Home
  • E-mailsvein.erga@uib.no
  • Visitor Address
    Thormøhlens gate 53 A/B
    5006 Bergen
    Room 
    5H07
  • Postal Address
    Postboks 7803
    5020 Bergen

Research experience and interests:

Ecophysiological aspects of phytoplankton in Norwegian marine waters. The investigations cover fjord waters; Korsfjorden, Raunefjorden, Lindåspollene, Samnangerfjorden, Boknafjorden, Lysefjorden and Oslofjorden, coastal waters; Western, Southern and Eastern Norway, and oceanic waters; the Norwegian Sea, Barents Sea and the Greenland Sea. Special emphasis has been put on the regulation mechanisms of spatial and temporal distribution of phytoplankton biomass and primary production. Among the physical factors being studied are light, wind, hydrography – including water column stability, and water circulation. Besides this, physiological and behavioural effects of light (including UV) and other environmental factors on microalgae has been investigated. Among these are cell motility (studied in a specially designed artificial water column), bio-optical aspects of microalgae in general and photosynthetic response.

 

Within the field of light and phytoplankton interactions I cooperate with colleges (Øyvind Frette, Børge Hamre and Jakob Stamnes) from the “Optics and atomic physics” group, of which I am an associated member, at the Department of Physics and Technology, UoB. Our common research activities have a long time horizon and it is conducted in collaboration with several national and international scientific groups and institutions. In order to enhance the quality of our work and to enable us to investigate new aspects of light and phytoplankton interactions, we have established a marine bio-optical laboratory facility, with funding from the Norwegian Research Councils’ Program for “Advanced equipment”. This has resulted in several “Light and Life” projects. These are: "Light and Life in Norwegian Waters" (LLNW), "Light and Life in Icy Arctic Waters", "Light and Life in African environment" and “Light and Life in Norwegian Waters: Physics/Biology Based Approach to Satellite Monitoring of Primary Production and Algal Blooms”. Many Master and Ph.D students have been involved in the projects.

 

Field investigations

In Norwegian fjords the observed seasonal variations in phytoplankton biomass, species composition, primary production and vertical distribution are due to a complex interaction between physical, chemical and biological factors. We have seen that the wind regulated exchange processes between coastal and fjord water, together with light regime, are overall regulating factors. During periods of northerly winds along the coast of Western Norway, displacements of coastal waters away from the coast are accompanied by upwelling of nutrient rich deeper water into the euphotic zone. An opposite circulation pattern is seen during periods of southerly winds. These advective processes are also essential for questions concerning the autochthonous-allochthonous origin of the species. Common for the investigated fjords are strong stratifications of the water masses throughout extended periods of the growth season, which enable the deeper situated phytoplankton species to adapt to low light intensities. During time, such a strategy could result in deep maximum layers of chlorophyll a.  It is has also been found that persistent stratification of the water masses combined with stable light conditions could lead to diel rhythms in photosynthetic activity of summer phytoplankton. As a bloom proceeds and nutrients are being exhausted, grazing by micro- and macrozooplankton may become an important regulating factor phytoplankton growth. During calm weather conditions, nutrient limitation, nitrogen or phosphorus, may persist for extended periods in Norwegian fjords. Continued growth of phytoplankton in the surface layer above the pycnocline thus relies on regenerated nutrients. Both bacterio- and virioplankton have been found to be important in this context. Besides this, virioplankton may act as an internal driving force in spring bloom successions.

 

To better understand the role of light regime on growth of phytoplankton, information on the spatial and temporal variations of the inherent optical properties (absorption and scattering) of coastal and fjord waters (“case II water”) have been gained.   The transmission of UV radiation and the factors controlling it are important in this context. Therefore the role of coloured dissolved organic material (CDOM) has been thoroughly investigated. Possible effects of UV radiation on vertical distribution of phytoplankton and primary production have been investigated both in case I (ocean water) and case II waters. It was found that the maximum and mean potential for inhibition of primary production at a depth of 5 m were 11 and 3 % in the Greenland and Norwegian Seas, 3.2 and 0.9 % in coastal waters of south-western Norway, and 0.5 and 0.1 % in the Samnangerfjord.

 

Development of new methods

An experimental water column equipped with an optical detection system for the study of fine scale vertical displacement of microalgae in stratified waters has been constructed. With this system migratory patterns and swimming speeds of the algae can be deduced. An improved technique for measurements of the volume scattering function (VSF) of marine particles has also been developed. This equipment enables us to study how microalgae and other particles influence the propagation of light in the ocean. A new infrared laser equipped with confocal microscopy, including “Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging” (FLIM), has now being installed in our lab, which implies new opportunities to study basic photosynthetic processes and anatomical changes in microalgal cells as responses to light stress.

 

 

Model application

By using a spectral radiative transfer model combined with a parameterization of the inhibition of marine photosynthesis by ultraviolet radiation, it has been found that ozone depletion in polar regions during periods of sufficiently low solar elevations, compromising both open and ice-covered waters, could lead to increased photosynthesis at all depths. The reason for this is that reduced ozone concentrations not only result in enhanced levels of UV radiation but also in photosynthetic utilizable radiation (PUR), which could otherwise be limiting to primary production during periods of normal ozone concentrations.

 

Aquaculture related research

The main aspect of this research is to investigate if it is possible to increase the primary production within a fjord by artificial upwelling of deeper nutrient rich water during the summer season, when growth of phytoplankton is otherwise nutrient limited. This would be beneficial for the aquaculture industry, both concerning mussel and fish farming. We have found that by using a submerged freshwater discharge to bring about an upwelling, the algal production can be increased by a factor of 3-4, and at the same time reduce the occurrence of toxic algal flagellates. This work is in collaboration with the Jan Aure, Tore Strohmeier and Øivind Strand at the Institute of Marine Research (IMR), Bergen.

 

 

 

 

Pedagogical competence and experience

Pedagogical competence - I had my basic pedagogical education during 1992 by participating in the course “Developmental Program in University Pedagogics”. My teaching experience at university level goes back to 1985.

 

Teaching responsibilities at UoB and UoO - Introductory courses in Biology (120 students): - BIO 100 Biology  - (45 ECTS credits) 1993 – 1999, and - BIO 103 Botany – (15 ECTS credits) 2000 -2002, in both cases responsible for both laboratory course and lectures comprising “Physiology and anatomy of higher plants”, equivalent to 5 ECTS credits, - BIO 113 Microbiology – (10 ECTS credits), partly responsible for lectures 2003 - 2004 and for laboratory course from 2003, BIO 114 Physiology – (10 ECTS credits), partly responsible for lectures and laboratory course 2003 – 2004. Specialisation courses in Marine biology and Microbiology, chronologically from 1985 until 2006: - B 290 Algal systematics and ecology  - (15 ECTS credits), including laboratory course, partly responsible, - B 390 Marine ecological processes – (3 ECTS credits), partly responsible, - BM 202, UoO Marine ecological methods – (15 ECTS credits), including laboratory course, partly responsible, - BM 223 Algal physiology I – (15 ECTS credits), including laboratory course, partly responsible, - BM 224 Algal physiology II – (15 ECTS credits), including laboratory course, total responsible, - BFM 360 Marine pollution biology – (5 ECTS credits), partly responsible, - BM 222 Experimental algal physiology – (10 ECTS credits), including laboratory course, partly responsible, - BM 221 Microbial ecology II – (15 ECTS credits), including laboratory course, partly responsible, - MAR 314 Experimental marine microbiology – (5 ECTS credits), partly responsible - BM 321/MIK 314 Light and Microalgae in marine ecosystems – (5 ECTS credits), total responsible, - MIK 201 Eucaryote microbiology – (10 ECTS credits), including laboratory course, partly responsible. For several of the taught courses listed above, I was also responsible for editing the laboratory manual. In the case of BM 224 and BM 321/MIK 314, I was responsible for both the initiation and planning of the courses. I have also been responsible for the direction of a number of Master students at our Department and at the Department of Physics and Technology.

 

Academic article
  • Show author(s) (2022). The importance of microbiota and terrestrial inflows in controlling seston C:N:P:O:Si:Ca:Mn:Mg:Fe:K:Na:Cl:S:Cu:Zn stoichiometry of a deep coastal fjord. Biogeochemistry. 1-28.
  • Show author(s) (2020). Enhanced photostability of anthocyanin dye for increased efficiency in natural Dye sensitized solar cells. Optik. 1-15.
  • Show author(s) (2019). CDOM Absorption Properties of Natural Water Bodies along Extreme Environmental Gradients. Water. 19 pages.
  • Show author(s) (2018). Testing Fluorescence Lifetime Standards using Two-Photon Excitation and Time-Domain Instrumentation: Fluorescein, Quinine Sulfate and Green Fluorescent Protein. Journal of Fluorescence. 1065-1073.
  • Show author(s) (2018). Seasonal and annual variability in the phytoplankton community of the Raunefjord, west coast of Norway from 2001-2006. Marine Biology Research. 421-435.
  • Show author(s) (2018). Enhancing EPA Content in an Arctic Diatom: A Factorial Design Study to Evaluate Interactive Effects of Growth Factors. Frontiers in Plant Science. 1-11.
  • Show author(s) (2018). Comparing EPA production and fatty acid profiles of three Phaeodactylum tricornutum strains under western Norwegian climate conditions. Algal Research. 11-22.
  • Show author(s) (2017). Seasonal variations in C:N:Si:Ca:P:Mg:S:K:Fe relationships of seston from Norwegian coastal water: Impact of extreme offshore forcing during winter-spring 2010. Marine Chemistry. 1-12.
  • Show author(s) (2017). Measurement and modeling of volume scattering functions for phytoplankton from Norwegian coastal waters. Journal of Marine Research. 579-603.
  • Show author(s) (2017). Linking bacterial community structure to advection and environmental impact along a coast-fjord gradient of the Sognefjord, western Norway. Progress in Oceanography. 13-30.
  • Show author(s) (2017). Impact of Chromophoric dissolved organic matter on light absorption in lake water on the Tibetan Plateau, China. AIP Conference Proceedings. 4 pages.
  • Show author(s) (2017). Dampened copepod-mediated trophic cascades in a microzooplankton-dominated microbial food web: A mesocosm study. Limnology and Oceanography. 1031-1044.
  • Show author(s) (2017). Comparison of absorption properties of colored dissolved organic matter in six different case 2 water bodies. AIP Conference Proceedings. 1-4.
  • Show author(s) (2017). Bioprospecting North Atlantic microalgae with fast growth and high polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content for microalgae-based technologies. Algal Research. 392-401.
  • Show author(s) (2017). Analysis and parameterization of absorption properties of northern Norwegian coastal water. AIP Conference Proceedings. 4 pages.
  • Show author(s) (2016). Specific metabolites in a Phaeodactylum tricornutum strain isolated from Western Norwegian fjord water. Marine Drugs. 17 pages.
  • Show author(s) (2016). Aragonite saturation states and pH in western Norwegian fjords: Seasonal cycles and controlling factors, 2005-2009. Ocean Science. 937-951.
  • Show author(s) (2016). Absorption properties of high-latitude Norwegian coastal water: The impact of CDOM and particulate matter. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 158-167.
  • Show author(s) (2015). Top-down and bottom-up control on bacterial diversity in a western Norwegian deep-silled fjord. FEMS Microbiology Ecology.
  • Show author(s) (2015). Response of Mytilus edulis to enhanced phytoplankton availability by controlled upwelling in an oligotrophic fjord. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 139-152.
  • Show author(s) (2015). Migratory behaviour of Skeletonema grethae (Bacillariophyceae) in stratified waters. Diatom Research. 13-25.
  • Show author(s) (2015). Impact of particulate and dissolved material on light absorption properties in a High-Altitude Lake in Tibet, China. Hydrobiologia. 17 pages.
  • Show author(s) (2015). Growth and diel vertical migration patterns of the toxic dinoflagellate Protoceratium reticulatum in a water column with salinity stratification: the role of bioconvection and light. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 47-64.
  • Show author(s) (2015). Chlorophyll a fluorescence lifetime reveals reversible UV-induced photosynthetic activity in the green algae Tetraselmis. European Biophysics Journal.
  • Show author(s) (2014). Testing fluorescence lifetime standards using two-photon excitation and time-domain instrumentation: Rhodamine B, coumarin 6 and lucifer yellow. Journal of Fluorescence. 1015-1024.
  • Show author(s) (2014). Nutrients and phytoplankton biomass distribution and activity at the Barents Sea Polar Front during summer near Hopen and Storbanken. Journal of Marine Systems. 181-192.
  • Show author(s) (2014). Infectious Salmon Anemia (ISA) virus: Infectivity in seawater under different physical conditions. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health. 33-42.
  • Show author(s) (2014). Environmental control of phytoplankton distribution and photosynthetic performance at the Jan Mayen Front in the Norwegian Sea. Journal of Marine Systems. 193-205.
  • Show author(s) (2013). Light conditions and photosynthetic efficiency of phytoplankton in Murchison Bay, Lake Victoria, Uganda. Limnologica. 185-193.
  • Show author(s) (2012). Dynamics of phytoplankton distribution and photosynthetic capacity in a western Norwegian fjord during coastal upwelling: Effects on optical properties. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. 91-103.
  • Show author(s) (2012). Chlorophyll a and NADPH fluorescence lifetimes in the microalgae haematococcus pluvialis (Chlorophyceae) under normal and astaxanthin-accumulating conditions. Applied Spectroscopy. 1216-1225.
  • Show author(s) (2011). Mueller matrix measurements of algae with different shape and size distributions. Applied Optics. 5149-5157.
  • Show author(s) (2010). Growth of scallop spat in a raceway nursery during autumn conditions in western Norwegian waters. Journal of Shellfish Research. 45-54.
  • Show author(s) (2010). Fine scale vertical displacement of Phaeodactylum tricornutum (Bacillariophyceae) in stratified waters: Influence of halocline and day length on buoyancy control. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology. 7-17.
  • Show author(s) (2008). Could stratospheric ozone depletion lead to enhanced aquatic primary production in the polar regions? Limnology and Oceanography. 332-338.
  • Show author(s) (2007). Scattering properties of microalgae: the effect of cell size and cell wall. Applied Optics. 5762-5769.
  • Show author(s) (2007). Primary production enhancement by artificial upwelling in a western Norwegian fjord. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 39-52.
  • Show author(s) (2007). Laboratory measurements of light scattering from marine particles. Limnology and Oceanography : Methods. 34-40.
  • Show author(s) (2005). UV transmission in Norwegian marine waters: controlling factors and possible effects on primary production and vertical distribution of phytoplankton. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 79-100.
  • Show author(s) (2004). Spring phytoplankton bloom dynamics in Norwegian coastal waters: Microbial community succession and diversity. Limnology and Oceanography. 180-190.
  • Show author(s) (2004). Spring phytoplankton bloom dynamics in Norwegian coastal waters: Microbial community succession and diversity. Limnology and Oceanography. 180-190.
  • Show author(s) (2004). Seasonal variability in inherent optical properties in a western Norwegian fjord. Sarsia. 276-291.
  • Show author(s) (2003). UV (280 to 400 nm) optical properties in a Norwegian fjord system and an intercomparison of underwater radiometers. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 1-11.
  • Show author(s) (2003). Parameterisation and analysis of the optical absorption and scattering coefficients in a Western Norwegian fjord - A case II water study. Applied Optics. 883-892.
  • Show author(s) (2003). New aspects of migratory behavior of phytoplankton in stratified waters: Effects of halocline strength and light on Tetraselmis sp. (Prasinophyceae) in an artificial water column. Limnology and Oceanography. 1202-1213.
  • Show author(s) (1994). Environmental controls of the dynamics of harmful algal blooms in Norwegian waters, with contributions from the research programme "Harmful algae blooms". Proceedings published by Elsevier.
  • Show author(s) (1991). Kartlegging av potensielle områder for skadelige planktonalger i norske farvann del 1: kyst og hav. Fisken og Havet.
  • Show author(s) (1990). Diel variations in photosynthetic activity of summer phytoplankton in Lindåspollene, western Norway. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 73-85.
  • Show author(s) (1989). Ecological studies on the phytoplankton of Boknafjorden, western Norway. II. Environmental control of photosynthesis. Journal of Plankton Research. 785-812.
  • Show author(s) (1989). Ecological studies on the phytoplankton of Boknafjorden, western Norway. 1. the effect of water exchange processes and environmental factors on temporal and verical variability of biomass. Sarsia. 161-176.
  • Show author(s) (1988). Phosphorus and nitrogen limitation of phytoplankton in the inner Oslofjord (Norway). Sarsia. 229-243.
  • Show author(s) (1984). Ecological studies on the phytoplankton of Korsfjorden, western Norway. The dynamics of a spring bloom seen in relation to hydrographical conditions and light regime. Journal of Plankton Research. 67.
Report
  • Show author(s) (2000). FJORDCULT: Økt biologisk produksjon i fjorder ved kunstig oppstrømning av kystvann. 11. 11. .
  • Show author(s) (1996). Primærproduksjonsforholdene i Ytre Oslofjord. .
  • Show author(s) (1993). Administrativ sluttrapport for forskningsprogrammet "Skadelige alger". .
  • Show author(s) (1991). Kartlegging av potensielle områder for skadelige planktonalger i norske farvann. .
  • Show author(s) (1991). Fjernmåling av vannkvalitet.-Evaluering av anvendelsesområder for satellitt og flybårne sensordata for overvåking av vannkvalitet. .
  • Show author(s) (1990). Undersøkelse av egnethet for fiskeoppdrett ved Varaldsøy i Hardanger. .
  • Show author(s) (1990). Eutrofitilstand for norske fjorder og kystfarvann med tilgrensende områder. .
  • Show author(s) (1990). En vurdering av N og P's rolle som regulerende faktor for planteplankton produksjon i svenske kystfarvann. .
  • Show author(s) (1988). Vurdering av to oppdrettslokalitetar i Høydalsfjorden. .
  • Show author(s) (1987). Nitrogen, fosfor og planktonvekst. En metodeundersøkelse i Oslofjorden 1986. .
  • Show author(s) (1982). Petrokjemianlegg på Kårstø. Primærproduksjon februar-november 1981. Planteplanktonets biomasse og produksjon sett i relasjon til beitepress, hydrografi, lys og næringssalter. .
Lecture
  • Show author(s) (2018). The National Algaepilot Mongstad: production of microalgae for food and feed.
Popular scientific lecture
  • Show author(s) (1993). Phytoplankton blooms - Reasons and consequences.
Academic lecture
  • Show author(s) (2021). Temporal and spatial variability of CO2 in the northern North Sea.
  • Show author(s) (2021). Surface ocean CO2 in the northern North Sea - temporal and spatial variability.
  • Show author(s) (2019). The National Algaepilot Mongstad: production of microalgae for food and feed.
  • Show author(s) (2016). Bioprospecting for high PUFA content in Northern marine microalgae.
  • Show author(s) (2015). Fluorescence Lifetime Measurement and Imaging of chlorophyll a in UV-stressed Microalgae Tetraselmis.
  • Show author(s) (2015). Fluorescence Lifetime Measurement and Imaging of chlorophyll a in UV-stressed Microalgae Tetraselmis.
  • Show author(s) (2015). Absorption spectra for water samples from Lake Namtso (Tibet), Bohai sea (China), and the coast off Northern Norway.
  • Show author(s) (2014). Fluorescence lifetime of chlorophyll a reveals reversible photo-protection mechanism in the green algae Tetraselmis under UV-stressed conditions.
  • Show author(s) (2014). Fluorescence lifetime of chlorophyll a reveals reversible photo-protection mechanism in the green algae Tetraselmis under UV-stressed conditions.
  • Show author(s) (2013). Improved growth conditions for phytoplankton during summer in a western Norwgian fjord by forced upwelling of nutrient rich deep water.
  • Show author(s) (2012). Mueller matrix measurements of algae with different shape and size distributions.
  • Show author(s) (2009). The challenge of reducing the production time of juvenile scallops (Pecten maximus) intended for sea ranching.
  • Show author(s) (2009). Production of Pecten maximus L. in land-based nursery during autumn season.
  • Show author(s) (2009). Mueller Matrix measurements of algae with different shape and size distributions.
  • Show author(s) (2009). In Vivo fluoresence Lifetime Measurements of Chlorophyll and NADPH in the Green Algae Haematococcus Pluvialis.
  • Show author(s) (2008). Bio-optical technique for estimation of primary productivity from chlorophyll fluorescence measurements.
  • Show author(s) (2008). Aquatic photosynthesis described by a tree-state model.
  • Show author(s) (2004). May stratospheric ozone depletion lead to enhanced primary production in the polar regions?
  • Show author(s) (2004). Laboratory measurements of light scattering from marine particles.
  • Show author(s) (2004). LLNW:Physics/Biology based approach to satellite monitoring of primary production and algae blooms.
  • Show author(s) (2003). Bleking av pigmenter i alger og dens virkning på algenes optiske egenskaper.
  • Show author(s) (2000). Optical remote sensing of waters with vertical structure.
  • Show author(s) (2000). Optical remote sensing of light and life in coastal waters.
Thesis at a second degree level
  • Show author(s) (1996). Mutagenesis and characterization of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase expressed in <I>E. coli</I>: Modulation of structure and function based on computer analysis (cand. scient. avhandling i bioteknologi).
Masters thesis
  • Show author(s) (2017). Videreutvikling av instrumentering for studier av mikroalgers vertikalmigrasjon under ulike lysforhold.
  • Show author(s) (2013). Instrumentering av eksperimentell vannkolonne for studier av mikroalgers vertikalforflytning.
  • Show author(s) (2006). Growth and vertical migration of protoceratium reticulatum(Dinophyceae).
Popular scientific article
  • Show author(s) (2003). Det grøne gullet. UiB-magasinet : nytt fra Universitetet i Bergen. 2-5.
  • Show author(s) (1989). Resipientforholdenes innvirkning ved lokalisering av oppdrettsanlegg. Vann. 304-313.
  • Show author(s) (1988). Masseoppblomstring av skadelige alger. Mulige årsaker og sammenhenger. Norsk Fiskeoppdrett. 14-15.
  • Show author(s) (1987). Næringssalter og planktonvekst i Oslofjorden. Vann. 199-206.
Doctoral dissertation
  • Show author(s) (2018). High-value fatty acids from microalgae. Bioprospecting and outdoor cultivation at northern latitudes.
  • Show author(s) (2016). Fluorescence lifetime measurements and imaging of microalgae under normal and stress conditions.
  • Show author(s) (2011). Applications of fluorescence measurements for estimation of algae photosynthesis.
  • Show author(s) (2011). : Applications of Fluorescence measurements for estimation of algae photosynthesis.
Interview
  • Show author(s) (2003). Dyrkar algar mot sjukdom.
Programme participation
  • Show author(s) (2003). Mikroalger fra havet; både mat og medisin.
  • Show author(s) (2001). Norske fjorder skal dyrkes.
  • Show author(s) (2001). Fjorder som Matmaskiner.
Academic chapter/article/Conference paper
  • Show author(s) (2018). Sampling gears and equipment. 46 pages.
Abstract
  • Show author(s) (1979). Relative importance of different size fractions of phytoplankton in fjord waters near Bergen, western Norway. Acta Botanica Fennica. 60-61.
Poster
  • Show author(s) (2017). Different outdoor performance of three Phaeodactylum tricornutum strains under western Norwegian climate conditions.
  • Show author(s) (2017). Bioprospecting North Atlantic microalgae with fast growth and high EPA/DHA content.
  • Show author(s) (2016). Analysis and parameterization of absorption properties of northern Norwegian coastal water.
  • Show author(s) (2015). Screening concept to prospect Nordic microalgae for polyunsaturated fatty acids.
  • Show author(s) (2015). Bergen Marine Biobank, forming a platform for marine bioprospecting.
  • Show author(s) (2010). Mueller matrix measurements of algae with different shape and size distributions.
  • Show author(s) (2010). Measurement of instantaneous phytoplankton photosynthetic parameters in Lake Victoria (Uganda) using a fluorescence technique.
  • Show author(s) (2007). Measurements of the effect of cell size and cell wall on the scattering properties of micro algae.
  • Show author(s) (2006). Measurement of inherent optical properties.
  • Show author(s) (2006). A THREE-STATE MODEL FOR AQUATIC PHOTOSYNTHESIS.
  • Show author(s) (2005). Vertical migration, growth, genetics and toxicity among different strains of Norwegian Protoceratium reticulatum (Dinophyceae).
  • Show author(s) (2005). Searching cyanobacteria and microalgae from Norwegian waters for drug candidates.
  • Show author(s) (2004). Variability in UV transmission in Norwegian Polar, Coastal- and Fjord waters: Controlling factors.
  • Show author(s) (2004). May stratospheric ozone depletion lead to enhanced aquatic primary production in the polar regions?
  • Show author(s) (2003). Screening for and isolation of medically active substances from marine cyanobacteria and microalgae from Norwegian waters.
  • Show author(s) (2003). Dynamics and succession during the spring bloom in the Norwegian coastal current, with emphasis on the smallest participants.
  • Show author(s) (2002). Bioactive substances from marine cyanobacteria and microalgae: From sea to screen.
  • Show author(s) (2001). Dynamics and succession during the spring bloom in Norwegian coastal current, with emphasis on the smallest participants.
  • Show author(s) (2000). Optical properties of a Norwegian fjord.
  • Show author(s) (2000). Investigating the optical properties of algae as a function of size, shape and refractive index.
  • Show author(s) (2000). FJORDCULT - Increased biological production in fjords by artificial uppwelling.
  • Show author(s) (1999). Laboratory measurements of angular distribution og light scattered from marine particles.

More information in national current research information system (CRIStin)

Scientific papers published in international journals:

Erga, S.R. and Heimdal, B.R. 1984. Ecological studies on the phytoplankton of Korsfjorden, western Norway. The dynamics of a spring bloom seen in relation to hydrographical conditions and light regime. J. Plankton Res. 6: 67-90

Erga, S.R. 1989. Ecological studies on the phytoplankton of Boknafjorden, western Norway. I. The effect of water exchange processes and environmental factors on temporal and vertical variability of biomass. Sarsia 74: 161-176

Erga, S.R. 1989. Ecological studies on the phytoplankton of Boknafjorden, western Norway. II. Environmental control of photosynthesis. J. Plankton Res. 11: 785-812

Erga, S.R. and Skjoldal, H.R. 1990. Diel variations in photosyntheticactivity of summer phytoplankton in Lindåspollene, western Norway. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 65: 73-85

Erga, S.R., Omar, A.M., Singstad, I., Steinseide, E. 1999. An optical detection system for the study of fine-scale vertical displacement of microalgae in an artificial water column. J. Phycol. 35:425-432

Erga, S.R., Dybwad, M., Frette, Ø., Lotsberg, J.K., Aursland, K. 2003. New aspects on migratory behaviour of phytoplankton in stratified waters: Effects of halocline strength and light on Tetraselmis sp. (Prasinophyceae) in an artificial water column. Limnol. Oceanogr. 48: 1202-1213

Erga, S.R., Aursland, K., Frette, Ø., Hamre, B., Lotsberg, J.K., Stamnes, J.J., Aure, J., Rey, F., Stamnes, K. 2005. UV transmission in Norwegian waters: controlling factors and possible effects on primary production and vertical distribution of phytoplankton. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 305: 79-100

Paasche, E.,  Erga, S.R. 1988. Phosphorus and nitrogen limitation of phytoplankton in the inner Oslofjord (Norway). Sarsia 73: 229-243

Frette, Ø., Erga, S.R., Stamnes, J.J., Stamnes, K. 2001. Optical remote sensing of waters with vertical structure. Appl. Opt. 40:1478-1487

Hamre, B., Frette, Ø., Erga, S.R., Stamnes, J.J., Stamnes, K.  2003. Parameterisation and analysis of the optical absorption and scattering coefficients in a Western Norwegian fjord – A case II water study. Appl. Opt. 42:883-892

Kjeldstad, B., Frette, Ø., Erga, S.R., Browman, H.I., Kuhn. P., Davis, R., Miller, W., Stamnes, J.J. 2003. UV (280-400 nm) optical properties in a Norwegian fjord system and an intercomparison of underwater radiometers. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 256: 1-11

Larsen, A., Flaten, G.A.F., Sandaa, R.A., Castberg, T., Thyrhaug, R., Erga, S.R. Jaquet, S., Bratbak, G. 2004. Spring phytoplankton bloom in Norwegian coastal waters: Microbial community dynamics, succession and diversity. Limnol. Oceanogr. 49: 180-190

Frette, Ø., Erga, S.R., Hamre, B., Aure, J., Stamnes, J.J. 2004. Seasonal variability in inherent optical properties in a western Norwegian fjord. Sarsia 89: 276-291

Lotsberg, J.K., Marken, E., Stamnes, J.J., Erga, S.R., Aursland, K., Olseng, C.D. 2007. Laboratory measurements of light scattering from marine particles. Limnol. Oceanogr.: Methods 5: 34-40

Svensen, Ø., Frette, Ø, Erga, S.R. 2007. Scattering properties of microalgae: the effect of cell size and cell wall. Appl. Optics 46: 5762-5769

Aure, J., Strand, Ø., Erga, S.R., Strohmeier, T. 2007. Primary production enhancement by artificial upwelling in a western Norwegian fjord. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 352: 39-52

Hamre, B., Stamnes, J.J., Frette, Ø, Erga, S.R., Stamnes, K. 2008. Could stratospheric ozone depletion lead to enhanced aquatic primary production in polar regions. Limnol. Oceanogr. 53: 332-338

Erga, S.R., Lie, G.C., Aarø, L.H., Aursland, K., Olseng, C.D., Frette, Ø., Hamre, B. 2010. Fine scale vertical displacement of Phaeodactylum tricornutum (Bacillariophyceae) in stratified waters: Influence of halocline and day length on buoyancy control. J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 384: 7-17

Magnesen, T., Erga, S.R., Christophersen, G. 2010. Growth of scallop spat in a raceway nursery during autumn conditions in western Norwegian coastal waters. J. Shellfish Res. 29: 45-54

Paulson, R., Knutsen, G., Erga, S.R. 2010. Isocitrate lyase activity patterns during cell cycle in synchronous cultures of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Chlorophyceae). Alogological. Stud. 133: 43-64

 

Initiation and conduction of special research projects – Projects funded by the Norwegian Research Council are: 1. “Pysiological effects of UV-radiation on key species of marine phytoplankton”, 1993-1995, in collaboration with senior scientist Francisco Rey, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen. 2. “Light and Life in Norwegian Waters (LLNW)”, a pilot project, 1997. 3. “LLNW - Program for Advanced equipment”, with the overall objective of purchasing optical equipment and instruments for laboratory and field measurements, 1998. 4. “LLNW”, a continuation and expansion of project 2, with the overall objective of developing optical instrumentation and methods to characterize optical properties, composition, underwater light levels, ocean colour, and primary production of high latitude coastal waters, 1998-2000. 5. “Light and Life in Icy Arctic Waters”, with the overall objective of modelling irradiance and primary production in a coupled atmosphere-snow-ice-ocean system, 2000-2002. 6. "Light and Life in African Environment", with the overall objective of studying the connection between light and life in Lake Victoria, in collaboration with Makarere University, Kampala, Uganda, 1998. 7.  and “LLNW: Physics/Biology Based Approach to Satellite Monitoring of Primary Production and Algal Blooms”, with the overall objective of developing, implementing, testing, and validating quantitative algorithms for characterizing and monitoring marine constituents, underwater light levels, and primary production in Norwegian coastal waters from satellite measurements of ocean colour, medio 2002- medio 2005. All the “Light and Life” projects have been conducted in close collaboration with professor Jakob J. Stamnes and associated professor Øyvind Frette at the Department of Physics and Technology, UoB.

 

I also have a collaboration with the senior scientists Jan Aure and Øivind Strand, and scientist Tore Strohmeier at the Institute of Marine Research (IMR), Bergen since 2005. The work is executed in the Lysefjord, Rogaland (east of Stavanger) and is funded by the Strategic Institute Programme  ”CANO; Carrying capacity in Norwegian Aquaculture" and the research programme "GATE; Growth performance and detoxification of mussels cultured in a fjord enhanced by forced upwelling of nutrients from deep water", both projects at IMR.

 

Cand.real in Marine Biology, University of Bergen, 1980, Dr.Scient. in Marine Biology, University of Bergen, 1990 within the field: phytoplankton ecology and biological oceanography. Main interests: primary production, phytoplankton species succession, vertical distribution, optical properties, vertical displacements, element composition, UV effects on growth, photosynthetic response to environmental stress factors, weighting function for different species, life stage studies in synchronous cultures, exchange processes between coastal waters and fjord waters, deep maximum chlorophyll layers, stimulated primary production by artificial upwelling.

Research groups