The Department of Marine Botany studies physiological acclimation mechanisms of benthic marine algae towards environmental changes. Our objects of interest extend from Arctic kelp  and calcifying reef algae to symbiotic microalgae (zooxanthellae) in corals and giant clams.

We are addressing physiological acclimation patterns under altered radiation, temperature and nutrient conditions. As the species-dependent tolerance towards environmental (stress-) factors also determines competitive success of a species in a given habitat, we are also studying changes on the community to ecosystem level. We are conducting field work in tropical, temperate to polar regions. Conclusively, our studies can contribute to predict the future development of coastal ecosystems under global and regional environmental change.

Furthermore, the Department of Marine Botany coordinates the international MSc program ISATEC (“International Studies in Aquatic Tropical Ecology”). Our department cooperates closely with the Center of Tropical Marine Ecology (ZMT) and the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research.

Contact:

Prof. Dr. Kai Bischof
Department of Marine Botany
Faculty Biology/Chemistry
University of Bremen
Leobener Str. NW2
28359 Bremen
Germany