Zooplankton and Fish in the Biological Carbon Pump
What is the motivation?
This project aims to document fish and zooplankton biodiversity in fjords of Greenland and Baffin Island, and to investigate how these organisms contribute to the carbon cycle by feeding near the surface at night and respiring at depth during the day.
Why does it matter?
Biodiversity loss is one of the major challenges of our time. As the climate warms, species from lower latitudes are expanding northward, potentially displacing Arctic species. Some fjords in Greenland and Baffin Island may act as refuges for Arctic fish and zooplankton. These organisms also play a key role in the carbon cycle through their daily vertical migrations, yet it remains unclear how this contribution changes with the arrival of the polar night in autumn.
© Maxime Geoffroy
Project Focus
The project focuses on determining whether fish and zooplankton communities living inside fjords differ from those found offshore, since fjords may function as hotspots of biodiversity. It also examines how these organisms adjust their vertical migration patterns when the polar night begins and the usual alternation between daylight and darkness disappears. Understanding how they adapt their movements during this transition is essential for assessing their role in the Arctic carbon cycle.
How will it be done?
Sampling of fish and zooplankton will be carried out using nets and trawls. A specialized camera system will capture images of zooplankton and small particles throughout the water column. Acoustic instruments called echosounders will be used to detect the depth distribution and movement of fish and zooplankton based on sound signals.
What will be collected?
Collections will include fish and zooplankton samples, photographic images of organisms and particles, and acoustic data showing how marine life is distributed in the water column.
Members and partners
- Principal Investigator:
- Maxime Geoffroy, Marine Institute of Memorial University, St. John’s, Canada
- Other participants:
- Caroline Bouchard, University of Laval, Québec City, Canada
- Gesche Winkler, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, Canada
- Frédéric Maps, University of Laval, Québec City, Canada
- Partners:
- Bendif El Mahdi, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, Canada