Marine biology
The section contributes to increased understanding of how marine ecosystems are affected by human activities and how they should be managed. We are commissioned and cooperate with the public administration on the development of mapping and monitoring methods and tools for classifying environmental status in coastal areas.
- Contact person
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Paul Ragnar Berg
- Members of the group
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Kasper Hancke
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Kristina Øie Kvile
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Lise Ann Tveiten
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Maia Røst Kile
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Marijana Stenrud Brkljacic
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Marit Frederikke Markussen Bjorbækmo
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Mats Gunnar Walday
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Eli Rinde
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Gunhild Borgersen
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Hege Gundersen
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Janne Kim Gitmark
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Trine Bekkby
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Øyvind Herman Torp
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Siri Røang Moy
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Camilla With Fagerli
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Rita Næss
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Christian Lindemann
We are a competent group of marine biologists, with broad knowledge of both benthic and pelagic ecosystems. We helped develop the classification and calibration systems that form the basis of the Water Framework Directive and play a significant role in mapping important habitat types along the entire Norwegian coast. Since the pilot period in 2003, NIVA has coordinated the national mapping programme for coastal waters.
We do our mapping and monitoring work by collecting data in the field and using drones and other advanced techniques. Our knowledge of habitat types, their services and their value enable us to set up realistic nature accounts. Through the section's long work with monitoring and research on biological benthic communities in coastal areas, we have built up a high level of expertise on plants and animals living on soft and hard bottom, including red-listed and alien marine species.
The section has knowledge of marine ecosystems that enables us to advise the management authorities on how they can be restored. We can also estimate the consequences of new technology for coastal and marine ecosystems.