Progress in Southern Ocean Biology from the Indian Sector: Half-decadal (2009-13) Overview

Abstract

This manuscript reviews the scientific insight gained from biological studies performed during Indian Southern Ocean Expeditions (ISOE) in the last 5 years. India’s research activities in the Southern Ocean (SO) region emphasize the
importance of enhanced understanding of the SO processes, biogeochemical cycles, marine productivity and global climate change scenario. Under the aegis of Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, concerted efforts are put in place by NCAOR to carryout research in Indian sector of the SO since 2004, with a primary focus to comprehend the role (response) of the SO in regional and global climate variability. The findings discussed here are based on of a wide array of biological data collected during different expeditions (4th to 7th expedition conducted during 2009-13) which highlights: causal mechanisms of variability in phytoplankton community structure and productivity among frontal regions (i.e.,Subtropical Front (STF), Subantarctic Front (SAF) and Polar Front (PF)), patterns of phytoplankton biomass distribution within and among the fronts, role of diatoms in deciphering environmental change, food-web dynamics, bio-optical characterisation of water column, response of bacteria and phytoplankton to micronutrient amendments, biochemical profiling of squids, distribution of Antarctic krill, and occurrence of different marine mammals/birds in the above frontal regions. Here, we attempt to succinctly capture the findings of published literature engendered from ISOE to put forward our present perception of this lesser-understood region in the SO. This document is expected to contribute to an increased understanding of the Indian sector of SO, besides providing the much needed visibility to our ongoing scientific endeavours among the international community.