Cruise report HHUMLT24

Longyearbyen–Tromsø, July 3–10, 2024

Abstract

R/V Helmer Hanssen is an ice class research vessel owned by UiT The Arctic University of Norway. The HHUMLT24 cruise onboard R/V Helmer Hanssen was an initiative by The Arctic University Museum of Norway (UMAK, UiT). Sampling was conducted for the following four projects: 1. The Scalidophora of Norway, 2. The role of microRNAs in animal evolution, 3. The diversity of benthic fauna around Svalbard and the Barents Sea, 4. Reconstruction of past ecosystems using sedimentary ancient DNA. For the first project, which aimed to sample scalidophoran fauna, primarily kinorhynchs, for the Scalidophora of Norway project funded by Artsdatabanken, box cores were taken. The second project employed plankton nets, box cores, and a triangular dredge. The third project used samples from box cores, plankton nets, and a triangular dredge to collect marine macrofauna for the museum collections. All macrofauna present in plankton nets, box cores, and triangular dredge samples were photographed, and records were uploaded to GBIF. The fourth project took gravity cores. The cruise leader was Andreas Altenburger (UiT).