1. To investigate sources of primary production supporting fish and bird populations in the Veta La Palma extensive ponds, and changes in their relative importance seasonally.

2. To investigate food webs linking benthic and plankton primary production to higher fish and birds, including seasonal changes, using a combination of stable isotope (C & N) and lipid biomarkers.

3. To determine relative contribution of primary productivity to aquatic (fish and shrimp) production and bird populations. Estimates of biomass/production in various components of food web will be used to build a Ecopath model for informed management of the Veta la Palma

4. To determine the impacts of three alien species (Gambusia holbrooki, Fundulus heteroclitus heteroclitus, Palaemon macrodactylus) on the food web in Veta la Palma

5. To compare pond productivity and food webs with those in the estuary. IFAPA has long a long term monitoring program of the macro fauna and zooplankton of the Guadalquivir Estuary, part of the sampled organisms will be preserved for isotope and lipid analysis.

6. To develop further lines of research, taking the opportunity to study this system over a 2 year period. This may include MSc and 4th year M-degree projects; to MSc’s proposed for summer 2011. A wide range of topics possible from aquatic ecology, aquaculture aspects of stocked species, bird ecology