Description
Because tidal glacier in European Arctic are melting fast, and number of them retreats to land To demonstrate the importance of tidal glacier bays for the Arctic marine ecosystem in terms of food provision for top predators and habitat provision for cold water species Scenario of possible consequences of glacial retreat – who will gain and who will loose in the sea in event of glaciers disappearance Scientific publications, outreach material for schools and laymen Nature management agencies, scientific circles, interested NGO’s Partners are sharing field work and data processing, results will be discussed and worked out during joint seminars and workshops, finally international conference will be a forum for presentations and peer review journals for the publishing of the material. Increased scientific recognition of partners due to the synergic effect of cooperation
Summary of project results
Tidal glaciers are rapidly retreating allover the Arctic. We aimed to check what is the role of tidal glacier bays for the Arctic marine ecosystems – the landscape what we may loose soon, with unknown consequences. We have published already eight peer reviewed papers and several others are on the way. We have documented what is the mechanism that attracts seabirds and seamammals close to the glacier cliff- contrary to the old believes it is not local upwelling, but jet –like discharges of freshwater, variable in time and space, that in some special circumstances may aggregate macroplankton
Summary of bilateral results
We have exchanged all project results from the very beginning and coordinated field work, that leads to follow- up activities – new projects planned or already launched The team from all participating institutions keep alive contact and discuss future research papers and new projects, data from GLAERE are still in use Collaboration with Norwegian partners opened access to the local (Svalbard) infrastructure and some most expensive equipment – remotely operated vehicles, helicopters, etc. Polish participation secured easy access to ship time – research vessel OCEANIA