Working Group on the Integrated Ecosystem Assessment of Icelandic Waters (WGICE; outputs from 2024 meeting)

<p dir="ltr">The Working Group on the Integrated Ecosystem Assessment of Icelandic Waters (WGICE) is responsible for evaluating the condition of the Icelandic marine ecoregion and delivering an ecosystem overview. A key goal of the group is to compile and analyse spatio-temporal data on ecosystem components, human activities, and pressures, and to develop indicators to track change. It also aims to expand foodweb linkages and incorporate social and economic aspects into the evaluation to support an integrated ecosystem approach. In 2024, the group began by reviewing spatio-temporal time series for key ecosystem components, including: physical oceanography; ice habitats and associated biota; primary production; zooplankton; benthic habitats and biota; cephalopods; pelagic and demersal fish; seabirds; and marine mammals. This review formed the basis for identifying potential indicators of change for each component. An Ecopath with Ecosim model has been developed for the ecoregion, which will be used to further study foodweb connections, and the effects of fisheries exploitation across trophic levels. Additional scientific highlights revealed strong interconnections between oceanographic processes within and around the ecoregion, and the effect of environment on biological productivity. The next steps of WGICE are to compile the relevant time-series data for the identified indicators to assess ecosystem condition. In preparation for delivering an ecosystem overview, the group will also conduct a risk analysis to identify the key pressures and drivers within the system.</p>