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Dr Van Colen, Carl
ORCID


Expertise
Dr. Carl Van Colen has a broad interest in the functioning of the seafloor and its inhabitants, their interactions within the community and with the environment. He uses experimental approaches ranging from large-scale field experiments to microcosm experiments to unravel the underpinning mechanisms of community (in) stability and its consequences for ecosystem processes, functioning and service delivery, e.g. biogeochemical cycling. In addition, he studies the influence of current and predicted future environmental changes (ocean warming, acidification, hypoxia, microplastic exposure, salinity and sedimentological change) on the performance of key soft-sediment benthic species during different life stages and at different levels of biological organization. He is a lecturer at BSc and MSc level in Marine Ecology, Ecosystem services and management, Biogeochemical cycling, and Community and ecosystem ecology at UGent. In addition, He is involved in practical classes on Biodiversity and Ecosystem functioning, Aquatic ecology, Aquatic foodwebs and Spatial ecology. I supervises several BSc and MSc theses per academic year and several PhD projects in the field of marine ecology sponsored by national and European funding agencies. Thesaurus terms: Benthic-pelagic coupling; Benthos behavioral responses; Biogeochemical cycling; Climate change; Climate change ecology; Ecosystem biodiversity; Ecosystem functioning; ecosystem stability and resilience; Environmental changes; Environmental monitoring; estuarine systems; Experimental marine biology and ecology; Multiple stressors; Ocean acidification

Institute	Top \| Institute \| Publications \| Projects \| Dataset
Universiteit Gent; Faculteit Wetenschappen; Vakgroep Biologie; Onderzoeksgroep Mariene Biologie (MARBIOL), more Function: Postdoctoral Academic assistant Direct contact at institute: Tel.: +32-(0)9-264 85 32 Fax: +32-(0)9-264 85 98 E-mail:

Projects (2)	Top \| Institute \| Publications \| Projects \| Dataset
Spatio-temporal variability in benthic-pelagic coupling and the role of macrobenthos, more Successie -en rekolonisatiemechanismen van het macrobenthos in slikken, more

Dataset	Top \| Institute \| Publications \| Projects \| Dataset
DefRek: Montserrat F., Herman P. 2005: Defaunation-Recolonisation of a benthic community. Netherlands Institute of Ecology; Centre for Estuarine and Marine Ecology, Netherlands. Metadata available at http://mda.nioo.knaw.nl/imis.php?module=dataset&dasid=1212, more

Publications (53)	Top \| Institute \| Publications \| Projects \| Dataset
A1 Publications (21) [show]
Vigliano Relva, J.; Van Colen, C.; Barhdadi, W.; Daly, A.J.; De Troch, M. (2024). Temperature increase alters relative fatty acid composition and has negative effects on reproductive output of the benthic copepod Tachidius discipes (copepoda: Harpacticoida). Mar. Biol. (Berl.) 171(1): 22. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00227-023-04343-9, more Fang, X.; Moens, T.; Knights, A.; Soetaert, K.; Van Colen, C. (2021). Allometric scaling of faunal-mediated ecosystem functioning: A case study on two bioturbators in contrasting sediments. Est., Coast. and Shelf Sci. 254: 107323. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2021.107323, more Fang, X.; Cozzoli, F.; Smolders, S.; Knights, A.; Moens, T.; Soetaert, K.; Van Colen, C. (2021). Hindcasting ecosystem functioning change in an anthropogenized estuary: Implications for an era of global change. Front. Mar. Sci. 8: 747883. https://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.747833, more Mestdagh, S.; Fang, X.; Soetaert, K.; Ysebaert, T.; Moens, T.; Van Colen, C. (2020). Seasonal variability in ecosystem functioning across estuarine gradients: The role of sediment communities and ecosystem processes. Mar. Environ. Res. 162: 105096. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.105096, more Piarulli, S.; Vanhove, B.; Comandini, P.; Scapinello, S.; Moens, T.; Vrielinck, H.; Sciutto, G.; Prati, S.; Mazzeo, R.; Booth, A.M.; Van Colen, C.; Airoldi, L. (2020). Do different habits affect microplastics contents in organisms? A trait-based analysis on salt marsh species. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 153: 110983. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.110983, more Van Colen, C.; Vanhove, B.; Diem, A.; Moens, T. (2020). Does microplastic ingestion by zooplankton affect predator-prey interactions? An experimental study on larviphagy. Environ. Pollut. 256: 113479. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113479, more Fang, X.; Mestdagh, S.; Ysebaert, T.; Moens, T.; Soetaert, K.; Van Colen, C. (2019). Spatio-temporal variation in sediment ecosystem processes and roles of key biota in the Scheldt estuary. Est., Coast. and Shelf Sci. 222: 21-31. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2019.04.001, more Mestdagh, S.; Bagaço, L.; Braeckman, U.; Ysebaert, T.; De Smet, B.; Moens, T.; van Colen, C.; De Smet, B. (2018). Functional trait responses to sediment deposition reduce macrofauna-mediated ecosystem functioning in an estuarine mudflat. Biogeosciences 15(9): 2587-2599. https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-2587-2018, more Mevenkamp, L.; Ong, E.Z.; Van Colen, C.; Vanreusel, A.; Guilini, K. (2018). Combined, short-term exposure to reduced seawater pH and elevated temperature induces community shifts in an intertidal meiobenthic assemblage. Mar. Environ. Res. 133: 32-44. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2017.11.002, more Decleyre, H.; Heylen, K.; Sabbe, K.; Tytgat, B.; Deforce, D.; Van Nieuwerburgh, F.; Van Colen, C.; Willems, A. (2015). A doubling of microphytobenthos biomass coincides with a tenfold increase in denitrifier and total bacterial abundances in intertidal sediments of a temperate estuary. PLoS One 10(5): e0126583. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0126583, more Decleyre, H.; Heylen, K.; Van Colen, C.; Willems, A. (2015). Dissimilatory nitrogen reduction in intertidal sediments of a temperate estuary: small scale heterogeneity and novel nitrate-to-ammonium reducers. Front. Microbiol. 6(1124): 13 pp. http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2015.01124, more Van Colen, C.; Verbelen, D.; Devos, K.; Agten, L.; Van Tomme, J.; Vincx, M.; Degraer, S. (2014). Sediment-benthos relationships as a tool to assist in conservation practices in a coastal lagoon subjected to sediment change. Biodivers. Conserv. 23(4): 877-889. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10531-014-0638-1, more Rappé, K.; Fockedey, N.; Van Colen, C.; Cattrijsse, A.; Mees, J.; Vincx, M. (2011). Spatial distribution and general population characteristics of mysid shrimps in the Westerschelde estuary (SW Netherlands). Est., Coast. and Shelf Sci. 91(2): 187-197. dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2010.10.017, more Van Colen, C.; Montserrat, F.; Vincx, M.; Herman, P.M.J.; Ysebaert, T.J.; Degraer, S. (2010). Long-term divergent tidal flat benthic community recovery following hypoxia-induced mortality. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 60(2): 178-186. dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2009.09.028, more Van Colen, C.; Montserrat, F.; Vincx, M.; Herman, P.M.J.; Ysebaert, T.J.; Degraer, S. (2010). Macrobenthos recruitment success in a tidal flat: feeding trait dependent effects of disturbance history. J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 385(1-2): 79-84. dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jembe.2010.01.009, more Van Colen, C.; Lenoir, J.; De Backer, A.; Vanelslander, B.; Vincx, M.; Degraer, S.; Ysebaert, T.J. (2009). Settlement of Macoma balthica larvae in response to benthic diatom films. Mar. Biol. (Berl.) 156(10): 2161-2171. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00227-009-1246-6, more Van Colen, C.; Snoeck, F.; Struyf, K.; Vincx, M.; Degraer, S. (2009). Macrobenthic community structure and distribution in the Zwin nature reserve (Belgium and the Netherlands). J. Mar. Biol. Ass. U.K. 89(3): 431-438. https://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0025315409003257, more Van Colen, C.; Montserrat, F.; Verbist, K.; Vincx, M.; Steyaert, M.; Vanaverbeke, J.; Herman, P.M.J.; Degraer, S.; Ysebaert, T.J. (2009). Tidal flat nematode responses to hypoxia and subsequent macrofauna-mediated alterations of sediment properties. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 381: 189-197. https://dx.doi.org/10.3354/meps07914, more Montserrat, F.; Van Colen, C.; Degraer, S.; Ysebaert, T.J.; Herman, P.M.J. (2008). Benthic community-mediated sediment dynamics. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 372: 43-59. https://dx.doi.org/10.3354/meps07769, more Van Colen, C.; Montserrat, F.; Vincx, M.; Herman, P.M.J.; Ysebaert, T.J.; Degraer, S. (2008). Macrobenthic recovery from hypoxia in an estuarine tidal mudflat. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 372: 31-42. https://dx.doi.org/10.3354/meps07640, more Van Colen, C.; Vincx, M.; Degraer, S. (2006). Does medium-term emersion cause a mass extinction of tidal flat macrobenthos? The case of the Tricolor oil pollution prevention in the Zwin nature reserve (Belgium and The Netherlands). Est., Coast. and Shelf Sci. 68(1-2): 343-347. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2006.02.013, more
Book chapters (12) [show]
Van Colen, C. (2015). Macrobenthos & nekton, in: Cosyns, E. et al. Monitoring van het natuurherstel in het Zwin 2011-2015. Eindrapport. pp. 85-97, more Moens, T.; Moodley, L.; Steyaert, M.; Van Colen, C.; Van Oevelen, D.; Boschker, H.T.S.; Herman, P.M.J.; Middelburg, J.J.; Soetaert, K.; Ysebaert, T.; Vincx, M. (2011). The structure and functional roles of tidal flat meiobenthos, in: Heip, C. et al. (Ed.) Aspects of coastal research in contribution to LOICZ in the Netherlands and Flanders (2002-2010). LOICZ Research & Studies, 38: pp. 171-184, more Montserrat, F.; Van Colen, C.; Degraer, S.; Ysebaert, T.J.; Herman, P.M.J. (2009). Benthic community-mediated sediment dynamics, in: Van Colen, C. Tidal flat macrobenthos ecology, recolonisation and succession = Ecologie, herkolonisatie en successie van het macrobenthos in slikken. pp. 59-92, more Van Colen, C.; Montserrat, F.; Verbist, K.; Vincx, M.; Steyaert, M.; Vanaverbeke, J.; Herman, P.M.J.; Degraer, S.; Ysebaert, T.J. (2009). Tidal flat nematode responses to hypoxia and subsequent macrofauna-mediated alterations of sediment properties, in: Van Colen, C. Tidal flat macrobenthos ecology, recolonisation and succession = Ecologie, herkolonisatie en successie van het macrobenthos in slikken. pp. 105-122, more Van Colen, C.; Vincx, M.; Degraer, S. (2009). Does medium-term emersion cause a mass extinction of tidal flat macrobenthos? The case of the Tricolor oil pollution prevention in the Zwin nature reserve (Belgium and The Netherlands), in: Van Colen, C. Tidal flat macrobenthos ecology, recolonisation and succession = Ecologie, herkolonisatie en successie van het macrobenthos in slikken. pp. 229-239, more Van Colen, C.; Montserrat, F.; Vincx, M.; Herman, P.M.J.; Ysebaert, T.J.; Degraer, S. (2009). Macrobenthic recovery from hypoxia in an estuarine tidal mudflat, in: Van Colen, C. Tidal flat macrobenthos ecology, recolonisation and succession = Ecologie, herkolonisatie en successie van het macrobenthos in slikken. pp. 35-57, more Van Colen, C.; Montserrat, F.; Vincx, M.; Herman, P.M.J.; Ysebaert, T.J.; Degraer, S. (2009). A long-term study of the macrobenthos recovery following hypoxia-induced mass mortality, in: Van Colen, C. Tidal flat macrobenthos ecology, recolonisation and succession = Ecologie, herkolonisatie en successie van het macrobenthos in slikken. pp. 125-143, more Van Colen, C.; Lenoir, J.; De Backer, A.; Vanelslander, B.; Vincx, M.; Degraer, S.; Ysebaert, T.J. (2009). Settlement of Macoma balthica larvae in response to benthic diatom films, in: Van Colen, C. Tidal flat macrobenthos ecology, recolonisation and succession = Ecologie, herkolonisatie en successie van het macrobenthos in slikken. pp. 177-197, more Van Colen, C.; Snoeck, F.; Struyf, K.; Vincx, M.; Degraer, S. (2009). Macrobenthic community structure and distribution in the Zwin nature reserve (Belgium and the Netherlands), in: Van Colen, C. Tidal flat macrobenthos ecology, recolonisation and succession = Ecologie, herkolonisatie en successie van het macrobenthos in slikken. pp. 211-226, more Van Colen, C.; Montserrat, F.; Vincx, M.; Herman, P.M.J.; Ysebaert, T.J.; Degraer, S. (2009). Benthos-mediated sediment dynamics: implications for growth and production of juvenile recruits, in: Van Colen, C. Tidal flat macrobenthos ecology, recolonisation and succession = Ecologie, herkolonisatie en successie van het macrobenthos in slikken. pp. 93-103, more Van Colen, C.; Meulepas, G.; De Backer, A.; van der Wal, D.; Vincx, M.; Degraer, S.; Ysebaert, T.J. (2009). Benthic community structure, diversity and trait displacement across an estuarine tidal flat hydrodynamic stress gradient, in: Van Colen, C. Tidal flat macrobenthos ecology, recolonisation and succession = Ecologie, herkolonisatie en successie van het macrobenthos in slikken. pp. 17-33, more Van Colen, C.; Vincx, M.; Degraer, S. (2005). The choice between keeping out chronic pollution versus acute mortality due to emersion: the case of the Tricolor oil pollution prevention in the Zwin nature reserve (Belgium), in: Herrier, J.-L. et al. (Ed.) Proceedings 'Dunes and Estuaries 2005': International Conference on nature restoration practices in European coastal habitats, Koksijde, Belgium 19-23 September 2005. VLIZ Special Publication, 19: pp. 665-667, more
Theses (2) [show]
Van Colen, C. (2009). Tidal flat macrobenthos ecology, recolonisation and succession = Ecologie, herkolonisatie en successie van het macrobenthos in slikken. PhD Thesis. Universiteit Gent; Faculteit Wetenschappen; Afdeling Mariene Biologie: Gent. ISBN 978-90-902416-6-1. 300 pp., more Van Colen, C. (2004). De afdamming van het Zwin als gevolg van de Tricolor olieverontreiniging: effecten op en herstel van het macrobenthos. MSc Thesis. Universiteit Gent. Faculteit Wetenschappen: Gent. 72 pp., more
Abstracts (8) [show]
Mestdagh, S.; Fang, X.; Ysebaert, T; Van Colen, C. (2018). Spatio-temporal variation in contribution of biodiversity and environment to benthic ecosystem functioning in the Scheldt estuary, in: Mees, J. et al. (Ed.) Book of abstracts – VLIZ Marine Science Day. Bredene, Belgium, 21 March 2018. VLIZ Special Publication, 81: pp. 21, more Vanhove, B.; Moens, T.; Vrielinck, H.; Van Colen, C. (2018). Ingestion, accumulation and trophic transfer of microplastics in the benthos of the Belgian part of the North Sea and Westerschelde estuary, in: Mees, J. et al. (Ed.) Book of abstracts – VLIZ Marine Science Day. Bredene, Belgium, 21 March 2018. VLIZ Special Publication, 81: pp. 120, more Mestdagh, S.; Bagaço, L.; Braeckman, U.; Ysebaert, T.Y.; Moens, T.; Van Colen, C. (2016). Sediment deposition affects biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in soft-sediment communities, in: Mees, J. et al. (Ed.) Book of abstracts – VLIZ Marine Scientist Day. Brugge, Belgium, 12 February 2016. VLIZ Special Publication, 75: pp. 74, more Heylen, K.; Decleyre, H.; Sabbe, K.; Tytgat, B.; Van Colen, C.; Willems, A. (2015). Microphytobenthos increases denitrifier and total bacterial abundances in intertidal sediments of a temperate estuary, in: Mees, J. et al. (Ed.) Book of abstracts – VLIZ Young Scientists’ Day. Brugge, Belgium, 20 February 2015. VLIZ Special Publication, 71: pp. 73, more Mestdagh, S.; Braeckman, U.; Ysebaert, T.; Moens, T.; Van Colen, C. (2015). Estuarine biodiversity and ecosystem functioning under benthic and pelagic sediment change, in: Mees, J. et al. (Ed.) Book of abstracts – VLIZ Young Scientists’ Day. Brugge, Belgium, 20 February 2015. VLIZ Special Publication, 71: pp. 91, more Van Colen, C.; Montserrat, F.; Middelburg, J.J.; Herman, P.M.; Andersson, M.; Rossi, F.; Gribsholt, B.; Vincx, M.; Ysebaert, T.; Degraer, S. (2009). Restoration of estuarine tidal mudflat sediments after hypoxia, in: ASLO Aquatic Sciences Meeting 2009: A Cruise Through Nice Waters, 25-30 January 2009, Nice, France. pp. 272, more Van Colen, C. (2005). De afdamming van het Zwin als gevolg van de Tricolor olieverontreiniging: effecten op en herstel van het macrobenthos, in: Mees, J. et al. VLIZ Young Scientists' Day, Brugge, Belgium 25 February 2005: book of abstracts. VLIZ Special Publication, 20: pp. 96-101, more Van Colen, C.; Vincx, M.; Degraer, S. (2005). Tidal flat macrobenthos resistance to medium-term emersion: the case of the Tricolor oil pollution prevention in the Zwin nature reserve (Belgium), in: Mees, J. et al. (Ed.) VLIZ Young Scientists' Day, Brugge, Belgium 25 February 2005: book of abstracts. VLIZ Special Publication, 20: pp. 59, more
Reports (2) [show]
Cosyns, E.; Jacobs, I.; Jacobs, M.; Lambrechts, J.; Provoost, S.; Van Braeckel, A.; Van Colen, C.; Verbelen, D.; Zwaenepoel, A. (2015). Monitoring van het natuurherstel in het Zwin 2011-2015. Eindrapport. WVI/INBO/Natuurpunt/Universiteit Gent: Brugge. [322] pp., more Cosyns, E.; Courtens, C.; Lebbe, L.; Provoost, S.; Van Colen, C.; Agten, L.; Vincx, M.; Verbelen, D.; Lambrechts, J.; Zwaenepoel, A. (2014). Gebiedsvisie voor het grensoverschrijdende uitgebreide Zwin en Beheerplan voor het uitgebreide Zwin aan Vlaamse zijde. Eindrapport. Studie in opdracht van Agentschap voor Natuur en Bos, Provinciale dienst West-Vlaanderen. WVI/INBO/Universiteit Gent: Brugge. 252 pp., more
Other publications (2) [show]
Mestdagh, S.; Braeckman, U.; Ysebaert, T.; Moens, T.; Van Colen, C. (2015). Estuarine biodiversity and ecosystem functioning under benthic and pelagic sediment change. Poster presented at the VLIZ Young Marine Scientist's Day 20 February 2015. Marine Biology Section, Ghent University: Gent. 1 poster pp., more Van Colen, C.; Degraer, S.; Vincx, M. (2005). Tidal flat macrobenthos resistance to medium-term emersion: The case of the Tricolor oil pollution prevention in the Zwin nature reserve (Belgium). CM Documents - ICES, CM 2005(S:41). International Council for the Exploration of the Sea: Copenhagen. 1 pp., more
Thesis (co-)promotor (6) [show]
Gerard, S. (2022). Long-term changes in North Sea macrobenthic communities due to climate change vs. local drivers. MSc Thesis. Universiteit Antwerpen/Ghent University/Vrije Universiteit Brussel: Antwerpen/Gent/Brussel. 26 pp., more Fang, X. (2020). Bioturbation in estuarine sediments: modelling macrofauna-mediated oxygen dynamics. PhD Thesis. Ghent University/University of Plymouth/Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ): Ghent. 204 pp., more Ong, E.Z. (2018). Behavioural and ecophysiological responses of marine benthos to ocean acidification and warming. PhD Thesis. Ghent University, Faculty of Sciences/Plymouth University: Gent, Plymouth. ISBN 9789082561135. XXIV, 250 pp., more Dubourg, A. (2014). Spatio-temporal analysis of macrobenthos communities as a tool to assist in conservation practices in the Zwin coastal lagoon. MSc Thesis. Universiteit Antwerpen/Universiteit Gent/VUB: Antwerpen, Gent, Brussel. 64 pp., more Agten, L. (2011). Macrobenthos and nekton communities in the Zwin nature reserve: A baseline survey for ecological assessment of intertidal habitat creation and restoration. MSc Thesis. Universiteit Gent: Gent. 94 pp., more dos Reis Garcia, C. (2010). Benthic diatom effects on infaunal recruitment: a mesocosm approach using early juveniles of Macoma balthica. MSc Thesis. Universiteit Gent. Faculteit Wetenschappen. Vakgroep Biologie: Gent. 24 pp., more

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