# Doctoral Dissertation Research: Isotopic Analysis of Icelandic Cod Atlases: Tracing Trophic Changes Over a Millennium

> **NSF 0100CYXXDB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Maryland, College Park (MD) · $62,400

## Abstract

This research investigates how shifts in Arctic environments and human activities have affected the feeding behaviors and food chain positions of Atlantic cod over the past thousand years. Understanding these changes is important because Atlantic cod play a crucial role in the Arctic marine ecosystem. Atlantic cod are an essential food source for both marine animals and people. Cod also contribute significantly to the regional economy and cultural identity of Arctic communities. Recent environmental shifts have intensified habitat changes and increased fishing pressures in Arctic regions, impacting species like Atlantic cod and the ecological and economic systems they support. This study uses an innovative technique to track dietary shifts in cod by analyzing chemical signatures in ancient cod bones from archaeological sites. The results will help determine whether the changes in cod’s feeding patterns align with historical increases in fishing, changes in fishing methods, or other natural fluctuations. The outcomes can provide valuable data for fisheries science and policy, supporting efforts to build sustainable fishing practices in response to long-term environmental variability.

This project will use segmental isotope analysis of fish vertebrae (SIAV) to reconstruct high-resolution dietary life histories for Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) from archaeological sites spanning the last millennium. By analyzing sequential stable isotope values of nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ1

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2413912
- **Awardee organization:** University of Maryland, College Park (MD)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** NPU8ULVAAS23
- **PI:** George N Hambrecht
- **Primary program:** 0100CYXXDB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** ARCTIC RESEARCH, ARCTIC SOCIAL SCIENCES
- **Estimated total:** $62,400
- **Funds obligated:** $62,400
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 07/15/2025 → 12/31/2026

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2413912

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2413912, Doctoral Dissertation Research: Isotopic Analysis of Icelandic Cod Atlases: Tracing Trophic Changes Over a Millennium. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2413912. Licensed CC0.

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