Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

A study, using Autosub, of the influence of sea ice and sea-ice algae on the winter distribution and abundance of Antarctic krill off East Antarctica  (Antarctic krill and sea ice)

Outline
We propose deploying the Autosub autonomous underwater vehicle under sea ice off East Antarctica in September 2007 (Austral winter). Our objective is to gather data to address the hypothesis that the regional distribution and abundance of Antarctic krill in winter is influenced by the extent of sea ice. This is a possibility because sea-ice algae is a food source of critical importance to over-wintering krill, and more extensive ice coverage may lead to more ice algae. Krill is a key species in the Southern Ocean ecosystem, and understanding krill-environment linkages is vital for ecosystem management, particularly at a time when there is a potential for change in the sea-ice habitat due to climate change. The research we propose builds upon our previous successful Autosub krill and sea-ice research in the Weddell Sea in summer (Brierley et al. 2002). Although a winter survey presents some additional logistical difficulties, it is at this time of year that sea ice is believed to be of particular importance to krill: if the true importance of the sea ice environment to the lifecycle of krill is to be understood, field research at this time of year will have to be undertaken. In addition to gathering data on krill, we will determine sea ice thickness along transects surveyed acoustically by Autosub for krill. Data on winter sea ice thickness are sparse but are required increasingly for climatic models. Our proposed Autosub missions are well within the present technical capabilities of the vehicle (see accompanying letter from the Autosub technical team). The at-sea sampling programme will be mounted from the research vessel Aurora Australis, using dedicated ship time that will be provided by the Australian Antarctic Division.Brierley, A.S., Fernandes, P.G., Brandon, M.A., Armstrong, F., Millard, N.W., McPhail, S.D., Stevenson, P., Pebody, M., Perrett, J., Squires, M., Bone, D.G. and Griffiths, G. (2002). Antarctic krill under sea ice: elevated abundance in a narrow band just south of ice edge. Science, 295: 1890-1892.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
We will use cutting edge technology to make urgently require interdisciplinary observations in the Southern Ocean. These observations will allow a better assessment of the role of sea ice and circulation patterns on the biological productivity in the Southern Ocean. As seasonal sea ice is likely to be affected by climate change understanding these linkages is critical for predicting the effects of physical changes on the food web.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Autosub is a British piece of equipment and the project will be lead by British scientists. The work will be in collaboration with Australian scientists who have good prior knowledge of our East Antarctic study site.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
East Antarctica; at the winter sea ice edge between 115-150° E

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: 09/07 – 11/07            

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
AutosubIce breaking research vessel (probably ‘Aurora Australis’)

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
No; it will leave a unique and much-needed data set

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

Ship time and logistic support is to be provided by the Australian Antarctic Division. Support for Autosub will be sought via a UK NERC grant application

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Endorsed by Australia’s Antarctic Climate and Ecosystem CRC. The proposal was part of the overall science plan for the organisation which was internationally peer-reviewed as part of a competitive funding process.

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

The Australian Antarctic Division voyage is already scheduled and will go ahead. Autosub participation will be dependent upon the outcome of the grant application to NERC

How will the project be organised and managed?
Field logistics will be organised and managed by the Australian Antarctic Division. Autosub science will be managed jointly by collaborating UK and Australian scientists

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Real-time web diaries will be published reporting our progress in the field. The participating scientists have a strong record of publishing articles in the popular press, and we will do this for this IPY project.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Data will be archived in Australia (AADC) and in NERC centres (AEDC, BODC) in the UK

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Funding for the Autosub component will be sought from NERC. Logistic / field costs will be borne by the Australian Antarctic Program.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Andrew BRIERLEY
University of St Andrews, Gatty Marine Laboratory
East Sands
St Andrews
KY16 8LB
Scotland, UK

Tel: 01334 463458
Mobile: no
Fax: 01334 463443
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation