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Projects > D - F > FRESHWATER BIODIVERSITY NETWORK

Preferred term

FRESHWATER BIODIVERSITY NETWORK  

Definition

  • The Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (2004, 2005) concluded that predicted changes in climate and UV in the Arctic are expected to have far-reaching impacts on the hydrology and ecology of freshwater ecosystems. Key effects include changes in the distribution, abundance and ecology of aquatic species in various trophic levels, dramatic alterations in the physical environment that makes up their habitat, changes to the chemical properties of that environment, and alterations to the processes that act on and within freshwater ecosystems. Interactions of climatic variables, such as temperature and precipitation, with freshwater ecosystems are highly complex and hence can be propagated through ecosystems in ways that are often difficult to predict. This is partly because of our still relatively poor understanding of the structure and function of arctic freshwater systems and their basic inter-relationships with climate and other environmental variables, as well as by a paucity of long-term freshwater monitoring sites and integrated hydro-ecological research programs in the Arctic. Predictions of hydro-ecological impacts are further complicated by synergistic and cumulative effects. The Arctic Council accepted the findings from the ACIA and directed two of its scientific working groups (Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) and Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP)) to review the ACIA findings and develop follow-on programmes and activities to address the key knowledge gaps that were identified. One of the outcomes of this process by the CAFF working group was the implementation of the Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Programme (CBMP) formally released in September, 2005 (http://www.caff.is). The CBMP calls for the development of a number of specific monitoring networks designed to quantify the status and trends of Arctic biota of primary importance to the ecological integrity of Arctic ecosystems and the culture and livelihood of indigenous peoples. Building on existing regional and national aquatic biomonitoring and research programs in the Arctic, this proposal is concerned with the development and implemenation of a freshwater biodiversity monitoring and research network that focuses on obtaining a circumpolar perspective on the current and future status of aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem structure and function. The network will focus on data collection, interpretation and dissemination on the status and trends of pelagic and benthic macroinvertebrates, phyoplankton and microbial communities/assemblages, and macrophytes) in representative lentic (lake, pond, wetlands) and lotic (river, stream) ecosystems. Complementing the proposed Char Monitoring Network (Reist) and the overall CBMP framework (Raillard) , specific goals during the IPY period (2006-2008) will be to: 1) establish and formalize the circumpolar network through workshops, linkages and outreach to indigenous peoples, researchers, conservation groups, etc.; 2) prepare a state of aquatic ecosystem biodiversity report through collating and analyses of existing information; and, 3) establish relevant parameters for continued monitoring and assessment of aquatic biodiversity; 3) create a database of georeferenced and genetically barcoded specimens; and, 4) establish the network of long-term monitoring/research sites/teams in as many Arctic countries as possible. The IPY-related outcomes will be used as a foundation to secure long-term funding for the Network, establish legacy databases, and launch new approaches (e.g., genetic barcoding) and research topics suitable for long-term monitoring and research, as recommeded by ACIA. The scientific products of the network will be used to support decision-makers responsible for the management, conservation and protection of aquatic ecosystems and related biological resources in the Arctic. Summary provided by http://classic.ipy.org/development/eoi/proposal-details.php?id=202 (en)

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https://gcmd.earthdata.nasa.gov/kms/concept/a781bc3d-6304-4592-89c9-77883f97e7b7

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