Effects on Bivalves and Associated Ecology in the Chukchi Sea Due to Changing Sea Ice Conditions
The Arctic Ocean sea ice extent has been rapidly declining since 1979. Positive feedback loops are expected to increase the rate of melting, posing a serious threat to the entire Arctic marine ecosystem. The Arctic Ocean ecosystem, including the Chukchi Sea, is currently benthic dominated, but is expected to become pelagic dominated due to changes in algal and zooplankton dominance.