Marine productivity on the Arctic seafloor; from novel measurement to circum-Arctic estimate

Climate change reduce sea ice cover in the Arctic. Satellite observations of phytoplankton production over the past 20 years have documented a steady increase. However, the importance and fate of primary production along the extensive Arctic coastline remains controversial as coastal erosion and increased run-off increase turbidity and potentially off-set the increased light availability from decreased sea ice cover. In this project we will: 1. Use state-of-the art technology to estimate seafloor productivity in the Arctic Coastal zone, 2. Develop technology to provide autonomous underwater measurements of productivity through the productive season and 3. Test and develop robust algorithms for upscaling through remote sensing.