USGS Changing Arctic Ecosystems: Influence of sea ice on ecosystem shifts in Arctic seas
The decline of Arctic sea ice is predicted to promote a fundamental ecosystem shift from benthic animals that forage on the sea floor to pelagic animals that forage near the sea surface. We propose to relate annually resolved growth increments in benthic bivalves (clams) with satellite derived sea ice records to develop a predictive relationship between sea ice and benthic production in the Chukchi Sea.Abstract
The Changing Arctic Ecosystems initiative addresses the U.S. Department of Interior need for new approaches to understand how changes in ice cover and timing affect biological communities. In addition to the direct effects of sea ice loss on walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) and polar bears (Ursus maritimus) that use ice as a platform, the decline of Arctic sea ice is predicted to promote a fundamental ecosystem shift from benthic animals that forage on the sea floor to pelagic animals that forage near the sea surface. This shift would essentially result in Arctic seas transforming to ecosystems that resemble their temperate southern counterparts and raises concerns for walrus and eiders that are adapted to feed on the historically rich community of abundant benthic organisms. As sea ice extent diminishes, more prolonged open-water phytoplankton blooms and increased zooplankton grazing may increasingly route surface primary production to pelagic consumers and away from the sea floor. We propose to relate annually resolved growth increments in benthic bivalves (clams) with satellite derived sea ice records to develop a predictive relationship between sea ice and benthic production in the Chukchi Sea. Bivalve clams are a key prey item for both walrus and eiders. Combining these products with model projections of future sea ice cover will allow us to predict the pace of shifts in benthic production, clarify the underlying mechanism, and enhance forecasts of the population response of DOI managed species to a changing Arctic environment.
Products
| Title | Type |
|---|---|
| Bivalve Shell Growth Indices, Chukchi Sea, Alaska, 1867-2015 | Data |
Contacts
Von Biela, Vanessa , 907-786-7073Status: completed
Start Year: 2015
End Year: 2019
Project Sites
Collaborators
University of Texas - Marine Science InstituteLocation
Chukchi SeaUSGS Mission Area and Program
Ecosystems → Environments ProgramEcosystems → Fisheries Program
Major Initiatives
USGS - Changing Arctic Ecosystems InitiativeKeywords
Biological Classification > Animals/Invertebrates > Mollusks > BivalvesBiosphere > Aquatic Ecosystems > Benthic Habitat
Cryosphere > Sea Ice
Oceans > Aquatic Sciences
Oceans > Sea Ice