Monday, November 25th, 2024
By Miguel Leal
In a recent interview with Ocean Census, Bodil Bluhm, a researcher from UiT: The Arctic University of Norway and part of the POMP project, shared profound insights on the significance of Arctic biodiversity. Bluhm’s work, which focuses on the intricate connections within Arctic benthic ecosystems, underlines the crucial role these environments play in global ecological health.
During COP16, world leaders recognized the urgent need to preserve biodiversity to ensure human survival, with Arctic regions cited as pivotal areas due to their rich, yet largely unexplored, ecosystems. The Arctic deep ocean, with depths averaging over 1000 meters, hosts diverse habitats teeming with life, much of which remains to be thoroughly studied. This biodiversity is essential not only for local species such as polar bears and seals but also impacts life far beyond its icy borders.
Bluhm eloquently stated, “It takes a whole ecosystem to support one polar bear. Behind that bear and its food, the seal, is thousands of species that make it possible for that bear to be there in the first place.” This statement vividly illustrates the interconnectedness of Arctic life and its broader environmental significance.
Highlighting the direct link between daily human life and Arctic biodiversity, Bluhm reminded us that Arctic oceans contribute significantly to the oxygen we breathe and the seafood we consume. This ongoing work fits the POMP framework that seeks to deepen understanding of these connections and advocate for comprehensive policies that protect these critical ecosystems.
As the climate crisis intensifies, the health of Arctic biodiversity remains a key indicator of overall oceanic ecosystem health. POMP continues to explore these relationships, pushing for greater exploration and protection efforts to safeguard our planet.
What the interview here: https://oceancensus.org/why-should-we-care-about-arctic-biodiversity-a-message-to-cop16/
POMP project (Grant Agreement 101136875) has been approved under HORIZON-CL6-2023-CLIMATE-01-3: Ocean and coastal waters carbon- and biodiversity-rich ecosystems and habitats in Europe and the Polar Regions.