This proposal is part of an integrated scientific investigation to study the properties of the Arctic ocean, atmosphere, sea-ice and biology in the Northeast Water (NEW) Polynya, which occurs near northeastern Greenland, in order to gain an integrated understanding of Arctic shelf-slope processes. This element of the NEW program will provide complimentary data to studies evaluating the magnitude and spacial-temporal variation of phytoplankton and zooplankton biomass and taxa, primary and new productivity and its environmental controls, as well as associated parameters related to the impact NEW on water masses and shelf processes.