ABOUT
Contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data 2021, processed by ESA, CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO
How is aquatic biodiversity and life distributed on Earth? How do aquatic ecosystems respond to multiple human stressors? Which consequences do the loss of biodiversity, ecosystem integrity and resilience have for the structure, functioning, and status of aquatic ecosystems? These are three of the many questions which the AquaSYNC partnership is dedicated to answer.
The primary goal of AquaSYNC is to foster state-of-the-art aquatic synthesis research in a data-rich but information-poor world. Further, AquaSYNC will promote synthesis research within national and international scientific communities, establish collaboration and enabling joint activities with other synthesis research centers and produce relevant and high-impact outcomes in support of ecosystem-based management.
AquaSYNC utilizes four key instruments:
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Meetings of Synthesis Working Groups (SWGs), comprised of both external participant and core staff from AquaSYNC, addressing specific research questions,
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Synthesis projects led by AquaSYNC core staff or PostDocs,
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Integrated Assessment (IA) activities, including development of innovative multi-metric indicator-based assessment tools (MIBATs), led by AquaSYNC core staff, and
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Hosting visiting scientists for short and long periods.
SYNTHESIS WORKING GROUPS (SWGs)
In the ecological literature, definitions of synthesis generally specify what “pieces” of knowledge are being “put together,” in what way these pieces are separated from one another and what “whole” is created in integrating these pieces. However, a key to enabling the synthesis process is knowledge of the tools, methods, and approaches which can be used for putting the pieces together. Hence, synthesis in aquatic sciences can be defined as the inferential process whereby new models are developed from analysis of multiple data sets to explain observed patterns across broad ranges of temporal and spatial scales.
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The key research service offered by AquaSYNC is a ‘synthesis activity/process’ involving working groups targeting a specific research question. Working groups are typically composed of 6 to 10 experts from a range of disciplines, sectors, career stages, and institutions. They come together for short periods of time, often at our premises in Copenhagen, to tackle large-scale questions in basic and/or applied aquatic science, using the synthesis approach. Each participant brings data, methods, experiences, and perspectives, while AquaSYNC offers logistical and technical support to enable their innovation. By integrating diverse perspectives and data sources, our working groups connect dots, discover gaps in knowledge, and reveal untapped insights.
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AquaSYNC applies and develops the working group model and promotes the value of diversity between participants and collaborative science. In fact, research has shown that the diversity of participants in working groups is key to enabling greater productivity and problem-solving capacity. The working group model is designed to accelerate discovery and increase the impact science can have on decisions to enable people and nature to thrive. AquaSYNC working groups will advance scientific understanding in aquatic ecology and the environmental sciences significantly over the coming decades.
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Methods to be used by AquaSYNC may include but are not limited to
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comparative cross-system analyses,
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analyses of long-term time series, and
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system simulation modelling.
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​The following SWGs have or are supported.
SWG001 Linking pressures and ecosystem components for mapping potential combined effects: should sensitivity scores be global- or regional-specific?
Objectives: The objective is to analyse and compare the sensitivity scores of specific pressures and specific ecosystem components at different spatial scales (national, regional, and global). We hypothesised that some combinations are global, while others may be regional, for example, those related to eutrophication. If so, we can improve future cumulative effect assessments. However, during the work, we realised that there was a huge variability in the quality of sensitivity scores, so the SWG’s focus was redirected and put on this theme.
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Chair: Samuli Korpinen, SYKE, Finland.
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Members: Marta Coll (CSIS), Elena Gissi (ISMAR), Ben Halpern (NCEAS), Andy Stock (NIVA), Nikko Kallio (SYKE), Linus Hammar (UGOT) and Vanessa Stelzenmüller (Thünen Institute).
From AquaSYNC: Jesper Andersen (NIVA), Jacob Carstensen (AU) and Ciaran Murray (NIVA).
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Expected outcomes: A scientific publication (Kallio et al., 2025; see list of AquaSYNC publications).
synthesizing the results of the SWG’s work is close to acceptance and publication.
SWG002 Mapping biologically mediated movement of chemical contaminants from freshwaters to land
Objectives: The goal was to develop a predictive framework for understanding the biologically mediated distribution and fluxes of waterborne contaminants throughout linked terrestrial landscapes. Specifically, we will synthesise available data on the distribution and abundance of aquatic insects, their movement from water to land as terrestrial, winged adults, and their accumulation and transfer of aquatic contaminants to terrestrial ecosystems. Then, using spatial statistical network theory, we will leverage the database created by unifying these biological distribution data with waterborne contaminant distributions to map and explore the export of contaminants from freshwater to land at continental/global and regional scales.
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Chair: Stefano Larsen, FMACH, Italy.
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Members: Ralf Schulz (RPTU), Johanna Kraus (USGS), Darin Kopp (USEPA), Afroditi Grigoropoulou (IGB), Jose Manuel Álvarez-Martínez (Unican), Jeff Wesner (USD), Jeff Muehlbauer (USGS).
From AquaSYNC: Jesper Andersen (NIVA) and Ciaran Murray (NIVA).
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Expected outcomes: At least one scientific publication synthesizing the outcomes of the work.
SWG003 Land use change and river community size structure: consistent impacts across latitudes?
Objectives: To assess whether land use change systematically affects river community size structure by constructing size spectra across sites with varying levels of human pressure (i.e., agricultural, and urban land use). Size spectra typically become steeper (i.e., relatively fewer large organisms) in response to various environmental stressors, but it remains unclear whether land use change drives consistent shifts in food web size structure. Additionally, we are investigating whether the effects of land use change on community size structure vary with latitude. For instance, temperature-driven metabolic differences may amplify land use impacts on size spectra in tropical regions (Saito et al. 2021).
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Chair: Daniel Perkins, Brunel University, United Kingdom.
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Members: Victor Saito (UFSC), Pavel Kratina (QMUL), Aitor Larranaga (UBC), Vojsava Gjoni (USD), Justin Pomeranz (CMU), Ignasi Arranz (KJCUM), Dean Jacobsen (UCPH), Jes J. Rasmussen (AU), Ioar De Guzman (UBC) & Francisco Valente (UFSC).
From AquaSYNC: Jesper Andersen (NIVA) and Ciaran Murray (NIVA).
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Expected outcomes: At least one scientific publication synthesizing the outcomes of the work.
SWG004 Multiple pressures in Europe’s seas
Objectives: The objectives of the SWG are to coordinate three ongoing initiatives in relation to mapping and analysing the combined effects of multiple stressors in Europe: 1) the EEA’s work on ‘Multiple pressures in Europe’s seas 2’, 2) the HEU GES4SEAS project, and 3) the HEU ACTNOW project. All three activities were related to different CEA/CIA aspects and themes. The main activities relate to information and sharing of data and tools. A specific objective has been to support the ‘Multiple Pressures 2’ activity, so that it builds on the best available data and tools.
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Chair: Andy Stock, NIVA, Denmark.
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Members: Johnny Reker (EEA), Monika Peterlin (EEA), Torsten Berg (MariLim), Samuli Korpinen (SYKE; Finland).
From AquaSYNC: Jesper Andersen (NIVA) and Ciaran Murray (NIVA).
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Expected outcomes: A scientific publication synthesizing the outcomes of the work.
SWG005 Deciphering temporal trends and safe operating spaces for river biodiversity within the context of multiple stressors (DESTRESS)
Objectives: The overall objective of DESTRESS is to provide the guidance and actionable knowledge needed to balance freshwater needs between riverine biodiversity and human society. This project will enable a faster and more informed transition towards biodiversity-positive management and policies in river catchments with multiple functions and potentially conflicting interests. DESTRESS is spearheaded by the Aquatic Synthesis Research Centre (AquaSYNC) and will synthesise and analyse unique and comprehensive time series of European riverine macroinvertebrate monitoring data to identify temporal trends in ecological and biological trait composition, abundance, and common biodiversity metrics (based on >2,000 sites across 23 European countries; 1968-2020, average 15 years of sampling).
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Chair: Jes J. Rasmussen, Aarhus University, Denmark.
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Members: Norwegian Institute for Water Research (Norway), Senckenberg Research Institute (Germany), University of Amsterdam (Netherlands), Stockholm University (Sweden), and WaterITech (Denmark).
From AquaSYNC: Jesper Andersen (NIVA) and Ciaran Murray (NIVA).
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Expected outcomes: Several scientific papers are planned, and a few are based on analyses of big datasets. Please see the DESTRESS web site for more information: https://www.biodiversa.eu/2024/04/15/destress/
SWG006 Multiple stressors in the Skagerrak
Objectives: To conduct state-of-the-art mapping and analyses of the cumulative impacts of multiple human stressors in Skagerrak, including both coastal waters (i.e. the WFD domain) and offshore waters. The working group will provide answers to the following two research questions: 1) Can hot spots for stressors and spatial variations in relation to cumulative impacts be identified in the Skagerrak? and 2) What is the impact of climate change-related stressors including both long and short-term changes, compared to other stressors and how could this change in the future? When carrying out the analyses, special focus is placed on solutions to the environmental challenges identified in Skagerrak and on how our results can support the implementation of ecosystem-based management strategies.
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Chair: Helene Frigstad, NIVA, Norway; co-chair: Richard Bellerby, NIVA, Norway.
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Members: Johanne Aarflot (IMR), Trine Bekkby (NIVA), Tove Gabrielsen (UA), Linus Hammar (UGOT), Dag O. Hessen (UiO), Ashley Hemraj (AU), Berit C. Kaae (UCPH), Even Moland (IMR), Geir Systad (NINA) and Finn-Arne Welzien (NMBU).
From AquaSYNC: Jesper Andersen (NIVA), Jacob Carstensen (AU), Ciaran Murray (NIVA) and Paula Ramon (NIVA).
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Advisory Board: Ingunn Løvland (Statsforvalteren i Agder; chair), Sigrun Børresen (Statsforvalter in Vestfold/Telemark; Sekretariat for Oslofjordrådet), Mette Skern-Mauritzen (IMR) and Søren L. Nielsen (Tænketanken Hav).
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Expected outcomes: Two key publications are planned: 1) one focusing on the potential combined effects of multiple stressors and climate change in the open parts of Skagerrak, and 2) the first-ever data-based mapping and analysis of the combined effects of multiple stressors in Oslofjorden.
INTEGRATED ASSESSMENTS (IAs)
Providing support to development and publication of Integrated Assessments (IAs) is also a key AquaSYNC activity.
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Our ambition is to produce state-of-the-art Integrated Assessment of aquatic ecosystems as well as to support other institutions and competent authorities in producing Integrated Assessments.
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The partnership behind AquaSYNC has solid experience with respect to production of national, regional and pan-European Integrated Assessments. Key references are:
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‘Marine Messages II: Navigating the course towards clean, healthy and productive seas through implementation of an ecosystem-based approach’ by J. Reker et al. (2019) – published by the European Environment Agency (EEA): https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/marine-messages-2
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‘Indicator-Based Assessment of Marine Biological Diversity – Lessons from 10 Case Studies across the European Seas’ by L. Uusitalo et al. – published in Frontiers in Marine Science (FMARS): https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2016.00159/full
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‘Ecosystem Health of the Baltic Sea’ by J.H. Andersen et al. (2010) – published by HELCOM: https://www.helcom.fi/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/BSEP122-1.pdf
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‘Deoxygenation of the Baltic Sea during the last century’ by J. Carstensen et al. (2014) – published in Proceeding of the National Academy of Science (PNAS): https://www.pnas.org/content/111/15/5628.short
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‘Past, present and future eutrophication status of the Baltic Sea’ by C.J. Murray et al. (2019) – published in Frontiers in Marine Science (FMARS): https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2019.00002/full
ASSESSMENT TOOLS (MIBATs)
Another AquaSYNC activity is development, testing and application of multi-metric-indicator-based assessment tools.
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Our ambition is to continue being a first mover when it comes to development, testing and application of new MIBATs, both thematic: eutrophication (HEAT), biodiversity (BEAT), contaminants (CHASE), or fully-fledged integrative (NEAT, MESH, WATERS). To meet the needs identified in synthesis work we seek both to build on existing tools and to develop new tools, documenting this work in method papers.
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Selected key references for thematic MIBATs include:
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‘Long-term temporal and spatial trends in eutrophication status of the Baltic Sea’ by J.H. Andersen, J.H., J. Carstensen, D.J. Conley, K. Dromph, V. Fleming-Lehtinen, B. Gustafsson, A. Josefson, A. Norkko, A. Villnäs & C. Murray (2017) – published in Biological Reviews in 2017: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/brv.12221
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‘Nutrient enrichment and eutrophication in Europe’s seas’ – published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) in 2019: https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/nutrient-enrichment-and-eutrophication-in
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‘BEAT 3.0 – a tool for integrated biodiversity assessments’ by H. Nygaard, C. Murray, J.H. Andersen, G. Martin & S. Korpinen – published in Journal of Open Research Software in 2018: https://openresearchsoftware.metajnl.com/articles/10.5334/jors.226/
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‘Biodiversity in Europe’s seas’ – published by the European Environment Agency’s Topic Centre for Inland, Coastal and Marine Waters (ETC ICM) in 2019: https://www.eionet.europa.eu/etcs/etc-icm/products/biodiversity-in-europes-seas
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‘Development and testing of a prototype tool for integrated assessment of chemical status in marine environments’ by J.H. Andersen, C. Murray, M.M. Larsen, N. Green, T. Høgåsen, K. Gustavson, E. Dahlgren, E. Garnaga, M. Haarich, J. Manio, J. Strand & S. Korpinen – published in Environmental Monitoring and Assessment in 2016: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10661-016-5121-x
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‘Contaminants in Europe’s seas’ – published by the European Environment Agency in 2019: https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/contaminants-in-europes-seas
The partnership behind AquaSYNC has a solid history of working with MIBATs and has several new prototype tools in the pipeline, e.g. MALT (marine litter), 2CiES (climate change in Europe’s seas) and IISTE (MSFD D9 contaminants in sea-food).
OTHER ACTIVITIES
In addition to AquaSYNC’s core activities (i.e. SWGs, IAs, MIBATs) other activities and outputs may include:
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Systematic reviews
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Seminars and training courses
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International Symposium on Synthesis Research in Aquatic Ecosystems (in September 2025)
Please contact AquaSYNC to hear more about the above activities or suggest other activities of potential relevance to AquaSYNC.