On the basis of fieldwork at 12 coastal sites on the west coast of Spitsbergen in 1977 and 1979 the author evaluates the ecosystems of this remarkably productive Arctic environment. A brief survey of the vegetation (vascular and cryptogamic) and fauna (both vertebrate and invertebrate) leads to a classification of the terrestrial ecosystems. This is followed by a brief quantitative assessment of the productivity of the terrestrial ecosystems. Perhaps the most striking fact which emerges is the major role played by interlinkages between the marine and terrestrial ecosystems, as best exemplified by the “luxuriant”; vegetation associated with bird colonies.