Polar cod is the most abundant forage fish in the Arctic Ocean. We review polar cod habitats, distribution, ecology, and physiology to assess how climate change and other anthropogenic stressors affect this key species. This review identifies vulnerabilities for different life stages across the whole distribution range of polar cod. We explore the impact of environmental (abiotic and biotic) and anthropogenic stressors on polar cod and identify knowledge gaps constraining predictions. Epipelagic eggs and larvae are more vulnerable to climate change and stressors than adults. Increasing water temperature, sea ice decline, change in freshwater input, acidification, changing prey field, increased competition, new predators, and pollution are the principal stressors that will affect polar cod populations. Detrimental effects are likely to be stronger in regions with advection of warmer Atlantic and Pacific waters. In contrast, polar cod may benefit from ocean warming in colder areas of the High Arctic. The risk from fisheries is moderate and primarily limited to bycatch. Overall, a decrease in suitable habitat and an associated decline in total polar cod biomass is predicted. In most Arctic seas, the relative abundance of polar cod within the fish community will likely fluctuate between cold and warm periods. Regional management measures that recognize the critical role of polar cod are required to ensure that increased anthropogenic activities do not exacerbate the impacts of climate change on Arctic marine ecosystems. Ultimately, mitigation of habitat loss for polar cod will only be achieved through a global reduction in carbon emissions.

Primary Presenter: Caroline Bouchard, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (cabo@natur.gl)

Authors:

Caroline Bouchard, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources  (cabo@natur.gl)

Maxime Geoffroy, Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, Canada  (maxime.geoffroy@mi.mun.ca)

Dominique Robert, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Canada  (dominique_robert@uqar.ca)

Hauke Flores, Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Center for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany  (Hauke.Flores@awi.de)

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