PML Oceans 2025 - Theme 3: Shelf and coastal processes
Lead Research Organisation:
Plymouth Marine Laboratory
Department Name: UNLISTED
Abstract
Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.
Organisations
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory (Lead Research Organisation)
- CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE SCIENCE (Collaboration)
- Italian National Institute of Oceanography and Experimental Geophysics (OGS) (Collaboration)
- Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres (Collaboration)
- Dutch Research Council (Collaboration)
People |
ORCID iD |
Stephen Widdicombe (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Widdows J
(2009)
Influence of self-organised structures on near-bed hydrodynamics and sediment dynamics within a mussel (Mytilus edulis) bed in the Menai Strait
in Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology
Widdows J
(2008)
Effects of seagrass beds (Zostera noltii and Z. marina) on near-bed hydrodynamics and sediment resuspension
in Marine Ecology Progress Series
Widdows J
(2007)
Influence of current speed on clearance rate, algal cell depletion in the water column and resuspension of biodeposits of cockles (Cerastoderma edule)
in Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology
Widdows J
(2009)
Effect of Nereis diversicolor density on the erodability of estuarine sediment
in Marine Ecology Progress Series
Widdows J
(2008)
Effect of Spartina anglica stems on near-bed hydrodynamics, sediment erodability and morphological changes on an intertidal mudflat
in Marine Ecology Progress Series
Wood H
(2010)
Interaction of ocean acidification and temperature; the high cost of survival in the brittlestar Ophiura ophiura
in Marine Biology
Wood HL
(2008)
Ocean acidification may increase calcification rates, but at a cost.
in Proceedings. Biological sciences
Wu Y
(2007)
The impact of sea ice on the initiation of the spring bloom on the Newfoundland and Labrador Shelves
in Journal of Plankton Research
Description | I am not sure why this project is included in my Researchfish portfolio as it was superseded by the PML Science Area Marine Life Support Systems several years ago. |
Exploitation Route | The research moved forward into the activities of PML's Marine Life Support Systems science area. |
Sectors | Environment |
Title | Benthic Survey macrofauna |
Description | PML Benthic Survey macrofauna abundance and biomass data from five sites (Cawsand, L4, Rame, Eddystone and E1) and megafauna from one site (L4) in the Western English Channel surveyed between 2008 to 2013 containing data from samples analysed up to and including September 2013 |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | Contribution to NERC SSB ongoing programme |
URL | http://www.bodc.ac.uk/data/published_data_library/catalogue/10.5285/03167d6f-a9cd-2e1a-e053-6c86abc0... |
Title | Diversified benthic macrofauna structure in ERSEM |
Description | ERSEM input files for modelling diversified structure of benthic macrofauna were created. This structure contains 6 functional types compared to classical 2-type implementation in ERSEM. Model results were validated against observational data from Station L4 of the Western Channel Observatory. Functional role of each group within whole ecosystem was analysed. Manuscript describing model setup and results is currently in preparation. |
Type Of Material | Computer model/algorithm |
Year Produced | 2017 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | This model structure was one of initial steps towards reseach of functional importance of benthic biodiversity using modelling approach, and mutual influence of biodiversity and physical forcing/hydrodynamics. |
Title | L4 plankton: taxonomicaly- resolved time-series dataset on phytoplankton and zooplankton |
Description | This dataset concerns the Plymouth L4 time series of weekly plankton data spanning the period 1988 to present. The data referred to here concern just the time series of nano- and microplankton taxa being generated by Claire Widdicombe and the time series of mesozooplankton being generated by Andrea McEvoy and Amanda Beesley. Every year we archive the most recent version of the data at BODC. The time series contains over 1000 time points and over 450 taxa |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | In the last Reporting year we have had over 14 separate external requests for these data, which we log at PML at the time of providing the data, metadata and advice and dialogue with those requesting it. These comprise UK projects (5 requests this reporting year); International project requests (6 requests) and UK HEI requests usually for Undergraduate of postgraduate oprojects (3 requests). In addition the data have contributed to policy reporting, being the only UK fixed point time series available for the OSPAR 2017 Intermediate assessment based on planktonic indicators. It has also been incorporated into ICES Working groups Status Reports for zooplankton (O'Brien) and Harmful Algal Bloom Dynamics (Bresnan). Internally the time series is very heavily used and supports education through the majority of students using these datasets. |
URL | http://www.westernchannelobservatory.org.uk/ |
Title | Nitrous oxide in northwest European continental shelf sea - time-varying atmospheric partial pressure |
Description | NEMO-ERSEM model with nitrous oxide fluxes included was applied for the AMM7 domain, with time-varying (monthly mean) values of atmospheric partial pressure for nitrous oxide. Model results represent database of N2O concentrations and air-sea fluxes over the period of 2000-2016, with results validated against cruise measurement data. Manuscript discussing model results and analysing factors controlling nitrous oxide air-sea fluxes is currently in preparation. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2018 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | This is, to our knowledge, first regional-scale model implementation with process-based formulation of nitrous oxide production and air-sea fluxes. Carefully validated, it a) upscales temporally and spatially sparse measurement data, b) allows analysis of controlling factors and therefore management options, c) creates basis for further development and wider implementation of regional-scale models of nitrous oxide, reducing uncertainty in greenhouse gas emission estimates. |
Title | Simulations of benthic macrofaunal diversity in the northwest European shelf seas |
Description | NEMO-ERSEM model with diversified benthic macrofauna structure was implemented to simulate dynamics of biodiversity within northwest European continental shelf sea during 2000-2016. Model results allow to analyse how physical forcing and hydrodynamic conditions shape biodiversity structure, which in turn affects biogeochemical cycling within the sea. Model results are currently analysed against available observational data. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2018 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | These results allow to analyse how physical environment shapes marine biodiversity, which in turn affects biogeochemistry. This will further allow to analyse impacts of disturbance and climate change on biodiversity and marine ecosystem services in general. |
Description | Collaboration with CEFAS |
Organisation | Centre For Environment, Fisheries And Aquaculture Science |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Bringing together data, novel statistical methods and policy requirements to develop new science. Focusing on benthic systems. |
Collaborator Contribution | making data available, policy insights, researcher time to develop the work. |
Impact | Collaboration within research projects; collaboration in ICES WGBIODIV; PhD proposals; collaborative manuscripts; developing policy links for projects |
Start Year | 2014 |
Description | EGU General Assembly session on benthic processes and benthic-pelagic coupling |
Organisation | Dutch Research Council |
Department | Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research |
Country | Netherlands |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Co-organisation and co-chairing a session on benthic processes and benthic-pelagic coupling at the annual EGU General Assembly. |
Collaborator Contribution | Co-organized a session on benthic processes and benthic-pelagic coupling for the EGU General Assembly 2016. |
Impact | The session in 2016 was jointly organised and 18 abstracts were received. Due to high amount of total abstracts submitted to EGU and very tight schedule, the session was merged with another session, similar, but more general in scope: OS3.1/BG3.8 Ocean biogeochemistry: novel approaches and synthesis. Poster session on benthic-pelagic coupling had a separate subtitle in the programme. In 2017 the session became a part of a bigger session "Biogeochemistry of coastal seas and continental shelves". This effort is a part of on-going collaborative activities on benthic processes and benthic-pelagic coupling research involving modelling, experimental and observational approaches. |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | EGU General Assembly session on benthic processes and benthic-pelagic coupling |
Organisation | Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres |
Department | Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Co-organisation and co-chairing a session on benthic processes and benthic-pelagic coupling at the annual EGU General Assembly. |
Collaborator Contribution | Co-organized a session on benthic processes and benthic-pelagic coupling for the EGU General Assembly 2016. |
Impact | The session in 2016 was jointly organised and 18 abstracts were received. Due to high amount of total abstracts submitted to EGU and very tight schedule, the session was merged with another session, similar, but more general in scope: OS3.1/BG3.8 Ocean biogeochemistry: novel approaches and synthesis. Poster session on benthic-pelagic coupling had a separate subtitle in the programme. In 2017 the session became a part of a bigger session "Biogeochemistry of coastal seas and continental shelves". This effort is a part of on-going collaborative activities on benthic processes and benthic-pelagic coupling research involving modelling, experimental and observational approaches. |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | EGU General Assembly session on benthic processes and benthic-pelagic coupling |
Organisation | Italian National Institute of Oceanography and Experimental Geophysics (OGS) |
Country | Italy |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Co-organisation and co-chairing a session on benthic processes and benthic-pelagic coupling at the annual EGU General Assembly. |
Collaborator Contribution | Co-organized a session on benthic processes and benthic-pelagic coupling for the EGU General Assembly 2016. |
Impact | The session in 2016 was jointly organised and 18 abstracts were received. Due to high amount of total abstracts submitted to EGU and very tight schedule, the session was merged with another session, similar, but more general in scope: OS3.1/BG3.8 Ocean biogeochemistry: novel approaches and synthesis. Poster session on benthic-pelagic coupling had a separate subtitle in the programme. In 2017 the session became a part of a bigger session "Biogeochemistry of coastal seas and continental shelves". This effort is a part of on-going collaborative activities on benthic processes and benthic-pelagic coupling research involving modelling, experimental and observational approaches. |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | "Closer Look" film for BBC Countryfile |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Footage prepared with Countryfile team, covered local water based activities in the Southwest, well being and marine science. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Interview to the official United Nations Sustainable Development Goals social media TV channel at the 23rd United Nations Conference of Parties |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Interview describing innovative data on the blue carbon potential of coastal systems, which is emerging from the programme as a result of a benthic research led by PML (Queiros). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://twitter.com/SDGMediaZone/status/929286290348142593 |
Description | Invited talk at Earth Science Research seminar at Plymouth University |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Presentation "Modelling marine benthic ecosystems: from observing state to explaining function" presenting work on benthic modelling, including L4 benthic fauna modelling with FABM-ERSEM, modelling biodiversity and current issues and future challenges of benthic ecosystem modelling. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/whats-on/modelling-marine-benthic-ecosystems-from-observing-state-to-expl... |
Description | Presentation at the European Union pavilion at the Eu Ocean Day at the 23rd United Nations Conference of Parties: Oceans and Climate and Science III: From challenges to solutions (10 Nov 2017, 16:00-17:00) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Presentation given on past EU funded PML led research (Queiros et al.) and its new application in several official development assistance projects I am involved in focusing on adaptation and mitigation measures to support coastal communities via climate-ready marine spatial planning, including the RCUK GCRF project Blue Communities (lead: Mel Austen, PML). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://ec.europa.eu/clima/events/0118/calendar_en.htm#schedule |
Description | Presentation at the UK pavilion at the United Nations Conference of Parties in event organised by the UK Department for International Development and Plymouth Marine Laboratory: Ocean Options: Climate challenges and science responses for seas and society |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Presentation on innovative Blue Carbon data emerging from the programme, as a result of benthic research programme led by PML (Queiros) in WP2 of the programme. Followed up by request for interview with the official UN Sustainable Development Goals social media TV channel. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/659501/UK_Pavilion_Program... |