Initiating an Arctic Marine Biodiversity Observing Network (AMBON) for Ecosystem Monitoring

In summary, the AMBON project created important Arctic biodiversity information across multiple ecosystem components from microbes to whales in the Chukchi Sea. AMBON collections extended observations of ecosystem elements that are not currently sampled through other programs, e.g., including microbial diversity, functional diversity, and trophic diversity. In addition, data collections contributed to long-term time series of some ecosystem elements that allowed determination of patterns of interannual variability and assisted with evaluating tipping points in ecosystem functioning. The spatially extensive AMBON sampling grid was used to model the biases and power of detection of reduced sampling designs that could be more time- or cost-efficient to support a sustainable Arctic observing design. AMBON is part of several international and national networks, including national MBON programs and the Distributed Biological Observatory, to share important biodiversity observations that can assist with harmonizing observing systems across pan-Arctic scales and to inform national management. Open access data sharing and outreach to multiple stakeholder groups, including Alaska indigenous communities, were important venues to share AMBON results.

USD: $3,978,899

2015-10-01 → 2021-01-31