The focus of the Marine Ecology Group (MEG) is field-based marine ecological research, mainly in the coastal environment. The major emphasis is on processes, which increasingly involve human impacts. Research in this area is multidisciplinary and is focused on minimizing the environmental impact of human activity while reducing the risk of ecological hazards on natural resources. General areas of research are physical and biological oceanography of fjords and coastal waters, special studies on production and quality of marine algae, zooplankton, and fisheries resources. Particular studies have been devoted to sea urchin grazing of kelps and utilisation of seal resources. Presently, marine aquaculture is a coastal business under continuing development which makes ecological interaction of aquaculture with the marine environment an important field of research. To address aquaculture ecology in particular, a senior academic position in this area is being actively recruited.

Presently, members of the marine ecology group proceed their scientific analyses within the general research area on natural and anthropogenic loads on the environment, and potentials for economic development. Currently, new research are established regarding separation of carotenoids and chlorophylls for seafood quality analyses and ecological studies. Particular studies are made on a parasitic sea urchin disease that may potentially regulate the ecological function of kelp forests. Individual variability in life-history traits within and between marine zooplankton populations, and selective forces in natural systems and the effects such variations may have on the dynamics of populations.

The group collaborates with national and international institutions, both on individual and organizational levels. The latter includes ARCTOS, which is a network for building a leading research group in Arctic marine ecology in Europe.