MAR28-Biomarkers in Arctic marine ecosystems: significance and limitations

Biomarkers are natural products that can be traced to a particular biological origin (source, process, or state). They are powerful and versatile tools that are commonly used across numerous disciplines including ecology, toxicology and geology. As an example, lipids and stable isotopes have allowed major advances in paleo-oceanographic and food web studies across a myriad of ecosystems. This session aims to present notable results enabled by biomarkers, technical advances and new biomarker approaches, as well as the applicability and potential limitations of biomarker-based research.

This session will examine how biomarkers can help solve complex environmental problems, highlighting their contribution to our understanding of the past, current and future functioning of Arctic marine ecosystems. Key topics include the effects of abiotic-biotic conditions on the quality and/or stock of the primary production, the energy flow throughout aquatic systems as well as any other relevant interdisciplinary approaches.

Co-Chairs:

Rémi Amiraux, University of Manitoba
David Yurkowski, Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Audrey Limoges, University of New Brunswick