Interviews with Prof. Katrin Iken (School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks)

1. What recent challenges have you faced in your work, especially your research?

   One of the hardest things to accomplish is to get funding for research. Most of the research is funded externally by funding agencies and you have to put in a competitive proposal to obtain the money to do the work. This is often very difficult. Once the money is available, the field research is the most exiting.

2. Which marine organism is your favorite? What are some interesting facts about that organism?

   I really enjoy macroalgae (seaweeds). Among others, I find them so interesting because of their various functions in a coastal ecosystem. First, they are primary producers and thus a significant food source for a lot of organisms. They provide an important basis of the coastal food web in rocky shore areas. Seaweeds also provide a three-dimensional structure in areas of rocky substrate. This structure is an excellent living space (habitat) for many associated organisms that otherwise would not be able to live there. Seaweeds provide food, shelter, refuge, and nursery areas for a variety of fishes, crabs, snails, seastars and many more. Algae also are among the fastest-growing organisms in the oceans and find that very fascinating.

3. What drew you to work with NaGISA (or coastal marine biology)?

   I believe that the goal of NaGISA is incredibly valuable. The idea to obtain global data on comparable habitat types using the same sampling protocol is a step forward in science that has long been overdue. Often, comparisons between studies done in different regions of the world cannot be compared because of the different methods used to obtain the data. Within NaGISA, we have the unique opportunity to all work for the same goal and share our knowledge and new information. This is not only scientifically valuable but also fun on a personal level.