Insights from the Beaufort Sea Ecosystem Modeling
A recent study published in the ICES Journal of Marine Science explores the historical (1970–2021) ecological dynamics of the Beaufort Sea Shelf and Slope, focusing on how key marine species and their ecological niches have been influenced by climate change. This research, conducted by Kristen J. Sora (CORU PhD candidate) and colleagues, utilized the Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) framework to analyze the cumulative effects of increased sea surface temperature, reduced sea ice extent, ocean deoxygenation, and changing ocean salinity on marine life.
The study found significant alterations in the food web, notably in the diversity within the ecosystem and the trophic levels, biomass, and consumption rates of marine mammals and fish functional groups, including key species like beluga whales, Arctic cod, and polar cod. The inclusion of salinity time series in the ecosystem models particularly reduced the diversity found within the ecosystem and changed the trophic dynamics, showcasing the critical role of salinity in these Arctic marine environments.
The research underscores the need for continuous refinement of conservation measures in marine protected areas like the Tarium Niryutait Marine Protected Area (TN MPA) to adapt to the ongoing changes driven by climate variability. This comprehensive study provides crucial insights into the impacts of climate change on Arctic ecosystems and aids in the formulation of strategies to mitigate these effects on ecologically and culturally significant marine species.
View paper: https://academic.oup.com/icesjms/advance-article/doi/10.1093/icesjms/fsae062/7671260