pdf SCAR XXXIV IP16: Looking Ahead: Future Multi-national Initiatives from ICED and SOOS

SCAR XXXIV IP16: Looking Ahead: Future Multi-national Initiatives from ICED and SOOS

Presentation:  pdf Agenda Items 4.3.7-4.3.8 (922 KB)

Executive Summary:

Authors: Andrew Constable (ICED, SOOS), Eugene Murphy (ICED), Louise Newman (SOOS)

Important Issues or Factors:

The SCAR co-sponsored groups ICED (Integrating Climate and Ecosystem Dynamics in the Southern Ocean) and SOOS (Southern Ocean Observing System) are multi-national, trans- disciplinary programs that are planning large scale initiatives to facilitate information flow and foster international collaboration. ICED is organising a conference in 2018 (www.MEASO2018.aq) with a principle focus on assessing the status and trends of habitats, species and foodwebs in the Southern Ocean. SOOS is designing the biological component of its observing system to be complementary to the CCAMLR Ecosystem Monitoring Program and is in the process of developing an initiative to undertake a circumpolar benchmarking of the Southern Ocean ecosystem. These initiatives will be working in collaboration and with support of the SCAR groups: Standing Scientific Group on Life Sciences, including its expert groups, Standing Committee on the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS), the Scientific Research Programmes on Antarctic Thresholds – Ecosystem Resilience and Adaptation (AnT-ERA) and State of the Antarctic Ecosystems (AntEco), the Action Group on Antarctic Nearshore and Terrestrial Observation Systems, and Biodiversity.AQ.

Recommendations/Actions and Justification:

Delegates should note these planned initiatives, encourage the development of them, and recognise their capacity to i) inform international bodies like the Antarctic Treaty System and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; ii) foster international collaboration and iii) highlight SCARs leadership in the provision of robust and independent scientific advice.

Budget Implications:

Preparation for the conference and the planning and development of the benchmarking program will be undertaken remotely and in conjunction with other meetings. Support from SCAR for participation in the conference by members of SCAR subsidiary bodies may occur, if funds are available, through contributions from those bodies who support this initiative.