Polar Research in Tromsø in Brief Profile Editorial Retrospective Research Notes Useful Contacts Recent Doctorates Editorial

2009

POLAR RESEARCH IN TROMSØ IN BRIEF PROFILE EDITORIAL RETROSPECTIVE RESEARCH NOTES USEFUL CONTACTS RECENT DOCTORATES EDITORIAL

Economic unrest? tre for Climate and the Environment, will be seen earliest near the poles. For much of the world, 2009 was a based in Tromsø itself. An integral part Norway has a unique perspective year of economic turbulence. The of this last initiative is the Centre for – being the only nation with territo- stock market wobbled, businesses Ice, Climate and Ecosystems, ICE, pre- rial claims in both polar regions – and and financial institutions faced -bank sented on page 14. ICE was officially Norwegian scientists have contributed ruptcy, interest rates plummeted and opened in March by Erik Solheim, the crucial monitoring data that appear to unemployment shot sky-high. Tromsø Minister of the Environment and Inter- confirm these warming trends. Indeed, is not immune to the economic situ- national Development. many experts believe we are already ation, yet the city has come through Together with the High North Strat- beginning to see the first consequenc- the year relatively unscathed. Clearly egy, New Building Blocks in the North es of global warming, particularly in Norway’s oil reserves get some credit, charts out a course for the next 10 to 15 the Arctic: shorter winters, retreating but part of the stability must be attrib- years. The world economy may be on a glaciers, thinning sea ice. uted to the Norwegian Government’s roller-coaster ride, but this long-term The Norwegian Polar Institute High North Strategy. First presented commitment bodes well for Tromsø’s and ICE have been instrumental in in 2006, the strategy aims to create future as a hub of polar research. compiling current knowledge on the sustainable growth and development cryosphere: snow, sea ice, glaciers, the through intensified international co- Antarctic and Greenland Ice Sheets, operation around the use of natural re- A call for action permafrost and river/lake ice. The sources, environmental management, As this issue of Polar Research in Trom- result is a 95-page report targeting and research. Three years on, the High sø goes to press, scientists and world decision-makers, journalists and other North remains at the top of the politi- leaders are gathered in Copenhagen interested nonscientists. This work was cal agenda. for the United Nations Climate Change commissioned for COP15 by Nobel In March 2009 Prime Minister Jens Conference, COP15. And they are in the Laureate Al Gore and Norwegian Minis- Stoltenberg visited Tromsø, accompa- public eye. The conference is being fol- ter of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre, nied by the ministers of Finance, Fish- lowed closely all around the world – by who will soon present the report, enti- eries, Transport and Foreign Affairs, to people concerned about impacts on tled Melting Snow and Ice: a Call for Ac- present the next step in the High North the environment, people worried for tion. Will their voices be heard amidst Strategy: New Building Blocks in the their children’s future, people whose the clamour in Copenhagen? Will the North. This document defines seven very livelihood is threatened. Droughts call be answered? We do not know yet priority areas and number one on the and floods, extreme weather condi- whether COP15 will represent a step list is “to develop knowledge about cli- tions, and rising sea levels will put even forward or a disappointment, wheth- mate and the environment in the High greater pressure on people who are al- er it will end in consensus or discord. North”. ready struggling to survive. All we know is that whatever the out- Three of the goals have particular And then there are the expected come, we must continue to move on- relevance for the research community effects on ice and snow. Ironically, it ward. And we are certain that research in Tromsø: to map the diversity of the is in the coldest parts of the Earth that done in Tromsø will help light the path. seabed; to build a new ice-class re- global warming is “hottest”. Climate search vessel; and to establish a Cen- models predict that warming trends

Polar Research in Tromsø Editor For the Norwegian Polar Institute Gunn Sissel Jaklin Polar Research in Tromsø is published once Janet Holmén telephone: +47 77 75 06 40 a year by the University of Tromsø (UiT), c/o Norwegian Polar Institute e-mail: [email protected] the Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI), the Polar Environmental Centre web: www.npolar.no Tromsø branch of the Institute of Marine N-9296 Tromsø Research (IMR) and the Polar Environmen- e-mail: [email protected] For the Institute of Marine Research tal Centre (POMI), Tromsø, Norway. Its aim Vera Helene Lund is to describe all manner of education and Sub-editors telephone: +47 77 60 97 14 research in polar (chiefly Arctic) studies e-mail: [email protected] carried out during the past year at these For the University of Tromsø web: www.imr.no institutions and at other research insti- Mona Solbakk tutes and companies in the Tromsø area telephone: +47 77 64 49 84 Print run: 3000 copies with which they have close ties. e-mail: [email protected] Layout: Bjørn Hatteng, UiT web: uit.no Trykk: HSL trykkeriet, UiT It is sent on request and free of charge For the Polar Environmental Centre Printed on eco-friendly paper to all persons who are interested in polar Are Johnsen studies. telephone: +47 77 75 02 02 Front page photographs: e-mail: [email protected] Kim Holmén (NPI) web: www.polarenvironment.no

2 POLAR RESEARCH IN TROMSØ RESEARCH NOTES

Shrimp, the marine equivalent of the The northern shrimp, Pandalus borealis, is one of the largest fisheries in the “canary in the mineshaft” world exceeding an annual catch of 400 000 tonnes, currently worth 2.5 billon NOK. The shrimp also sits in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean’s food chain, between the small organ- isms that it eats, like phytoplankton, zooplankton and benthos, and preda- tors that eat it, like cod and other commercially important finfish. As a result, it is the marine equivalent of the “canary in the mineshaft”, sensitive to various types of changes in the ecosystem, often even before they are generally evident. When cod stocks collapsed in the early 1990s, shrimp populations throughout the northwest Atlantic exploded. Although much of this was eventually attributed to the decrease in predation by fish on shrimp, there Pandalus borealis is sensitive to temperature change. Photo: Rudi Caeyers is also an environmental component to the story: the late 1980s and early Michaela Aschan 1990s were years of exceptionally [email protected] Canaries are especially sensitive cold water in the North Atlantic and Norwegian College of Fishery Science to methane and carbon mon shrimp stocks increase and thrive dur- University of Tromsø oxide. They were used in early ing periods of cold water. This makes Peter Koeller coal mines as a method of gas sense considering Pandalus borealis’ [email protected] detection – as long as the canary northern circumpolar distribution, Bedford Institute of Oceanography kept singing, the miners knew but the actual cause of its sensitivity Fisheries and Oceans Canada their air supply was still safe. to changing water temperatures was not understood until now. As part of a multi-disciplinary, in- 10 ternational team of researchers we recently published an article in the journal Science, reporting that across 8 the entire north Atlantic, from Cape Cod (USA) to Svalbard (Norway) well past the Arctic Circle, northern shrimp C)

o 6 eggs hatch on average within days of the annual spring phytoplankton Flemish Cap bloom. 4 Gulf of Maine This synchronisation is remarkable in itself, but even more surprising when one takes into consideration Barents Sea 2 that the timing of the spring bloom Svalbard varies greatly over the shrimp’s range. Northern Iceland Greenland offshore This is due in part to latitudinal differences in the solar cycle – gener- 0 Scotian Shelf Sea Surface Temperature ( Nfld.1-4 Gulf of St. Lawrence Greenland inshore -2 Sea-surface temperatures for each study area at their annual minimum (solid blue circles), at phytoplankton bloom initiation (open green circles), at peak chlorophyll-a -4 concentration (solid green circles), and at 0 50 100 150 200 50% hatch times (pink triangles) (Science 2009, 324:791-793). DoY

POLAR RESEARCH IN TROMSØ 3 RESEARCH NOTES ally spring comes later as one moves this strategy for improving the chan and peak food abundance, a coupling poleward. Moreover, the time it takes ces of larval survival has its pros and the shrimp have been cultivating over shrimp eggs to develop into young cons. eons of evolutionary time. A decrease shrimp (larvae) and hatch depends As long as the bottom water re- in shrimp abundance may be the first on local bottom water temperatures. mains cold, egg development times sign of such fundamental changes to In the warm waters off Cape Cod, the are long and eggs hatch late, close to the marine ecosystem. eggs take only 6 months to hatch, but both the phytoplankton bloom and Essential data on shrimp biology off Northern Svalbard and Northern the seasonal warming of the surface were provided for this research by the Iceland it takes almost a year. waters where the larvae live – ideal national fisheries research programs If the larvae are to emerge during conditions for survival. On the other of major shrimp fishing nations, in- the spring bloom when food is abun- hand, if bottom water temperatures cluding Norway, Iceland, Greenland, dant, their parents must mate at just rise due to global warming, this may Canada and the USA. The study would the right time during the previous eventually result in the eggs hatching not have been possible without the year, taking into account local differ- too early, leaving the shrimp larvae availability of satellite ocean colour ences in bottom water temperatures unable to take advantage of the abun- (phytoplankton abundance) data, col- as well as the solar cycle. The shrimp’s dance of food that becomes available lected and analysed over the last ten reproductive cycle has adapted and during the spring bloom. years by the remote-sensing team at evolved to accommodate local av- To further complicate the picture, the Bedford Institute, led by Trevor erage conditions, including bottom global warming of surface waters Platt (now at the Plymouth Marine temperature and spring bloom times, may actually change the timing of the Laboratory) and funded by the Cana- so that the hatch and the bloom ap- spring bloom. This could also perturb dian Space Agency. proximately coincide. Unfortunately, the match between hatching time

Rapid melting of sea ice explained by melt ponds?

Christina Alsvik Pedersen [email protected] Jan-Gunnar Winther [email protected] Norwegian Polar Institute, Polar Environmental Centre, Tromsø Erich Roeckner [email protected] Max Planck Institute for Meteorology, Hamburg, Germany Mikael Lüthje [email protected] Sintef Petroleum Research, Stavanger, Norway

The mean temperature in the Arctic has risen twice as fast as the global mean temperature in the past 100 years, resulting in a substantial loss of sea ice. The decline in the minimum extent of the Arctic sea ice has attracted particular attention. All the climate The refrozen melt pond in the foreground is clearly darker than the surrounding snow, and models used as a basis for the Fourth absorbs much more of the incoming sunlight. Photo: Sebastian Gerland (NPI) Assessment Report from the Intergov- scription of the sea ice albedo in the of the ice and expose larger areas of ernmental Panel on Climate Change general circulation model ECHAM5. open water, resulting in more of the (IPCC) show a decline in sea-ice extent, The albedo of a surface is the ra- incoming sunlight (heat) being ab- but none of them show the dramatic tio of reflected to incoming solar ra- sorbed, which again leads to further decline we have witnessed in the last diation. White snow surfaces have a warming. This amplifies the warming few years. One reason may be short- high albedo (up to 85-90%), whereas and creates a positive feedback. comings in the description of the en- that of open water is low (about 7%). Traditionally, climate models have ergy balance in current global climate This means that sea ice is particularly treated high-latitude cryospheric pro models. Recently we have developed sensitive to a moderate temperature cesses quite crudely, and previous a new and physically more correct de- rise: a warmer climate will melt some studies have shown that today’s mod-

4 POLAR RESEARCH IN TROMSØ RESEARCH NOTES

ice are usually shallower, but cover larger areas. Multiyear ice is rougher, and melt ponds form in depressions, where they tend to be smaller, deeper and more numerous. In a paper published in the Journal of Geophysical Research, we present the new sea-ice albedo description. The ECHAM5 climate model was used to compare our new albedo algorithm with the original algorithm (which only used temperature-dependent albedo) in terms of their ability to sim- ulate climate and sea ice in the Arctic. The new algorithm simulates the annual cycle of sea ice albedo more re- alistically, showing a decline in albedo both in winter (as the snow ages) and Arctic sea ice extent as shown by observations (thick red line) and by 13 of the models used in summer (as melt ponds form). The by the IPCC (bold black line shows the mean of all the models, and the dotted black lines the new algorithm also performs well in standard deviation). Updated from Stroeve et al., Geophys. Res. Lett. 34 (L09501), 2007 modelling the distribution of melt ponds: the timing of their formation and their extent agree well with observations. Simulations showed some melt ponds forming as early as May, and some persisting until Septem- ber. Also, the albedo reduction arising because of shallow ponds on the first-year ice proved to be larger than that arising from the deeper ponds on multiyear ice, because the ponds covered larger areas on the first-year ice. In fact, in July, melt ponds covered 77% of the total area of first-year ice, but only 20% of the multiyear ice. The new algorithm had most effect on the results for the summer months; the albedo in August was found to be 23% lower than in simulations using Modelling of sea ice albedo in August (50-year average) using the climate model ECHAM5 with the new algorithm (ALB, left), and the difference between the sea ice albedo given by the original algorithm. The lower sea the new and old algorithms (ALB-CTL, right). Left panel: The new algorithm gives that only ice albedo leads to thinner sea ice, and about 40-50% of the incoming solar radiation is reflected in August. Right panel: This is a smaller ice extent and volume, but reduction of 5-15% compared to the old algorithm. Figure from Pedersen et al., J. Geophys. Res. 114 (D08101), 2009 with spatial and temporal variations. The reduction in extent was largest els are unable to capture the annual ice. These melt ponds substantially (8%) in August and September. On cycle of sea-ice albedo, particularly in reduce the albedo of the sea ice, and average, the sea ice volume was 10% summer, when the models overesti- absorb two to three times as much so- lower than indicated by the original mate the albedo. Our new description, lar radiation as snow-free thick sea ice. algorithm. or algorithm, of sea ice albedo distin- Earlier studies have shown that the The new algorithm represents an guishes between snow-covered sea proportion of the sea ice covered by advance in our ability to model the ice, bare sea ice, melt ponds and open melt ponds in summer varies widely, current record rate of sea ice melt in water. This is the first time a physical from 5% to 80%, depending on the the Arctic. Today we see that more description of melt ponds has been roughness of the ice surface, the snow and more of the rough old multi- explicitly included in a global climate depth, the ice type, the time of year year sea ice is being replaced by the model. and the geographical location. The smooth young first-year sea ice, and In spring and summer, the snow spatial distribution depends mainly our simulations show that melt ponds and the upper surface of the sea ice on the topography of the ice. First- may play an even more important role melt, and the melt water gradually year ice is smoother than multiyear in ice melt in the Arctic in the years to accumulates in melt ponds on the ice, so that melt ponds on first-year come.

POLAR RESEARCH IN TROMSØ 5 RESEARCH NOTES The Nenets people in the Russian Arctic monitor their changing environment

Winfried Dallmann exploitation in many parts of the NAO, cooperation between the Norwegian [email protected] where some oil companies are ac- Polar Institute and the Association of Norwegian Polar Institute, Polar cused of grave violations of ecological Nenets People Yasavey. The principal Environmental Centre, Tromsø standards and Russian legislation. Nu- objective is to give the indigenous merous oil spillages and other degra- population of the NAO a tool – a GIS The Nenets Autonomous Okrug dations of the upper soil layers occur map database – to promote their in- (NAO) in northwestern Russia is home periodically in the tundra, inflicting terests in an area of intensive indus- to approximately 8000 Nenets and damage on the Arctic natural environ- trial development, carefully balancing 3000 Izhma-Komi indigenous people. ment, which is the basis for the liveli- between the need for detailed infor- Many of them depend directly or in- hood of the indigenous people. mation and what is lawful to publish directly on reindeer husbandry, fish- Legal norms for implementation in Russia. ing and hunting for their livelihood. of federal laws governing land own- A major source of data for the In the past, reindeer pastures covered ership and land use are still absent in project is a questionnaire campaign almost all of the territory. Now, how- the NAO. Land can be allotted for in- directed towards traditional land us- ever, large tracts of land have been dustrial and resource-extraction pur- ers, mainly reindeer herders. Topics degraded by oil prospecting and pro- poses, while the former users – the in- include all spheres of their living, their duction, or have become difficult to digenous people – receive inadequate traditional occupations, their socio- access across oil pipelines. Lakes and financial compensations. Negotiation economic situation, and the condition rivers are increasingly polluted. processes result in agreements, where of their natural environment. Satellite Indigenous people in general have the amount of financial compensa- images in GoogleEarth were used to a large capacity to adapt to environ- tion is regulated. A major problem for monitor visible, physical damage of mental changes. But areas to escape social equality and welfare is the fact the tundra. These data are combined to are getting fewer and smaller, while that these agreements are often con- with publicly available data in a GIS increasing portions of the land be- fidential. database. The database was devel- come useless for traditional occupa- It is important to realise that en- oped in the ArcGIS programme, but tions. In addition, the unemployment vironmental map data in Russia are is being transferred for publishing to rate among indigenous people is available to the public only to a very a GoogleEarth-based system, which high. Individuals with more advanced limited extent. Further, a complete does not require special skills or soft- education often leave the area. Life overview is lacking, and the situation ware for the users. expectancy is extremely low – in the changes quickly. A continually main- It is hoped that the database will forties – because of both poor access tained map database would be an be used by the indigenous people to to medical care and abuse of alcohol. indispensable tool to track develop- make informed decisions about their These and other factors go hand in ment. future, to discuss land use plans with hand with a general disintegration of The International Polar Year representatives of the government indigenous society. project MODIL-NAO (Monitoring of authorities, to negotiate compensa- The lure of oil further exacerbates Development of Traditional Indig- tions, and so on. It is also hoped that the problem. An uncontrolled situa- enous Land Use Areas in the Nenets the representatives of the Nenets peo- tion has developed around oil and gas Autonomous Okrug, NW Russia) is a ple will have the resources to maintain

Reindeer are used for transportation during nomadic migrations. Chernaya area, northeastern NAO. Deeply eroded vehicle tracks are a fre- quent feature in many parts of the Nenets tundra. Varandey area, northeastern NAO. Photos: Zoia Vylka Ravna, 2008 (left), Association of Nenets People Yasavey, 2003 (right)

6 POLAR RESEARCH IN TROMSØ RESEARCH NOTES and further develop the database in the future. By the end of 2009 the bilingual, interactive database is intended to be posted on the Internet – accessible for everybody who has downloaded GoogleEarth. The English and Rus- sian language versions of the project report will be available electronically at the same time. Printed versions will hopefully be available later in 2010.

Project website: http://npolar.no/ipy-nenets

Degraded tundra is not confined to drilling sites and pipelines. There seem to be no effective restrictions against using heavy ve- hicles on unfrozen ground. Varandey area, northeastern NAO. Photo: Association of Nenets People Yasavey, 2003

Omega-3 fatty acids in Arctic marine food chains

80 Stig Falk-Petersen such as preventing skin ageing and [email protected] protecting the skin against UV radia- 60 Carnivores Haakon Hop tion. Omega-3 has become a valuable 40 (polar cod, capelin and predatory amphipods)

otal lipid (%W) [email protected] commercial product worldwide, and T 20 Norwegian Polar Institute, Polar today the market for omega-3 oils

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r a M a Environmental Centre, Tromsø is growing by 25% annually, with a Apr M Jørgen Berge production of 50 000 tonnes per year. [email protected] Traditionally, omega-3 was extracted 80

University Centre in Svalbard, from the liver of cod fish and pelagic 60 Longyearbyen fish species such as capelin and- her Herbivorous 40 zooplankton ring. Today, krill and Calanus copep- (copepods, krill and

otal lipid (%W) herbivorous amphipods) 20 Omega-3 fatty acids are a vital build- ods are also commercially harvested, T

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r a M a ing block in human cells and essen- and one of the most valuable prod- Apr M tial in many important physiological ucts derived from them is omega-3 processes, e.g. memory and vision. At rich oils. the Norwegian Polar Institute we have The essential omega-3 fatty acids 100 80 over the last years studied production are produced exclusively by marine alues) 60 Primary producers

y production and transfer of omega-3 fatty acids algae, and the lipid-driven energy flux e v (phytoplankton 40 and ice-algae)

imar from phytoplankton and ice algae in polar marine ecosystems ensures 20 through intermediate trophic levels that these essential components are (Relativ

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r a M a of zooplankton and fish to seals and transported efficiently through the Apr M seabirds. food chain. Towards high latitudes, the The omega-3 fatty acids produced by ice al- Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PU- annual period of primary production gae and phytoplankton during the blooms FAs), with the most widely-known becomes shorter due to the strong are transferred through the food chain during the Arctic summer and autumn (After omega-3 fatty acids as prominent seasonality of incoming solar radia- Falk-Petersen et al. 1990. In: Trophic relation- representatives, have been shown to tion and ice cover. The omega-3 fatty ships in the marine environment. Barnes and play a key role not only in aquatic eco- acids produced by phytoplankton and Gibson, eds. Scotl. Univ. Press, Aberdeen. pp systems but also for human health, ice algae during the short Arctic sum- 315-333). affecting reproduction, growth and mer are the source of all omega-3 that lar marine ecosystems, it is crucial to physiology. Omega-3 fatty acids are is transported up the food chains to understand triggers that influence the known to prevent cardiovascular dis- zooplankton, fish and seals and finally timing of omega-3 fatty acid produc- eases, improve memory and concen- harvested by fishers and hunters. To tion. tration, and counteract depression, gain further insight into the role and Our work has focused on the her- in addition to more cosmetic effects transfer of omega-3 fatty acids in po- bivorous copepod Calanus glacialis,

POLAR RESEARCH IN TROMSØ 7 RESEARCH NOTES

Collecting ice algae under sea ice in Rijp fjorden. Photo: Jørgen Berge (UNIS) Dinner outside “Bjørnehiet” during the field campaign in Rijpfjorden in late Spring. Photo: Janne Søreide (UNIS) cal analyses have been carried out by a group of young scientists – all of them women – from the Norwegian Polar Institute, the University Centre in Svalbard, the University of Tromsø and Université Pierre et Marie Curie, in France. Drs. Eva Leu and Janne E. Søreide have been the driving forces behind the science, studying the timing of the ice algal bloom and its relationship to reproduction of the key grazer, Calanus glacialis, in Arctic shelf seas. They played a leading role in the field campaign under extremely harsh conditions in Rijpfjorden, one of Sval- bard’s northernmost fjords, facing the Arctic Ocean. Anette Wold carried out the field sampling on the ice in the Ca- nadian Arctic on board the Canadian research ice-breaker CCGS Amundsen, at temperatures down to minus 30°C. Margaux Noyon and Fanny Narcy from France studied the lipid dynamics and omega-3 levels in carnivorous zooplankton in Kongsfjorden, Sval- bard. Three masters students, Marte Lundberg, Charlotte Gannefors, and Iris Jæger, studied the transfer of omega-3 to ctenophores, winged snails, and seabirds. The study of the role of omega-3 in Arctic marine food chains has one of the most important species in and the second in open waters during been carried out within the frame- Arctic shelf seas, accounting for up the phytoplankton bloom. Reductions work of three large research projects, to 70% of the zooplankton biomass. in ice extent will affect the first impor- MariClim, CLEOPATRA and Ice-edge This copepod is perfectly adapted to tant part of this production, when the project (http://mariclim.npolar.no; current ice conditions in the Arctic copepods feed on ice algae. www.iceedge.no). All these projects Ocean. We have documented that C. The scientific project develop- are part of the ARCTOS research net- glacialis utilises two distinct peaks in ment, planning and performance work (www.arctosresearch.net). The omega-3 production, one associated of extensive field work, laboratory project was funded by the Research with sea ice during the ice algal bloom and in situ experiments, and chemi- Council of Norway and Statoil.

Best practices in ecosystem-based ocean management

Alf Håkon Hoel The need to manage the marine envi- of marine ecosystems as a whole. [email protected] ronment and its natural resources in While there is a clear scientific ration- Department of Sociology, an integrated manner is now broadly ale underscoring the need for inte- Political Science and Community recognised and accepted. grated ocean management, it is not Planning, University of Tromsø, and A number of international agree- clear how this is to be accomplished. Environmental Management Section, ments oblige countries to implement Many countries are in the process of Norwegian Polar Institute, Polar ecosystem-based management of developing their ocean management Environmental Centre, Tromsø their oceans, to ensure the sustain- policies, but there is no common in- able development and conservation ternational standard for how this is to

8 POLAR RESEARCH IN TROMSØ RESEARCH NOTES be done, nor is there an agreed defini- 129 legislation to provide government tion of what “ecosystem-based ocean strategic directions. management” means in practice. As part of the Norwegian chair- 4) Area-based approaches and manship of the Arctic Council 2007- transboundary perspectives: The 2009, the Best Practices in Ecosystem- identification of management based Ocean Management project units within ecosystems should was initiated to address the issue of be based on ecological criteria, as how countries implement ecosystem- ecosystem-based management re- based ocean management. An impor- quires specific geographical units tant objective was to identify “best at various scales. In shared eco- practices” or useful instruments and systems, cooperation could occur work methods in this regard. through existing regional manage- The project involved scientists and ment bodies or new collaborative public officials from Russia, Canada, Alf Håkon Hoel (ed.) efforts focused on individual eco- USA, Denmark/Greenland, Iceland, Best Practices in Ecosystem-based systems. Norway and Finland, as well as from Oceans Management in the Arctic the Permanent Participants of the 5) Stakeholder participation: To

NORSK POLARINSTITUTT/NORWEGIAN POLAR INSTITUTE, POLARMILJØSENTERET/POLAR ENVIRONMENTAL CENTRE, NO-9296 TROMSØ Arctic Council (indigenous peoples). 1 build understanding and foster It resulted in a series of case studies Map: Anders Skoglund, Graphic design: Jan development of knowledge, stake- addressing a predefined set of ques- Roald, Norwegian Polar Institute holder consultation is important. tions. The final report presents these Also, stakeholder participation case studies, along with a brief intro- can encourage and contribute duction and a chapter describing the to compliance with conservation issues from the perspective of indig- sideration. Ecosystem-based ocean measures through education and enous peoples. One important finding management is context-sensitive, enforcement. is that there are substantial differences there exists no one, single method among the Arctic countries in terms of for ecosystem-based manage- 6) Adaptive management: Effective the nature of the marine ecosystems, ment. Also, ecosystem-based man- management of ecosystems re- the economic activities, the institu- agement is a work in progress and quires that management strategies tional arrangements for ocean man- should be considered as a process change in response to changing agement, and the scientific basis for rather than an end state. circumstances. This is especially this management. Therefore, one size important in view of the acceler- does not fit all. Management systems 2) Integrated and science-based de- ating effects of climate change on and practices have to be tailored to cision-making: Increased commu- marine ecosystems. the particular circumstances in each nication and exchanges of scien- country and region. tific knowledge among both states The case studies were collected in a If there are differences, there are and sectors in society are key com- report prepared for the Arctic Council also commonalities. Some core ele- ponents of ecosystem-based man- Ministerial meeting 29 April 2009. The ments should always form a part of agement. Scientific knowledge best practices section of the report a country’s ecosystem-based ocean often needs to be synthesised and provided the basis for a set of “Ob- management. These include the defi- communicated for the purpose of served best practices in ecosystem- nition of the geographical scope of ecosystem-based ocean manage- based oceans management”, which ecosystems by ecological criteria, the ment. Good lines of communica- were endorsed by the Arctic Council. application of the best available scien- tion between managers, resource It was also decided to continue work tific knowledge to understand ecosys- users, and the general public are under the auspices of the Arctic Coun- tem interactions, and the assessment necessary to foster mutual under- cil relating to ecosystem-based ocean of cumulative impacts of different standing and recognition of shared management. Several projects under sectors on the ecosystem, rather than interests. the Protection of the Arctic Marine single-species, sectoral approaches. Environment (PAME) and Sustainable 3) National commitment: A nation- Development Working Group (SDWG) Six “best practices” have been identi- al commitment to conservation contribute to this. fied: and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources is necessary. A 1) Flexible application of ecosystem- “roadmap”, management plan or based ocean management: The national action plan for addressing Arctic is a diverse region. Therefore, priorities in ocean management differences in circumstances and is critical in this regard. An impor- contexts have to be taken into con- tant element in implementation is

POLAR RESEARCH IN TROMSØ 9 RESEARCH NOTES Foreign tourists’ landscape perceptions and preferences in Lofoten and Vesterålen, northern Norway

Jens Kr. Steen Jacobsen [email protected] Aslak Fyhri [email protected] Institute of Transport Economics, Oslo Hans Tømmervik [email protected] Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Polar Environmental Centre, Tromsø

North-Norwegian coastal landscapes are changing. Some of these alterations are physical, caused by changes in climate, agricultural policy, industry and housing development. But some are less tangible, such as alterations in perceptions, resulting from trans- formation of local ways of life and dissemination of romantic attitudes among both tourists and locals. One of the most significant visual alterations – in Northern Norway and else- where – is the general re-growth and overgrowth of former farmlands. En- croaching vegetation may obscure vistas for sightseers, conceal cultural remains, decrease biodiversity, reduce the local population’s access to valued areas, and probably also cause some locations to lose their “placeness”. Landscapes always pos- sess character that derives from how and why people know and use them. In Northern Norway, these could be farmland, bird sanctuaries, cloudber- ry moors, one’s native district, and the sites visited on family outdoor excur- sions and holiday trips. Often, ideas of local identity are imparted by landscape features: cultural markers such as distinctive vernacular architecture and other tangible heritage.

Top: Foreign tourists expressed the most positive opinions about rugged, rocky coasts. Photo: Hans Tømmervik (Norwegian Institute for Nature Research)

Middle: Picturesque fishing villages were also popular scenes. Photo: Jens Kr. Steen Jacobsen (Institute of Transport Economics)

Bottom: Tourists did not find spruce plantations particularly attractive. Photo: Jens Kr. Steen Jacobsen (Institute of Transport Eco- nomics)

10 POLAR RESEARCH IN TROMSØ RESEARCH NOTES

Many of the most appealing and visualisations of landscapes have with tufted-hairgrass (Deschampsia dramatic sceneries around the world been conducted through representa- cespitosa) and coastline hillsides with also constitute the livelihood of tour- tional options such as photographs. spruce plantations. It should be men- ism-related industries with a finite – In most research, landscape quality is tioned that the area of forested land in and dwindling – number of destina- indicated by the human observers’ ex- the study area increased by more than tions at their disposal. Among such pressions of preference (choice, like/ 30% during the period 1985–2007, precious vistas are parts of the archi- dislike) or judgments and ratings of mostly due to reduction in cultiva- pelagos of Lofoten and Vesterålen, the visual aesthetic quality – for instance tion, grazing and forestry. Preference case area of “TOPCOAST”, a multidisci- scenic beauty. As basis for the sort- ratings did not unequivocally support plinary study funded by the Research ing procedures, twelve colour photo- previous findings that lush vegetation Council of Norway. Parts of this project graphs were employed, all presenting and little human influence are impor- responded to a deficiency of academ- landscapes that tourists are likely to tant aesthetic qualities. On the other ic research on landscape perceptions encounter if they travel along or in the hand, there is an indication that aban- among tourists. The main objective vicinities of the route of the express doned farmland and encroaching was to explore international tourists’ coastal liner (Hurtigruten) through the forests in costal landscapes only play landscape perceptions in Vesterålen archipelagos of Lofoten and Vester a minor role for foreign tourists. Visi- and Lofoten, focusing on three differ- ålen. Participants were given several tors from abroad appear to appreciate ent concepts thought to be important sorting tasks (free sort, typicality, lush- mountains, barren coastal rocks and for tourists’ landscape preferences: ness, and preference) and were asked fishing hamlets more than an active typicality, vegetation lushness, and to comment on their impressions of agricultural landscape. The findings degree of human influence. the pictured landscapes, thus provid- emphasise the need for taking into Photo-based interviews and ing both quantitative and categori- consideration typicality of settings in sorting procedures were employed cal data. Data were then subjected to future landscape research. among a sample of international tour- multidimensional scaling analysis. ists while they were visiting the case The most preferred landscape was For further reading: region. Although general studies a barren coastal rock landscape, fol- of landscape perception and scenic lowed by fishing hamlets and desert- Fyhri A, Steen Jacobsen JK, Tømmervik beauty represent some well-estab- ed farmland dominated by meadow H. Tourists’ landscape perceptions and lished traditions, very few academic buttercup (Ranuculus acris), cow-pars- preferences in a Scandinavian coastal studies of tourists’ perceptions of and ley (Anthriscus sylvestris), and rosebay region. Landscape and Urban Planning preferences for agriculturally related willowherb (Chamaenerion angustifo- 2009, 91:202–211. landscapes have been conducted. lium). The least preferred landscapes Even fewer studies encompassing were abandoned meadows covered

East Antarctic snow accumulation changes

Helgard Anschütz the East Antarctic ice sheet are not station Troll to South Pole in austral [email protected] covered by ground-based measure- summer 2007/08 and back on a dif- Elisabeth Isaksson ments. Yet knowledge of the mass ferent route in 2008/09. The aim of [email protected] balance and the variability of snow the project is to improve understand- Jan-Gunnar Winther accumulation rates in Antarctica is ing the mass balance of East Antarc- [email protected] crucial for understanding processes in tica and its contribution to sea-level Norwegian Polar Institute, Polar the climate system and for estimation change, provide field data for calibra- Environmental Centre, Tromsø of future sea-level change. tion of model assessments as well as Karsten Müller The Norwegian–US Scientific satellite-based estimates, and obtain [email protected] Traverse through East Antarctica is information about climate signals and Institute of Geology, University of Oslo, dedicated to closing some of these their changes within the last decades Oslo data gaps by contributing significant to about one millennium. Another im- Mary Albert field data and assessing the spatio- portant aspect of the Norwegian–US [email protected] temporal pattern of accumulation traverse project is to revisit sites meas- Thayer School of Engineering, rates on remote areas of the East Ant- ured during the South Pole Queen Dartmouth, New Hampshire, USA arctic plateau. Maud Land Traverses (SPQMLT) in the The traverse was carried out with- 1960s and assess the legacy of these Despite modern satellite techniques in the framework of the International older data sets by updated records. and concerted research efforts, Ant- Polar Year (IPY), when a research team A vast amount of information was arctica’s mass balance is still not en- travelled through large parts of Dron- collected during the field seasons. It tirely certain today and vast parts of ning Maud Land, from the Norwegian took many forms: radar data obtained

POLAR RESEARCH IN TROMSØ 11 RESEARCH NOTES

Map of the traverse route. Electrical conductivity records of four firn cores from the season 2007/08. The blue ellipse Stein Tronstad (NPI) marks the prominent double peak Tambora 1815/Unknown 1809 on which the dating is based. Graph: Helgard Anschütz (NPI) using different frequencies, firn cores, solute time marker for the verification previously assumed. Accumulation snow samples, surface observations of dated strata. Thus, other prominent seems to decrease along the south- and temperature measurements, volcanic horizons such as Krakatau bound route, with the exception of among others. (1883) and Deception Island (1641) the fourth firn core. Clearly, accumu- Four of the firn cores drilled in the could be dated reliably. Using the es- lation is inversely correlated with el- first season were analysed in the cold tablished volcanic chronology and evation in our data sets, fitting the laboratory at the Norwegian Polar In- information about density, the mean expected spatial pattern well. stitute with a method called dielectric accumulation rates between the vol- The variation in depth of radar lay- profiling (DEP) which measures elec- canic horizons could be calculated. ers we tracked suggests that our firn- trical conductivity along the core. On Our firn cores show accumulation core sites are representative of a larger the basis of these profiles, volcanic rates in the range of 16-32 mm per area, but the possibility of comparing eruptions were detected and used for year water equivalent averaged over with other data from the wider area is dating the firn cores. The well-known the period 1815–2007. This is slightly limited due to different observation double peak of the eruption of Tamb- less than expected from the SPQMLT periods and large spatial distances ora in 1815 and an unknown volcano data, suggesting that some parts of between observation sites. in 1809 were clearly visible in the con- the East Antarctic plateau might have Concerning temporal variability, ductivity records and served as an ab- received even less precipitation than three firn cores show a decrease in accumulation of more than 20% for the time period 1815–2007 in relation to 1641–1815. Several other studies have reported an increase in accumulation during the Twentieth Century over parts of the East Antarctic plateau and the South Pole area. Even though we cannot sufficiently resolve a possible recent trend, our results suggest that accumulation increase might not be valid for the entire plateau and that the temporal changes could be more complicated than assumed. This has important implications for the estimation of the mass balance of the East Antarctic ice sheet. Our results provide insight into the spatial and temporal variability of accumulation and contribute new data Typical drilling site on the East Antarctic plateau. Photo: Helgard Anschütz (NPI) for this largely uncovered area.

12 POLAR RESEARCH IN TROMSØ RESEARCH NOTES Coastal erosion – a threat to the cultural heritage of Svalbard?

Anne-Catrine Flyen and artefacts related to human activ- to coastal erosion. Climate-related [email protected] ity from before 1946 are considered changes such as reduced permafrost, Norwegian Institute for Cultural worthy of preservation. In fact, ruins, rising sea levels, less ice, and more Heritage Research, Oslo grave markers and sites dating from winter storms with larger waves will prior to 1946 are automatically pro- further exacerbate this problem. Svalbard was an international “com- tected through the Svalbard Envi- Many graves and other remains have mon ground” until 1925, when it came ronmental Protection Act. There are already disappeared into the sea and under Norwegian jurisdiction. This cultural heritage sites and objects not others are likely to follow in years to Arctic archipelago has no signs of any just within settlements but all over come. indigenous population, but people the archipelago. Removing, moving The Svalbard archipelago houses from many countries have used Sval- or damaging any such items or sites is more than two thousand historic bard in a variety of ways for over 400 a punishable offence. sites, but many are inaccessible. There years, and Svalbard’s cultural sites are Among the historical relics in are no roads, there is no infrastructure; regarded as international heritage. It Svalbard are the remains of blubber- the weather conditions are rough and was a place for seasonal occupation trying furnaces and small houses from the winter is long and dark. How to and use, and most visitors based their the whaling industry in the 17th cen- cope with this? How can we find out livelihood on exploitation of natural tury, graves and graveyards from the where coastal erosion is a threat? resources, with hunting and mining same period, many small trapper huts What will the effect be, and when will as the principal activities. Permanent from the 18th, 19th and 20th centu- it happen? Is it possible to prevent settlements were not established ries. Svalbard’s coal mining history is the gradual – or sometimes sudden – until early in the 20th century, when reflected in mines, buildings, machin- obliteration of fragile historical re- Norway and Russia started to carry ery and many other artefacts from the mains? Where should we start? out large-scale coal mining. mining industry in the 18-1900s. These are some of the questions Cultural heritage sites are irre- Many think of the permafrost as the Governor of Svalbard wants an- placeable sources of historical infor- a perfect way to preserve historic ar- swers to, in order to cope with the mation, providing insight into the tefacts: this is to some degree true, effects of climate change. The Norwe- social, religious and economic life of particularly for biological material. gian Institute for Cultural Heritage Re- our ancestors. Historical remains in Yet Svalbard’s rugged landscape and search (NIKU), in cooperation with the the Arctic tell a fascinating tale of the hostile environment are tough on cul- University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), capability of humans to adapt to the tural remains. As most of the historical has been asked to try to find answers. cold climate and survive under tough remains are situated very close to the More specifically, the Governor wants conditions. In Svalbard, all structures shore, they are extremely vulnerable a method to identify sites that are threatened by coastal erosion. In the winter of 2008 and the spring of 2009 scientists from NIKU and UNIS went through all existing maps and photographs from Sval- bard. We also studied the archives at the District Governor of Svalbard and the Directorate for Cultural Heritage. During the summer and autumn of 2009 we visited several historic sites in Svalbard to investigate these prob- lems in the field. The trapper station Fredheim by Sassen fjorden. The fjord was an important hunting area for Pomors (Russian hunters) in the 1700s and 1800s, and for Norwegian trap- pers, including the legendary Hilmar Nøis. He spent 38 years in Spitsbergen, wintering all over Isfjorden and on the north coast, but eventually built his own station, naming it Villa Fredheim. The main building is from 1924. In the foreground is Danielbu, the first hut on the station, built by Hilmar’s uncle, Daniel Nøis, during the winter of 1911/12. Danielbu has several details characteristic of the building practices of the pioneer age of Norwegian winter hunting prior to World War I. The aerial photograph shows the river delta, which is growing and potentially pro- tective. POLAR RESEARCH IN TROMSØ 13 PROFILE

Both the archive studies and the field work showed that it is not possible to study historical sites under the influence of coastal erosion without getting out into the field. The data about the cultural sites are not detailed enough and the geological maps show bedrock, but not the crucial surface layers. To obtain a precise picture of the threat posed by coastal erosion it is necessary also to measure the effects of other geothreats. Since these vary from site to site – and even within a site – it is necessary to visit each individual historical site in order to evalu- ate the risk and effects of geothreats in short, medium and long term. In addition, one must also weigh the historical value of the site and the Fredheim by Sassenfjorden. Coastal erosion brought the sea 11 metres closer to the main technical condition of the ruins and building between the first measurement in 1990 and September 2009. Danielbu, in the back- ground, is the oldest building at the station. In 2001, this hut was moved several metres artefacts themselves in order to priori- northeast from its original site when the encroaching shoreline came too close. All photos tise the historical sites. This will tell us by the author. which historical sites are at risk of being washed out to sea, and which of We found that: them to prioritise. But it will not tell us - there are scarcely any geological periglacial environments), erosion how to save them from erosion. maps that show the surface layers of from rivers and permafrost Preventing coastal and fluvial ero- the coastal regions of Svalbard - the coastal erosion at a cultural site sion requires large interventions. This - it is not possible to use existing may vary considerably within a rela- would disturb both the wilderness of maps or aerial photographs to iden- tively small area Svalbard and the historical sites them- tify active coastal erosion - in some places erosion has moved selves. As many ruins are situated far - aerial photographs are currently not the shoreline up to 11 metres closer from civilisation, with no infrastruc- detailed enough to study the histor- to historic monuments between ture, it is difficult to reach them with ic sites 1990 and 2009 technical equipment and machinery. - it is not possible to measure the ex- - coastal erosion may be influenced Thus the three most likely possibil- act position of cultural heritage sites by rivers forming deltas and build- ities are to move valuable structures from existing aerial photographs ing up a new shore: one river delta to a safer place nearby, to conduct - the cultural sites are heavily influ- had grown 45 metres along the old archaeological excavations and save enced by several kinds of geothreats, shoreline between 1990 and 2009 whatever can be saved, or simply to such as solifluction (widespread - human activity may increase the document the site and let nature take sediment transport downslope in problem its course.

Centre for Ice, Climate and Ecosystems – ICE What will happen when the Earth’s cli- for a Centre for Ice, Climate and Eco- systems in polar regions. Ecosystem mate changes? In polar regions, one systems (ICE) under the auspices of studies will span species from lower of the most pressing research ques- the Norwegian Polar Institute. As soon trophic levels (sea algae and plank- tions concerns the possible ramifica- as the resources became available the ton) to the top of the food chain (seals tions of global warming for the polar work of establishing the Centre be- and polar bears). The scope of ICE also ice caps and the ecosystems that de- gan, and ICE was officially opened in includes international exchange of pend on them. Although there has March 2009. knowledge regarding the melting of been considerable progress, the in- ICE will further develop the Nor- high altitude glaciers, like those in the terconnections between ice, climate wegian Polar Institute’s position as a Andes and the Himalayas. and ecosystems remain poorly un- leading force in climate-related polar Much attention is given to energy derstood. To meet this need, the Nor- research, dealing with such topics as and matter exchange between ocean, wegian Ministry for the Environment sea ice, snow, glaciers and effects of ice and atmosphere, as well as the decided in late 2008 to grant funding climate change on ice-associated eco- thickness and distribution of the Arc-

14 POLAR RESEARCH IN TROMSØ PROFILE tic sea ice. Another important subject for ICE is the ocean circulation in the Arctic and how this is linked to ice distribution and surface exchange processes. A primary aim is to help improve the precision of climate models. ICE seeks to gain better understanding of climate processes through field studies and process modelling, which is later to be used in collaboration with national and international partners, such as the Norwegian Climate Cen- tre, to improve the process depictions in the climate models. The effects on ecosystems are ap- proached by integrating ecosystem studies with studies of changes in the physical environment in icy waters. The focus is especially on species that depend on the ice, such as polar bears, some seal species, and ivory gulls. The James Hansen, director of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, Erik Solheim, Minis- ter of the Environment and International Development and NPI director Jan-Gunnar Winther aim is to develop an understanding opened ICE by sawing through an ice core from the Fram Strait east of Greenland. Photo: of processes in the ecosystem which Jesper Hansen can be portrayed in climate models to approach quantitative calculations of and the focus of the flagships will at the UN climate summit meeting in the impacts climate change may have change correspondingly with time. Copenhagen in December 2009. on the biological systems. During its first year, ICE was in- The High Mountain Glaciers and ICE’s focus in the Antarctic is to un- volved in a number of activities. In Global Change conference in June derstand the coupling between gla- February eleven environmental minis- attracted participants from 21 coun- cier dynamics and climate and how ters and experts were invited by Nor- tries to Tromsø; there was a fruitful ice shelves are affected by changes in way’s Minister for the Environment to exchange of existing knowledge, and the climate (especially ocean temper- visit Troll Station in Antarctica, where knowledge gaps were identified. ature and circulation), as well as how they learned about climate research. In September, UN Secretary Gen- changes in the ice shelves affect the In March Tromsø hosted an interna- eral Ban Ki-moon accompanied ICE inland ice. tional meeting of the parties to the researchers to the ice-edge and Sval- The centre is headed by Dr. Nalân 1973 agreement on the conservation bard, to learn about climate change. Koς, who previously led the Polar Cli- of polar bears, which concluded with Standing on the Arctic sea ice, closely mate Programme at the Norwegian a joint statement that “climate change followed by media representatives, Polar Institute. An advisory board with has a negative impact on polar bears the Secretary General appealed to members from different Norwegian and their habitat, and is the most im- world citizens and leaders to take ac- research institutions and environmen- portant long term threat facing polar tion to preserve the ice. tal management agencies has been bears”. Alongside these activities the flag- established. Presently three flagship The following month Minister for ship projects were established, and projects exist within ICE: Fimbulisen Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre and more scientists were recruited by the (Antarctica), Sea Ice, and Ecosystems Nobel Peace Laureate Al Gore co-host- Norwegian Polar Institute. In Novem- (both in the Arctic). ICE will, however, ed a Melting Ice Conference in Tromsø ber, the ICE-Fimbulisen crew of ocea- be flexible when it comes to- meet under the auspices of ICE – resulting nographers, glaciologists and techni- ing the environmental management in a state-of-the-art report on melting cians headed for Antarctica. The aim needs of the Norwegian Government, ice around the globe, for presentation of the expedition to the immense ice shelf named Fimbulisen is to understand the interaction between the Antarctic ice sheet and the ocean. In this project, an Internet service for Norwegian schools was established as part of ICE School – a concept which will be further developed (see http:// fimbul.npolar.no).

POLAR RESEARCH IN TROMSØ 15 RETROSPECTIVE Tromsø – early Arctic exploration and research

Tore O. Vorren the merchant fleet took up sealing winter quarters. At the head of the [email protected] in the Arctic. If it was the early Dutch bay stood Barents’ house just as it had Department of Geology, University of and British whalers who first unrav- been left 275 years before. Protected Tromsø elled the outlines of west Spitsber- from decay, guarded from devastation gen, the sealing captains from Tromsø by prowling foxes and bears under The Tromsø region has an over thou- and Hammerfest played an equally a thick layer of ice that hermetically sand-year tradition in Arctic explora- impressive role in the later phase of sealed the house, were the books, tion and research. At the end of the exploration of the Barents and Kara clothes, tools and utensils used by ninth century a Viking nobleman Seas. In this way Tromsø earned its Barents’ men during their long captiv- named Ottar lived on the outskirts of nickname: “The gateway to the Arctic”. ity. There was a clock, muskets, a flute, what is now Tromsø. With his square- Inspired by the Spitsbergen expe- and the little shoes of the ship’s boy rigged Viking ship Ottar rounded ditions of the Swedes O.M. Torell and who died there. Carlsen also found a Nordkapp (the North Cape Plateau) A.E. Nordenskiöld, and encouraged by letter that Barents had put in the chim- and sailed around the Kola Peninsula the Tromsø geologist, Karl Pettersen, ney for safekeeping. into the White Sea. We know of this the sealer captains made trips into un- Elling Carlsen concluded his Arc- voyage because Ottar later went on known areas and collected valuable tic exploration on the Austrian Payer- a trading trip across to England and information. Weyprecht expedition of 1872-1874, met with King Alfred the Great. Alfred which discovered Franz Josef Land. faithfully recorded Ottar’s trips to the northern latitudes. So straightforward Elling Carlsen is the narrative, so clear and precise, A nestor among the sealer captains Sivert Tobiesen that it is possible to trace the Viking’s was Elling Carlsen. In 1859 he ob- Sivert Tobiesen is another remarkable exact course. served Kong Karls land. Four years sealing captain. Only thirteen years later he was the first person to circum- old, in 1834, he made his first trip as navigate the Svalbard archipelago. a cook onboard a vessel bringing a Tromsø, the gateway to In the year of 1871 Carlsen made hunting crew to Bjørnøya (Bear Island). the Arctic a most remarkable discovery on the In 1865 he went to Bjørnøya to Tromsø was formally founded as a northern tip of Novaya Zemlja. There overwinter. With the intention of mak- city in 1794. In the 1820s, skippers of he found the remnants of Barents’ last ing meteorological observations, he

Engravings of the Tromsø skippers Elling Carlsen and Sivert Kristian Tobiesen courtesy of Tromsø Museum

16 POLAR RESEARCH IN TROMSØ RETROSPECTIVE

Amundsen’s Gjøa. Originally a herring boat, the ship was purchased by Amundsen in 1900, refitted and her hull strengthened to withstand the ice conditions expected in the Northwest Passage. She can now be seen at the Norwegian Maritime Museum in Bygdøy, Oslo.

Photo: The Norwegian Polar Institute Photo Library

was equipped with a thermometer with material collected in the Arctic to sail through the Northwest Passage. and a barometer. Unfortunately the regions. Later expeditions followed in Gjøa was built in Sunnhordaland and barometer did not work, but he did the hunters’ footsteps and benefited before she was purchased by Roald manage to get the first, and for many from their experience. The hunters Amundsen she had been owned by years the only, continuous series of now played crucial roles as ice pilots, the Tromsø sealer captain Hans Chris- temperature measurements from this skippers and crew for national and for- tian Johannessen, who sailed Gjøa in part of the Arctic. On this same over- eign expeditions. polar seas for many years. On one of wintering he found the skeletons of Fridtjof Nansen’s great Fram expe- these trips the Swedish polar scien- some of the seven men set ashore by dition had three members from the tist Axel Hamberg was on board. For the vessel on which he had served as Tromsø area: T.C. Jacobsen, P.L. Hen- some reason the relationship between cook when he was a boy. riksen and B. Bentsen. Another expe- Hamberg and Johannessen soured. Seven years later, after having dition member, Hjalmar Johansen, After returning to Sweden, Hamberg sailed between Spitsbergen and later came to reside in Tromsø, though wrote to one of his colleagues that Novaja Zemlja further north than it was not his original home. After he wanted to see Johannessen hung anybody had done before, Sivert having been separated for a year or in the gallows on top of an actively Tobiesen’s ship was caught by the so, Nansen and Johansen and the ship erupting volcano. On Amundsen’s ex- ice and he was forced to overwin- came together in Tromsø on 21 Au- pedition through the Northwest Pas- ter on Novaja Zemlja. He and his son gust 1896. A great festivity took place sage, Tromsø natives Anton Lund and died there from scurvy the following in the house of Tromsø Arbeiderforen- Helmer Hanssen served as second and spring. That same year spelled tragedy ing and outdoors at Alfheim where third mate, respectively. for many in Tromsø: twenty-one men 2000 people were gathered. Amongst The first person to try to commer- perished and six good vessels were them was a young man, Helmer Hans- cialise the coal on Spitsbergen was lost in the ice. sen, who was eager to participate in Søren Zakariassen. Like Carlsen and polar expeditions. Hanssen later ac- Tobiesen, he was a ship’s captain and A new era companied Amundsen on his most hailed from Tromsø. It is probably fair An event in Tromsø which encour- spectacular quests. to say that the activity of Norwegian aged exploration of the Arctic was Among the many well known hunters on Svalbard was an important the founding of Tromsø Museum in small Norwegian vessels, Gjøa is per- argument for giving Norway sover- 1872. Hunters and sealers contributed haps the most famous – the first vessel eignty over Svalbard after World War I.

POLAR RESEARCH IN TROMSØ 17 I N B R I E F

VIPs on ice Safety first! BARESS: a new Seeking a livelihood in the far north is risky business. This is a vast, sparsely research school populated area, far from most of the The Barents Remote Sensing School modern-day infrastructure the rest of BARESS was established in February, us essentially take for granted. In harsh with start-up funding from the Min- Arctic conditions, a human being can istry of Foreign Affairs. Satellites are be very small indeed. Conversely, hu- ideal for monitoring the vast unpopu- man activities – shipping, fishing, and lated regions of the High North. There oil and gas operations – pose a threat is great potential for using technologi- to the vulnerable subarctic environ- cal advances in remote sensing to im- ment. Accidents happen, as illustrated prove monitoring of both natural pro- in May this year, when the freezer ves- cesses (sea ice extent, glacial retreat, sel Petrozavodsk steamed full speed phytoplankton blooms) and human into the bird cliffs at the southern tip activities (shipping and oil spills). The of Bjørnøya – cliffs densely populated decision to establish the school in by guillemots who were just starting Tromsø comes as no surprise to Tore their breeding season. Vorren, former Dean of the Faculty of We need to know more about the Mathematics and Natural Science at challenges that face operations in Tromsø University. “[Remote sensing] Arctic and subarctic environments. is a research area that is expanding In early September, as the Arctic sea To meet that need, the new research and is in great demand. In Tromsø we ice was reaching its minimum extent, centre SESiNOR was inaugurated in have everything from basic research UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon March 2009. SESiNOR aims to medi- to products.” The school will be a went to Svalbard to learn more about ate cooperation between research part of the newly established Centre climate change. Ban’s first stop was and commercial interests to promote for Remote Technology, and will col- Ny-Ålesund. There he visited the Ko- innovative solutions for commerce in laborate closely with other players in rean Polar Research Institute’s DASAN Northern Norway. Special focus will Tromsø, including Spacetec, Kongs- station and the Norwegian Polar Insti- be on four areas: maritime activities, berg Satellite Services, NORUT North- tute’s Zeppelin station, where several process and gas technology, safety ern Research Institute Tromsø, and the research institutes led by the Norwe- and the environment, and automated Norwegian Polar Institute. The school gian Institute for Air Research do long- processes. SESiNOR is seated within will initially recruit three to five PhD term monitoring of the atmosphere, the Department of Engineering and students but is expected to grow over including carbon dioxide, methane Safety at Tromsø University. time. and other greenhouse gases. Then Ban and his host Erik Solheim, Nor- wegian Minister of the Environment and International Development, visited an international team of scientists engaged in a four-week research cruise on board the Norwegian Polar Institute research vessel Lance. Stand- ing on a drifting ice floe, Ban and Sol- heim were briefed on the state of the Arctic sea ice and saw at first hand the methods scientists use to measure and assess ice properties and quantify key climate processes such as albedo. Speaking about the visit, Secretary- General Ban said, “I am here to see for myself the damage wrought on this fragile environment by climate change. Standing on the polar ice yes- terday, I was overwhelmed by a sense not only of the power of nature but also of its vulnerability. It is now clear- er to me what I as Secretary-General of Top: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Norwegian Minister Erik Solheim on Arctic the UN must do to take up the battle sea ice. Photo: Sebastian Gerland (NPI) against climate change.” Bottom: Petrozavodsk aground at the southern tip of Bjørnøya (Bear Island) among thousands of breeding guillemots. Photo: Harald Steen (NPI)

18 POLAR RESEARCH IN TROMSØ RECENT DOCTORATES

Doctorates in polar studies at Kjetil Sagerup Doctorates in polar studies at [email protected] the University of Tromsø POP-cocktails: Hangover threats for sea- other Universities birds? The response of three seabird spe- Dr. Philos cies to exposure to persistent organic PhD Arne Johannes Eide pollutants in the Barents Sea. (Joint super- Mats Björkman [email protected] vision with the Norwegian Polar Institute) [email protected] Bioeconomic Perspective on the Norwe- Sigmund Vegard Sperstad Nitrogen dynamics in the winter snow gian Barents Sea Cod Fishery (2008) [email protected] pack. Characterisation of antimicrobial peptides University of Oslo. (Joint supervision with PhD from the spider crab, Hyas araneus (Deca- the Norwegian Polar Institute) Erik Eik Anda poda, Crustacea) Rafael Kühnel [email protected] Kirsti Stuvøy [email protected] The Murmansk County Birth Registry [email protected] Atmospheric nitrogen in the polar region (MCBR). The implementation and applica- Security Under Construction. A Bourdieu- University of Oslo. (Joint supervision with bility of a population-based birth registry sian Approach to Non-state Crisis Centres the Norwegian Polar Institute) in the Russian Arctic in Northwest Russia Heli Routti Bård-Jørgen Bårdsen Jörg Otto Welcker [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Biotransformation and endocrine disrup- Risk sensitive reproductive strategies - The Behavioral and energetic response of tive effects of contaminants in ringed seals effect of environmental unpredictability Arctic-breeding seabirds to environmen- – implications for monitoring and risk assessment Irene Vanja Dahl tal variability. (Joint supervision with the Norwegian Polar Institute) University of Turku. (Joint supervision with [email protected] the Norwegian Polar Institute) Norsk fiskerijurisdisksjon overfor uten- Jon-Ivar Westgaard landske fiskefartøyer [email protected] John Andre Henden Characteristics of the population structure [email protected] in species of fish displaying different dis- Changing circumstances: Implications for persal capacities. (Joint supervision with trophic dynamics and species conserva- the Institute of Marine Research) tion in the Fennoscandian Tundra Anja Celine Winger Steinar Hustoft [email protected] [email protected] Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus (L.)), an ad- Spatial and temporal analysis of fluid vent- equate host to Gyrodactylus salaris (Mono- ing systems on the Norwegian-Svalbard genea) margin Sigurd Aanestad Hallvard Jensen Essays on the Exploitation of Natural Re- Ecological factors affecting piscivory of sources: Optimal Control Theory applied brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) in northern to Multi-species fisheries and Fossil fuel lakes Extraction Aurèlie Paulette Andrée Justwan Lena Aarekol Holocene climate variability of the East [email protected] Greenland Current and Irminger Current Kvenske minnesteder 1970-2001. Materi- system alitet og minne Virve Tuulia Ravolainen Kristian Åtland [email protected] [email protected] Tundra plant diversity as influenced by bi- The European Arctic in Soviet and Russian otic interactions Security Policy, 1987-2007. A Collection of Articles drawing on “Copenhagen School” Svein Vigeland Rottem Theory [email protected] What is Norway Defending? The Norwe- gian Defence’s Encounter With a New Re- ality Kari-Lise Rørvik [email protected] The NE Nordic Seas during the Last Glacial Maximum and Holocene; a multi-proxy perspective

POLAR RESEARCH IN TROMSØ 19 RETURN ADDRESS: Department of Communications University of Tromsø N-9037 Tromsø, Norway

USEFUL CONTACTS IN AND AROUND TROMSØ

INSTITUTIONS AT THE POLAR FACULTIES, DEPARTMENTS AND CENTRES OTHER INSTITUTIONS ENVIRONMENTAL CENTRE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TROMSØ Andøya Rocket Range N-9296 Tromsø N-9037 Tromsø P.O.B. 54, N-8483 Andenes Ph:+47 7775 0000 Ph: + 47 7764 4000 Ph: +47 7614 4400 www.polarenvironment.no uit.no www.rocketrange.no Akvaplan-niva AS Centre for Women’s and Gender Research EISCAT Research Station Ph: +47 7775 0300 Fax: +47 7775 0301 Ph: +47 7764 5240 Fax: +47 7764 6420 Ramfjordmoen, N-9027 Ramfjordbotn www.akvaplan.niva.no E-mail: [email protected] Ph: +47 7760 0550 Fax: +47 7760 0551 Arktika Conference Centre Centre for Sámi Studies www.eiscat.no Ph: +47 7775 0250 Fax: +47 7775 0251 Ph: 47 7764 5535 Fax: +47 7764 5510 Institute of Marine Research Tromsø www.arktika.no E-mail: [email protected] P.O.B. 6404, N-9294 Tromsø Geological Survey of Norway Faculty of Biosciences, Fisheries and Eco- Ph: +47 5523 8500 Fax: +47 7760 9701 Ph: +47 7775 0125 Fax: +47 7775 0126 nomics www.imr.no/om_hi/organisasjonen/ www.ngu.no Ph: +47 7764 6000 Fax: +47 7764 6020 hi_tromso Norwegian Institute for Air Research E-mail: [email protected] Kongsberg Satellite Services Ph: +47 7775 0375 Fax: +47 7775 0376 Departments: P.O.B. 6180, N-9291 Tromsø www.nilu.no • Department of Arctic and Marine Biology Ph: +47 7760 0250 • Norwegian College of Fishery Science www.ksat.no Norwegian Institute for Nature Research • Tromsø University Business School Ph: +47 7775 0400 Fax: +47 7775 0401 North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission www.nina.no Faculty of Fine Arts P.O.B. 6453, N-9294 Tromsø Ph:+47 7766 0304 Fax: +47 7761 8899 Ph: +47 7775 0180 Fax: +47 7775 0181 Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage E-mail: [email protected] www.nammco.no Research Departments: Ph: +47 7775 0400 Fax: +47 7775 0401 • Academy of Contemporary Art and Crea- National Archives of Norway, www.niku.no tive Writing Regional State Archives of Tromsø • Department of Music, Dance and Drama N-9293 Tromsø Norwegian Mapping Authority Tromsø Ph: +47 7764 7200 Fax: +47 7764 7201 Ph: +47 7775 0450 Fax: +47 7775 0451 Faculty of Health Sciences www.arkivverket.no/tromso www.statkart.no Ph: +47 7764 4601 Fax: +47 7764 5300 Norwegian Centre for Telemedicine, Norwegian Polar Institute E-mail: [email protected] • Department of Medical Biology University Hospital of North Norway Ph: +47 7775 0500 Fax: +47 7775 0501 P.O.B. 35, N-9038 Tromsø npweb.npolar.no • Department of Clinical Medicine • Department of Community Medicine Ph: +47 7775 4000 Fax: +47 7775 4098 Norwegian Coastal Administration • Department of Pharmacy www.telemed.no Ph: +47 7775 0480 Fax: +47 7775 0481 • Department of Clinical Dentistry Norwegian Meteorological Institute, www.kystverket.no • Department of Psychology Division for Northern Norway Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority • Department of Health and Care Sciences P.O.B. 6314, N-9293 Tromsø Ph: +47 7775 0170 Fax: +47 7775 0171 Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Ph: +47 7762 1300 Fax: +47 7762 1301 www.nrpa.no Education www.met.no Polarmiljøsenteret AS Ph: +47 7764 4300 Norwegian School of Veterinary Science Ph: +47 7775 0200 Fax: +47 7775 0201 E-mail:[email protected] Dept. of Arctic Veterinary Medicine www.polarenvironment.no Departments/Centres: Stakkevollveien 23, N-9010 Tromsø • Departement of Language and Linguistics Ph: +47 7766 5400 Fax: +47 7769 4911 UNILAB Analyse Ltd. • Department of Culture and Literature www.veths.no Ph: +47 7775 0350 Fax: +47 7775 0301 • Department of Philosophy www.unilab.no Polar Museum • Department of History and Religious Stud- P.O.B. 900, N-9259 Tromsø Norwegian Nature Inspectorate ies Ph: +47 7760 6630 Fax :+47 7761 1720 Ph: +47 7775 0190 Fax: +47 7775 0191 • Department of Sociology, Political Science www.polarmuseum.no www.dirnat.no and Community Planning • Department of Archaeology and Social Polaria Visitors’ Centre NORUT NORTHERN RESEARCH INSTITUTE Anthropology N-9296 Tromsø www.norut.no • Department of Education Ph: +47 7775 0100 Fax: +47 7775 0101 NORUT Tromsø • Center for Advanced Study in Theoretical www.polaria.no P.O.B. 6434 Forskningsparken, N-9294 Linguistics Bioforsk, Norwegian Institute for Agricultural Tromsø • Centre for Peace Studies and Environmental Research Ph: +47 7762 9400 Fax: +47 7762 9401 Faculty of Law Svanhovd, N-9925 Svanvik www.itek.norut.no Ph: +47 7764 4197 Fax: +47 7764 4775 Ph: +47 4641 3600 Fax: +47 7899 5600 NORUT Alta E-mail: [email protected] www.svanhovd.no P.O.B. 1463, N-9506 Alta Faculty of Science and Technology University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) Ph: +47 7845 7100 Ph: +47 7764 4001 Fax: +47 7764 4765 P.O.B. 156, N-9171 Longyearbyen www.finnmark.norut.no E-mail: [email protected] Ph: +47 7902 3300 Fax: +47 7902 3301 www.unis.no NORUT Narvik Departments: P.O.B. 250, N-8504 Narvik • Department of Physics and Technology PEER-REVIEWED JOURNALS Ph: +47 7696 5350 • Department of Geology Polar Research www.tek.norut.no • Department of Computer Science www.wiley.com/bw/journal.asp?ref=0800- NORINNOVA Northern Innovation • Department of Chemistry 0395&site=1 P.O.B. 6413 Forskningsparken, N-9294 • Department of Mathematics and Statistics Rangifer Tromsø • Department of Engineering and Safety www.ub.uit.no/baser/rangifer Ph: +47 7767 9760 Fax: +47 7767 9750 Tromsø University Museum www.norinnova.no Ph: +47 7764 5000 Fax: +47 7764 5520 NOFIMA E-mail: [email protected] P.O.B. 6122, N-9291 Tromsø The University Library of Tromsø Ph: +47 7762 9000 Fax: +47 7762 9100 Ph: +47 7764 4000 Fax: +47 7764 4590 ISSN 1891-5019 (print version) www.nofima.no E-mail: [email protected] ISSN 1891-5027 (online version)