Synthesis of climate relevant results from selected monitoring programs in the coastal zone. Part 2: Quantitative analyses

Abstract

This report is Part 2 of the project Synthesis of climate relevant results from selected monitoring programs in the coastal zone (Klima-Overblikk). The overall aim of this report was to document changes over the period 1990-2016 in riverine loadings to Skagerrak and in coastal water quality and species composition. In addition, we investigated the relationships between changes in climate drivers (temperature, river discharge) and coastal responses in hydrography and changes in species composition in phytoplankton, hard-bottom and soft-bottom communities. We used long-term (approx. 26 years) coastal monitoring time series on hydrography, phytoplankton, hard-bottom communities and soft-bottom fauna from coastal Skagerrak, together with monitoring data on selected Norwegian rivers draining to Skagerrak.