Title: The Distributed Biological Observatory (DBO): A Change Detection Array in the Pacific Arctic Region
Principal Investigator: Karen Frey
Funding Agency: National Science Foundation

Several regionally critical marine sites in the Pacific Arctic sector that have very high biomass and are focused foraging points for apex predators have been reoccupied during multiple international cruises. To track the biological response of these ecosystem hotspots to sea ice retreat and associated environmental change, an international consortium of scientists is developing a coordinated Distributed Biological Observatory (DBO) that includes selected biological measurements at multiple trophic levels. These measurements are being made simultaneously with hydrographic surveys and satellite observations. The DBO currently focuses on five regional biological hotspot locations along a latitudinal gradient. The spatially explicit DBO network is being organized through the Pacific Arctic Group, a consensus-driven, international collaboration sanctioned by the International Arctic Science Committee. This project is a US contribution to the DBO effort in the Pacific Sector. The scientific needs being met are consistent with research needs identified in the US National Ocean Policy planning effort and the NOAA strategic plan. The project serves as a contribution to the US-led Arctic Observing Network and will improve international cooperative efforts for evaluating ecosystem impacts from high-latitude climate change. Outreach to local communities and media will ensure that both those immediately impacted and the broader public will be made aware of changes occurring in this sensitive area of the Arctic.