Photoinhibition of photosynthesis by UV radiation, the formation of UV-screening pigments, DNA damage by UV radiation as well as DNA repair mechanisms will be determined in marine macroalgae of the Kongsfjord. Moreover, algae from different water depths will be transplanted by divers into areas with opposite light climate or covered by UV-screening filters and their physiological reactions tested. Additionally, the susceptability of the unicellular algal spores to UV-radiation will be tested. The results will allow insights into the effect of UV and photosynthetically active radiation on the zonation of macrocalgae and on the structure of phytobenthic communities. The data will be used to model the effects of increased of UV-radiation due to stratospheric ozone depletion on the Kongsfjord phytobenthic communities.
Prof. Dr. Clayton, Department of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australien Prof. Dr. Ulf Karsten, Universität Rostock Dr. José Aguilera, Universidad de Málaga, Spanien Dr. H. Tüg, AWI
UV-A/UV-B measurements (project number 247)