Marine ecosystem consequences of climate induced changes in water masses off West-Spitsbergen

The overall goal of the MariClim proposal is to determine the influence of climate variability and change on the energy transfer in the marine pelagic ecosystem in different water masses on the west coast of Spitsbergen. The project will compare the pelag ic food webs in fronts involving ArW and AW masses in this high Arctic region. Climate change effects can be studied in Kongsfjorden because of high variability in the influx and dynamics of AW and ArW. A cold climate scenario would result from less influ x of AW to the shelf and fjord regimes in West-Spitsbergen, whereas a warm climate scenario would occur because of an increased influx of AW. The main hypothesis is that variability in water circulation patterns is the main mechanism regulating the distribution and size structure of the zooplankton community, and that changes in size and energy content of key zooplankton prey will influence the energy transfer in the pelagic food web with consequences for growth and survival of Little auks and Kittiwake chicks. The seabirds require access to abundant and energy-rich zooplankton and pelagic fish in order to raise their chicks successfully. Clima te related changes in water masses would be expected to indirectly affect these seabirds through changes in their prey base and associated energy flow. Cruises and field work will be conducted in Kongsfjorden. Scientific historical data from different dis ciplines (oceanography, sea-ice, marine ecology and seabirds) will be used for climate variability analysis and model validation. The new Arctic Marine Laboratory in Ny-Ålesund will be extensively used by the proposed project. The work will involve a strong international collaboration, including 11 institutes actively participating in the project, and recruitment of young scientists through 2PhD -, engaged researcher (2.5 years)/ guest researcher positions (1 year) and several Master students.