Report of Working Group 22 on Iron Supply and its Impact on Biogeochemistry and Ecosystems in the North Pacific Ocean

Abstract

The Working Group on Iron Supply and its Impact on Biogeochemistry and Ecosystems in the North Pacific Ocean (WG 22) was established October 2007 under the direction of the Biological Oceanography Committee (BIO) and consisted of 20 members from all PICES member countries, including Co-Chairmen, Drs. Shigenobu Takeda (Japan) and Fei Chai (USA). The purpose of the Working Group was to examine the role of iron biogeochemistry and its impact on biological productivity and marine ecosystems. WG 22 has completed the following four goals in its terms of reference:1. Compile and synthesize available iron biogeochemistry data in the North Pacific;2. Review the past and ongoing laboratory, field and modeling studies on iron biogeochemistry and its impact on biological productivity and marine ecosystems in the North Pacific Ocean;3 Determine the natural supplies of iron to the North Pacific, which include atmospheric dust transport and movement of iron-enriched waters, and examine linkages between iron supply and ecosystem responses;4. Identify gaps and issues related to experimental and modeling activities, encourage and plan national and international scientific programs on iron biogeochemistry and its impact on marine ecosystems in the North Pacific.WG 22 has accomplished most of its originally proposed objectives. Through Annual Meetings, we kept the iron community in all PICES member countries together on a regular basis. Our Working Group members actively exchanged ideas and discussed their ongoing research results, which led to several important publications. We also consolidated some of available iron data for the North Pacific, and more data will be added to this data set as time goes on. We are confident that our short 3-year effort will provide a sound foundation for future iron-related research in the North Pacific Ocean.