Zwischen Anspruch und Wirklichkeit – Beteiligungskultur in der Schweiz

Die Schweiz gilt als Musterland direktdemokratischer Beteiligung der Bürgerinnen und Bürger an politischen Entscheidungsprozessen. Die große politische Zufriedenheit und Stabilität, das hohe Vertrauen in die politische Elite, der wirtschaftliche Leistungsausweis und das starke zivilgesellschaftliche Engagement scheinen Folgen eines an Beteiligungsmöglichkeiten reichen politischen Systems zu sein, das zudem auch politischen Protest zu kanalisieren versteht und hohes bottom-up Innovationspotenzial aufweist, so PD Dr. Marc Bühlmann, Direktor des Année Politique Suisse am Institut für Politikwissenschaft der Universität Bern. In seinem Gastbeitrag hinterfragt er jedoch das »Loblied auf die Schweizer Demokratie«. Seiner Meinung nach werde das partizipative Potenzial in unserem Nachbarland nicht ausgeschöpft, weil der Zugang zu diesem System in dreifacher Hinsicht selektiv sei: erstens würden Beteiligungsrechte nur sehr zurückhaltend vergeben; zweitens zeige sich eine eher schwache Nutzung der Instrumente: die niedrige Beteiligung bei Wahlen wie auch bei Abstimmungen, aber auch die seltene Ergreifung der Initiative und des Referendums durch nicht gut organisierte zivilgesellschaftliche Minderheiteninteressen seien Anzeichen dafür. Nicht die schwache, sondern drittens die wenig repräsentative Nutzung und Beteiligung müssten aber als eigentliche Mängel der Schweizer Beteiligungskultur bezeichnet werden: Individuen, die über ein hohes Einkommen und hohe Bildung verfügen, scheinen die Beteiligungsopportunitäten nicht nur häufiger zu nutzen, sondern auch stärker von ihnen zu profitieren.

AN OCCUPATIONAL INJURY MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AT HOUSTON

The purpose of this research and development project was to develop a method, a design, and a prototype for gathering, managing, and presenting data about occupational injuries.^ State-of-the-art systems analysis and design methodologies were applied to the long standing problem in the field of occupational safety and health of processing workplace injuries data into information for safety and health program management as well as preliminary research about accident etiologies. The top-down planning and bottom-up implementation approach was utilized to design an occupational injury management information system. A description of a managerial control system and a comprehensive system to integrate safety and health program management was provided.^ The project showed that current management information systems (MIS) theory and methods could be applied successfully to the problems of employee injury surveillance and control program performance evaluation. The model developed in the first section was applied at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHSCH).^ The system in current use at the UTHSCH was described and evaluated, and a prototype was developed for the UTHSCH. The prototype incorporated procedures for collecting, storing, and retrieving records of injuries and the procedures necessary to prepare reports, analyses, and graphics for management in the Health Science Center. Examples of reports, analyses, and graphics presenting UTHSCH and computer generated data were included.^ It was concluded that a pilot test of this MIS should be implemented and evaluated at the UTHSCH and other settings. Further research and development efforts for the total safety and health management information systems, control systems, component systems, and variable selection should be pursued. Finally, integration of the safety and health program MIS into the comprehensive or executive MIS was recommended. ^

Abundance of mesozooplankton in the western part of the Black Sea in summer 1998 during the National Monitoring Programme

The dataset is based on samples collected in the summer of 1998 in the Western Black Sea in front of Bulgaria coast. The whole dataset is composed of 69 samples (from 22 stations of National Monitoring Grid) with data of mesozooplankton species composition abundance and biomass. Samples were collected in discrete layers 0-10, 0-20, 0-50, 10-25, 25-50, 50-100 and from bottom up to the surface at depths depending on water column stratification and the thermocline depth. Zooplankton samples were collected with vertical closing Juday net,diameter - 36cm, mesh size 150 µm. Tows were performed from surface down to bottom meters depths in discrete layers. Samples were preserved by a 4% formaldehyde sea water buffered solution. Sampling volume was estimated by multiplying the mouth area with the wire length. Mesozooplankton abundance: The collected material was analysed using the method of Domov (1959). Samples were brought to volume of 25-30 ml depending upon zooplankton density and mixed intensively until all organisms were distributed randomly in the sample volume. After that 5 ml of sample was taken and poured in the counting chamber which is a rectangle form for taxomomic identification and count. Large (> 1 mm body length) and not abundant species were calculated in whole sample. Counting and measuring of organisms were made in the Dimov chamber under the stereomicroscope to the lowest taxon possible. Taxonomic identification was done at the Institute of Oceanology by Lyudmila Kamburska using the relevant taxonomic literature (Mordukhay-Boltovskoy, F.D. (Ed.). 1968, 1969,1972). Taxon-specific abundance: The collected material was analysed using the method of Domov (1959). Samples were brought to volume of 25-30 ml depending upon zooplankton density and mixed intensively until all organisms were distributed randomly in the sample volume. After that 5 ml of sample was taken and poured in the counting chamber which is a rectangle form for taxomomic identification and count. Copepods and Cladoceras were identified and enumerated; the other mesozooplankters were identified and enumerated at higher taxonomic level (commonly named as mesozooplankton groups). Large (> 1 mm body length) and not abundant species were calculated in whole sample. Counting and measuring of organisms were made in the Dimov chamber under the stereomicroscope to the lowest taxon possible. Taxonomic identification was done at the Institute of Oceanology by Lyudmila Kamburska using the relevant taxonomic literature (Mordukhay-Boltovskoy, F.D. (Ed.). 1968, 1969,1972).

Effects of increased CO2 concentration on nutrient limited coastal summer plankton depend on temperature

Increasing seawater temperature and CO2 concentrations both are expected to increase coastal phytoplankton biomass and carbon to nutrient ratios in nutrient limited seasonally stratified summer conditions. This is because temperature enhances phytoplankton growth while grazing is suggested to be reduced during such bottom-up controlled situations. In addition, enhanced CO2 concentrations potentially favor phytoplankton species, that otherwise depend on costly carbon concentrating mechanisms (CCM). The trophic consequences for consumers under such conditions, however, remain little understood. We set out to experimentally explore the combined effects of increasing temperature and CO2 concentration for phytoplankton biomass and stoichiometry and the consequences for trophic transfer (here for copepods) on a natural nutrient limited Baltic Sea summer plankton community. The results show, that warming effects were translated to the next trophic level by switching the system from a bottom-up controlled to a mainly top-down controlled one. This was reflected in significantly down-grazed phytoplankton and increased zooplankton abundance in the warm temperature treatment (22.5°C). Additionally, at low temperature (16.5°C) rising CO2 concentrations significantly increased phytoplankton biomass. The latter effect however, was due to direct negative impact of CO2 on copepod nauplii which released phytoplankton from grazing in the cold but not in the warm treatments. Our results suggest that future seawater warming has the potential to switch trophic relations between phytoplankton and their grazers under nutrient limited conditions with the consequence of potentially disguising CO2 effects on coastal phytoplankton biomass.

Abundance of mesozooplankton in the western part of the Black Sea in summer 2000 during the National Monitoring Programme

The dataset is based on samples collected in the summer of 2000 in the Western Black Sea in front of Bulgaria coast. The whole dataset is composed of 84 samples (from 31 stations of National Monitoring Grid) with data of mesozooplankton species composition abundance and biomass. Samples were collected in discrete layers 0-10, 0-20, 0-50, 10-25, 25-50, 50-100 and from bottom up to the surface at depths depending on water column stratification and the thermocline depth. The collected material was analysed using the method of Domov (1959). Samples were brought to volume of 25-30 ml depending upon zooplankton density and mixed intensively until all organisms were distributed randomly in the sample volume. After that 5 ml of sample was taken and poured in the counting chamber which is a rectangle form for taxomomic identification and count. Large (> 1 mm body length) and not abundant species were calculated in whole sample. Counting and measuring of organisms were made in the Dimov chamber under the stereomicroscope to the lowest taxon possible. Taxonomic identification was done at the Institute of Oceanology by Lyudmila Kamburska using the relevant taxonomic literature (Mordukhay-Boltovskoy, F.D. (Ed.). 1968, 1969,1972). The collected material was analysed using the method of Domov (1959). Samples were brought to volume of 25-30 ml depending upon zooplankton density and mixed intensively until all organisms were distributed randomly in the sample volume. After that 5 ml of sample was taken and poured in the counting chamber which is a rectangle form for taxomomic identification and count. Copepods and Cladoceras were identified and enumerated; the other mesozooplankters were identified and enumerated at higher taxonomic level (commonly named as mesozooplankton groups). Large (> 1 mm body length) and not abundant species were calculated in whole sample. Counting and measuring of organisms were made in the Dimov chamber under the stereomicroscope to the lowest taxon possible. Taxonomic identification was done at the Institute of Oceanology by Lyudmila Kamburska using the relevant taxonomic literature (Mordukhay-Boltovskoy, F.D. (Ed.). 1968, 1969,1972).

Abundance of mesozooplankton in the western part of the Black Sea in 1995 during the Cooperative Marine Science Program for the Black Sea (CoMSBlack)

The "CoMSBlack-95" dataset is based on samples collected in the summer of 1995. The whole dataset is composed of 81 samples (28 stations) with data of zooplankton species composition, abundance and biomass. Samples were collected in discrete layers 0-10, 0-20, 0-50, 10-25, 25-50, 50-100 and from bottom up to the surface at depths depending on water column stratification and the thermocline depth. Zooplankton samples were collected with vertical closing Juday net,diameter - 36 cm, mesh size 150 µm. Tows were performed from surface down to bottom meters depths in discrete layers. Samples were preserved by a 4% formaldehyde sea water buffered solution. Sampling volume was estimated by multiplying the mouth area with the wire length. Mesozooplankton abundance: The collected material was analysed using the method of Domov (1959). Samples were brought to volume of 25-30 ml depending upon zooplankton density and mixed intensively until all organisms were distributed randomly in the sample volume. After that 5 ml of sample was taken and poured in the counting chamber which is a rectangle form for taxomomic identification and count. Large (> 1 mm body length) and not abundant species were calculated in whole sample. Counting and measuring of organisms were made in the Dimov chamber under the stereomicroscope to the lowest taxon possible. Taxonomic identification was done at the Institute of Oceanology by Asen Konsulov and Lyudmila Kamburska using the relevant taxonomic literature (Mordukhay-Boltovskoy, F.D. (Ed.). 1968, 1969,1972). Taxon-specific abundance: The collected material was analysed using the method of Domov (1959). Samples were brought to volume of 25-30 ml depending upon zooplankton density and mixed intensively until all organisms were distributed randomly in the sample volume. After that 5 ml of sample was taken and poured in the counting chamber which is a rectangle form for taxomomic identification and count. Copepods and Cladoceras were identified and enumerated; the other mesozooplankters were identified and enumerated at higher taxonomic level (commonly named as mesozooplankton groups). Large (> 1 mm body length) and not abundant species were calculated in whole sample. Counting and measuring of organisms were made in the Dimov chamber under the stereomicroscope to the lowest taxon possible. Taxonomic identification was done at the Institute of Oceanology by Asen Konsulov and Lyudmila Kamburska using the relevant taxonomic literature (Mordukhay-Boltovskoy, F.D. (Ed.). 1968, 1969,1972).

Sobre tensiones, transición y transformación en el territorio de una ciudad andina : San Juan. Argentina

El trabajo que se presenta se referencia en una serie de propuestas de ordenamiento territorial desarrolladas de manera conjunta entre municipios de la provincia de San Juan, Argentina y la Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Se trata de propuestas que abordan múltiples desafíos, los que no por recurrentes minimizan su complejidad. Por el contrario señalan la transición hacia la construcción de territorios más sostenibles en este contexto particular, enfrentan el desafío que supone la disputa por el suelo urbano, las tensiones derivadas del avance de la urbanización y la expectativa de valorización inmobiliaria por parte de sectores del periurbano. Se propone una transformación del propio territorio, sostenida en la construcción de capacidades locales, en el afianzamiento de redes, y en la concienciación sobre las propias capacidades. Los resultados alcanzados desde lo 'tangible' refieren a propuestas orientadas en tres direcciones principales: reestructuración espacial y funcional, reestructuración socio-productiva y gestión integrada de recursos patrimoniales. Más allá de estos resultados, vinculados al diseño de estrategias de ocupación y manejo sustentable del territorio se destacan diversas construcciones, como el reconocimiento e incorporación de nuevos actores, el fortalecimiento de lazos entre actores locales y externos a la comunidad: Universidad, Gobierno provincial, Municipios; la continuidad de proyectos, la socialización de resultados con otros municipios, los proyectos en marcha. En este sentido, actualmente se trabaja en la construcción del Plan para el Area Metropolitana de San Juan, en una conjunción de voluntades políticas, sociales y técnicas, involucrando a seis municipios de la provincia. Indudablemente, se trata de procesos que requieren complementariamente o simultáneamente de aquellos 'microprocesos' a escala de las comunidades, que se transformen en 'micrologros', en una estrategia que integre procesos 'top down' y 'bottom up'. Éste es un camino que se comienza a recorrer. Concluyendo, se valora especialmente, el rol dinamizador que los procesos desarrollados han provocado en el entorno local, generando nuevas propuestas, atrayendo programas y acciones concretas hacia el territorio. Se comienza a transitar de una manera sostenida, la incorporación del tema planificación en la agenda de gobierno, la construcción de microprocesos en distintas comunidades, y la Universidad recuperando su rol, no sólo como consultor de referencia en estas temáticas, sino esencialmente como 'caja de resonancia' de las necesidades y deseabilidades de esta comunidad. En síntesis, se espera que estos procesos de transición alcancen la necesaria escala de transformación

Sobre tensiones, transición y transformación en el territorio de una ciudad andina : San Juan. Argentina

El trabajo que se presenta se referencia en una serie de propuestas de ordenamiento territorial desarrolladas de manera conjunta entre municipios de la provincia de San Juan, Argentina y la Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Se trata de propuestas que abordan múltiples desafíos, los que no por recurrentes minimizan su complejidad. Por el contrario señalan la transición hacia la construcción de territorios más sostenibles en este contexto particular, enfrentan el desafío que supone la disputa por el suelo urbano, las tensiones derivadas del avance de la urbanización y la expectativa de valorización inmobiliaria por parte de sectores del periurbano. Se propone una transformación del propio territorio, sostenida en la construcción de capacidades locales, en el afianzamiento de redes, y en la concienciación sobre las propias capacidades. Los resultados alcanzados desde lo 'tangible' refieren a propuestas orientadas en tres direcciones principales: reestructuración espacial y funcional, reestructuración socio-productiva y gestión integrada de recursos patrimoniales. Más allá de estos resultados, vinculados al diseño de estrategias de ocupación y manejo sustentable del territorio se destacan diversas construcciones, como el reconocimiento e incorporación de nuevos actores, el fortalecimiento de lazos entre actores locales y externos a la comunidad: Universidad, Gobierno provincial, Municipios; la continuidad de proyectos, la socialización de resultados con otros municipios, los proyectos en marcha. En este sentido, actualmente se trabaja en la construcción del Plan para el Area Metropolitana de San Juan, en una conjunción de voluntades políticas, sociales y técnicas, involucrando a seis municipios de la provincia. Indudablemente, se trata de procesos que requieren complementariamente o simultáneamente de aquellos 'microprocesos' a escala de las comunidades, que se transformen en 'micrologros', en una estrategia que integre procesos 'top down' y 'bottom up'. Éste es un camino que se comienza a recorrer. Concluyendo, se valora especialmente, el rol dinamizador que los procesos desarrollados han provocado en el entorno local, generando nuevas propuestas, atrayendo programas y acciones concretas hacia el territorio. Se comienza a transitar de una manera sostenida, la incorporación del tema planificación en la agenda de gobierno, la construcción de microprocesos en distintas comunidades, y la Universidad recuperando su rol, no sólo como consultor de referencia en estas temáticas, sino esencialmente como 'caja de resonancia' de las necesidades y deseabilidades de esta comunidad. En síntesis, se espera que estos procesos de transición alcancen la necesaria escala de transformación

Sobre tensiones, transición y transformación en el territorio de una ciudad andina : San Juan. Argentina

El trabajo que se presenta se referencia en una serie de propuestas de ordenamiento territorial desarrolladas de manera conjunta entre municipios de la provincia de San Juan, Argentina y la Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Se trata de propuestas que abordan múltiples desafíos, los que no por recurrentes minimizan su complejidad. Por el contrario señalan la transición hacia la construcción de territorios más sostenibles en este contexto particular, enfrentan el desafío que supone la disputa por el suelo urbano, las tensiones derivadas del avance de la urbanización y la expectativa de valorización inmobiliaria por parte de sectores del periurbano. Se propone una transformación del propio territorio, sostenida en la construcción de capacidades locales, en el afianzamiento de redes, y en la concienciación sobre las propias capacidades. Los resultados alcanzados desde lo 'tangible' refieren a propuestas orientadas en tres direcciones principales: reestructuración espacial y funcional, reestructuración socio-productiva y gestión integrada de recursos patrimoniales. Más allá de estos resultados, vinculados al diseño de estrategias de ocupación y manejo sustentable del territorio se destacan diversas construcciones, como el reconocimiento e incorporación de nuevos actores, el fortalecimiento de lazos entre actores locales y externos a la comunidad: Universidad, Gobierno provincial, Municipios; la continuidad de proyectos, la socialización de resultados con otros municipios, los proyectos en marcha. En este sentido, actualmente se trabaja en la construcción del Plan para el Area Metropolitana de San Juan, en una conjunción de voluntades políticas, sociales y técnicas, involucrando a seis municipios de la provincia. Indudablemente, se trata de procesos que requieren complementariamente o simultáneamente de aquellos 'microprocesos' a escala de las comunidades, que se transformen en 'micrologros', en una estrategia que integre procesos 'top down' y 'bottom up'. Éste es un camino que se comienza a recorrer. Concluyendo, se valora especialmente, el rol dinamizador que los procesos desarrollados han provocado en el entorno local, generando nuevas propuestas, atrayendo programas y acciones concretas hacia el territorio. Se comienza a transitar de una manera sostenida, la incorporación del tema planificación en la agenda de gobierno, la construcción de microprocesos en distintas comunidades, y la Universidad recuperando su rol, no sólo como consultor de referencia en estas temáticas, sino esencialmente como 'caja de resonancia' de las necesidades y deseabilidades de esta comunidad. En síntesis, se espera que estos procesos de transición alcancen la necesaria escala de transformación

(Table 1) Characteristics of air temperature, sea surface temperature, sea surface salinity, nutrients, and total particulate matter for Admiralty Bay and Potter Cove, King George Island, Antarctica

Since the early 1990s, phytoplankton has been studied and monitored in Potter Cove (PC) and Admiralty Bay (AB), King George/25 de Mayo Island (KGI), South Shetlands. Phytoplankton biomass is typically low compared to other Antarctic shelf environments, with average spring - summer values below 1 mg chlorophyll a (Chl a)/m**3. The physical conditions in the area (reduced irradiance induced by particles originated from the land, intense winds) limit the coastal productivity at KGI, as a result of shallow Sverdrup's critical depths (Zc) and large turbulent mixing depths (Zt). In January 2010 a large phytoplankton bloom with a maximum of around 20 mg Chl a/m**3, and monthly averages of 4 (PC) and 6 (AB) mg Chl a/m**3, was observed in the area, making it by far the largest recorded bloom over the last 20 yr. Dominant phytoplankton species were the typical bloom-forming diatoms that are usually found in the western Antarctic Peninsula area. Anomalously cold air temperature and dominant winds from the eastern sector seem to explain adequate light : mixing environment. Local physical conditions were analyzed by means of the relationship between Zc and Zt, and conditions were found adequate for allowing phytoplankton development. However, a multiyear analysis indicates that these conditions may be necessary but not sufficient to guarantee phytoplankton accumulation. The relation between maximum Chl a values and air temperature suggests that bottom-up control would render such large blooms even less frequent in KGI under the warmer climate expected in the area during the second half of the present century.

Anemone abundance and productivity at North Vulcano Island in May 2011

Increased seawater pCO2, and in turn 'ocean acidification' (OA), is predicted to profoundly impact marine ecosystem diversity and function this century. Much research has already focussed on calcifying reef-forming corals (Class: Anthozoa) that appear particularly susceptible to OA via reduced net calcification. However, here we show that OA-like conditions can simultaneously enhance the ecological success of non-calcifying anthozoans, which not only play key ecological and biogeochemical roles in present day benthic ecosystems but also represent a model organism should calcifying anthozoans exist as less calcified (soft-bodied) forms in future oceans. Increased growth (abundance and size) of the sea anemone (Anemonia viridis) population was observed along a natural CO2 gradient at Vulcano, Italy. Both gross photosynthesis (PG) and respiration (R) increased with pCO2 indicating that the increased growth was, at least in part, fuelled by bottom up (CO2 stimulation) of metabolism. The increase of PG outweighed that of R and the genetic identity of the symbiotic microalgae (Symbiodinium spp.) remained unchanged (type A19) suggesting proximity to the vent site relieved CO2 limitation of the anemones' symbiotic microalgal population. Our observations of enhanced productivity with pCO2, which are consistent with previous reports for some calcifying corals, convey an increase in fitness that may enable non-calcifying anthozoans to thrive in future environments, i.e. higher seawater pCO2. Understanding how CO2-enhanced productivity of non- (and less-) calcifying anthozoans applies more widely to tropical ecosystems is a priority where such organisms can dominate benthic ecosystems, in particular following localized anthropogenic stress.

Carbon/Nitrogen ratio of plant tissues and biomass of belowground consumers after 11 years of experimental treatment, Toolik lake

Theory and observation indicate that changes in the rate of primary production can alter the balance between the bottom-up influences of plants and resources and the top-down regulation of herbivores and predators on ecosystem structure and function. The Exploitation Ecosystem Hypothesis (EEH) posited that as aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) increases, the additional biomass should support higher trophic levels. We developed an extension of EEH to include the impacts of increases in ANPP on belowground consumers in a similar manner as aboveground, but indirectly through changes in the allocation of photosynthate to roots. We tested our predictions for plants aboveground and for phytophagous nematodes and their predators belowground in two common arctic tundra plant communities subjected to 11 years of increased soil nutrient availability and/or exclusion of mammalian herbivores. The less productive dry heath (DH) community met the predictions of EEH aboveground, with the greatest ANPP and plant biomass in the fertilized plots protected from herbivory. A palatable grass increased in fertilized plots while dwarf evergreen shrubs and lichens declined. Belowground, phytophagous nematodes also responded as predicted, achieving greater biomass in the higher ANPP plots, whereas predator biomass tended to be lower in those same plots (although not significantly). In the higher productivity moist acidic tussock (MAT) community, aboveground responses were quite different. Herbivores stimulated ANPP and biomass in both ambient and enriched soil nutrient plots; maximum ANPP occurred in fertilized plots exposed to herbivory. Fertilized plots became dominated by dwarf birch (a deciduous shrub) and cloudberry (a perennial forb); under ambient conditions these two species coexist with sedges, evergreen dwarf shrubs, and Sphagnum mosses. Phytophagous nematodes did not respond significantly to changes in ANPP, although predator biomass was greatest in control plots. The contrasting results of these two arctic tundra plant communities suggest that the predictions of EEH may hold for very low ANPP communities, but that other factors, including competition and shifts in vegetation composition toward less palatable species, may confound predicted responses to changes in productivity in higher ANPP communities such as the MAT studied here.

Abundance of mesozooplankton in the western part of the Black Sea in summer 2002 during the National Monitoring Programme

The dataset is based on samples collected in the summer of 2002 in the Western Black Sea in front of Bulgaria coast. The whole dataset is composed of 47 samples (from 19 stations of National Monitoring Grid) with data of mesozooplankton species composition abundance and biomass. Sampling for zooplankton was performed from bottom up to the surface at depths depending on water column stratification and the thermocline depth. Zooplankton samples were collected with vertical closing Juday net,diameter - 36cm, mesh size 150 µm. Tows were performed from surface down to bottom meters depths in discrete layers. Samples were preserved by a 4% formaldehyde sea water buffered solution. Sampling volume was estimated by multiplying the mouth area with the wire length. Mesozooplankton abundance: The collected material was analysed using the method of Domov (1959). Samples were brought to volume of 25-30 ml depending upon zooplankton density and mixed intensively until all organisms were distributed randomly in the sample volume. After that 5 ml of sample was taken and poured in the counting chamber which is a rectangle form for taxomomic identification and count. Large (> 1 mm body length) and not abundant species were calculated in whole sample. Counting and measuring of organisms were made in the Dimov chamber under the stereomicroscope to the lowest taxon possible. Taxonomic identification was done at the Institute of Oceanology by Lyudmila Kamburska using the relevant taxonomic literature (Mordukhay-Boltovskoy, F.D. (Ed.). 1968, 1969,1972). Taxon-specific abundance: The collected material was analysed using the method of Domov (1959). Samples were brought to volume of 25-30 ml depending upon zooplankton density and mixed intensively until all organisms were distributed randomly in the sample volume. After that 5 ml of sample was taken and poured in the counting chamber which is a rectangle form for taxomomic identification and count. Copepods and Cladoceras were identified and enumerated; the other mesozooplankters were identified and enumerated at higher taxonomic level (commonly named as mesozooplankton groups). Large (> 1 mm body length) and not abundant species were calculated in whole sample. Counting and measuring of organisms were made in the Dimov chamber under the stereomicroscope to the lowest taxon possible. Taxonomic identification was done at the Institute of Oceanology by Lyudmila Kamburska using the relevant taxonomic literature (Mordukhay-Boltovskoy, F.D. (Ed.). 1968, 1969,1972).

Abundance of mesozooplankton in the western part of the Black Sea in summer 2005 during Phase 2: Leg1 from the GEF Project

The sampling area was extended to the Western-South area off the Black Sea coast from Kaliakra cape toward the Bosforous. Samples were collected along four transects. The whole dataset is composed of 17 samples (from 10 stations) with data of mesozooplankton species composition abundance and biomass. Sampling for zooplankton was performed from bottom up to the surface at depths depending on water column stratification and the thermocline depth. These data are organized in the "Control of eutrophication, hazardous substances and related measures for rehabilitating the Black Sea ecosystem: Phase 2: Leg I: PIMS 3065". Data Report is not published. Zooplankton samples were collected with vertical closing Juday net,diameter - 36cm, mesh size 150 µm. Tows were performed from surface down to bottom meters depths in discrete layers. Samples were preserved by a 4% formaldehyde sea water buffered solution. Sampling volume was estimated by multiplying the mouth area with the wire length. Mesozooplankton abundance: The collected material was analysed using the method of Domov (1959). Samples were brought to volume of 25-30 ml depending upon zooplankton density and mixed intensively until all organisms were distributed randomly in the sample volume. After that 5 ml of sample was taken and poured in the counting chamber which is a rectangle form for taxomomic identification and count. Large (> 1 mm body length) and not abundant species were calculated in whole sample. Counting and measuring of organisms were made in the Dimov chamber under the stereomicroscope to the lowest taxon possible. Taxonomic identification was done at the Institute of Oceanology by Kremena Stefanova using the relevant taxonomic literature (Mordukhay-Boltovskoy, F.D. (Ed.). 1968, 1969,1972). Taxon-specific abundance: The collected material was analysed using the method of Domov (1959). Samples were brought to volume of 25-30 ml depending upon zooplankton density and mixed intensively until all organisms were distributed randomly in the sample volume. After that 5 ml of sample was taken and poured in the counting chamber which is a rectangle form for taxomomic identification and count. Copepods and Cladoceras were identified and enumerated; the other mesozooplankters were identified and enumerated at higher taxonomic level (commonly named as mesozooplankton groups). Large (> 1 mm body length) and not abundant species were calculated in whole sample. Counting and measuring of organisms were made in the Dimov chamber under the stereomicroscope to the lowest taxon possible. Taxonomic identification was done at the Institute of Oceanology by Kremena Stefanova using the relevant taxonomic literature (Mordukhay-Boltovskoy, F.D. (Ed.). 1968, 1969,1972).

Abundance of mesozooplankton in the western part of the Black Sea in autumn 1999 during the National Monitoring Programme

The dataset is based on samples collected in the summer of 1999 in the Western Black Sea in front of Bulgaria coast. The whole dataset is composed of 59 samples (from 24 stations of National Monitoring Grid) with data of mesozooplankton species composition abundance and biomass. Samples were collected in discrete layers 0-10, 0-20, 0-50, 10-25, 25-50, 50-100 and from bottom up to the surface at depths depending on water column stratification and the thermocline depth. The collected material was analysed using the method of Domov (1959). Samples were brought to volume of 25-30 ml depending upon zooplankton density and mixed intensively until all organisms were distributed randomly in the sample volume. After that 5 ml of sample was taken and poured in the counting chamber which is a rectangle form for taxomomic identification and count. Large (> 1 mm body length) and not abundant species were calculated in whole sample. Counting and measuring of organisms were made in the Dimov chamber under the stereomicroscope to the lowest taxon possible. Taxonomic identification was done at the Institute of Oceanology by Lyudmila Kamburska using the relevant taxonomic literature (Mordukhay-Boltovskoy, F.D. (Ed.). 1968, 1969,1972). The collected material was analysed using the method of Domov (1959). Samples were brought to volume of 25-30 ml depending upon zooplankton density and mixed intensively until all organisms were distributed randomly in the sample volume. After that 5 ml of sample was taken and poured in the counting chamber which is a rectangle form for taxomomic identification and count. Copepods and Cladoceras were identified and enumerated; the other mesozooplankters were identified and enumerated at higher taxonomic level (commonly named as mesozooplankton groups). Large (> 1 mm body length) and not abundant species were calculated in whole sample. Counting and measuring of organisms were made in the Dimov chamber under the stereomicroscope to the lowest taxon possible. Taxonomic identification was done at the Institute of Oceanology by Lyudmila Kamburska using the relevant taxonomic literature (Mordukhay-Boltovskoy, F.D. (Ed.). 1968, 1969,1972).