Our research focuses on understanding the rapid ecological and physiological changes in the Arctic due to anthropogenic pressures and climate change. From pan-Arctic monitoring to studying invasive species and long-term ecological shifts, we investigate how Arctic coastal biodiversity adapts and transforms.
A changing Arctic
The Arctic is changing, and coastal biodiversity faces a growing number of anthropogenic pressures, including fishing, mineral extraction, pollution, and the multi-faceted impacts of climate change. A lack of biodiversity knowledge in coastal environments limits our ability to understand community assembly processes. Through local studies and coordinated pan-Arctic standardised experiments, we aim to reveal commonalities in the biological patterns and the mechanisms underpinning biodiversity and the assemblage of communities across the Arctic.
Coastal ecology
We study Arctic marine ecology and through fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and ecological modeling, we explore the patterns and processes that shape the distribution, abundance, and interactions of species within coastal ecosystems. Our investigations span a wide range of taxa and habitats, from lagoons to rocky shores, across various spatial scales. By uncovering the drivers of biodiversity dynamics and ecosystem functioning, we aim to inform conservation efforts and sustainable management practices.
Non-indigenous species
We investigate the impacts of non-indigenous and invasive species, from pathogens to mammals, and study how the introduction of such species can disrupt ecological balance, alter habitat structure, and influence ecosystem functioning. We aim to understand the mechanisms driving invasions and elucidate the ecological, evolutionary, and socio-economic consequences of v species. The work contributes to the development of informed policies and practices for mitigating the threats posed by biological invasions.
Long-term ecological change
Documenting ecological changes are challenged by limited data, but we are committed to study long-term change, exploring how ecosystems evolve and respond to various environmental stressors across decades. Through analyses of historical records, paleoecological data, and cutting-edge monitoring techniques, we investigate the drivers and consequences of long-term environmental changes.
Ecophysiology
Knowledge about species’ physiology across different coastlines, habitats, and latitudes can uncover evolutionary and biogeographic patterns, while also highlighting species’ local sensitivity to shifting environments. Our research focuses primarily on benthic species. As long-term residents of specific areas, they act as indicators of shifts in habitat conditions astheir responses are directly influenced by environmental changes. Thus, physiological knowledge supplement biodiversity studies, in identifying which areas and coastal habitats are most sensitive (and resilient) to environmental change.
Influence of freshwater run-off
Some coastal areas are heavily influenced by freshwater run-off from melting land ice, which affects the level of water clarity and salinity. These levels fluctuate seasonally and annually but are gradually increasing over time due to melting ice and shifts in precipitation patterns. Our research focuses on how these changes impact all levels of biological organisation, from molecular responses to ecosystem-wide changes.