This sub-unit is comprised of researchers at (focusing on marine biodiversity and the impacts of, primarily, eutrophication and climate change on marine ecosystem dynamics), and groups working on aquatic/marine biogeochemistry and genetics at the main campus in Viikki and guest researchers from Stockholm University. Research conducted by the MERG sub-unit has a strong interdisciplinary approach and addresses the structure and function of marine ecosystems, with a focus on understanding how stressors, such as eutrophication and climate related factors affect the ecosystem and its biodiversity.
Researchers in the group collaborate broadly (see publication list), but has a strategic partnership with (Sweden) through the with the (New Zealand) and with the, .