Marleen De Troch
Prof. Dr. Marleen De Troch studies the ecology of marine invertebrates and their responses to a changing environment at different levels of organisation ranging from molecular aspects to ecosystem-level approaches. For instance, ecological frameworks and biochemical profiling are used to aim for more ecological and economic sustainable production of seafood. The concept of ‘learning from nature’ is hereby pivotal as knowledge on the feeding ecology of marine invertebrates in their natural environment can be applied for a more sustainable aquaculture with a higher production. Further, the concept of ‘building with nature’ is applied to the restoration of ecosystems (for instance seagrass beds) for coastal protection and optimal ecosystem functioning in relation to biodiversity. The latter research is conducted in cooperation with industrial partners. Prof. Dr. De Troch's research is conducted in an international network focusing on intertidal ecosystems worldwide with special emphasis on South America, the North Sea and Westerschelde estuary.
