Jeroen van de Water

As a molecular and microbial ecologist, I study the interactions between macro-organisms and microbes; and how these interactions contribute to the health of marine animals and ecosystems. In my work, I focus on foundation species of ecosystems, like corals, shellfish and seagrasses. I examine their symbioses with microbes, and how these affect their health and resilience to stress (climate change, pollution). Besides, I investigate pollution-mitigating ecosystem services. For example, seagrass meadows remove pathogens and prevent diseases; and biogeochemical processes on oyster reefs may reduce nitrogen pollution. Ultimately, my goal is to use such ecosystem services as Nature-based Solutions to improve ocean health and human wellbeing, and contribute to a sustainable use of our oceans.