Annelida is often the dominant taxon in marine benthic communities, and can exceed other macrofaunal groups in density, biomass, and species diversity. Nevertheless, many species of marine annelids remain undescribed, for others, the distribution patterns and habitat preferences are poorly understood.

Arctic marine ecosystems are among the ones that suffer most from the current climate change. An enhanced heat transport from the Atlantic Ocean over the last two decades has led to ocean warming and reduced ice coverage in the Arctic. Comprehensive baseline data on Arctic biodiversity and habitats are required to monitor and successfully conserve the natural environment in times of fast and dramatic climate changes.

The primary aim of the proposed project is to describe and document the fauna of the Arctic marine annelids (formerly known as polychaetes, sipunculans and echiurans) inhabiting areas around Svalbard, Jan Mayen, Bjørnøya, the coastal areas of Troms and Finnmark, and the western part of the Barents Sea, and to make this information freely available to the research community and general public.

Project period: 09.2023 - 08.2026

The project is financially supported by the Norwegian Biodiversity Information Centre.