The Future Arctic-Atlantic Ocean:
Connectivity, Climate & Consequences

An open workshop session at Arctic Summit Science Week, hybrid format - all welcome
Wednesday 25 March 2026, 09:00 - 12:30

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.

Workshop programme overview

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

  • Panellists TBC

11:30 – 12:00

Open discussion

12:00 – 12:15

Recommendations, next steps and wrap up

12:15

Workshop close

How to participate

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.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact Dr Vikki Gunn (vikki.gunn@seascapeconsultants.co.uk), EPOC project lead for stakeholder engagement and dissemination.