Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES IN ANTARCTIC COASTAL AREAS: THE ROLE OF SEA ICE  (BIORICE)

Outline
There is a wealth of reports on the structure and functioning of the pelagic realm in Antarctic ice-free waters. In contrast, despite sea ice in Antarctic coastal areas represents, during the Austral spring, a major reserve of autrotrophic biomass and a hot spot of biological activities, there are few reports concerning the role of sea-ice covered coastal regions (in terms of production, consumption, degradation and carbon export) on the availability of biological resources. The main aim of our proposal is to assess the role of trophodynamic processes in the sea ice on the distribution and production of available biological resources (from microalgae to micronecton) in coastal areas of the Ross Sea characterized by different physical and biological dynamics. Such general aim will be achieved by means of: a) analyses of the stocks of the different compartments from nutrients to micronecton; b) the study of the dynamics of dissolved inorganic and organic nutrients in ice and in the water column, also in relation with the abundance, diversity and activity of bacterial assemblages; c) an evaluation of the most important limiting factors (light, nutrients, trace elements) and top-down control (grazing) on primary production processes; d) an estimate of the transfer efficiency of the different fractions of particulate organic carbon (biopolymeric and bio-available) to grazers and to the microbial loop (through field studies and laboratory experiments) and to the sea floor by measuring downward vertical fluxes. Different coastal sites will be investigated in terms of structure, functioning and efficiency of trophic webs within the sympagic and pelagic realms. To this end, a comparative analysis will be carried out on production, consumption, degradation and carbon export processes on appropriate spatial and temporal scales. The field work will be carried from October to the end of February, according to a hierarchical sampling strategy in the Italian research station in Terra Nova Bay. During the first period of sampling, when the study areas are still covered with pack-ice, ice core samples, platelet ice (if present) and water samples from below the ice sheet will be collected along coastal to offshore transects. The main physical and chemical variables in the sea ice and in the underlying water column will be measured and related with the distribution of the biota, from bacteria to metazoan, and with estimates of the production, consumption, degradation and export of organic carbon between the different compartments of the ecosystem. To this end, measurements will also be carried out on primary production, bacterial production and total community respiration, extracellular enzymatic activity, zooplankton and micronekton respiration. To achieve the objectives of the project several experiments will be carried out on phytoplankton photo-physiology, zooplankton grazing activity. The results of the project will provide a new and solid basis for a better understanding of resources dynamics in sea-ice covered regions of the Ross Sea, also in the light of the ongoing climatic changes.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Advance expected from the present project regards: Assessment and quantification of the main trophodynamic processes, assessment of available biological resources (from microalgae to micronekton) and definition of carrying capacity of sea-ice covered regions of the Ross Sea. The achievement of these objectives will provide a solid basis for a better understanding of primary production processes and carbon export in the areas of the Ross Sea polynya keeping in mind the ongoing climatic changes. Further, it will allow for predictions about the amount of resources of this portion of the Antarctic Ocean, available for future exploitation.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The present project will take advantage of collaborations with experts in the field of sea-ice ecology and microbiology: 1) G. S. Dieckmann – Alfred Wegener Institute, Bremerhaven, Germany 2) D.N. Thomas – School of Ocean Sciences, University of Whales-Bangor 3) Rita R Colwell, Anwar Huq – Center of Marine Biotechnology, University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, USA

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The fieldwork will be carried out in 2 coastal areas of the Victoria Land (Ross Sea), representing two different typologies of Antarctic coastal areas: Terra Nova Bay and Wood Bay. The first one, comprised between the Campbell and Drygalski glaciers, is characterised by the presence of a permanent polynya and, in early spring, by platelet ice layers. The adjacent Woods Bay is instead characterised by almost permanent pack-ice coverage as well as by the absence of platelet-ice layers and low biological production.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic:        10/2007 – 02/2008      

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Land-based laboratories, helicopters, research vessel The project will benefit of the facilities provided by the Italian National Program of Research in Antarctica (PNRA) at the Italian Station “M. Zucchelli“ in Terra Nova Bay. All infrastructures available there will be shared also with other scientific projects.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Database on annual sea ice physical, chemical and biological properties.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Consortium
Own national polar operator

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
No - The proposal is under consideration for possible funding by the Italian National Antarctic Program

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?
Yes

How will the project be organised and managed?
Main project leader ZOOLOGICAL STATION “Anton Dohrn” of Napoli, Italy PIs: CNR-Marine Science Institute, Laboratory of Trieste, Italy CONISMA Research Unit of University “Federico II” of Napoli, Italy CONISMA Research Unit of University of Messina, Italy CONISMA Research Unit of University of Genova, Italy CONISMA Research Unit of University of Ancona, Italy

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Research fellowships and post-doc contracts are planned. Web connections with schools will be performed during the field work. National and international congress and workshops will be hold. A dedicated web-site will be posted at the beginning of the project activities.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
All data will be available to project partners throughout and after the project according to PNRA rules. Metadata will be available through the project web-site

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The project will be funded by PNRA

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
No

PROPOSER DETAILS

Professor Vincenzo Saggiomo
Stazione Zoologica “A. Dohrn”, Naples
Villa Comunale Napoli
80121
Italy

Tel: +39 0815833240
Mobile: +39 3358065552
Fax: +39 0815833224
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation