Research Site 1: Algoa Bay (South Africa)
- Dynamic oceanography owing to the regional weather system and proximity to the Agulhas Bank and Agulhas Current
- Productive ecosystem
- Variety of habitats—biodiversity hotspot
- Vibrant socioeconomic environment
- Complex scales of governance
- Extensive data available
Research Site 2: Wadden Sea (Germany)
- Intertidal zone in the south-eastern part of the North Sea
- Largest tidal flat system in the world
- Listed as UNESCO World Heritage
- High diversity (10,000 species of flora & fauna, about 2,700 marine)
- One of the most important bird migration sites in Europe