Scientists explore Arctic waters to uncover secrets of a changing ocean

The student course Arctic Future Pathfinders, which is held on the sailing ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl going through the Northwest Passage, combines cutting-edge science with hands-on education. The researchers are already yielding fascinating insights into one of the planet's most dynamic ecosystems.

Investigating the Arctic's Hidden World

The research team on board is conducting a wide range of studies, from analyzing ocean currents to collecting samples of tiny marine organisms. Maxime Geoffroy, a marine biologist leading the voyage, explained the scope of the work:

"We’re looking at many things here. For example, we’re using an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler to measure ocean currents and a CTD sensor to analyze salinity, temperature, and water masses. These tools help us understand the physical environment that shapes life in the Arctic."

The team is also filtering water for environmental DNA (eDNA) to identify the biodiversity of organisms present in the water. Additionally, they are studying microplastics to assess pollution levels in this remote region

Zooplankton: The Foundation of the Arctic Food Web

One of the key focuses of the research that Geoffroy is conducting is zooplankton, tiny drifting animals that play a critical role in the Arctic food web. Geoffroy described their importance:

"Zooplankton, particularly copepods, are like the cows of the sea. They graze on phytoplankton, accumulate fat, and become a rich food source for larger predators like fish, whales, and seals. Even though they’re small, their sheer numbers make them vital to the ecosystem."

At one station near Western Greenland, the team observed an abundance of Limacina helicina, or "sea ravens," a type of zooplankton with delicate shells.

"We found a lot of these sea ravens here, which is interesting because I haven’t seen such large numbers at other stations before," said Geoffroy. "We’ll analyze these samples further in the lab to understand their role in this region."

Climate Change in the Arctic

The Arctic is undergoing rapid changes due to global warming, and the team is documenting these shifts firsthand.

"One of the most striking changes is the reduction in ice cover," said Geoffroy. "Trips like this would have been impossible 10 or 15 years ago because the ice was more extensive year-round. Now, we’re seeing warmer water and less ice, which is transforming the ecosystem."

The phenomenon of "Atlantification," where Arctic waters take on characteristics of the Atlantic Ocean, is more advanced in regions like the Barents Sea. However, the Canadian Arctic Archipelago remains colder and more ice-covered, highlighting the diversity within the Arctic itself.

A Journey Through Changing Waters

As the voyage moves westward toward Canadian waters and the Beaufort Sea, the team expects to encounter even more changes.

"In the Canadian Arctic, we’ll see colder, ice-covered waters that are less productive," explained Geoffroy. "But when we reach the Beaufort Sea, productivity will increase due to nutrient input from the Mackenzie River and Pacific water. It’s an area rich in life, with belugas, bowhead whales, and seals."

A Mission for Science and Education

The voyage is not just about research; it’s also a learning opportunity for students and educators. Geoffroy emphasized the importance of this dual mission: "We’re not only contributing to the body of scientific knowledge but also training the next generation of scientists. That’s a big part of what makes this work so rewarding."

While the team has made some intriguing observations, Geoffroy cautioned that science takes time:

"We’ve only made two stations so far, so it’s too early to draw big conclusions. Science is often about the sum of many observations rather than one groundbreaking discovery. But every piece of data we collect adds to our understanding of the Arctic."

The Arctic is a region of contrasts, where ice-covered waters meet vibrant ecosystems teeming with life. As the expedition continues, the team remains committed to uncovering the secrets of this changing environment and sharing their findings with the world.

"The Arctic is vast and diverse," said Geoffroy. "Even within the Canadian Arctic, conditions vary greatly from one region to another. It’s a privilege to study this incredible place and contribute to its conservation."