Studying a Changing Arctic
First program cruises aboard R/V Sikuliaq & R/V Ocean Starr — Summer 2017
Studying a Changing Arctic
First program cruises aboard R/V Sikuliaq & R/V Ocean Starr — Summer 2017
SUmmer 2017
In recent years, our understanding of the composition and structure of the Chukchi ecosystem has increased greatly, yet our knowledge outside of summer and fall months and year-round of the rates at which fundamental processes operate remains sorely lacking. This research expedition is one of a pair of late spring cruises to the northern Bering and southern Chukchi Seas in 2017 and 2018 at locations and times of year to conduct a closely integrated set of multi-disciplinary process studies.
Follow the Journey
A team of 25 scientists will be aboard the R/V Sikuliaq for the month of June, 2017—many of whom will be documenting their own experiences aboard the 260ft vessel.
Follow the Journey
A team of 25 scientists will be aboard the R/V Sikuliaq for the month of June, 2017—many of whom will be documenting their own experiences aboard the 260ft vessel.
The goal of the Arctic Program is to better understand the mechanisms and processes that structure the Arctic marine ecosystem and influence the distribution, life history, and interactions of biological communities in the Chukchi Sea. NPRB is interested in research that addresses phenology and the alignment in space and time of primary production, secondary producers, and upper trophic level predators.
The Arctic Program will integrate observations collected during spring, summer, and fall in 2017, 2018, and 2019 to better understand how reduced Arctic sea ice and associated environmental changes influence the flow of energy through the marine ecosystem from plankton to fish, seabirds, marine mammals, and humans. Late spring and early summer sampling will occur in 2017 and 2018 aboard the R/V Sikuliaq. Late summer and early fall sampling will occur in 2017 and 2019.
Social science will be conducted by a team that includes Principal Investigators from the North Slope and Northwest Arctic Boroughs and the Bering Strait region. This project will develop meaningful interaction with Alaska Native communities to explore changing patterns of access to subsistence resources and food security.
Image Credits: (top) G. Carelton Ray; (Sikuliaq) Mark Teckenbrock; Chantelle Rose; Chris Linder; Melissa Grego