The marginal ice zone. Cross-cutting challenges which require interdisciplinary research, management and policy

In recent years, we have witnessed significant changes and reductions in Arctic sea ice distribution and volume and a decrease of the Arctic sea ice extent. Seized as an opportunity, plans are being made for more economic activities such as shipping, fisheries, petroleum extraction and deep sea mining.  This new situation represent challenges for scientists, managers and policy makers and for the private sector. More and better communication between different parts is required, and the best way forward needs to be developed for sound management and for sustainable use of the Arctic oceans’ vast renewable and non-renewable resources.

This event is hosted by the Norwegian Scientific Academy for Polar Research in cooperation with UiT The Arctic University of Norway, the Norwegian Polar Institute, the Nord University, the University of Oslo and the Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center.

Six internationally recognized speakers will introduce to the topic, each with ten minute presentations. This session is followed up with an hour for comments and discussions.

The event is chaired by Grete Hovelsrud who is vice president for the Norwegian Scientific Academy for Polar Research and also professor at the Nord University.

Speakers:

• Professor Stig Falk-Petersen, UiT Norges arktiske universitet – The new Arctic Ocean The marginal ice zone and the Arctic shelf break – biologically high energy areas.
• Professor Willy Østreng, The Norwegian Scientific Academy for Polar Research – The marginal ice zone – military strategies and politics.
• Associate professor Berit Kristoffersen, UiT The Arctic University of Norway and professor Phillip Steinberg, Durham University – The ice edge is lost…Nature moved it: Mapping Ice as State Practice in the Canadian and Norwegian North.
• Senior Advisor Cecilie H. von Quillfeldt, The Norwegian Polar Institute – The Marginal Ice Zone (MIZ) as a valuable and vulnerable area in the integrated management plan for the Barents Sea-Lofoten area.
• Research scientist Arild Sundfjord, The Norwegian Polar Institute – The MIZ: large variability on small spatial and temporal scales.
• Campaigner and oceans expert Frida Bengtsson, Greenpeace – The Industry Group Agreement to Cod Fishery in the Northern Part of the North-East Atlantic – A business response to environmental changes in the marginal ice zone

Organisers: Norwegian Scientific Academy for Polar Research