My research is a quest to unravel climate change's profound impact on marine ecosystems. I focus on the role of zooplankton biodiversity and the transfer of essential fatty acids within marine food webs. By exploring the physiological traits of marine life and deciphering how changes at the organismal level cascade through the food web, I aim to shed light on the broader implications for ocean health and sustainability. Collaborative efforts with diverse partners amplify the impact of my work, fostering interdisciplinary synergies to preserve our oceans' vitality and resilience.
|
Current and Past Accomplishments
Scaling individual metabolism to population and communities.
Since 2010, my research has been a pivotal part of a comprehensive interdisciplinary project focused on unraveling climate change's impacts on cold-water plankton food webs. Within this initiative, I've spearheaded the design and execution of mesocosm experiments, aiming to illuminate the profound consequences of climate change on food web interactions.
My investigations have unveiled the temperature-dependent nature of subcellular metabolic systems, which reverberates across multiple scales, from individual organisms to entire ecosystems. Warming has been shown to decrease copepod survival rates and reduce body size across various developmental stages, shedding light on how metabolic constraints influence population responses to environmental shifts.
Expanding from individuals to communities and food webs, my research has quantified how food web composition plays a pivotal role in shaping ecosystem productivity. Presently, my work delves into the impacts of marine heatwaves and their frequencies on copepod growth and mortality. Notably, it has been observed that as heatwaves reach specific temperature thresholds, the frequency of these events becomes less critical than the maximum temperature itself.
Furthermore, the duration of heatwaves, coupled with maximum temperatures, exerts a profound influence on copepod mortality. These findings emphasize the significance of comprehending the direct repercussions of warming on copepods and the broader ecological implications for aquatic ecosystems and food web functionality. This research is instrumental in our quest to understand the ramifications of climate change on marine ecosystems and food web dynamics.
Garzke et al. (2015); Garzke et al. (2019); Garzke, Siegel et al. (in prep.)
Since 2010, my research has been a pivotal part of a comprehensive interdisciplinary project focused on unraveling climate change's impacts on cold-water plankton food webs. Within this initiative, I've spearheaded the design and execution of mesocosm experiments, aiming to illuminate the profound consequences of climate change on food web interactions.
My investigations have unveiled the temperature-dependent nature of subcellular metabolic systems, which reverberates across multiple scales, from individual organisms to entire ecosystems. Warming has been shown to decrease copepod survival rates and reduce body size across various developmental stages, shedding light on how metabolic constraints influence population responses to environmental shifts.
Expanding from individuals to communities and food webs, my research has quantified how food web composition plays a pivotal role in shaping ecosystem productivity. Presently, my work delves into the impacts of marine heatwaves and their frequencies on copepod growth and mortality. Notably, it has been observed that as heatwaves reach specific temperature thresholds, the frequency of these events becomes less critical than the maximum temperature itself.
Furthermore, the duration of heatwaves, coupled with maximum temperatures, exerts a profound influence on copepod mortality. These findings emphasize the significance of comprehending the direct repercussions of warming on copepods and the broader ecological implications for aquatic ecosystems and food web functionality. This research is instrumental in our quest to understand the ramifications of climate change on marine ecosystems and food web dynamics.
Garzke et al. (2015); Garzke et al. (2019); Garzke, Siegel et al. (in prep.)
Multi stressor effects on individuals, communities and food webs.
In my research on climate change's impact on marine ecosystems, I delve into the intricate interactions among stressors like ocean acidification, warming, and nutrient limitation. I've found that warming negatively affects species composition, body size, fatty acid composition, and RNA:DNA ratio. Surprisingly, ocean acidification can mitigate temperature-induced impacts, especially at lower trophic levels.
Additionally, I explore the interplay between warming and phosphorus (P) limitation, revealing unique effects during different developmental stages. These insights hold significance for zooplankton productivity and nutrient recycling.
Beyond individual species, my research extends to entire communities and their roles within food webs. These findings have far-reaching implications, shaping the health and resilience of marine ecosystems.
As researchers and colleagues, it's our responsibility to comprehend these complex interactions and their implications. My research program strives to inform efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change's challenges, preserving the vitality and sustainability of marine environments.
Paul, Sommer, Garzke et al. (2016); Horn, Boersma, Garzke et al. (2020); Garzke et al. (2017); Garzke et al. (2020); Garzke et al. (in prep.); Garzke and Hunt (in prep)
In my research on climate change's impact on marine ecosystems, I delve into the intricate interactions among stressors like ocean acidification, warming, and nutrient limitation. I've found that warming negatively affects species composition, body size, fatty acid composition, and RNA:DNA ratio. Surprisingly, ocean acidification can mitigate temperature-induced impacts, especially at lower trophic levels.
Additionally, I explore the interplay between warming and phosphorus (P) limitation, revealing unique effects during different developmental stages. These insights hold significance for zooplankton productivity and nutrient recycling.
Beyond individual species, my research extends to entire communities and their roles within food webs. These findings have far-reaching implications, shaping the health and resilience of marine ecosystems.
As researchers and colleagues, it's our responsibility to comprehend these complex interactions and their implications. My research program strives to inform efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change's challenges, preserving the vitality and sustainability of marine environments.
Paul, Sommer, Garzke et al. (2016); Horn, Boersma, Garzke et al. (2020); Garzke et al. (2017); Garzke et al. (2020); Garzke et al. (in prep.); Garzke and Hunt (in prep)
Spatial- and temporal variation in bottom-up effects on juvenile salmon health.
In my research, I employ a multifaceted approach, integrating data from experiments, field surveys, and long-term monitoring to explore the intricate relationships within cold-water plankton communities. We investigate their impacts on the survival and growth of juvenile fish, along with changes in zooplankton species composition and their effects on nutritional quality for consumers. Recent findings in central British Columbia reveal the influence of zooplankton community alterations, particularly in fatty acid profiles, on the performance of juvenile salmon species like Sockeye and Chinook, emphasizing the significance of dietary fatty acids beyond food quantity. Collaborative efforts with DFO, the Government of Nunavut, and Dynamic Ocean Ltd. in Nunavut assess the dietary and habitat preferences of Arctic char, Arctic cod, and Sculpin in relation to infrastructure projects' impacts. This work reflects my dedication to uncovering marine ecosystem intricacies and understanding the consequences of environmental changes on marine life and food webs.
Garzke et al. (2023); Garzke et al. (2022); Garzke et al. (in prep; copy upon request)
In my research, I employ a multifaceted approach, integrating data from experiments, field surveys, and long-term monitoring to explore the intricate relationships within cold-water plankton communities. We investigate their impacts on the survival and growth of juvenile fish, along with changes in zooplankton species composition and their effects on nutritional quality for consumers. Recent findings in central British Columbia reveal the influence of zooplankton community alterations, particularly in fatty acid profiles, on the performance of juvenile salmon species like Sockeye and Chinook, emphasizing the significance of dietary fatty acids beyond food quantity. Collaborative efforts with DFO, the Government of Nunavut, and Dynamic Ocean Ltd. in Nunavut assess the dietary and habitat preferences of Arctic char, Arctic cod, and Sculpin in relation to infrastructure projects' impacts. This work reflects my dedication to uncovering marine ecosystem intricacies and understanding the consequences of environmental changes on marine life and food webs.
Garzke et al. (2023); Garzke et al. (2022); Garzke et al. (in prep; copy upon request)
Future Research Projects
Future Research Focus
My commitment to advancing our understanding of food web ecology within the context of global climate change drives me to establish a comprehensive, multi-year research program. This program will delve into the intricate dynamics of Arctic ecosystems, with a particular emphasis on the impacts of environmental stressors and glacier melt on copepods, nutrient cycling, and the broader ecological web. Employing a multidisciplinary approach encompassing experiments, field measurements, and laboratory analyses, my research will explore the following three key objectives:
Investigating Climate Change Effects on Zooplankton and Arctic Fisheries
This interdisciplinary project will examine the complex relationships between climate change, zooplankton communities, and Arctic fisheries, with a focus on aiding Indigenous and small-scale fisheries in adapting to these changes. By integrating field studies, experimental work, and ecosystem modeling, we aim to provide valuable insights into the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems and sustainable fisheries. The research will identify zooplankton species as bioindicators for assessing ecosystem health and food web dynamics, enhancing our capacity to forecast ecological responses to climate variability.
Investigating Zooplankton Resilience to Climate Change
My research will explore the vulnerability and resilience of zooplankton species with varying life-history traits in the face of global environmental changes. Specifically, we will investigate how differing life-history strategies are affected by warming, addressing questions related to body size, growth, and utilization of fatty acids. The research will also examine transgenerational parental effects and the adaptability of entire ecosystems to fluctuating temperatures, providing insights through transcriptomics and lipidomics.
Impact of Glacier Melt on Coastal Nutrient Dynamics
Focusing on the profound effects of global climate change on polar marine ecosystems, particularly glacier melt, this research will address changes in nutrient composition and their consequences for phytoplankton productivity. By investigating the role of coastal zooplankton in shaping macronutrient and trace metal dynamics, we aim to understand nutrient cycling in coastal waters. This multifaceted approach includes controlled laboratory experiments, field sampling, and stoichiometric modeling, offering insights into how zooplankton grazing activities influence ecosystem production and carbon export in the Arctic region.
Through these research objectives, we aim to contribute to our knowledge of the intricate dynamics of Arctic ecosystems and their responses to climate change, with a focus on sustaining Indigenous communities and promoting ecosystem health.
This interdisciplinary project will examine the complex relationships between climate change, zooplankton communities, and Arctic fisheries, with a focus on aiding Indigenous and small-scale fisheries in adapting to these changes. By integrating field studies, experimental work, and ecosystem modeling, we aim to provide valuable insights into the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems and sustainable fisheries. The research will identify zooplankton species as bioindicators for assessing ecosystem health and food web dynamics, enhancing our capacity to forecast ecological responses to climate variability.
Investigating Zooplankton Resilience to Climate Change
My research will explore the vulnerability and resilience of zooplankton species with varying life-history traits in the face of global environmental changes. Specifically, we will investigate how differing life-history strategies are affected by warming, addressing questions related to body size, growth, and utilization of fatty acids. The research will also examine transgenerational parental effects and the adaptability of entire ecosystems to fluctuating temperatures, providing insights through transcriptomics and lipidomics.
Impact of Glacier Melt on Coastal Nutrient Dynamics
Focusing on the profound effects of global climate change on polar marine ecosystems, particularly glacier melt, this research will address changes in nutrient composition and their consequences for phytoplankton productivity. By investigating the role of coastal zooplankton in shaping macronutrient and trace metal dynamics, we aim to understand nutrient cycling in coastal waters. This multifaceted approach includes controlled laboratory experiments, field sampling, and stoichiometric modeling, offering insights into how zooplankton grazing activities influence ecosystem production and carbon export in the Arctic region.
Through these research objectives, we aim to contribute to our knowledge of the intricate dynamics of Arctic ecosystems and their responses to climate change, with a focus on sustaining Indigenous communities and promoting ecosystem health.