Suchergebnisse

The ICES Working Group on Phytoplankton and Microbial Ecology (WGPME) provides tools and expert perspectives on the sampling methods, ecology and diversity of phytoplankton and other planktonic microbes. The group set out terms of reference to improve access to data, crossdisciplinary approaches and to develop ecological interpretations of the changing phytoplankton seascape. The group published 16 papers between 2019–2021, including key tools, high-profile synthesis papers and science reports. Tools: The group has progressed efforts to collect images of commonly used Lugol's-preserved phytoplankton, alongside live images to aid those in correctly identifying species. Members have noticed and published records of new phytoplankton species. The group aims to produce a New Records database to assist in notifying new or reoccurrence of a species. WGPME work, with other Expert Groups (EG) to improve access to molecular genetic tools and records. A multi-EG thematic session has been submitted for ICES ASC 2022 in cooperation with other EGs, whilst phytoplankton barcoding information will be incorporated into the Working Group on Integrated Morphological and Molecular Taxonomy (WGIMT) barcoding Atlas (https://metazoogene.org/atlas). Information and access: The group is gathering information on nano and picoplankton (small phytoplankton less than 10 and 2µm respectively) to incorporate into global datasets such as GLOMICON. Multiple data sources point to an increasing trend in picoplankton and few indicators exist in current EU or national legislation to measure their impact on marine ecology. Many members are involved in indicator development for governmental and pan-governmental organisations such as OSPAR. However, the number and level of indicators vary in each country. Long-term ecology: The cooperative zooplankton and phytoplankton report has been delayed but initial analysis has indicated ≥30 years of data reliably shows spatio-temporal trends in phytoplankton and the effects of temperature on key phytoplankton groups. Two research papers are being produced on climate change effects on key marine phytoplankton species with the additional aim of improving indicators of change using species-specific information.

The Coastal Observing System for Northern and Arctic Seas (COSYNA) was established in order to better understand the complex interdisciplinary processes of northern seas and the Arctic coasts in a changing environment. Particular focus is given to the German Bight in the North Sea as a prime example of a heavily used coastal area, and Svalbard as an example of an Arctic coast that is under strong pressure due to global change. The COSYNA automated observing and modelling system is designed to monitor real-time conditions and provide short-term forecasts, data, and data products to help assess the impact of anthropogenically induced change. Observations are carried out by combining satellite and radar remote sensing with various in situ platforms. Novel sensors, instruments, and algorithms are developed to further improve the understanding of the interdisciplinary interactions between physics, biogeochemistry, and the ecology of coastal seas. New modelling and data assimilation techniques are used to integrate observations and models in a quasi-operational system providing descriptions and forecasts of key hydrographic variables. Data and data products are publicly available free of charge and in real time. They are used by multiple interest groups in science, agencies, politics, industry, and the public.