SCARFISH Action Group

Antarctic fish make up a significant portion of the biomass in the Southern Ocean, support economically important fisheries, and comprise a stunning array of unique biodiversity, and evolutionary history. Despite their critical importance to the functioning of marine ecosystems, fish are among the most under-studied components of the Southern Ocean food web. This underscores the importance of dedicated research, coordination, collaboration and engagement on Antarctic fish and their ecosystems. 

Recent syntheses highlight crucial knowledge gaps in our understanding of how climate change and other anthropogenic pressures have, and will continue to impact Southern Ocean fish, with implications for the marine ecosystem as a whole and how it is managed. These issues are of high importance to CCAMLR (Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources), which has a key role in coordinating fish research, with the primary objective being the conservation and management of Antarctic marine living resources. 

The urgency of addressing these knowledge gaps highlights the need for a platform that fosters collaboration between CCAMLR and the broader Antarctic research community to coordinate research on all Antarctic fish species, facilitating the exchange of relevant results, data and fieldwork opportunities, as well as highlighting research gaps, policy initiatives and needs between both communities.

To this end, the three overarching aims of SCARFISH are to:

1. Identify fish research gaps and foster collaboration and coordination to fill those gaps;
2. Synthesize fish research needs from CCAMLR and work to integrate more comprehensive Southern Ocean fish research into CCAMLR; and
3. Broaden diversity of researchers in Southern Ocean fish research.

We welcome widespread engagement from the Southern Ocean research community, including other SCAR groups. We welcome all interested in Southern Ocean fish research to join SCARFISH by joining our mailing list. If you have any questions, or want to learn more about the group, don’t hesitate to contact and/or get in touch with us at scarfish@scar.org.

Horizon scan

The goal of this group is to perform a Southern Ocean fish Horizon Scan to identify both the major gaps and the most important scientific questions regarding Southern Ocean fish. The Scan will be used to prioritize the work of SCARFISH, research projects, funding proposals, etc. As such, the Horizon Scan is a key priority for SCARFISH. We will take inspiration from the approach outlined by the SCAR Horizon Scan in 2014, while also updating methodology to better align with more recent developments in Horizon Scan approaches. The aim is to have the Horizon Scan completed in time for the OSC 2026 in Oslo. Learn more about the group in the Horizon Scan Working group plan draft.

Data

The group aims to enhance our understanding of data repositories and structures currently used to store Southern Ocean fish data. The overall goal is to increase data sharing and accessibility, which in turn links to SCARFISH’s aims at increasing EDI in the field. It will do so by identifying challenges to data sharing for Southern Ocean fish. It will also support SCARFISH WGs aiming to publish or update data, ensuring SCARFISH applies consistent data standards.The group will carry out its activities in line with article 3C of the Antarctic Treaty, the SCAR Data Policy, and FAIR data principles, in collaboration with SCADM and EG-ABI. Data will be published to OBIS, GBIF, the SCAR Antarctic Biodiversity Portal, as well as other SCAR data tools (as appropriate). Learn more about the group in the Data Working group plan draft.

Fieldwork

This group aims to increase knowledge sharing on planned fieldwork, fish data, sample availability, and collection opportunities. The goal is to enhance researchers’ ability to collaborate on fieldwork and have access to samples. Sampling methods and data collection will also be considered (including remote sensing and new technologies) to make data from different surveys and locations comparable. Key outputs include a systematic literature review on innovative tools and methodologies for sampling (including best practices), as well as creating platforms for sharing information about sample availability, and opportunities for collaboration in sample collection (in collaboration with SOOS’ DueSouth). Learn more about the group in the Fieldwork Working group plan draft.

Outreach

The goal of this group is to produce outreach materials to provide transparency in our membership and operations, invite collaboration, share relevant research (and data), and engage policymakers and the public. Activities will include creating a website, teaching resources, fish guide books (for schools, ship crews, tourism), and hosting webinars. These activities will be done in active collaboration with PEAR and APECS. Learn more about the group in the Outreach Working group plan draft.

Fish biology, Life histories and Ecological strategies (FLE)

The aim of this group is to advance knowledge of Southern Ocean fish ecological strategies: how different life history, habitat usage, feeding and predator-avoidance behaviours promote ecological success. A key focus of the group will be understanding reproductive processes and factors affecting recruitment; improving current knowledge on early life, growth, productivity and feeding ecology; natural mortality; and trophic relationships (predators and prey). The group’s activities will contribute to identifying key periods for fish growth or reproduction, while also considering the influence of stressors such as climate change and fishing on critical life history stages. Key outputs of the group include data products, peer-reviewed publications, policy-focused infographics, and providing input to the SCARFISH Biogeography, Modelling, and Management tools Working group, as well as FishMIP regional models. Learn more about the group in the FLE Working group plan draft.

Biogeography, Modelling and Management tools (BMM)

This group aims to improve taxonomic and biogeographic data, and modelling-based approaches to analyze species distribution, interactions, and climate change impacts. Modeling is emphasized as a key tool to overcome limitations in spatial and temporal sampling, including at the species level (population, biogeographic), multispecies level (food web, community) and including benthic habitat association. It can also be useful in understanding key dynamics and possible drivers. The group will enable scenario testing by working towards forward ecosystem models for use in management strategy valuation at the ecosystem level, contributing to the strengthening of CCAMLR’s ecosystem-based management. Key outputs include data products, synthesis papers, and communication products (e.g., policy-targeted infographics). Learn more about the group in the BMM Working group plan draft.

Genomics + Physiology + Pathology (GPP)

The aim of this group is to understand evolutionary adaptations of Antarctic fish, particularly notothenioids, in response to environmental change, integrating genetic, physiological, and ecological data to assess species’ resilience to climate change. A key component is the use of advanced genomic techniques and ecophysiological modeling approaches to predict species vulnerability. The group will identify knowledge gaps, work to connect fish researchers to resources and best practices for study design, and address gaps through coordinated field experiments that expand coverage across different habitats, life stages, and phylogenetic groups. Additionally, the group will address overlooked aspects such as fish pathologies, raising awareness of potential disease risks also in collaboration with the Antarctic Wildlife Health Network. Key outputs of this group include a meta-analysis on physiological heat and multistressor tolerance of Antarctic fishes (to be published in a peer-reviewed publication), as well as a creating a directory of Antarctic fish researchers. Learn more about the group in the GPP Working group plan draft.