This footage was filmed and produced 4 March 2024.

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In a recent study published in the scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers have uncovered startling revelations about the impact of diminishing sea ice on the Arctic Ocean's seafloor ecosystems. Over the past 25 years, more than 1 million square kilometers of summer Arctic sea ice has disappeared, creating vast ice-free areas in the far north.

Led by marine scientist Karl Attard from the University of Southern Denmark, an international research team has been studying the effects of increased sunlight availability on the Arctic seafloor. Contrary to popular belief, the researchers found that while the ice-free areas are receiving more sunlight, water transparency has decreased due to particles from rivers flowing into the Arctic Ocean.

The reduced water transparency has hindered the amount of sunlight reaching the seafloor, impacting the growth of primary producers like microalgae, seaweeds, and seagrasses. The researchers observed regional variations in primary production, with increases along Greenland and Canada's coastlines but decreases on the Russian continental shelf.

The study also highlights the potential for underwater vegetation, like eelgrass and seaweeds, to thrive in the increasingly ice-free waters. These plants could provide habitats for fish fry and other organisms, leading to a more productive marine environment in the Arctic Ocean.

As climate change continues to warm the Arctic Ocean, the researchers anticipate more species migrating from lower latitudes. This could further impact the Arctic ecosystem, potentially leading to a more diverse but fundamentally changed environment.