Objectives of the LaguNet Network

LaguNet was inaugurated during the workshop "Trasporto dei nutrienti negli ambienti acquatici di transizione lungo le coste italiane: valutazione dei flussi e delle funzioni dell'ecosistema " held in Venice 14-15th April 2002, and has the following objectives:

• To provide a forum for discussion and cooperation between researchers who are studying biogeochemical processes in lagoons, wetlands and salt- marshes at sites along the Italian coast.
• Evaluate available information and present understanding of the biogeochemistry of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous in transitional and coastal waters under the influence of catchment basins.
• Discuss the feasibility of the application of the LOICZ Biogeochemical Model to such areas.
• Promote an agreed common approach to studies of biogeochemical processes in these transitional ecosystems that can provide support to management or policy applications.
• Consider the feasibility of developing one or more projects either in Italy or in Europe (with Mediterranean EU partners as well as eventually from Eastern Europe and North Africa).