Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Diversity of Ross Sea coastal benthic ecosystems: explaining variability in structure and function  (Ross Sea coastal benthic ecosystems)

Outline
The Antarctic marine ecosystem is under threat as a result of increased pressure from natural and anthropogenic change, particularly that associated with global climate variability. To understand how coastal ecosystems may respond to these threats, we integrate data on spatial variation in ecosystem processes derived from analysis of latitudinal/environmental gradients. Our overarching hypothesis is that along the latitudinal gradient of the western Ross Sea coast, ice dynamics influence the structural and functional properties of coastal benthos. This manifests as shifts in a and ß–diversity, trophic relationships and metabolic efficiency in key species. In conjunction with Antarctica New Zealand’s Latitudinal Gradient Project (LGP – see www.lgp.aq) we use this gradient to provide a biophysical framework for predicting and assessing changes to coastal system diversity. We will identify patterns in diversity of organisms, ecosystems and habitats along the coastline, and the ecological processes that govern these (EBA IPY-Project objective 4), in order to better predict how they will be affected by environmental change (EBA IPY-Project objective 5). Research will determine the mechanisms by which ice dynamics affect ecosystem function through their effect on food supply for primary consumers, the implication this has on trophic linkages and species interactions and, ultimately, on the stability of food webs. By conducting detailed studies of the functioning of key benthic species we will elucidate how changes in this system resulting from climate variability, including changes in ice conditions and the very real threat of ocean acidification, might translate to change in the broader ecosystem. Research will involve field sampling campaigns in 2007/08 and 2008/09 (SCUBA-based seafloor core sampling, underwater video, remote camera/coring techniques) and laboratory experimentation. We will implement a scientifically proven seafloor survey design to provide information on diversity and abundance of flora and fauna at a variety of scales. We use stable isotopes and functional genomic/biochemical assays of metabolic efficiency/growth to differentiate changes in food web linkages with location and to elucidate potential effects of ocean acidification on key marine invertebrates. In combination with our previous research findings, this new knowledge will enable us to better-predict the response of this valuable coastline to environmental change, and will contribute to the ATCM process on environmental protection and sustainable resource use for management of the Ross Sea region.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
This research is a focused initiative aimed at elucidating the likely response of Antarctic coastal benthic organisms and communities to environmental change. The research addresses issues in two IPY Themes: (1), by enhancing understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem function in the coastal Ross Sea and providing information over a variety of spatial and biological scales. (4), by determining how functional diversity varies across extreme environments. Linking changes in the nature of food supplied to benthos (associated with ice dynamics) to stress (acidification) in key species (at genetic/metabolic and trophic/ecological scales) we also provide novel insights into the resilience of seafloor communities to change.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Prof. Riccardo Cattaneo-Vietti and Dr Mariachiara Chiantore (University of Genoa), Italy. Dr Alf Norkko, Finnish Institute of Marine Research, Finland. Prof. Paul Dayton, Scripps Institute of Oceanography, U.S.A. Drs Stacy Kim and John Oliver, Moss Landing Marine Laboratory, California State University, U.S.A.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Western Ross Sea coast line (including the Victoria Land Coast and McMurdo Sound); shallow water (<100 m).

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: 10/07 – 12/07      10/08 – 12/08      10/09– 12/09

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Logistical support at a national level from Antarctica New Zealand. This has been granted for 2007/08, and opportunity to apply for support beyond this time frame is expected late 2007.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
No equipment will be left in Antarctica. However, sampling sites will be relocatable and may be used to identify changes in benthic ecosystem structure and function beyond IPY.

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

Logistical support from Antarctica New Zealand. Funding from New Zealand Ministry of Fisheries and/or New Zealand Foundation for Research Science and Technology, and National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA).

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Yes - Project predecessor currently supported by NZ Ministry of Fisheries and NIWA. This project is an integral part of the LGP. LGP is a formal unit within the SCAR EBA, which is an approved IPY Project (#137). The NZ National IPY Committee lists EBA as an IPY project with NZ participation.

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?
No

Component of IPY Project EBA (#137): Strong links with objectives 4 (identify patterns and diversity of organisms, ecosystems and habitats, and the ecological processes controlling these) and 5 (impact of past, current and predicted environmental change on biodiversity and consequences for Antarctic marine ecosystem function). Part of LGP (formally linked to SCAR-EBA).

How will the project be organised and managed?
Project will be based on national funding sources. It will be managed and organised primarily by the project leader and overseen by funding agencies (i.e., NIWA, NZ Foundation for Research, Science and Technology and/or the NZ Ministry of Fisheries).

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Interviews with media (radio and television), presentations to general public and scientific community, popular articles (including resources for teachers), NIWA, Latitudinal Gradient Project and Antarctica New Zealand websites.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Metadata produced will be available on the Latitudinal Gradient Project website. Results will be disseminated via publication in the international scientific literature. Accurate and efficient data processing steps which ensure high data quality and data management are well established and routinely followed by NIWA in its research projects.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Applications in progress to NZ Foundation for Research Science and Technology and NZ Ministry of Fisheries. Note that this project has strong links with the latter, who has supported our research for four previous field seasons. Support from NIWA is also anticipated.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
The team has a strong track record in Antarctic research, leadership roles in national and international programmes, a good level of published outputs, and a network of international collaborators. We are also committed to developing New Zealand’s scientific capacity by integrating emerging scientists in the research.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Vonda Cummings
National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research
Private Bag 14-901
Wellington

New Zealand

Tel: ++ 64 4 386 0300
Mobile: no
Fax: ++ 64 4 386 0574
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation