Martin Graeve

Dr. Martin Graeve is a Senior Scientist at the Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), leading the Marine Chemistry working group. His research focuses on marine lipid biochemistry, trophic relationships in zooplankton, carbon flux dynamics, and analytical techniques such as isotope mass spectrometry. He is based in Bremerhaven, Germany, and contributes to Arctic and Antarctic expeditions, including the MOSAiC expedition. His work bridges ecological and biogeochemical processes, emphasizing the role of lipids in food web dynamics and climate-driven changes in polar ecosystems.

Key research areas include:

• Structure and function of marine lipids in Arctic and Antarctic systems
• Carbon flux pathways in pelagic food chains
• Impact of environmental stressors (e.g., ocean acidification) on zooplankton physiology
• Application of fatty acid and stable isotope markers to trace trophic interactions

Recent studies highlight Graeve’s contributions to understanding:

• Depletion of omega-3 fatty acids in Central Arctic Ocean ecosystems
• Ocean acidification effects on Arctic zooplankton metabolism
• Importance of ice algae in Arctic food webs
• Methodological advancements in lipid turnover analysis

His work is supported by collaborative projects involving international teams and advanced analytical facilities. Graeve actively participates in Arctic research initiatives, contributing to long-term observational programs like the HAUSGARTEN observatory.