Areas of focus include the dynamics of ecological feedbacks and regime shifts, and the capacity of society and managing institutions to address such complex ecosystem changes.Researchers within the theme are studying tropical and temperate systems, involving research on coral reefs, sea-grass beds, fisheries, aquaculture, food webs and eutrophication. as well as implications from global trade dynamics for marine and coastal management.
Methods include ecological and social field studies (inventories, interviews), ecosystem modeling, meta-analysis, and theoretical development. The theme host researchers from a range of disciplines (ecology, political science, economics, sociology, law) and collaborate with a range of international research institutions.
Theme members are also active in policy dialogues with stakeholders concerned with marine governance issues.
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New project: Ecosystem-based and integrated coastal zone management - challenges and possibilities