Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Comparative Studies of Marine Arctic and Antarctic Ecosystems and the Potential Consequences of Climate Change  (Polar Marine Ecosystems Changes PMEC)

Outline
A Symposium sponsored or co-sponsored by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES)Title: Comparative Studies of Marine Arctic and Antarctic Ecosystems and the Potential Consequences of Climate ChangeThemes: ?Climate variability - past and present environmental status of Arctic and Antarctic seas?Physical, chemical and biological interactions under environmental shifts in the polar regions?Response of plankton communities to varying environment and food-web relations?Climate and human induced changes in exploitable marine resources?Contamination of Arctic and Antarctic seas - present status and possible changes in relation to growing human activities in the polar regions?Vulnerability of marine ecosystems in the polar regions and ecosystem approach to marine managementPotential product: A special volume of symposium proceedings published in the series ICES Marine Science Symposia.Follow up workshopsDate and venue: The symposium could be held in Norway (Oslo, Bergen or Tromsø) in spring 2009.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The Symposium will summarize available knowledge and knowledge gained during the IPY 2007-2008 on functioning of marine Arctic and Antarctic ecosystems under varying climate and human induced impact. The Symposium will allow comparison and estimates of changes in marine ecosystems of both polar regions and will benefit to development of approaches for sustainable use of marine biological resources from vulnerable high-latitude ecosystems.The symposium is relevant to IPY-theme, 2.1, 2.2, 3.2 and 4.3, and it is expected that the outcome will be valuable for dissemination of IPY-results.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Scientists, from all over the world, studying marine ecosystems of Arctic and Antarctic regions would participate in the Symposium.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Proposed activity (a Symposium) does not envisage field work, however it will allow participation of scientists carrying out field investigations of marine ecosystems in both polar regions. The symposium is thought to be a forum for the international science community to present their achievements.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Proposed activity does not require a logistic support or facilities.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Proposed Symposium can’t leave legacy of infrastructure. The legacy will be a special volume of Symposium proceedings.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
The Symposium was recommended by the ICES Oceanography Committee at the 92nd ICES Statutory Meeting in September 2004 (Vigo, Spain) and endorsed later by ICES Consultative Committee.

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

Proposed Symposium is a new IPY activity

How will the project be organised and managed?
The Symposium will be organised and managed by Conveners and a Scientific Steering Committee under the aegis of ICES.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Participation in the Symposium of young scientists studying marine ecosystems of Arctic and Antarctic will be especially encouraged. Communication through publication of Symposium Proceedings.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Proposed activity does not imply data management issues.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
ICES will sponsor or co-sponsor the Symposium. Additional financial support from NSF (USA) and the Norwegian Research Council may be expected.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Head of Science Program Adolf Kellermann
H.C. Andersens Boulevard 44-46
Copenhagen
DK 1553
Denmark

Tel: +45 33 38 67 14
Mobile: +45 2229 5857
Fax: +45 33 93 42 15
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation