University of Bergen Marine Biological Station

Around the marine station and on the nearby islets, the rocky intertidal zone offers a dynamic environment shaped by the tides. Here, hardy seaweeds such as bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) and toothed wrack (Fucus serratus) dominate the landscape. Among the algae, common animals include the acorn barnacle (Semibalanus balanoides), the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis), and the predatory dogwhelk (Nucella lapillus). These organisms are specially adapted to cope with exposure to air during low tide and constant wave action.

Just 15 minutes from the station lies Korsfjorden, providing access to true deep-sea habitats (up to 700m). These depths are home to a range of fascinating species such as chimaeras (Chimaeras monstrosa) deepwater redfish (Sebastes sp., and smaller deep-sea sharks including Galeus melanostoma and Etmopterus spinax. The seafloor hosts deep-sea sea cucumbers (several species), the Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus), and long-clawed squat lobster (Munida tenuimana). This nearby fjord offers a unique opportunity to explore colder, dark environments teeming with life.

In sheltered areas with soft sediment bottoms 10 minutes from the station, visitors can encounter a variety of intriguing species. These habitats often support soft corals such as the highly bioluminescent Funiculina quadrangularis, small squat lobsters (several species), and hagfish. Irregular sea urchins like Brissopsis lyrifera and Echinocardium (several species) burrow in the sediment, playing important roles in sediment turnover and nutrient cycling. These areas are particularly rich in infaunal life and are ideal for benthic sampling and biodiversity studies.

Deeper soft-bottom areas in the region vary in sediment quality due to different current regimes, creating a mosaic of microhabitats. These habitats are typically dominated by brittle stars such as Amphiura filiformis and various species of Ophiura. A high diversity of both tube-dwelling and free-living polychaete worms is found here, making these sediments hotspots of benthic biodiversity.

Scattered patches of shell gravel provide unique microhabitats that support a different set of species. One of the characteristic inhabitants is Branchiostoma (lancelets), an ancient group of filter-feeding animals. These environments often act as refuges for specialized and relict fauna and are important for studying early chordate evolution.

In areas with strong currents and coarse hard bottoms few minutes in motorboat from the station, a diverse community of filter-feeding and predatory organisms thrives. These include brittle stars like Ophiocomina aculeata, several species of brachiopods, and bivalves such as Pododesmus patelliformis. Polychaete worms, both free-living predators and tube-dwelling filter feeders, are abundant and contribute significantly to the ecosystem’s complexity.

Steep underwater rock faces descending to depths of 500 meters host an extraordinary diversity of life. Sponges, especially various species of demosponges such as Geodia, Stryphnus, and Antho dichotoma, form sponge gardens. These habitats also feature soft corals and their associated fauna, making them among the most biologically rich and visually striking environments accessible between 20 – 30 minutes from the station.

The floating mesocosm unit consists of a raft located at about 200 m from the shore, to which the enclosures are attached, and a small laboratory/ control room. The enclosures consist of polyethylene bags (transmitting 90 % of the PAR) supported by floating frames. They can be filled and continuously supplied with water from the surface or from 40 m depth.

The floating mesocosm is equipped with:
- 8 frames for enclosures with 1 m diameter,
- 6 frames for enclosures with 2 m diameter,
- electric supply ,
- 2 pumps for water supply to the enclosures,
- air lifts for water circulation enhancement

The land-based mesocosm unit is especially suitable for experiments where physical control, e.g. turbulence, is required. It is also suitable for other pelagic experiments dealing with the lower trophic levels not requiring large sample volumes.

The land based mesocosm unit consists of:
- 12 fiberglass tanks (width: 1.5 m; height: 1.5 m)
- 4 fiberglass tanks (width: 5 m; height: 1.5 m) .

Four small tanks can be placed inside one of the larger ones. This functions as a water bath, and running water in the outer tank can provide customised daily temperature fluctuations. The tanks can be filled with sea water from 40 m, from the surface, or with fresh water.

The most outstanding feature at the station is the Mesocosm Laboratory, which has been appointed as the National Mesocosm Centre by the Research Council of Norway. The centre has been designed for large-scale experimental work on primary and secondary production and consists of enclosed water masses with volumes between 2 and 30 m3 whose physical, chemical and biological parameters can be manipulated in a semi natural environment. Typical mesocosm experiments last for 3-6 weeks and are usually carried out by interdisciplinary teams.

The Station was a key installation in the Bergen Marine Food Chain Research Infrastructure. Through a series of EU contracts under the 4th and 5th Framework Programmes, Bergen Marine (earlier called Bergen LSF) has given access to more than 200 scientists form 80 research institutions in 15 countries during 1996-2003, funding more than 100 projects which have resulted in hundreds of scientific contributions. BIO researchers have developed the MESOCOSM web site.

The National Mesocosm Centre includes a floating mesocosm laboratory and a land-based mesocosm system. Both units have water quality regulating devices and access to continuous water supply from the surface or from 40 m depth. Instruments for monitoring environmental factors are also available: Light recorder (Li-Cor sea and land sensor with data logging appliance) and OTS recorder (Sea Bird Instr.)

- auditorium / meeting room for 30 people
- course lab for 12 students
- offices for staff and guests
- office equipment and electronic communication
- sorting lab with air hoods
- wet lab with aquaria and running seawater
- walk-in cool-rooms (2-20°C)
- 2 with running seawater
- 1 for culture of microalgae

- Analytical instruments
- Microscopes and some other lab equipment
- 4 outboard motor boats
- Sampling devices: dredges, sledges, fishing gear and plankton nets
- the R/V "Hans Brattström" can also dock at the Station
- Equipment for continuous collection of live zooplankton (Hydrotech; approx. 5 m3/min)

- 20 rooms with private bath
- restaurant-type kitchen
- living-dining room and terrace with view to the fjord
- sauna

The Marine Biological Station is part of EMBRC-Norway, which is part of the European research infrastructure network EMBRC-ERIC.

The following projects offer TNA – Transnational Access – funding opportunities for visits to the station:

AQUASERV

IRISCC