Unit Marine Ecology (Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology)

Unit Marine Ecology

Frank Melzner

The Unit Marine Ecology is part of the Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology at the University of Vienna.

Our research

The ocean contains unique and biodiverse habitats that provide vital services to mankind, ranging from uptake of carbon dioxide and heat to food provision and recreation. These services and ocean biodiversity are endangered by overexploitation and climate change. Precise predictions about future ecosystem changes are needed to inform political decision processes, as we have an ethical obligation to help preserve ocean ecosystems in the best possible state. To support this goal, the unit Marine Ecology conducts research in all parts of the ocean, from coastal systems to the open ocean and the deep-sea. Our research questions are mainly related to the ocean’s role in carbon storage and sequestration and how organic matter cycling might change in the future, as well as the capacity of species and ecosystems to acclimate and adapt to climate change. We conduct this research through ship-based sampling, field work at the world’s coastlines and the use of state-of-the-art experimental, aquaristic and analytical facilities at the University of Vienna. The unit currently hosts five research groups and we are currently recruiting a tenure track assistant professor in rapid marine adaptation.