Climatic and Ecological Changes in Northern Waters

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AT the meeting of the North-Western Area Committee of the Conseil Permanent International pour l‘Exploration de la Mer on October 22, 1947, the possible influence of the present climatic changes on the lives of marine animals (density, distribution, reproduction, migration, etc.) was discussed. Having regard to the probable importance of these changes in fisheries investigations, it was decided that every opportunity should be taken, by fishery research vessels and other suitable ships, to obtain without delay all possible data bearing upon this problem, especially in waters north of the Faroes, north and east of Iceland and in the Denmark and Davis Straits. It was also decided that relevant information from sources other than those of fisheries research would be of great value and should also be obtained. The information required comprises hydrographical, meteorological, glaciological and associated changes in northern regions, and the influence of those changes on the habits and distribution of animals and plants, both terrestrial and marine. Records should include locality (latitude and longitude), depth (if marine records), date, name and profession of observer, and references to relevant publications. Especially important are new records of animals and plants from localities recently included within their range of distribution, or the absence of species from previously populated areas. All data should be given exhaustively but concisely, and arranged so far as possible under the following headings : (1) meteorology ; (2) hydrography ; (3) glaciology ; (4) animals : (a) Mammalia, (b) Aves, (c) Testudinata (especially observations on the west coasts of the British Isles), (d) Pisces, (e) Invertebrata ; (5) plants ; (6) other items. Contributions to this inquiry are earnestly requested from everyone in possession of useful information, and should be addressed to Dr. A. Vedel T ning, Charlottenlund Slot, Charlottenlund, Denmark, preferably during December of each year.