Predicting the FUture KOngsfjord EcoSYStem, FUKOSYS

The Kongsfjord Flagship Program is one of the four Ny-Ålesund flagship programs. It is currently in the process of developing a structured and integrated research agenda under the umbrella of the Ny-Ålesund Science Plan. This proposal aims to enable the Flagship to be organized in a number of topical working groups, which will have the task to further develop prioritary research lines towards a number of integrated projects. In this way, the science towards an improved understanding of changes in high Arctic fjord ecosystems within the flagship will be brought to a higher level. This initiative will significantly contribute to the international recognition of Ny-Ålesund as the world-leading research infrastructure and monitoring site in the Arctic. To address this major task, a number of working groups have been identified to move on with more specific project plans: 1. Physical, chemical and ecological observations, 2. Contaminant flow and deposition, 3. Land-sea-atmosphere interactions, 4. Seasonal control of the nutrient regime, 5. Response to key environmental drivers and potential for acclimation and adaptation, 6. Approaches in modelling the Kongsfjorden/Krossfjorden ecosystem. Each of these working groups plans to organize joint networking meetings and initiate research activities. Anticipated outputs from the working group meetings are joint publications, joint proposals and increased collaboration in the field and facilitating the improved share and flow of data. During upcoming Ny-Ålesund Seminars the working groups will present their progress and results.