Arctic Calanus in the Barents Sea ecosystems

The three species of Calanus found in the Barents Sea play a key role in the ecosystem because they are the dominant trophic link between primary production and the large fish, bird and marine mammal populations in the region. The aim of the project is to significantly improve our understanding of how Calanus and the Barents Sea ecosystem are affected by variability in ocean climate and circulation. Evaluation of existing information/data and ecosystem models is carried out to elucidate and identify the gaps in our present knowledge. This is being done in close collaboration with Russian partners to better utilize available existing data and knowledge from the Barents Sea and the Arctic.

Modelling tools are essential in order to understand the ecosystem dynamics and functions in a large and complex region like the Barents Sea. We apply statistical models to identify ecosystem coupling to hydrographical variability, to examine knowledge gaps and finally, to implement to improve an existing numerical coupled physical-biological ocean model. By integrating our knowledge into a comprehensive physical-biological model, the sensitivity and functional relationships between Calanus and their biological and physical environment can be further explored and better understood.

Financed by: Norsk Hydro

See also http://calanus.akvaplan.com

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