The Future Arctic-Atlantic Ocean:
Connectivity, Climate & Consequences
The Atlantic and Arctic are components of an intimately connected, dynamic and changing ocean system, bound by a two way exchange of heat and salt that links polar change to the global climate. Under a changing climate the links between them are strengthening: changes in the Arctic Ocean’s properties and dynamics have consequences for the Atlantic and vice versa, including impacts on fisheries and food security, sea level rise, and coastal erosion and resilience, among many others. With ongoing climate warming – which is four times faster in the Arctic than globally – quantifying that connectivity and understanding the consequences of change are essential.
This workshop showcases emerging research results that reveal new understanding of the Arctic-Atlantic connectivity loop based on observational measurements and innovative modelling approaches. Aimed at a broad audience and engaging stakeholder organisations, this session will explain and explore the implications of these results at different scales and over varied timeframes, examine potential impacts on the blue economy, and discuss relevance for policy and governance.
08:45 – 09:00
Arrival and registration
09:00 – 09:15
Welcome; session overview
09:15 – 10:15
Science highlights: showcasing key EPOC results
Introduction: The role and importance of the ocean in the Arctic region
Arild Sundfjord & Michael Karcher, Beyond Arctic Passion project
EPOC’s work in the Arctic
Transports through Arctic gateways
Laura de Steur, Norwegian Polar Institute
Arctic connectivity with the wider Atlantic Ocean
Karin Margretha Larsen & Hjalmar Hatun, Faroe Marine Research Institute
Impacts of Arctic change
Gaurav Madan, University of Reading
10:15 – 10:45
Coffee break
10:45 – 11:30
Stakeholder perspective: Reflections from stakeholder organisations
11:30 – 12:00
Open discussion
12:00 – 12:15
Recommendations, next steps and wrap up
12:15
Workshop close
In person at ASSW: This session will take place in the meeting room ‘Preben Hornungstuen’ and is open to all registered ASSW conference delegates.
Online: You are very welcome to join our session on Zoom! To join us online you need to be registered for the ASSW conference. A 1-day online pass is available here for a small registration fee and we have a modest budget to support the participation of representatives from stakeholder organisations. Please contact Dr Vikki Gunn (vikki.gunn@seascapeconsultants.co.uk) if you wish to join us.
If you have any questions, please contact Dr Vikki Gunn (vikki.gunn@seascapeconsultants.co.uk), EPOC project lead for stakeholder engagement and dissemination.