Vulnerability of the Italian coastal area and marine ecosystems to climatic changes and their role in the Mediterranean carbon cycles (VECTOR)

The VECTOR project assigned to CoNISMa by MIUR in February 2006, is structured in 10 Work Packages:
• WP1.CLICOST: Effects of climate variability on wind-wave dynamics
• WP2. VULCOST: Vulnerability of estuaries/lagoons to climate changes
• WP3. VARCOST: Impact of sea level changes on coastal areas and ground water resources
• WP4. DIVCOST: Variations in coastal ecosystems biodiversity and fisheries
• WP5. CLIVEN: Sensitivity of the Venice Lagoon to climate change and variability
• WP6. CARADRI: Role of the Northern Adriatic continental shelf in carbon cycling
• WP7. CARLIVE: Role of the Mediterranean shelf ecosystem in carbon cycling
• WP8. CARPEL: Role of the Mediterranean pelagic system in carbon cycling
• WP9. CAROCE: Carbon cycle in the Southern Ocean test site
• WP10. VECTORNET: Project Management
The project studies the most significant impacts of climate change on the Mediterranean marine environment and the role of this basin on the planetary CO2 cycle. In collaboration with the main Italian research institutes, such as CNR, ENEA, ICRAM, CMCC, OGS and Stazione Zoologica “Anton Dohrn”, the project aims to draw the possible future impact scenarios on the Italian coasts. The proposed scenarios concern:
• modification of the extension of the coastal areas;
• morphology of the backshore-foreshore;
• alongshore littoral transport;
• aerosol transport from the sea to the coastal area;
• and related impacts on the areas subject to anthropogenic activities as well as on freshwater reserves.
These scenarios are associated with those related to changes in the Venice lagoon, in neritic and pelagic ecosystems in term of biodiversity, productivity, invasive species and the distribution of commercially important species. The analysis of the risks associated with the proposed scenarios have been be focused on the impacts of climate change on coastal areas biodiversity (considered by a socio-economic point of view), tourism, agriculture, fisheries and livestock.