Understanding marine ecosystems
Marine ecosystems bring together living organisms and non-living elements. These components interact with each other as part of a connected marine system.
What makes up a marine ecosystem
Living organisms and environmental conditions work together within marine ecosystems.
Living organisms
Fish, plankton, and marine plants are among the living organisms found within marine ecosystems.
Environmental conditions
Water, temperature, nutrients, and seabed habitat structures form the non-living part of these systems.
Ecosystem interactions
Living organisms and non-living elements interact with each other, contributing to variation between marine ecosystems.
Explore Marine Ecosystems
Continue to detailed information about ecosystems, marine pollution, and ocean chemistry.
Ecosystems
Learn about the organisms, environmental conditions, and interactions that make up marine ecosystems.
Marine Pollution
Explore monitoring of pollution and contaminants in Irish waters and how this work supports marine environmental standards.
Ocean Biogeochemistry
Discover how monitoring ocean chemistry helps track climate change and protect Ireland’s marine environment.
Monitoring and environmental standards
We monitor marine pollution in Irish waters to protect ecosystems, track contaminants, and support national and EU environmental standards.