In this three-year U.S.-Yugoslav cooperative research project in biological oceanography between Nenad Smodlaka of Rudjer Boskovic's Center for Marine Research and Malvern Gilmartin of the University of Maine, the investigators will continue their research on the eutrophication of the Northern Adriatic. In prior work, the investigators accumulated significant oceanographic data sets on the effects of organic nutrients, minerals and pollutants discharged by northern Italian rivers. Specifically, organic and inorganic deposits effectively reduce the dissolved oxygen needed to promulgate marine life. In this new proposal, through computer analysis, eutrophication trends in the Adriatic will be established. Extensive research will be conducted on the the role of microorganisms (bacteria, protozoans, nanoplankton) under eutrophic conditions. Consequences of eutrophication on the environment is important worldwide. This work could serve as the basis of an environmental clean up plan for the Adriatic by the Italian and Yugoslav governments. Furthermore, this research experience is a model for addressing coastal eutrophication problems in the United States and other countries. This project was approved by the U.S.-Yugoslav Joint Board on Cooperation in Science and Technology and is supported through a joint fund consisting of matching contributions from the governments of the United States and Yugoslavia. The U.S. contribution is provided annually by the Department of State. No NSF funds are involved. Grants are made to the principal scientific institution in Yugoslavia, but include dollar funds for U.S. scientist travel to Yugoslavia and for Yugoslav scientists' living expenses in the U.S.
