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The aim of this symposium is to share experiences and knowledge from mesocosm-based science tackling ecological grand challenges in aquatic ecosystems. Mesocosms are a well-established experimental technique that can provide a more robust mechanistic understanding and complement controlled laboratory experiments or observational studies of natural ecosystems. This symposium focuses on mesocosm based research tackling grand ecological challenges across different aquatic realms. We welcome contributions from international researchers using mesocosms to address these problems in aquatic environments ranging from ponds, lakes and rivers to the coastal and open ocean and more. Contributions examining impacts across all scales, from local to landscape and regional, are welcome! Submissions from Transnational Access (TA) users of both AQUACOSM and AQUACOSM-plus projects are especially welcome! Additionally, we will explore the boundaries of natural science approaches used in mesocosm research through the lens of other disciplines such as philosophy, art, etc.

Session Themes

1– Understanding ecosystem function through mesocosm research for tackling Grand Challenges including climate change, biodiversity loss, eutrophication, ocean acidification, salinization, invasive species, agrochemical pollution, thermal pollution, microplastics, pharmaceutics and other synthetic pollutants, harmful algal blooms, interactions between stressors, and more
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We invite presentations (talks and posters) to address a wide range of aquatic experimental studies on food web and system dynamics, including bottom up and top-down changes, community composition, biodiversity, variability, evolutionary adaptation, modelling, ecosystem stability and related topics. Single system as well as cross-domain studies on e.g. aquatic-terrestrial processes, and studies relating to ecosystem services are all relevant.

2– Mesocosm-based research for testing adaptation and mitigation measures

We invite presentations (talks and posters) to address topics of relevance for nature-based and ecological engineering solutions, restoration, rewilding, as well as other actions to counteract and better adapt to present and projected future environmental and societal challenges related to water. We are seeking contributions in a broad sense, of topics that have been or could be tackled with mesocosm based approaches. Contributions are not limited to carbon sequestration and carbon dioxide removal strategies (CDR), but open for presentations on any mitigation actions in aquatic systems.

Session Chairs:

3– Novel methodology and technology (approaches) to advance future ecosystem-scale experimental research, using mesocosms and beyond
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We invite presentations (talks and posters) to address functional approaches, problems, limitations, solutions and novel ideas around design, construction, and conduction of experiments, specifically including novel analysis approaches (e.g. measurement techniques and instrumentation) that can help study aquatic ecosystems in a better way in future mesocosm experiments. Themes can also include better experimental design and statistical approaches.

4– Bridging ecological realms and RIs for better ecosystem understanding, prediction capabilities and resilience to environmental disturbances
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We invite presentations (talks and posters) on work done at or across different research Infrastructures (such as (e)LTER, JERICO, ICOS, EMBRC, etc.). Combining observational with experimental approaches allows to bridge scales in time and space. Moreover, considering RI-RI collaboration, processes and trajectories across realms may be addressed that otherwise tend to be studied in isolation (e.g. Land-water interface and feedback-loops between realms). A specific theme of interest is conducted (or also planned) studies linking long-term observational data with process studies or large-scale experiments, bridging experimental scales across land-water-atmosphere interfaces and more. Other specific links of interest are e.g. between theory development and empirical testing, and between mesocosm experiments and management recommendations. We also invite contributions addressing the interface of long-term data, variability in time and resilience of systems and communities.

5– Science of team and collaborative science for developing better understanding
Session Chairs:

Talks are invited to address how to enhance collaborative science within disciplines and also among other disciplines (e.g. art, philosophy, economy, politics)

Host City
Antalya

Antalya, the Turkish Riviera is the most stunning part of Türkiye's Mediterranean coast. It is typical of Türkiye, a thriving modern city, with a historic heart in the center of Kaleiçi within the old city walls. Antalya has a backdrop of stunning mountain scenery, and the city is set high on cliffs, with many of its grandest hotels overlooking the sea on the outskirts of the town.

The most popular Historic Sites of the Antalya Region:

Aspendos: Just 50 km east of Antalya, Aspendos was an important center of trade during Roman times. Today, the most impressive aspect of Aspendos is her stunning theatre, which was built in approx. 162 AD. It seats 15,000 and has been beautifully preserved. Each year it hosts the Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival which takes place in June and July and gives you the opportunity to see performances of classics in a magnificent setting. The aqueduct, which supplied water to the city, is still relatively intact and is an impressive sight.

Phaselis: The three harbors of this Lycian port city were once major commercial centers. In the shelter of Mount Tahtalı, it is a popular stopping point for yachts, and its clear waters and sandy beaches are popular with sun-seekers. The remains are mostly Roman and include a theatre, baths, aqueducts, Hadrian's Gate, an agora, and an acropolis.

Perge: Just 18 km from Antalya, Perge was an important city in Pamphylia and was visited by St. Paul during his missionary journeys. Today, the city gate flanked by lofty towers, theatre and baths is of interest.

Demre: Also known as Kale, the ancient city of Myra, is primarily famous for its connection with St. Nicholas, who was bishop here in the 4^th century. His church is the focus of the annual ceremony which takes place to commemorate him on or around his feast day of 6^th December. It is well worth seeing the Roman theatre which remains here, overlooked by spectacular rock tombs, dating from the 4^th century BC.