The marine station at Tjärnö caters for stimulating scientific experiences in an informal and encouraging atmosphere of communication. With its safe, inspiring location, excellent laboratory, attractive accommodation and good canteen, the station is well equipped to provide for groups of young people from different countries. The stimulating impression is further enhanced by the beautiful landscape surrounding Tjärnö.

The projects at Tjärnö are multidisciplinary. Research projects integrate ecology with evolution, management, sustainable use, aquaculture and chemistry. Educational programs are directed at universities, schools and the public in general. There are also projects with applied perspectives. A multiple approach to marine sciences is important when trying to understand and spread knowledge of the diverse characteristics of the sea. The approach to marine research at Tjärnö will therefore facilitate a constructive dialogue on not just teaching and learning marine ecology, but about science in general.

See some marine animals from the Tjärnö and Koster area!

Elisabet Brock - Educator and marine ecologist

My research is about chemical defence in wrack. I study a group of polyphenolic compounds called phlorotannins that are present in brown algae. These tannins can deter grazing by herbivores and also have antifouling qualities. My studies further indicate that phlorotannins might be involved in defence against harmful effects of desiccation and UV-radiation in fucoids, such as bladder wrack and knotted wrack. My publications are listed on this web page.

In addition to being a marine biologist, I have a B.Ed. in primary education. I have worked in primary and secondary schools in Sweden but also in several other countries in Europe.

The main assignment I’m working with now is this project SEA ME.

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Bo Johannesson – Marine biologist

My research has been mainly on variation and evolution in periwinkles. Now and then I have been engaged in helping teachers and children of all ages when they have visited Tjärnö to study the sea. I also work with university distance courses (marine ecology, evolution and experimental design and statistics) and web sites such as Aquascope and Department of Marine Ecology and Sea Me.

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Kerstin Johannesson - Project leader for scientific research

I am professor in marine ecology, performing research in evolutionary marine biology. In particular I study the formation of new marine species of periwinkles and macroalgae. I am the coordinator of two large research programs involving Swedish and international researchers and focusing on evolution of marine organisms. I‘m also a trained teacher and have during several years been involved in teaching school children and teachers in marine biology.

 

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Christin Appelqvist - PhD student in Marine Ecology

Understanding shipworm biology: toward the development of novel non-toxic antifoulants against shipworms

Shipworms perform a vital ecosystem service by degrading dead wood in marinesystems, yet they simultaneously cause extensive damage to economically and culturally important marine structures. Current methods to minimise shipworm infestation are limited to the chemical impregnation of wood (leachates of which are highly toxic and carcinogenic), and/or toxic antifouling paints. Use of these treatments is environmentally unsustainable, and legislation is being implemented in the USA and Europe to limit and/or ban their use. This PhD-project represents a critical first step in an integrated program of research whose ultimate objective is to develop novel, non-toxic (or low-toxicity) methods to protect wood in the marine environment against shipworm. To achieve that aim, underpinning knowledge of the ecological processes of the early stages of the shipworm life cycle is essential, and yet this knowledge is currently lacking. The objective of this project is therefore to build and consolidate that knowledge base by:

1. defining the distribution and life-history of shipworm species in Swedish waters
2. establishing quarantined laboratory populations of shipworm to facilitate year-round larval production and experimental testing
3. testing the recent hypothesis that range extension of shipworm species has occurred in Nordic waters
4. determining the potential for shipworms to spread into the Baltic
5. identifying the behavioural mechanisms by which larvae locate and settle onto wood in the water column

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Estonia: International School of Estonia, Tallin
Sweden: Strömstiernaskolan, Strömstad (2008) och Tanumskolan, Tanumshede (2009).
Switzerland: International School of Lausanne

Interested in becoming a participant? Please contact Elisabet Brock.