more information visit:
(Science and Policy Integration for Coastal
http://eseas.org/sealevel_course/
Ecosystems Sustainability) Network of
Excellence. She is an enthusiastic member
PUBLICATIONS
of ASLO (American Society of Limnology
and Oceanography), ERF (Estuarine
Research Federation) and the EUCC (The
LOICZ R & S volumes are downloadable
Coastal Union).
from the LOICZ web-site.
For hard copies (as long as stocks last)
e-mail: loicz@nioz.nl
Dr Alice Newton
Klein, R.J.T., R.J. Nicholls and F.
(anewton@ualg.pt)
Thomalla, 2003: The resilience of coastal
megacities to weather-related hazards.
works in the Department of Chemistry at
In: Building Safer Cities: The Future of
the University of Algarve, Portugal. Since
Disaster Risk, A. Kreimer, M. Arnold and
obtaining her PhD from the University of
A. Carlin (eds.), Disaster Risk manage-
Wales, Bangor in 1995, she has been
ment series No. 3, World Bank, Washing-
involved in research on water and coastal
ton, DC, USA, pp. 101-120.
management with a particular interest in
The paper can be downloaded from:
the biogeochemical cycles involved in
www.proventionconsortium.org/files/
eutrophication, especially with regard to
Dr Juan D. Restrepo
conference_papers/klein.pdf
coastal lagoon systems. Alice is the
(jdrestre@eafit.edu.co)
coordinator of the European Joint Masters
New open access journal of the European
course in Water and Coastal Management,
is an Associate Professor of Geological
Geosciences Union: Biogeosciences (BG).
involving 35 Universities at present. It has
Sciences at EAFIT University, Colombia.
BG has an innovative two-stage publi-
been developed with the help and guidance
He obtained his PhD in Environmental
cation process which involves a scientific
of the EUA, the European University Asso-
Oceanography of Estuaries, Deltas,
discussion forum (Biogeosciences Dis-
ciation. The major objective is to link inte-
Lagoons, and Coastal Waters from the cussions) and exploits the full potential of
grated river basin management and University of South Carolina. Following on
the internet. For more detailed informa-
integrated coastal zone management,
from his PhD, Dr Restrepo has continued
tion go to: www.biogeosciences.net
focussing on the socio-economic conse-
his research direction with focus on factors
quences and other effects of human controlling water discharge, sediment load,
Special Issue: River Catchment-Coastal
activity. Importantly, the programme will
and dissolved material loads to the ocean
Sea interaction and human dimensions.
also provide a mechanism to maximise the
from the Pacific and Caribbean rivers of
Guest editor Hartwig H. Kremer, March
benefits of new research findings by fast-
Colombia. Currently, his research focuses
2004, Springer Regional Environmental
tracking their incorporation into the on improving the understanding of the
Change, Volume 4, No. 1.
training of coastal water researchers and
natural and anthropogenic causes affecting
Hard copy available, please visit:
managers. Following the launch of the
denudation rates and sediment transport to
www.springeronline.com
European masters programme, a second,
the Caribbean Sea from the largest fluvial
ERASMUS MUNDUS, programme will
system of Colombia, the Magdalena River.
WHAT'S ON THE WWWEB
be developed.
He has carried out numerous field studies
Alice represents the University of Algarve
in coastal environments of Colombia,
on a number of international organi-
including the Pacific estuaries and deltas;
The LOICZ IPO has launched a new web-
sations, including ETNET (Water Edu-
coastal lagoons and coral reefs in the
site which is still under construction but
cation Thematic Network) and ESSENCE
Caribbean. Since 2000 Dr Restrepo has
gives easy access to the current web-site.
(Environmental Education Thematic Net-
been involved as a resource scientist for the
Please check regularly to see when it is
work). She also works closely with
sub-programs of LOICZ Basins, SAmBas
fully operational and then please update
IMAR, the Portuguese Institute of Marine
(South American Basins) and CariBas
your links to the LOICZ web-site with the
Research, CMQA (Environmental
(Caribbean Basins). Currently he is one of
new url: www.loicz.org
Chemistry Research Centre), CIMA
the co-authors in the Coastal Communities
(Environment and Marine Research
and Systems and Caribbean Assessment
A database compiling data on metabolism
Centre), as well as the Fundação Oceanis
Chapters of the Millennium Ecosystem
in Europe was designed in the framework
in Sagres and EUROCOAST Portugal.
Assessment (MA), and also, a member of
of the EU project EUROTROPH. This data-
In addition to her responsibilities at the
the Scientific Steering Committee of base is freely available at www.obs-vlfr.fr/
University of Algarve, Alice works with
Colciencias (Colombia) in the Marine
eurotroph/ and is analyzed and discussed in
the ELOISE secretariat and links into the
Science Program.
the paper: Gazeau F., Smith S. V., Gentili
EHEA 9 European Higher Education
B., Frankignoulle M. & Gattuso J.-P.,
page 8
LOICZ NEWSLETTER
in press. The European coastal zone:
Sciences, Hydrological Sciences and in
19-20 July 2004,
Nairobi,
Kenya:
characterization and first assessment
particularly the Biogeochemistry section,
PAGES-Past Global Changes: Pan Africa
of ecosystem metabolism. Estuarine,
e.g.,: OS19, HS16, BG5 and 7.
PAGES Workshop on African Palaeo-
Coastal and Shelf Science. Contact:
For more information on these and other
perspectives: Linking the Past to the
Jean-Pierre Gattuso (gattuso@obs-vlfr.fr)
sessions please visit:www.copernicus.org/
Present and the Future.
EGU/ga/ egu04
For more information please contact
European Joint Masters in Water and Coastal
Dr Daniel O. Olago at dolago@uonbi.ac.ke
Management: www.ualg.pt/EUMScWCM/
26-28 April2004,
or Prof. Eric O. Odada at
Rostock-Warnemuende,
Germany:
pass@uonbi.ac.ke
GTOS Biennial Report 2002-2003 BaltCoast 2004 - Managing the Baltic Sea.
available on line at:www.fao.org/gtos/
For more information please visit:
5-9 September 2004,
Pubs.html Free hard copies are available
www.eucc-d.de/baltcoast2004
Brisbane, Australia:
from the GTOS Secretariat
Coastal Zone Asia Pacific Conference-
(gtos@fao.org or visit www.fao.org/gtos)
26-28 April 2004, Venice, Italy: Coast-
Improving the quality of life in coastal
wetchange Conference-International
areas.
Conference on Coastal wetlands in the For more information please visit:
LOICZ/IGBP/IHDP
global change context. Please visit:
www.coastal.crc.org.au/czap04
CALENDER
www.corila.it/coastwetchange/
20-22 September 2004,
Aberdeen,
For a complete list of future meetings and
10-13 May 2004, Galway, Ireland:
Scotland, UK: Littoral 2004: 7th Inter-
regular updates visit our web-site at
Conference EUROCEAN 2004. Jointly
national Conference & Exhibition-
www.loicz.org and click on `Calendar'
organized by the European Commission
Delivering Sustainable Coasts:
and the Irish Presidency of the European
Connecting Science and Policy.
4 & 5 June 2004, Singapore: LOICZ 15th
Union. For more information please visit:
www.littoral2004.org
Scientific Steering Committee Meeting,
www.eurocean2004.com
followed by a one day LOICZ Regional
13-15 April 2005, Algarve, Portugal:
Nodes meeting on 6 June 2004.
13-15 May 2004, Seville, Spain: "GI and
Coastal Engineering 2005-7th International
(by invitation only)
GIS for Integrated Coastal Management",
Conference on Modelling, Measurements,
of the ECO-IMAGINE initiative of the
Engineering and Management of Seas and
18-20 October 2004, Dunedin, New
International Centre for Coastal and Ocean
Coastal Regions. Please visit;
Zealand: Making Connections: Cross-
Policy Studies (ACCOPS). For more www.wessex.ac.uk/conferences/2005/
boundary Coastal Management. The 2004
information and grants availability please
coastal2005/cfp.html
Annual Conference of the New Zealand
e-mail info@accops.it
Coastal Society. Incorporating a LOICZ
workshop in association with the New
23-26 May 2004, Newport, Rhode Island:
IPO STAFF
Zealand IGBP Committee, `The Impact of
The Coastal Society (TCS) 19th Interna-
Major Dams, Diversions and Water tional Conference. The TCS19 will focus
Abstraction on Coastal Sedimentation in
on how coastal managers, resource users,
Hartwig Kremer
New Zealand'. Conference Web-site:
law & policy makers, educators and stu-
Executive Officer
www.coastalsociety.org.nz/
dents, and other coastal community mem-
conference2004.htm
bers measure and assess coastal resources,
Martin Le Tissier
functions and human impacts. For more
Deputy Executive Officer
22-25 November 2004,
Portoroz,
information visit: www.thecoastalsociety.
Hester Whyte
Slovenia:
European Conference on org/conference/tcs19/
Office Manager
Coastal Zone Research: an ELOISE
Approach. For more information please
20-25 June 2004, Ballina, Australia: 2nd
visit: www.nilu.no/ projects/eloise/
Announcement-ECSA 37-ERF 2004
Conference-Estuaries and Change. For
LOICZ International Project
9-12 November 2005, Oaxaca, Mexico:
more information please visit: www.scu.
Office
DIVERSITAS International conference on
edu.au/ecsa37erf2004conference
Royal Netherlands Institute
biodiversity-Integrating Biodiversity
Science for human well-being.
5-9 July 2004, Suntec Singapore: Joint
for Sea Research
Deadline for proposals: 30 April 2004.
Asia
Oceania
Geosciences Society
PO Box 59
For more information e-mail:
(AOGS) 1st Annual Meeting and the Asia
1790 AB Den Burg - Texel
secretariat@diversitas-international.org or
Pacific association of Hydrology and
visit: www.diversitas-international.org
Water resources (APHW) 2nd Conference
The Netherlands
and Exhibition. Special session relevant for
IGBO ocean and coastal activities, e.g.,
OTHER MEETINGS
Phone: +31-222 369404
BG3, Ocean Biogeochemistry and
Ecosystems Analysis, response of oceanic
Fax: +31-222 369430
25-30 April 2004, Nice, France: 1st
biogeochemical cycles, and ecosystems, to
E-mail: loicz@nioz.nl
General Assembly of the European Geo-
global, compare also OA4 for biogeo-
sciences Union (EGU). Special sessions
chemistry in coastal area.
with high relevance for and partly co-
Please visit: www.asiaoceania.org
www.loicz.org
sponsorship by LOICZ are in the Ocean
A CORE PROJECT OF THE
I
G
B
P
INTERNATIONAL GEOSPHERE-BIOSPHERE PROGRAMME