Publication Abstract

Transregional Linkages in the North-Eastern Atlantic — An ‘End-to-End’ Analysis of Pelagic Ecosystems

Transregional Linkages in the North-Eastern Atlantic — An ‘End-to-End’ Analysis of Pelagic Ecosystems

C Fox, R Harris, S Sundby, E Achterberg, JI Allen, J Allen, A Baker, CPD Brussaard, P Buckley*, E Cook, SR Dye*, M Edwards, L Fernand*, P Kershaw*, J Metcalfe*, S Østerhus, T Potter*, E Sakshaug, D Speirs, E Stenevik, M StJohn, F Thingstad & B Wilson

This review examines interregional linkages and gives an overview perspective on marine ecosystem functioning in the north-eastern Atlantic. It is based on three of the ‘systems’ considered by the European Network of Excellence for Ocean Ecosystems Analysis (EUR-OCEANS), the Arctic and Nordic Seas, North Atlantic shelf seas and North Atlantic. EUR-OCEANS was established in 2004 under the European Framework VI funding programme to promote integration of marine ecological research within Europe. The three systems share common open boundaries and the transport of water, heat, nutrients and particulates across these boundaries is important in modifying local processes. Consistent with the EUR-OCEANS concept of ‘end-to-end’ analyses of marine food webs an integrated approach is taken linking ocean physics, lower trophic levels and working up the food web to top predators such as marine mammals. An overview of the regions is provided focusing on the major physical patterns and their implications for the microbial community, phytoplankton, zooplankton, fish and top predators. Human-induced links between the regional systems are then considered and finally possible changes in the regional linkages over the next century are discussed. Because of the scale of potential impacts of climate change, this issue is considered in a separate section. The review demonstrates that the functioning of the ecosystems in each of the regions cannot be considered in isolation. The role of the atmosphere and ocean currents in linking the North Atlantic Ocean, North Atlantic shelf seas and the Arctic and Nordic Seas must be considered to understand the functioning of each system. Studying the North Atlantic basin and associated shelf seas as an integrated ‘basin-scale’ system will be the key challenge for the early twenty-first century. Such a multinational approach should lead to improved scientific ecosystembased approaches to conservation of natural resources, the maintenance of biodiversity, and a better understanding of the key role of this region in the global carbon cycle.

Reference:

C Fox, R Harris, S Sundby, E Achterberg, JI Allen, J Allen, A Baker, CPD Brussaard, P Buckley*, E Cook, SR Dye*, M Edwards, L Fernand*, P Kershaw*, J Metcalfe*, S Østerhus, T Potter*, E Sakshaug, D Speirs, E Stenevik, M StJohn, F Thingstad & B Wilson (2009) Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review, 2009, 47, 1-76

C Fox, R Harris, S Sundby, E Achterberg, JI Allen, J Allen, A Baker, CPD Brussaard, P Buckley*, E Cook, SR Dye*, M Edwards, L Fernand*, P Kershaw*, J Metcalfe*, S Østerhus, T Potter*, E Sakshaug, D Speirs, E Stenevik, M StJohn, F Thingstad & B Wilson

Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review, 2009, 47, 1-76