Brief Description
The AWI Sylt Outdoor Mesocosms consists of 24 identical mesocosms, each with 1800 l water volume and a light-permeable cover. Each mesocosm has a tide and current simulation to recreate conditions as natural as possible for the communities. Furthermore, it is possible to manipulate in each basin the temperature, carbon dioxide concentration and nutrients. A multiparameter probe is monitoring and recording continuously and automatically pH, salinity, oxygen content and temperature. The mesocosms are operated seasonally from Aril to October to study the influences of simulated environmental changes (IPCC climate scenarios) on species communities of the Wadden Sea. In winter AWISOM is shut down to to protect the electronics and technology from cold-related damage.
Six additional mesocosms are installed in a greenhouse where experiments can be conducted to study the effects of warmer winters.
History
In summer 2013 a new experimental facility at the AWI Wadden Sea station was installed to simulate the influence of changing environmental conditions on benthic communities in the Wadden Sea. The first 12 mesocosms were installed as part of the BIOACID II project, the first experiment was conducted in spring 2014:
April - July 2014: To examine the impact of global warming and ocean acidification, a community of bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus forma mytili), Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas), mussels (Mytilus edulis), periwinkle (Littorina littorea, Littorina mariae) and amphipods (Gammarus spp.) was incubated in the mesocosms for 11 weeks. The temperature and CO2 concentration were increased as for the year 2100 predicted.
July - September 2014: In addition to global warming and ocean acidification we will simulate the influence of increased entry of nutrients into the sea.
In spring 2021, the AWI expanded its facility – which it christened AWISOM (‘AWI Sylt Outdoor Mesocosms’). Twelve identical mesocosms equipped with the latest technologies were added, and at the same time, the old tanks were modernised.
Contact Person:
Dr. Lisa Shama (Lisa.Shama@awi.de)
Phone: +49(4651)956-4201
(Photo: Esther Horvath)
Guidelines for user of the mesocoms
Briefing
In order to work at the mesocosms, it is mandatory that all persons (PI's, chief scientists, postdocs as well as student assistants) familiarize themselves with the operation of the facility prior to the experiments (see operating manual). This includes all electrical equipment (pumps, laptops, measuring devices) as well as cleaning equipment (Kärcher) which will be used before, during and after the experiments. The mesocosms can only be used after instruction.
Work safety
When working on the entire mesocosm facility and in the entire building, appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear must be worn. Furthermore, eating and drinking are not permitted in the laboratories. The workplaces in the guest research laboratory and all common facilities (scullery, TK rooms) are to be kept in a tidy condition.
Animal Welfare
Animal welfare must be ensured throughout the mesosome campaign. For decapods and fishes, an animal experiment permit must be obtained prior to the start of the mesocosm campaign.
Supervision of the mesocosms
The permanent supervision of the mesocosms and the continuous monitoring of important accompanying parameters is coordinated by the responsible AWI scientist. The chief scientist of the participating host research group or his/her officially designated deputy must be continuously on site during the measurement activities of his/her group.
In order to ensure safety and animal welfare user of the mesocosms have to read the guidelines, fill out and sign the form.
Bird's eye view of the expanded AWISOM (AWI Sylt Outdoor Mesocosm Facility).
(Photo: Esther Horvath)
Six mesocosms in the greenhouse. (Photo: Esther Horvath)
Publications
- Pansch, A., Winde, V., Asmus, R. and Asmus, H. (2016): Tidal benthic mesocosms simulating future climate change scenarios in the field of marine ecology, Limnology and Oceanography: Methods. doi: 10.1002/lom3.10086