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Dynamics of Aquatic Ecosystems

About IBED WATER

IBED is a leading centre for research on aquatic ecosystems, integrating studies of biodiversity, ecosystems and the environment, using methods typical of the disciplines of biology, chemistry and physical geography.

News

Dr G. Muyzer

Dr G. Muyzer has been named Professor of Microbial Systems Ecology at the University of Amsterdam’s (UvA) Faculty of Science.

Migratory whales track the phytoplankton spring bloom

It is commonly believed that the world’s largest animals, baleen whales, are fasting during their spring migration towards the summer feeding grounds in the Arctic Ocean. However, a new study by Fleur Visser and Jef Huisman of the University of Amsterdam and international colleagues overthrows this classic paradigm. They observed that baleen whales tune their spring migration to the timing of the phytoplankton spring bloom, and utilize mid-latitude areas as feeding stops en route.

Climate brochure presented to members of the Dutch Parliament

On 4 October 2011, the Royal Dutch Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) presented the document ‘Climate change, science and debate’ to the Permanent Committee for Infrastructure and the Environment of the Dutch Parliament. The brochure, which was written by five experts two of which are connected to the UvA, presents the scientific facts about climate change and discusses the controversies and uncertainties in climate research.

Putting plankton on the map

Maayke Stomp and Jef Huisman of the University of Amsterdam and colleagues at Michigan State University have been the first to map phytoplankton biodiversity across the USA. Data from 540 lakes show a decrease of phytoplankton biodiversity with increasing latitude and altitude, thus confirming that aquatic microorganisms can show substantial geographical variation in biodiversity. The work is published in Ecology and highlighted as Editors’ Choice in Science.

Focus on research: marine biologist Jasper de Goeij

The mystery of the reef: where does all the stored energy in the earth’s most productive ecosystem go? IBED researcher Jasper de Goeij found the answer during his doctoral research, a discovery that launched his scientific career with a flying start.

The Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics covers a broad scientific field within the Earth and Life Sciences and integrates studies of biodiversity, ecosystems and the environment, using methods typical of the disciplines of biology, chemistry and physical geography.

Download background information about IBED WATER (in Dutch)