University of Gothenburg
A variety of deep sea corals and habitats from around the globe
A variety of deep sea corals and habitats from around the globe
Photo: NOAA Ocean Exploration, Susanna Strömberg, NOAA Ocean Exploration
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Deep Sea and Coral Group

Research group
Active research
Project owner
Department of Marine Sciences
Research partners
Kosterhavet National Park Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (USA)
Area
Sustainability and environment Science and Information Technology
Topic
Climate Science Oceanography, Hydrology and Water Resources Developmental Biology Nature conservation and landscape management Marine

Short description

The Deep Sea and Coral group investigates deep and polar ocean organisms and habitats, particularly cold water coral and sponge communities.

Our research concerns physical flow, larval ecology and dynamics, reproductive ecology, restoration, biogeography and biodiversity.

We are interested in how the environment shapes and changes deep sea and polar organisms and ecosystems, both through natural environmental variation and anthropogenic impacts.

Research focus

The Deep-Sea begins where the continental shelf ends, around 200 meters for most continents, and ends at the deepest parts of our ocean, the Mariana’s Trench at nearly 11 000 meters depth. It is one of the largest and most diverse habitats on the planet, and yet one of the least explored. From planktonic to benthic, from bathyal to abyssal, there are many different ecosystems to explore in the deep ocean, and many new discoveries to be made.

A focus of the Deep Sea and Coral Group at the Tjärnö Marine Laboratory, is ecosystem engineering species, primarily cold water corals and sponges that live in our deep sea and polar environments. These species provide habitat for thousands of associated species that rely on the structure these organisms create.

Researchers in the Deep Sea and Coral Group work globally, with current projects spanning Alaska, Chile, New Zealand and Antarctica. Here in Sweden we have one of the most abundant deep sea coral species globally, Lophelia pertusa, living relatively close to our shoreline; as well as several species of sea fans and sponges that are relatively unexplored.

Members

Rhian G. Waller, Senior Lecturer at Dep. of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg

Ann Larsson, Senior Lecturer at Dep. of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg

Nadjejda Espinel Velasco, Researcher at the Dep. of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg.

Susanna Strömberg, Principal Research Engineer at Dep. of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg

Lara Beckmann, PhD Student at Dep. of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg

Diego Moreno Moran, PhD Student at Dep. of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg

Research projects

Underwater image of ARMS panels
Artificial reef structures for corals off the coast of Alaska.

Student projects

We are always interested in talking to Masters and Bachelors students about projects and theses, please get in touch. 

Location

Deep Sea and Coral group is located at Tjärnö Marine Laboratory.

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