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Technical Summary 

Study Title Arctic Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Structure Data Analysis and 

Synthesis

Report Title Arctic Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Structure Data Analysis and 

Synthesis

Report Number(s) (OCS 

Study) BOEM 2023-070

Completion Date of Report December 2023

Number of Pages 46

Award Number(s) M20AC10010

Sponsoring OCS Region or 

Office Alaska

Applicable Planning Area(s) Chukchi Sea

Fiscal Year(s) of Study 

Funding FY21-FY23

Costs by Fiscal Year FY20: $54,189

Cumulative Project Cost $54,189

Project Manager(s) Seth L. Danielson

Affiliation of Project 

Manager(s) University of Alaska Fairbanks, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences

Address of Project 

Manager(s)

2150 Koyukuk Drive, Room 112

Fairbanks, AK 99775-7220

Principal Investigator(s) Seth L. Danielson, Katrin B. Iken

Keywords

Arctic Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (AMBON), Chukchi 

Ecosystem Observatory (CEO), Distributed Biological Observatory (DBO), 

WhaleGlider project, Alaska Arctic Observation and Knowledge Hub (AAOKH)

ABSTRACT: This project convened the “Arctic Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Structure Data 

Analysis & Synthesis” scientific workshop. The overarching goal of the workshop was to foster dialogue 

amongst disciplinary specialists with the intent to advance our ability to integrate scientific understanding of 

ecosystem dynamics and biodiversity. We helped raise awareness amongst attendees of the broad variety of 

data that are available to foster new synthetic analyses, and we discussed potential fruitful pathways for 

future field and desktop studies. Discussion time was also devoted to improving and/or creating new 

conceptual models of the functioning of the Chukchi Sea marine ecosystem, and to the various management 

agency applications and agency needs. We identified a need for outreach products that can convey 

information about the scientific research to residents of the Chukchi Sea coastal communities, students, the 

general public, and others. 

BACKGROUND: The Arctic Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (AMBON) and the Chukchi 

Ecosystem Observatory (CEO) programs in the Chukchi Sea are efforts to build and continue 
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multidisciplinary time series observations of an Arctic shelf to better understand change through time. 

The two efforts are operationally and scientifically complementary, with AMBON focused on spatially 

extensive open-water season, vessel-based sampling of the water column and seafloor, and CEO focused 

on subsurface moorings that record data year-round. This report describes results of a joint AMBONCEO synthesis and data analysis meeting for the purpose of undertaking new data syntheses, 

brainstorming, refining our conceptual understanding of the system, and developing synthesis products 

suitable for distribution to the public and policymakers. 

OBJECTIVES: As a synthesis effort, this project applied an inquiry-based approach to improve our 

collective understanding of ecosystem functioning in the context of a changing climate and ocean 

conditions. Primary objectives were to advance our understanding of the Chukchi Sea ecosystem by 

enabling combined analyses of summer season, station-based measurements with year-round mooringbased observations; review existing conceptual models and update or develop a new conceptual model 

that describes the evolving ecological functioning of the Chukchi shelf; and identify gaps in knowledge 

and future research needs.

METHODS: The major activity of this project was a multiday workshop. 

RESULTS: The workshop fostered dialogue amongst disciplinary specialists with the intent to advance our 

ability to integrate scientific understanding of ecosystem dynamics and biodiversity. We helped raise 

awareness amongst attendees of the broad variety of data that are available to foster new synthetic analyses, 

and we discussed potential fruitful pathways for future field and desktop studies. Improving and/or creating 

new conceptual models of the functioning of the Chukchi Sea marine ecosystem was discussed, as well as 

management agency applications and agency needs. A need was identified for outreach products that can 

convey information about the scientific research to residents of the Chukchi Sea coastal communities, 

students, the general public, and others. 

CONCLUSIONS: The results of this project, as documented in the study report, can be a resource for 

scientists seeking to gain a multi-disciplinary appreciation for the Chukchi Sea ecosystem. Our synthesis 

project was a demonstrated success because it drew together scientists from disparate disciplines who 

were able to spend valuable and productive time discussing key science questions. Although it was not 

the original intent of this project, involved participants subsequently authored two successful data analysis 

proposals that were funded by the North Pacific Research Board’s Arctic Integrated Ecosystem Research 

Program synthesis call for proposals. The outreach booklet will serve as a tangible and accessible means 

to demonstrate the depth and breadth of marine research activities that are ongoing in the region.

STUDY PRODUCT(S):

1. BOEM study report:

Danielson, S.L., and K.B. Iken, 2023. Arctic Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Structure 

Data Analysis and Synthesis. Coastal Marine Institute Final Report #BOEM 2023-070. 

University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks AK. [Award #M20AC10010] 

2. Presentations/Reports:

Outreach booklet: Marine Ecosystem and Biodiversity Monitoring and Research in the 

Pacific Arctic. 
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MAP OF STUDY AREA: 

Map of the study area, showing AMBON stations (circles) with near-bottom water masses (circle 

colors) along with bathymetric depths (background shading) and typical ocean currents (colored 

arrows).