The Arctic Ocean and its adjacent seas are undergoing rapid environmental changes, most notably in the extent and duration of sea ice cover. However, the biological consequences of these changes and their impacts on humans remain poorly understood. For example, larger areas of open water and a longer production season are likely to increase primary production, but nutrient availability and increased storm events may limit any such increases. Changes in the abundance and spatial distribution of fish and mammals have been documented, but the ability of subarctic species to colonize new habitat in the Arctic, and the response of arctic species to an extended ice-free season, are highly uncertain. This symposium seeks to advance our understanding of present and future responses of arctic marine ecosystems to climate change at all trophic levels, from plankton to marine mammals. In addition to documenting and forecasting likely changes, we encourage contributions that focus on strategies for a proactive approach to managing living marine resources of the Arctic and for the successful adaptation of arctic people and their communities to these changing conditions.

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