Understanding marine eutrophication from agricultural runoff in semi enclosed areas: a short review in the Gulf of Geras, Greece

Abstract

The understanding of marine eutrophication in semi enclosed areas due to agricultural runoff, assumes a more integrated approach taking into account the agricultural watershed, seasonal patterns of soil nutrients, rates of erosion and vegetation types. In the present case study in the Gulf of Geras, Lesvos, Greece, the transport of dissolved and solid phase nutrients of terrestrial origin to the marine environment was studied in detail using mathematical modelling. Fifteen criteria describing environmental and socioeconomic aspects were analysed using multi criteria choice methods and a number of scenarios were evaluated. Parallel to that an eutrophication model was used to describe the problem of eutrophication in the marine environment and also to assess the environmental impact from the proposed scenarios. The emphasis was placed in the interconnection between Mediterranean type ecosystem and marine coastal eutrophication. The results showed that the coupling of multi criteria analysis together with simulation modelling, provide a powerful tool for integrated coastal management practices and assessing eutrophic trends in semi enclosed areas.