Introduction

Abstract

The Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research established Working Group 85 (SCOR WG.85) to review and assess the applications of studies conducted in experimental ecosystems to basic and applied oceanographic research. The three specific terms of reference given to SCOR WG.85 were as follows:

• (1) to examine previous studies involving experimental ecosystems, and critically evaluate the results and the application of such techniques to estuarine, coastal, and open sea problems;

• (2) to make recommendations for complete-systems approaches (mesocosms, field, laboratory, and simulation modelling) to current problems in biological oceanography; and

• (3) to specify design criteria pertinent to studies in the range of estuarine, coastal, and open sea conditions.