The cruise brought together six research projects, each contributing to new knowledge in Arctic marine biology, ecology, and genetics. These included Scalidophora of Norway, which investigated the scalidophoran fauna of Northern Norway with a focus on the phyla Kinorhyncha, Priapulida and Loricifera; Microfauna and macrofauna of Northern Norway, exploring the region's marine biodiversity; a project aiming at the reconstruction of past ecosystems using sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA), which collected a 5-meter sediment core to study ancient ecosystems. Other projects included ArKoBi, examining the population connectivity of Arctica islandica in Northern Norway; DragonNest, focusing on the population genetics and distribution patterns of Kinorhyncha in the Arctic; and NUDIST, which studied the biogeography and taxonomy of nudibranchs in Northern Norway and the Arctic.

The collaborative efforts of the participating researchers, representing Spain, Poland, Germany, and Norway, provides insights into Arctic biodiversity and ancient ecosystems. This international collaboration, supported by the UArctic Thematic Network on Arctic Marine Biodiversity and the Norwegian Biodiversity Information Centre (Artsdatabanken), highlights the critical role of open data for our understanding of the rapid changes currently happening in the Arctic’s unique marine environments and their significance within global ecological systems.

The Arctic University Museum of Norway is grateful to the crew of R/V Helmer Hanssen, the UArctic Thematic Network on Arctic Marine Biodiversity, and all participating researchers for their dedication and hard work in making this cruise a resounding success. 

Link to the GBIF/OBIS dataset:  Species recorded during the HHUMTKT25 cruise on R/V Helmer Hanssen from April 16 to April 21, 2025, in Northern Norway / Species recorded during the HHUMTKT25 cruise on R/V Helmer Hanssen from April 16 to April 21, 2025, in Northern Norway - Ocean Biodiversity Information System

Link to the cruise report: Cruise report HHUMTKT25 | Septentrio Reports

For further information, please contact: 

Andreas Altenburger
Associate Professor, curator of marine invertebrates
The Arctic University Museum of Norway
UiT – The Arctic University of Norway
andreas.altenburger@uit.no
+47 46127840