Giant sponge gardens discovered on seamounts in the Arctic deep sea
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 8 February 2022
Massive sponge gardens were discovered on Arctic seamounts, thriving on ancient organic remnants with help from microbial symbionts. This unique deep-sea ecosystem highlights the urgent need to understand and protect biodiversity in a warming Arctic.
Keywords: marine microbiology, organic detritus, POLARSTERN expedition, Nature Communications, Arctic conservation
Fish and squid found in the Central Arctic Ocean
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 18 February 2022
Atlantic cod and squid were unexpectedly found in the Central Arctic Ocean, revealing a new top layer in the pelagic food web. Though no harvestable stocks exist, findings support strong international protection under a precautionary Arctic fishing ban.
Keywords: rctic biodiversity, deep scattering layer, Arctic fisheries, Science Advances, marine conservation
Taking action now can secure our future
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 28 February 2022
The IPCC AR6 Working Group II report warns of climate change’s severe global impacts on people and ecosystems. It urges rapid action for climate-resilient development, linking biodiversity conservation, equity, and adaptation, especially beyond 1.5 °C warming.
Keywords: regional vulnerabilities, social equity, sustainable development, 1.5 °C threshold, global action.
