Trial lecture and PhD defense MSc in Bioscience Victor Gonzalez Triginer

Triginer has been following the PhD programme at at the Department of Arctic and Marine Biology (AMB), UiT, and is defending his doctoral thesis at UNIS 16 September 2025:

«Ecological transitions in Arctic marine ecosystems: Macroalgal settlement, pelagic density, and fish community shifts associated with glacier retreat and Atlantification»

Department leader at Arctic Biology, UNIS, Stephen J. Coulson will lead the disputation.

The doctoral thesis is available for public review here:

Public summary:

The Arctic is warming faster than any other region, causing large changes in its marine ecosystems. Melting glaciers and shrinking sea ice are reshaping Arctic fjords. At the same time, warmer waters are allowing species from southern regions to move north, disrupting Arctic marine life. My research explores how these changes are affecting underwater ecosystems in Svalbard. Using novel tools like marine drones and acoustic technology, I studied how retreating glaciers impact kelp and fish. I found that kelp can quickly colonize new areas as glaciers retreat, creating habitats that support marine biodiversity. These changes also affect fish and plankton abundance. I also investigated how boreal fish species are moving into Arctic waters, even during the polar night, discussing how Arctic ecosystems will adapt. This research highlights the importance of understanding Arctic ecosystems, while showcasing sustainable technologies to study these remote environments.