ID 66 : ANDEEP-SYSTCO: ANtarctic benthic DEEP-sea biodiversity: colonisation history and recent community patterns - SYSTem Coupling

Short description of the core IPY project:
The Antarctic deep-sea ecosystem is one of the least known places in the world. How do species interact? What impact does the atmosphere have on plants and animals in the ocean? ANDEEP-SYSTCO (Project ID No. 66) tries to put the jigsaw puzzle named "Antarctic deep-sea ecosystem" together. The main objective will be to gain a better idea of how conservation and sustainable use of ecosystems in Antarctica can be achieved.

Period and timing of the project:
The project runs from 2007 until 2009.

Belgian partners:
Dr. Bruno Danis
Institut Royal des Sciences Naturelles de Belgique/Koninklijk Belgisch Instituut voor natuurwetenschappen, Brussels
Rue Vautier 29
1000 Bruxelles
BELGIUM
Tel : +32(0)26274139
email : bruno.danis@naturalsciences.be

Prof. Dr. Ann Vanreusel
Dr. Maarten Raes
Drs. Katja Guilini
Ghent University - Marine Biology Section:
Krijgslaan 281/Building S8
9000 GENT
BELGIUM
Tel : +32(0)92648521 (AV) or +32(0)92648520 or +32(0)92648525
Fax : +32(0)92648598
email : ann.vanreusel@Ugent.be or maarten.raes@ugent.be or katja.guilini@ugent.be
www.marinebiology.ugent.be

Belgian contribution:
Objectives - activities of the partners:
Our objectives within ANDEEP-SYSTCO fit well with those of the BIANZO II project, especially the study of trophodynamic aspects of the meiobenthos. We will be present on the ANT-XXIV/3 campaign to collect meiofauna for stable isotope and fatty acid analyses, and to carry out in situ and in vitro experiments with labeled food.

Expected results (general):
To unravel the trophic position of the Antarctic meiobenthos.

Related campaigns with Belgian contribution:
Polarstern campaign ANT-XXIV/3 to the Antarctic deep sea. Belgian contribution: drs. Katja Guilini (UGent - Marine Biology Section).

Other resources:
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