The role of plankton in the ecosystem of Ilulissat Icefjord

Postdoc Sascha Schiøtt, Pinngortitaleriffik – Greenland Institute of Natural Resources
Granted amount: DKK 1.992.395

Project description:

Ilulissat Icefjord in Greenland hosts a unique marine ecosystem shaped by both climatic and glacial factors.
This fjord is home to a genetically distinct population of ringed seals and large Greenland halibut, species
highly valued by local fishers and hunters. Despite the fjord’s exceptional biodiversity, the underlying ecological processes and environmental parameters that sustain it remain poorly understood, largely due to the
fjord’s challenging conditions.
This postdoctoral project seeks to address this knowledge gap by focusing on the base of the food web—
specifically plankton populations and their critical role in the fjord’s ecosystem. The research builds upon
previous findings from a Ph.D. project that concentrated on the top of the local food web of the Ilulissat
Icefjord ecosystem.
Through seasonal sampling of phytoplankton and zooplankton, this project will investigate how these foundational organisms support key species like fish and seals within the fjord. Larger zooplankton will also be
studied using ringed seals and Arctic char as “biological tools” to gather hard-to-obtain samples, such as
mysids and fish larvae, which are otherwise difficult to collect under the fjord’s current conditions. By analyzing both the stomach contents of these animals and collected plankton samples, the research aims to
identify key species in the local food chain and assess the biological productivity of the fjord system.
The insights gained from this study will significantly advance our understanding of the ecological processes
that support the fjord’s rich biodiversity. Additionally, the research will provide valuable data for the management of important species such as the ringed seal, Greenland halibut, and Arctic char, particularly in the
context of climate change. These findings will also have broader implications for sustainable resource management in this unique and sensitive environment.