Account of the research activities carried out on the Oristano Lagoon-Gulf System by the Institute for Coastal Marine Environment of the National Research Council (CNR-IAMC) and the Foundation IMC International Marine Centre of Torregrande-Oristano (Sardinia, Italy). The Oristano lagoon-gulf system comprises the gulf of Oristano and several salt marshes and shallow eutrophic water bodies known for their nature value and economical importance. However, Oristano lagoons have recently experienced high anthropogenic pressure due to massive nutrient loading, reduction of freshwater input from upland and modifications of the inlets which have reduced the water exchange with the gulf. This has led to periodic dystrophic events with anoxia and sulphide development causing massive mortalities of benthos and fishes. Numerical models concerning physical and ecological processes were described, including a fully coupled hydrodynamic-ecological model based on the finite element method, suited for application to lagoons and coastal seas. Different scenarios characterized by modified settings of the hydraulic balance between the gulf and the Cabras lagoon were presented to predict the evolution of both hydrological and ecological variables within the system. Research on sediment characteristics (grain size composition, organics, chemical compounds), macrobenthic assemblages (in unvegetated and seagrass-dominated systems) and food webs (?13C and ?15N analysis) were also described. It was demonstrated the importance of investigating and considering the cohesive (organic-C bounding) fraction of sediments within the muds in order to allow a better assessment of benthic-sediment relationships and the ecological quality of organic-enriched lagoon systems. In addition, studies on the effect of hypoxia on ecophysiology, energetics and behaviour on the various species of lagoon fishes (Liza aurata, Mugil cephalus and Dicentrarchus labrax) were briefly introduced. The main results of this multidisciplinary and integrated research were discussed in the light of their potential applicability and support to local issues and administrations, as well as their relevance to the WFD 2000/60/EC.
The Oristano lagoon-gulf system: Hydrological setting and benthic studies
Magni P
2008
Abstract
Account of the research activities carried out on the Oristano Lagoon-Gulf System by the Institute for Coastal Marine Environment of the National Research Council (CNR-IAMC) and the Foundation IMC International Marine Centre of Torregrande-Oristano (Sardinia, Italy). The Oristano lagoon-gulf system comprises the gulf of Oristano and several salt marshes and shallow eutrophic water bodies known for their nature value and economical importance. However, Oristano lagoons have recently experienced high anthropogenic pressure due to massive nutrient loading, reduction of freshwater input from upland and modifications of the inlets which have reduced the water exchange with the gulf. This has led to periodic dystrophic events with anoxia and sulphide development causing massive mortalities of benthos and fishes. Numerical models concerning physical and ecological processes were described, including a fully coupled hydrodynamic-ecological model based on the finite element method, suited for application to lagoons and coastal seas. Different scenarios characterized by modified settings of the hydraulic balance between the gulf and the Cabras lagoon were presented to predict the evolution of both hydrological and ecological variables within the system. Research on sediment characteristics (grain size composition, organics, chemical compounds), macrobenthic assemblages (in unvegetated and seagrass-dominated systems) and food webs (?13C and ?15N analysis) were also described. It was demonstrated the importance of investigating and considering the cohesive (organic-C bounding) fraction of sediments within the muds in order to allow a better assessment of benthic-sediment relationships and the ecological quality of organic-enriched lagoon systems. In addition, studies on the effect of hypoxia on ecophysiology, energetics and behaviour on the various species of lagoon fishes (Liza aurata, Mugil cephalus and Dicentrarchus labrax) were briefly introduced. The main results of this multidisciplinary and integrated research were discussed in the light of their potential applicability and support to local issues and administrations, as well as their relevance to the WFD 2000/60/EC.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
