Katja Philippart
Research Leader
I work on the crossroads of algae, shellfish and environmental change. When changes occur in the climate or in the nutrient supply in the Wadden Sea, short-lived microalgae – and accordingly, the shellfish that feed on those algae – are the first to respond. Changes in the base of the food web alter the natural values of the Wadden Sea, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. That has direct consequences for the fish that use the Wadden Sea as a breeding ground and for migrating birds that find a vital tank station there. It also affects the people who earn their living from shellfish fishing. So it is crucial to understand the interactions between microalgae and shellfish.
Research interests and expertise
- Coastal ecology
- Long-term changes Wadden Sea foodweb
- Pelagic and benthic microalgae and bivalves (larvae)
- Comperative analyses Wadden systems
- Impacts of climate change & eutrophication