Developing a Long-Term Aquatic Monitoring Network in a Complex Watershed of the Alaskan Arctic Coastal Plain

The Arctic Coastal Plain (ACP) of northern Alaska consists of an extremely low gradient, lake-rich landscape that is characterized by a complex network of aquatic habitats and surface features strongly influenced by permafrost dynamics. Much is unknown about the form, function, and ecological conditions in this unique hydrologic setting. Amplified climate change and landscape responses in the Arctic further complicate the capacity to separate natural variability from land use effects that may occur with petroleum development. A comprehensive, multi-disciplinary review and analysis of recent studies and initial inventory and monitoring in the Fish Creek watershed on the ACP provided guidance to develop a framework for future aquatic monitoring and integrated research. The result is an established network of stream and lake sites for physical, chemical, and biological data collection that is intended to be sustainable over a longterm period and contribute to understanding Arctic aquatic ecology in the context of climate change and assist science-based land management decisions.