Developing triple (13C, 15N, 34S) stable isotope analysis as a tool in aquatic food web studies: seagrass meadows as model system (TRIAS)

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It is the goal of this study, to establish triple (13C, 15N, 34S) stable isotope analysis as a tool for the analysis of aquatic food webs. The triple isotope analysis has a particular potential for wood webs which are characterized by bentho-pelagic coupling, as it is typical for coastal and shallow seas. We will use a seagrass meadow in the vicinity of Kiel and the overlying water column as a model system. This model system is chosen because seagrass meadows- are among the most productive marine ecosystems- are important nursery grounds for fish and other fauna- are globally endangered- are complex systems in terms of the diversity of number of basal carbon sources and of bentho-pelagic coupling.During 2 growth seasons, all important components of the food web will be sampled for subsequent stable isotope analysis and analysis of fatty acids as indicators of trophic relationships.