Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Synoptic status of C and N stable isotopes in polar marine food webs  (POLWISE (Polar Web Isotopes))

Outline
Whereas stable carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios have been shown to be extremely useful environmental indicators in regional and localized polar marine ecosystem studies, there has never been an attempt at producing a synoptic view of their natural abundance throughout the polar domains. It would be useful to ascertain if there are isotopic gradients, such as those observed in Drake Passage and in the Bering Sea in other polar regions for use as a baseline for future investigation. Furthermore, isotopic shifts taking place over inter-decadal time scales such as those suggested by baleen samples taken from Bering Sea may also have also occurred elsewhere but have not been noticed due to a lack of capacity for making such observations. New sites, which would be sampled during the IPY, would form a legacy generating new opportunities for the next generations of scientists. Because of formidable logistics and the need for synoptic (same growing seasons within the IPY) sampling, sampling should be conducted on a regional basis. Accordingly, it is proposed that a number of similar projects be conducted the results from which would be integrated as an IPY synthesis goal following the IPY. This P.I. would lead the sampling in the Alaska region. The P.I. is presently involved with the planning for and will implement stable isotope observations in the Alaska Ocean Observing System (first biological sampling workshop planned for 2005). The proposed IPY observations in other regions could dovetail with similar observations to be funded in Alaskan waters. Sampling of biological materials consisting of the major zooplankton taxa of a region for stable isotope analysis requires polar-capable vessel support facilitated to deploy plankton nets, and space to be used as a temporary laboratory to support stereomicroscopy-based sample sorting and freezer space for samples. Data presentation and exchange would take place through the use of the internet via project world wide web-pages.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The proposed project would contribute to following IPY themes and targets: Theme 1 by determining the present status of stable isotope values of key zooplankton species. Theme 2 by providing a baseline. Theme 3 by providing links and interactions due conservative nature of stable isotope ratios. Theme 4 due to frontier science nature of stable isotope analysis. Theme 5 as part of IOOS. Theme 6 indirectly, the food web base. Target 1 by providing a set of synoptic observations. Target 2 by generating a necessary key data set. Targets 3 and 4 by establishing a legacy frontier science observational network.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
International cooperation could include scientists from any country showing an interest in polar marine science. International collaboration would be facilitated by student or post-doc exchange. A post-doc position would be made available for an international student. International conferences would be used for planning and for synthesizing results among regions.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Whereas collectively a number of projects would sample throughout polar regions, this project will sample the Alaskan sector from approximately 60 to 75 degrees North latitude with the northern limit dictated by ice conditions. Accordingly, water bodies would include northern Gulf of Alaska, the Bering Sea, and Arctic Ocean waters.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 05/07 – 09/07      05/08 – 09/08      
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Significant logistic support would consist of vessels capable of functioning in polar marine waters such as ice-breakers and ice-strengthened research vessels. It is anticipated that these vessels would be used by several projects so that only a specified amount of wire time (which will be based on 4 to 6 net tows per day) be allotted to this project.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The legacy of the project will be to leave a new system of networked observations.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Consortium
Own national polar operator
Another national polar operator
National agency
Military support
Commercial operator

There is a legacy of use of U.S.-owned (by N.S.F.) polar research vessels and icebreakers, U.S.C.G., Canadian, and Russian vessels in Alaskan waters. One or more of these vessels will be allocated to IPY. Furthermore there may be locally owned vessels available for sampling in ice-free areas at lower cost

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Yes-The Alaska Ocean Observing System is presently a nationally endorsed project. The P.I. will notify the National IPY Committees and International bodies supporting IPY 2007-2008 before the June 2005 deadline for full proposals regarding this proposal.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
Exp
This project has existing plan as well as initiative aspects. Whereas the Alaska Ocean Observing System (AOOS) is a planned activity, the inclusion of additional polar isotopic observations is a new initiative to the P.I’s knowledge. Additional sampling sites (over AOOS) would be sampled during IPY.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The P.I will make use of his decade of experience organizing and managing sampling stable isotopes in Alaskan marine waters. Accordingly, the P.I. would lead the field investigation and data analysis for Alaska observations. The P.I. would cooperate with P.I.’s working in other areas to facilitate a common data format. The P.I. would be aided by one or more Post. Docs. Sampling would take place during the open water seasons of 2007 and 2008.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
The Prince William Sound Science Center contains an educational and outreach components that will be augmented by results from the project. Awareness and results of the project will thus be made available locally, and also internationally, through the use of web pages. Se

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
Whereas data would initially be stored as spreadsheets on microcomputers and placed on local websites, they then would migrate to national and international data depositories. Data would also be published in the open scientific literature. Project data will also be included in the planned AOOS database and a meta-database.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Partial funding is anticipated through AOOS, the North Pacific Marine Research Board, and the Gulf Ecosystem Monitoring program. It is also anticipated that the U.S. national Science Foundation will be funding IPY projects. These organizations are presently funding the P.I.’s stable isotope research in the Gulf of Alaska.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
The P.I. has presently a decade-long legacy of stable isotope research in the northern Gulf of Alaska including publications. The upshot of these observations is that isotope gradients are persistent and that certain signatures may favour greater marine production in terms of salmon marine survival rate. Don Schell’s baleen time series was suggested to reveal a long-term downtrend in Bering Sea productivity. His interpretation is open to question due to a lack of contextual data in the form of a zooplankton time series. Thus a goal is to a networked long-term observation series using the IPY as impetus.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Thomas Kline
Prince William Sound Science Center
P. O. Box 705
Cordova, Alaska
99574
USA

Tel: 907-424-5800- x233
Mobile:
Fax: 907-424-5820
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information