Navigating the changing seas of international paleoceanographic field research

Abstract:

The Arctic region is the most rapidly changing environment on Earth due to the fragility of its ecosystems to the consequences of global climate change. Robust paleoceanographic reconstructions in the Arctic Seas are currently limited by poorly defined geochemical proxy calibrations in polar foraminiferal species based on spatially and temporally sparse modern hydrographic datasets. Constraining the Impact of Arctic Amplification in the Nordic Sea: A biogeochemical approach (CIAAN) is an international, interdisciplinary and multi-themed oceanographic expedition aboard the R/V Celtic Explorer (Marine Institute Ireland) set to sail August-September 2020. CIAAN takes a holistic approach by combining hydrographic surveying, modern biogeochemistry, plankton tows, planktonic foraminifera culturing and multi-core sediment sampling to fill an essential data gap in support of future paleoclimate investigations in polar regions. Covid-19 presented new and unfamiliar challenges to scientific planning and coordinating efforts to secure a safe work and living space on an oceanographic vessel for both crew members and scientists with remote access to shore based facilities. In the interest of maintaining social distancing on-board numerous practices common on research vessels pre-Covid-19 were required to change. To reduce the likelihood of infection on-board prior to joining the vessel scientists were required to self-isolate and were pre-screened for symptoms at the port of call. Scientific participation was significantly reduced to allow for single occupancy cabin accommodation, ensure sufficient space in the mess hall and galley and movement throughout the vessel. Additional personal protective equipment, cleaning and hygiene regime requirements were implemented on-board to avoid the potential spread of infection. The reduction of the science party strongly impacted our ability to maximize seagoing training and research opportunities to graduate students and early career researchers. Here we share the major challenges and mitigation strategies we used to facilitate carrying out the scientific objectives of an international oceanographic expedition.