A proposal to coordinate current Arctic benthic monitoring efforts » A circumpolar benthic biodiversity monitoring program is proposed across Arctic coastal nations » The current effort focuses on megafauna as the ecosystem component most regularly sampled in most of the regions. » The efforts include using annual ground fish trawl surveys as a cost-and time-effective method to analyze benthic bycatch in regions where such surveys exist (e.g., Atlantic Arctic). In other regions, such as the Pacific Arctic, efforts are based on individual projects. » This program will identify and track changes in benthic life and allow scientists to better understand the effects of natural and anthropogenic pressures from localized to pan-Arctic perspectives. » Reporting biological change to stakeholders will facilitate informed policy decisions. » These efforts will create information of pan-Arctic benthic communities that can be updated annually. This information will be publicly accessible through the Arctic Biodiversity Data Service (ABDS). What is the Benthos Expert Network (BEN) of the CBMP? » The Benthos Expert Network (BEN) is a group of international scientists under the Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program's (CBMP) Marine component. » The BEN focusses on implementing the Arctic Marine Biodiversity Monitoring Plan in relation to benthic Focal Ecosystem Components. » The BEN is identifying existing data for integration and coordinating circumpolar benthic monitoring efforts.