e-CBMP Newsletter
Spring 2013
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Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program            Volume 7 Issue 1

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In this Issue...




 

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chairletterFrom the Chair
Dear Friends,
 

In April 2005, I was asked by my Manager to become involved in developing the Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program. My initial response was 'What's that?'. Little did I know what lay ahead for me. It was not until the launch of the CBMP in September 2005 in Cambridge, that I began to understand the dedication and enthusiasm of the Arctic biodiversity community and the huge expectations for Canada's lead of the CBMP. 

 

At the time of the launch, we were just a handful of people with $10,000 and a vague notion of what this program could and should be. However, we were lucky to have several visionaries (�var Petersen, Christoph Z�ckler, David Irons, Martin Raillard and Maria Victoria Gunnarsd�ttir) who were able to inspire us with the vision and opportunity of a pan-Arctic coordinated biodiversity network. Over the past eight years, we have seen the program grow to a fully functioning Arctic network with two pan-Arctic biodiversity monitoring plans in implementation and one near completion, a cutting edge Arctic Biodiversity Data Service developed and multiple high-profile products (e.g. Arctic Species Trend Index, Arctic Report Cards, etc.) released under the CBMP banner receiving widespread, global attention.  The program is linked internationally, being formally recognized by the Convention on Biological Diversity, Group on Earth Observations and the United Nations Environment Programme. In fact, the CBMP approach is now being replicated in other parts of the globe. We have grown to over 1000 members and over 80 organizations providing input and support to the program and have a highly skilled team in the CAFF Secretariat providing daily program support in the areas of communication, data management and fundraising. The program is now on a solid footing and I strongly believe that its success to date is due to the vision, courage and dedication of all of you who have believed in this program, contributed so much of your time, efforts and ideas, and whom have been patient enough with me to catch up to you and help turn it into a reality.

 

For me, I feel truly privileged to have had the chance to Chair the CBMP. It has been a fantastic experience and I have learned a great deal from all of you. There are far too many of you to name (you know who you are!), however, I would like to point out one person in particular, Michael Svoboda. As many of you know, Michael has been tirelessly working on many aspects of the CBMP over the past number of years and has provided top-quality strategic direction and support for the program over its growth phase. Thank you Michael, we could not have done it without you!

 

I believe that the time is right for the leadership of the program to transfer to new people, with fresh ideas, perspectives and experiences.  I am truly grateful to Denmark/Greenland and the United States for stepping up to take over the CBMP leadership and am very confident that our new co-leads, Tom Christensen - Denmark/Greenland, and John Payne - United States, will do us proud and take the CBMP to the next level. I look forward to watching the CBMP continue to grow under their leadership and Michael and I are pleased to be able to provide support in an advisory role to them over the next year starting on June 1. At this point, it is unclear what my future holds but I am hopeful that our paths will cross in the not too distant future.

 

 Sincerely and all the best,

Mike Gill, Chair

Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program

 

 
co-chairsletter
From the Incoming Co-Chairs

Dear all,

 

At the Senior Arctic Officials meeting in November 2012 and the Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) biennial meeting in Yakutsk in February 2013, Denmark/Greenland and the United States announced that they would take over leadership of the CBMP as of June 1, and guide it through a new phase of implementation. This approach follows a successful Canadian-led development and implementation period since 2005. In 2013 there will be a transition period. The first task over the summer will be to develop a new four-year work plan to guide efforts and ensure continuity. Tom Christensen, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Denmark and John Payne, North Slope Science Initiative, United States, as incoming co-chairs will work closely with Mike Gill, and the CAFF Secretariat to develop this work plan.

 

The intention is that the draft work plan will be presented to the CAFF Board in autumn 2013, for discussion and later approval. Our overall focus is to ensure that the marine, freshwater and terrestrial Arctic Biodiversity Monitoring Plans developed under the CBMP expert groups will continue to progress and that activities under these groups will continue to expand in the coming years.

 

As incoming chairs we are looking forward to continuing the successful development of the CBMP. We recognize ambitions for the CBMP are very high and Canada's  success in chairing the CBMP was dependent on Mike Gill's determination, dedication and extensive experience. We also recognize the Canadian team behind Mike and the major efforts put forth by the CAFF Secretariat. Our plan as co-chair will be to develop teams that bring relevant resources and expertise to maintain the continued success of this world-class monitoring program.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Tom Christensen, Arctic Research Center, Aarhus University 
John Payne, North Slope Science Initiative

 
Tom Christensenfrom the Arctic Research Center at Aarhus University, has worked with Arctic biodiversity on national and international levels since 1998, where he was employed as a conservation biologist in the Department of Nature and Environment under the Government of Greenland. He has been involved in many national conservation and research projects, but has also served on various Arctic Council and CAFF initiatives including as national member of the CAFF board, representative to the CAFF Seabird Expert Group (CBird), co-author to the AMSA II C follow up, and together with John Payne, co-lead of the CBMP Terrestrial Expert Monitoring Group.
 
John Payne was appointed North Slope Science Initiative (NSSI) Executive Director in August 2007, after serving three years as the NSSI's senior technical specialist and 15 years as the wildlife program manager for the Bureau of Land Management-Alaska. John began his federal career in 1976 and has been a project manager, wildlife biologist, refuge manager, law enforcement officer, pilot, range conservationist, and researcher. He continues to work internationally through the U.S. Agency for International Development and Arctic Council, bringing 28 years' experience in Arctic issues.

 
CBMPnews
CBMP News, Events & Initiatives

 

FreshwaterPlanArctic Freshwater Biodiversity Monitoring Plan released

 

Arctic Freshwater Biodiversity Monitoring Plan
Arctic Freshwater Biodiversity Monitoring Plan- click to download

The Arctic Freshwater Biodiversity Monitoring Plan is the second of four pan-Arctic biodiversity monitoring plans developed by the CBMP to detect and understand the causes of long-term change in the composition, structure and function of Arctic freshwater ecosystems, i.e., rivers, streams, lakes, ponds and their associated wetlands.

 

This "umbrella plan" for monitoring the Arctic freshwater environment identifies existing capacity to facilitate improved cost effective monitoring through enhanced integration and coordination. This will allow for earlier detection of disturbances and provide for faster information transfer, leading to more effective and efficient policy and management response.

 

Please click here for more information on the Freshwater Plan or click here to access a copy of the Freshwater Plan for download.

 

Contact: Joseph Culp and Willem Goedkoop, co-leads, Freshwater Steering Group

 

 

FreshmeetArctic Freshwater Biodiversity Monitoring Plan implementation meeting

 

The Freshwater Steering Group will have its first meeting to advise on the implementation of the recently released Arctic Freshwater Biodiversity Monitoring Plan. Steering group members and representatives from the CAFF Secretariat and the Group on Earth Observations Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON) will meet in Uppsala, Sweden on June 10-12, 2013.

 

Contact: Joseph Culp and Willem Goedkoop, co-leads, Freshwater Steering Group
  

 

marineimplreportArctic Marine Biodiversity Monitoring Plan 2012 Implementation Report

Arctic Marine Biodiversity Monitoring Plan 2012 Implementation Report
Marine 2012 Implementation Report- click to download

 

 
Approved by the Arctic Council in 2011, the objective of the Marine Plan is to integrate existing circumpolar monitoring datasets and models to improve detection and understanding of changes in Arctic marine biodiversity, and inform policy and management responses to these changes

 

2012 Achievements

 

During the first year, the CBMP Marine group began to develop coordinated monitoring in Arctic Marine Areas, baselines of key indicators, and data management structures, and we also created the governing structure (Marine Steering Group and five new Expert Networks).

 

Some countries have produced a one-page summary of their national contributions to the CBMP Marine implementation efforts in 2012. Please find these under the "marine monitoring publications" section of the CAFF website.

 

For 2013 plans, please see the "Looking Ahead" section of the 2012 Arctic Marine Biodiversity Monitoring Plan.

 

 
 
Contact: Jill Watkins and Thomas Juul Pedersen, co-leads, Marine Steering Group

 

terrestrialupdateArctic Terrestrial Biodiversity Monitoring Plan update

 

The Arctic Terrestrial Biodiversity Monitoring Plan is currently undergoing peer review and is anticipated to be released in summer 2013. The plan, once approved by the CAFF Board, will begin implementation later in 2013.

 

Contact: Tom Christensen and John Payne, co-leads, Terrestrial Monitoring Expert Group

  

 

AOSCBMP at the Arctic Observing Summit

 

AOS The CBMP will be well represented at the upcoming Arctic Observing Summit(AOS), April 30-May 2, 2013 in Vancouver, Canada.The AOS is a high-level, biennial summit that aims to provide community-driven, science-based guidance for the design, implementation, coordination and sustained long-term (decades) operation of an international network of Arctic observing systems.

 

Have a look at the AOS white papers including those produced by CBMP members:

Contact: Mike Gill and Michael Svoboda

 

Mike Gill, recipient of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Award

 

 awardCBMP Members receive prestigious award  

 

Congratulations to Mike Gill, chair of CAFF's Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program (CBMP) and Joseph Culp, co-chair of the CBMP's Freshwater Monitoring Group, the recipients of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal for their contributions and dedication to Arctic nature. 

 

Read more.

 

Contact: Mike Gill and Joseph Culp


 
partnernews
Partner News

 

abaArctic Biodiversity Assessment to be released in May

 

The Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) the biodiversity working group of the Arctic Council will release the Arctic Biodiversity Assessment scientific summary on the status and trends of Arctic biodiversity and accompanying policy recommendations at the Arctic Council Ministerial, Kiruna Sweden, May 15, 2013. Information on the www.arcticbiodiversity.is website will be updated closer to the release.

 

Contact: Tom Barry,
 CAFF International Secretariat 
 
 

 

ICESInternational Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) prioritizes Arctic issues


The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) has 20 member countries and a network of more than 4000 marine scientists. With all Arctic countries also being members of ICES, the threats and opportunities stemming from climate change, and the scientific work already carried out by ICES on Arctic issues, it was decided to give this region strategic focus and enhance ICES scientific activities in this area.

 

The existing ICES science platform and advisory functions are already being used to inform Arctic ecosystem issues. However, a number of developments prompt this new strategic focus including: a warming Arctic Ocean drives changes in marine ecosystems for which ICES currently gives advice; and retreating multiyear sea ice opens shelf areas for fisheries: management and conservation issues that could benefit from input from ICES science and advice. This likewise includesmarine spatial planning for managing shipping and other sector developments in the Arctic.

 

Many ICES expert groups are involved in areas directly or indirectly related to Arctic waters, including fisheries, environmental issues, oceanic hydrography, and ecosystem overviews. And ICES maintains the database for the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP).

 

ICES also wishes to engage in developing observational systems for marine ecosystems in the area, whether through aiding coordination of national activities or helping identify the need for innovative developments.

 

ICES sees a number of Arctic organizations as key collaborative partners and wishes to lend its expertise and resources to further develop scientific knowledge, as the basis for political decisions on conservation and regulation of resource exploitation in the area.


Contact: Adi Kellerman, Head of Science Programme, ICES

 

 

 

biotaAdvances in the microbial diversity of sea ice in the high Canadian Arctic

 

Exciting results are coming from the Sea Ice BIOTA (Biological Impacts Of Trends in the Arctic) program in the high Canadian Arctic (Christine Michel, Fisheries and Oceans Canada). In 2013, sea ice microbial biodiversity will be studied for the fourth consecutive year in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. The ongoing study has allowed for the measurement of cell abundances and biomass as well as genetic and functional diversity of sea-ice microorganisms. 

 

In a 2011 study of picoeukaryotes (<3 �m unicellular eukaryotes), two groups were found that had not been previously identified in Arctic sea ice. The diversity of functional groups, even within pico-sized cells, indicates complex microbial food webs and pathways of organic carbon cycling in sea ice during the spring. Data is currently being analyzed to characterize microbial communities in multi-year sea ice. These results are highly valuable and especially relevant for Arctic biodiversity given the rapid loss multi-year ice, such that the Canadian Arctic Archipelago is one of the last refugia for this type of sea-ice habitat. 

 

Contact: Christine Michel, Fisheries and Oceans Canada

 

 

  

NGMP

The Nunavut General Monitoring Plan (NGMP): biodiversity hotspots ideal for environmental monitoring

 

The Nunavut General Monitoring Plan (NGMP) collects, analyzes, and reports information on the long-term conditions of Nunavut's environment, people, communities, and economy.

 

Eventually, this collection of information will show trends in Nunavut's ecosystemic and socio-economic environment over a longer period of time. This could include topics like:

  • Changes in caribou populations;
  • The level of country food consumption per community;
  • The number of private businesses in the territory; or
  • Changes in critical wildlife habitats, such as polynyas.
Polynya at Nasaruvaalik, Nunavut, Canada

One particular monitoring project of such a nature NGMP would like to highlight is the study of polynyas led by Dr. Mark Mallory of Acadia University. "We want to develop protocols for environmental monitoring at these (polynyas or 'hotspots') sites that we hope will help inform training and provide advice for future projects conducting research at polynyas elsewhere," says Dr. Mark Mallory of Acadia University. Polynyas are islands of open water surrounded by sea ice that remain open virtually year-round due to currents, tidal action or upwelling and are traditionally used as important hunting areas for Inuit. Mallory is engaged in summer fieldwork to study two of the smaller ones, at Cape Vera and at Nasaruvaalik, Nunavut as shown in the photo.

 

The NGMP, on behalf of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Planning Commission, and NTI has provided targeted funding to assist this and other similar monitoring initiatives.

 

Read the Nunavut General Monitoring Plan's white paper for the Arctic Observing Summit.

 

For more information, please contact the NGMP Secretariat:

 

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

1104B Inuksugait Plaza II, P.O. Box 2200

Iqaluit, Nunavut X0A 0H0

 

Contact: Nunavut General Monitoring Plan1-855-897-6988 (toll free)

 

 

  

 salmonKolarctic salmon: Merging modern science with traditional knowledge to improve the future management of the Atlantic salmon in the Barents region

 

Ansten Mathisen North Cape, Norway. Photo: Eero Niemela
Ansten Mathisen North Cape, Norway. Photo: Eero Niemela

Border areas between Norway, Russia and Finland have unique natural qualities and natural resources. The Atlantic salmon is a symbol of healthy and vital ecosystems and is of significant economic and cultural importance, both through commercial and recreational fishing.

 

The Kolarctic salmon project is a joint venture between management, research, salmon fishing organizations and sea salmon fishermen in Norway, Russia and Finland.

 

Adult salmonscale samples are collected from salmon fisheries along the Norwegian and Russian coasts to map the migration pattern of the salmon. Samples of juvenile salmon are collected from the many salmon rivers in the project area.

 

Aims and expected results are to:

  • Develop an integrated, long-term management of Atlantic salmon stocks in the northernmost distribution area of the species.
  • Juvenile baseline sampling, Kola Peninsula, Russia. Photo: PINRO
    Juvenile baseline sampling, Kola Peninsula, Russia. Photo: PINRO
    Provide data to implement customized, sustainable, knowledge-based harvesting regimes, and to document and preserve the rich traditions of fishing and coastal culture.
  • Results from DNA analysis provide genetic tags for individual stocks and assist in tracing the river and region of origin of individual salmon caught along the coast. It also facilitates the creation of a unique gene map of the northern salmon stocks.
  • Migratory patterns in time and space of the various salmon stocks are mapped and the numbers of escaped farmed salmon are systematically identified.
  • Unite empirical knowledge (local and traditional) with scientific knowledge.
  • Provide synthesized and new knowledge about Atlantic salmon and its adaptation to climate change in the northern areas.
  • Leave a legacy of active cooperation and dialogue among management, various research disciplines, local fishermen and fishing organizations.

Partners and Associates

  • Norway: The County Governor of Finnmark, Institute of Marine Research (IMR), Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Sea Salmon Fishing Associations, Sea salmon fishermen
  • Russia: Knipovich Polar Research Institute of Marine Fisheries and Oceanography (PINRO) - Murmansk and Archangelsk. Associates: Karelrybvod - Karelia, Sevrybvod - Archangelsk, Komirybvod
  • Finland: University of Turku - Kevo Research Station (UTU-Kevo), Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Institute (FGFRI)

Financing: EU's Kolarctic ENPI CBC program + national funding

 

Visit the Kolarctic salmon project website.


 Contact: Tiia Kalske, Norwegian Project Coordinator
       




stateUPetrozavodsk State University
Students conducting sampling and monitoring activities
Students conducting sampling and monitoring work

Scientists from the Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, Petrozavodsk State University, Karelia, Russia, Dr. Markovskaya Evgenia, Dr. Sergienko Liudmila, Dr. Anatoly Kosobryukhov, Sonina Angella, PhD, and Starodubceva Anastasiya, PhD, have studied the polymorphism and adaptational strategy of species living in Arctic coastal ecosystems. 

 

The investigations were undertaken at the western coast of the White Sea Belomorsk district on three obligate halophytes, Plantago maritima L., Plantago subpolaris Andrejev and Plantago schrenkii C. Koch from the family Plantaginaceae (plantain plants).

White Sea coast, Belomorsk district, site of investigations

 

The analysis of the photosynthetic and ecophysiological characteristics showed that two groups of species can be distinguished according to their functional activities: the first one includes P. maritima, and the second one P. schrenkii and P. subpolaris. The investigation showed that along morphological features, there were differences in the functioning of photosynthetic apparatus in the plants under study that might be considered an additional argument for the acceptance of P. maritima, P. subpolaris and P.schrenkii, growing on the coast of the White Sea, as independent taxonomic units.
 
  
Contact: Dr. Liudmila Sergienko, Petrozavodsk State University
 
 
 
newjournalNew World of the Arctic journal

 

M.K. Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University in Yakutsk, Russia welcomes submission enquiries for their new scientific journal, New World of the Arctic, designed to provide scientific support for the sustainable development in the Arctic.

 

The journal will publish the results of research on international law and national legislation of the Arctic countries, development of culture of Indigenous Peoples of the Arctic, education and medicine, ecology and natural resources, geography and biology, development of innovative technologies, transport, communications and logistics in the Arctic, sustainable development of the Arctic zone emphasizing the north-eastern area of Russia and international cooperation in the Arctic.

 

The journal will be distributed online and will also have an English and Russian print version. The publisher of the journal is North-Eastern Federal University named after M.K. Ammosov, in Yakutsk, Sakha Republic (Yakutia). The editor in chief is Mikhail Prisyazhnyi, Vice-Rector for Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Medical Specialities of the North-Eastern Federal University

 

Contact:  Lena Sidorova, managing editor, New World of the Arctic

 

 

 

ARCNArctic Network Inventory and Monitoring Program (ARCN)

 

The Noatak River and its surrounding watershed (3,035,200 hectares) within ARCN is an internationally recognized Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO).
The Noatak River and its surrounding watershed (3,035,200 hectares) within ARCN is an internationally recognized Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO).

The Arctic Network Inventory and Monitoring Program (ARCN) is one of 32 National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring Networks. ARCN encompasses roughly 8 million hectares across five park units in northern Alaska;  a large expanse of mostly mountainous arctic ecosystems and 1600 km of coastal ecosystems along the Bering and Chukchi Seas. ARCN's mission is to collect, compile and synthesize scientific information about natural resources in all five parks in order to facilitate park preservation, unimpaired, for future generations.

 

ARCN monitors 18 vital signs- physical, chemical, and biological elements and processes of park ecosystems that are selected to represent the overall health or condition of park resources, known or hypothesized effects of stressors, or elements that have important human values. 

Brown Bears
Streams and Large Lakes
Caribou
Fire Extent and Severity
Dall's Sheep
Terrestrial Landscape Dynamics
Landbirds
Coastal Erosion
Muskox
Permafrost
Yellow-billed Loons
Air Quality
Terrestrial Vegetation
Climate and Weather
Coastal Lagoons
Snowpack
Shallow Lakes
Wet and Dry Deposition


Please visit the Arctic Network Inventory and Monitoring Program (ARCN) website to learn more about ARCN vital signs and inventory and monitoring activities, and download publications, reports and data summaries.
 





Contact: Jim Lawler, U.S. National Park Service


Ursus
Ursus Monograph Series
A Circumpolar Monitoring Framework for Polar Bears: Ursus Monograph Series

 

Ursus, Monograph Series Number 5, 2012 features a Circumpolar Monitoring Framework for Polar Bears produced by the the authors. CAFF facilitated the process. Click here to access the publication.

 

Contact: Dag Vongraven, Norwegian Polar Institute 

 

 

 

iavdInternational Arctic Vegetation Database and CAFF Flora Group meeting

 

The CAFF Flora Group (CFG) and the International Arctic Vegetation Database (IAVD) will be meeting April 12-16, 2013 Krakow, Poland just before the 2013 Arctic Science Summit Week. 

 

The IAVD workshop will bring key participants from the Arctic countries together to address the issue of assembling the available vegetation plot (relev�) data into a single database. This database is needed to develop circumpolar vegetation-change models, biodiversity models, and a circumpolar Arctic vegetation classification. The IAVD will be useful to a wide variety of Arctic issues being addressed by the Arctic Council, international government agencies, and the Arctic community of vegetation, biodiversity, and climate-change scientists. A major goal is to harmonize the North American and European approaches to vegetation classification in the Arctic. For more information please visit the CFG meeting and workshops page on the CAFF website.

 

Contact: Stephen Talbot, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

 

 

botsGot bots? Researcher looking for specimens

 

Cuterebra abdominalis, a rabbit bot. Photo: Karl Hillig
Cuterebra abdominalis, a rabbit bot. Photo: Karl Hillig

Are you a small mammal researcher who comes across botflies in your work? I am an entomologist who is looking for adult (or larval) bot specimens of all species for DNA  sequencing work to further science on the Cuterebra bot flies, and the evolution of bots in general. If you work with rabbits, pikas, squirrels, chipmunks, Peromyscus or native rats and are able to collect adult or immature bot specimens (live, frozen, or in alcohol) from known host mammals then I would like to hear from you. Even single bots are extremely helpful. Warbles and bots from large mammals are also in need. 

 

Jeff tagging monarchs
Jeff Boettner tagging monarchs

All material will be permanently preserved. I use only one leg from adults for DNA work. If you find multiple adult bots in one location, (often hilltops) this can be evidence of a lek, or mating site. I would love the date and time you observed them, and GPS (or directions) to the site. Bot species will use these sites again in future years. The location and the time of year that immature larvae have been observed, while hunting or trapping, can also help. Even common bots and single individuals are helpful!

 

Contact me via email for more information, or for a copy of my bibliography list of roughly 650 bot references.

 

Contact: Jeff Boettner, Dept. of Environmental Conservation, 115 Ag. Eng. Bld., 250 Natural Resources Road. University of Massachusetts, Amherst (UMASS), cell  +1 413-325-5563, email boettner@psis.umass.edu,  online name: equalrights4parasites

 

 

 
abdsnews

benthosCanadian researcher offers benthos data via ABDS
Location of the Biodiversity Monitoring Sites in the Canadian Narwhal Over-wintering and Deep-sea Coral Closed Area in NAFO Division 0A.
Location of the Biodiversity Monitoring Sites in the Canadian Narwhal Over-wintering and Deep-sea Coral Closed Area in NAFO Division 0A.

Using the guidelines provided in the Arctic Marine Biodiversity Monitoring Plan a Canadian science team from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (lead: Dr. Ellen Kenchingtonrecently deployed a framework for monitoring "Benthic meio- macro- and mega fauna" and is making the data behind this effort available for scientists to access and utilize via the Arctic Biodiversity Data Service (ABDS)
 
The data from this long term effort is intended to assist in evaluating the effects of climate change. CAFF is working on uploading this information and a further announcement will follow once the information is live on the ABDS.
Amphipholis squamata specimen  collected from 400 m depth with a Van veen grab at a biodiversity monitoring station on the Canadian side of the international Narwhal closure located in Baffin Basin.Photo: Fisheries and Oceans Canada
 
For more information please read Dr. Kenchington's research document: Arctic Marine Biodiversity: Indicators for Monitoring Coral and Sponge Megafauna in the Eastern Arctic.
 
If you would like to contribute your data to the ABDS please contact us. 
  
 
 
ContactHallur GunnarssonCAFF Data Manager and Dr. Ellen Kenchington, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
 
 
 
 
 

abdsrelease
Arctic Biodiversity Data Service release: new information available now, with more to come

 

The Arctic Biodiversity Data Service (ABDS) is CAFF and the CBMP's online, interoperable and circumpolar data management system that will access, integrate, analyze and display biodiversity information for scientists, practitioners, managers, policy makers and others working to understand, conserve and manage the Arctic's wildlife and ecosystems.

 

Since the last newsletter there have been data and map additions on lemmings. In addition our data team is working on a prototype for the pan-Arctic species flora list and establishing the site to display information from the Arctic Biodiversity Assessment once it is released in May 2013. 

 

The ABDS is developing some linkages to external dynamic data providers and importing various data and maps for selected species. In addition some maps are being made available in KML format for users to open in Google Earth.

 

Learn more about the ABDS.

 

Contact: Hallur Gunnarsson, CAFF Data Manager, and Mike Gill, CBMP Chair
  
 
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