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queannuelle ¨¶¹Ûª TABLE OF CONTENTS

General Conference Program p. 3 Student Day Program p. 4 Plenary Session Program p. 7 Topical Session Program p. 10 Plenary Abstracts p. 20 Oral Abstracts p. 28 Poster Abstracts p. 116 List of Participants p. 198 Sponsors p. 212 Exhibitors p. 215 Advertisements p. 220 Conference Floor Plans p. 225 List of Presenters and Poster Numbers p. 228 Breakfast Options p. 230 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

GENERAL CONFERENCE PROGRAM

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 9 DECEMBER 10 DECEMBER 11 DECEMBER 12 DECEMBER 13 DECEMBER

09:00-10:30 Plenary Session Plenary Session 08:30 Student Day (Grand Ballroom - (Grand Ballroom - Plenary Session 200B) 200B) (Grand Ballroom - 200B)

10:30-11:00 10:00 Coff ee Break Coff ee Break Coff ee Break Coff ee Break

11:00-12:30 10:30 Student Day Topical Sessions Topical Sessions Topical Sessions

12:30-14:00 12:00 Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch

13:00-15:30 14:00-15:30 Plenary Session Plenary Session 13:30 Student Day (Grand Ballroom - (Grand Ballroom - ArcticNet Plenary Student Day 200B) 200B) (Grand Ballroom - 200B)

15:30 15:00 Coff ee Break Coff ee Break Coff ee Break Coff ee Break Meeting Adjourns

15:30 Student Day Student Day Topical Sessions Topical Sessions

Registration 17:00 --- Poster Session Poster Session

Dinner on your own 19:30 Dinner on your Dinner on your --- 19:00 own own Arctic Inspiration Prize Ceremony Banquet (Grand Ballroom - (Grand Ballroom - 200B) 200B)

3 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

STUDENT DAY PROGRAM

MONDAY, 9 DECEMBER ArcticNet Student Day (Grand Ballroom - 200B)

Karley Campbell 13:00 Opening Remarks (President, ArcticNet Student Association)

Sarah Beattie 13:15 (ArcticNet Student Association Outreach Icebreaker of the N-O-R-T-H Coordinator)

Jean-Marie Beaulieu A Journey in and about the North: Discoveries and 13:40 (Senior Science Advisor, Canadian Polar Opportunities Commission)

Professor Soren Rysgaard Going North - From Temperate Sediments to Arctic System 14:20 (University of Manitoba, Arctic Science Science Partnership)

15:00 Coff ee Break

15:15 ArcticNet Student Association Annual Meeting (Elections)

Kate Snow 16:00 (ArcticNet Student Association Inuit Th e Inukshuk: Marking the Path to Successful Research Representative)

17:30 Dinner on your own

19:00 Evening Event (Durty Nelly’s Pub)

4 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

STUDENT DAY PROGRAM

TUESDAY, 10 DECEMBER ArcticNet Student Day (Grand Ballroom - 200B)

Emily Choy 08:00 Opening Remarks (ArcticNet Student Association Student Day Coordinator)

Workshop Sessions (1)

Tell the World about Science: Jobs in Science Education (204/205)

Making the Jump to Private Industry (301)

08:30 Making the most of your Conference Experience (302)

Working with Northern Communities (303)

Interdisciplinary Careers (200B)

10:00 Coff ee Break

Workshop Sessions (2)

Communicating with the North and the General Public (204/205)

Making the Jump to Private industry (301)

10:30 An Introduction to Career Planning (302)

Life as an Academic (303)

Interdisciplinary Careers (200B)

12:00 Lunch (100)

5 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

STUDENT DAY PROGRAM

TUESDAY, 10 DECEMBER ArcticNet Student Day

Workshop Sessions (3)

Tell the World about Science: Jobs in Science Education (204/205)

Jobs in the Public Service (301)

13:30 An Introduction to Career Planning (302)

Working with Northern Communities (303)

Th e Paper Dilemma (200B)

15:00 Coff ee Break

Panel Discussion From Student to Career Professional: Working Towards a Successful Future (Grand Ballroom - 200B)

Martin Fortier (Executive Director, ArcticNet)

Michel Gosselin (Professor, Université du Québec à Rimouski)

Leah Braithwaite 15:30 (Chief, Strategic Planning, Environment Canada - Canadian Ice Service)

Neil Darlow (Senior Environmental Advisor - Imperial Oil Limited)

Hugues Lantuit (Professor, Alfred Wegener Institute)

Karley Campbell 16:45 Closing Remarks (President, ArcticNet Student Association)

6 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

PLENARY SESSION PROGRAM

WEDNESDAY, 11 DECEMBER (8:30-10:00) (Grand Ballroom - 200B)

Martin Fortier Opening Remarks 08:30 (Executive Director, ArcticNet)

08:40 Welcome from the Host Province

Terry Audla A Word from the President of ITK 08:50 (President, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami)

Warwick Vincent Messages from the Far North: Environmental Change at (Scientifi c Director, Centre d’études 09:10 Nunavut’s Northern Coast nordiques; Professor, Université Laval)

Mylène Riva Housing Conditions and Health in the Arctic 09:30 (Adjunct Professor, Université Laval)

09:50 A Tribute to Our Lost Colleagues

WEDNESDAY, 11 DECEMBER (13:30-15:00) (Grand Ballroom - 200B)

Russel Shearer (Director, Northern Science and ArcticNet’s IRISes Used as a Model to Guide the Arctic Council’s Contaminants Research Directorate, 13:30 AACA Initiative Aboriginal Aff airs and Northern Development Canada)

Nick Xenos (Director, Arctic Science Policy, Aborig- Moving Forward - Th e Canadian High Arctic Research Station 13:50 inal Aff airs and Northern Development Canada)

Neil Darlow Moving Forward Together: Research Contributions that Support (Senior Environmental Advisor - 14:10 Exploration Drilling in the Canadian Beaufort Sea Imperial Oil Limited)

Douglas Cunningham Th e Role of Subsea Fibre Optics in Arctic Research Eff orts 14:30 (Chief Executive Offi cer - Arctic Fibre Inc.)

7 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

PLENARY SESSION PROGRAM

THURSDAY, 12 DECEMBER (8:30-10:00) (Grand Ballroom - 200B)

Th e Ocean Tracking Network: A global System to Quantify and Aaron Fisk Track the Movement of Marine Animals and their Environmental 08:30 (Professor, University of Windsor) Correlates

Mary Simon 08:50 (Chair, National Committee on Inuit Future Directions in Research in Inuit Education Education, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami)

Éric Dewailly (Professor, Université Laval / Director, Public Health Research Unit UL Medical Center) Utsuk: Th e Changing Nature of Arctic Fats and Th e Inuit Diet (35 09:20 Min Documentary) Rodd Laing (Environmental Assessment Manager, Nunatsiavut Government)

THURSDAY, 12 DECEMBER (13:30-15:00) (Grand Ballroom - 200B)

Panel - Science, Extended Continental Shelves, and the Law of the Sea Chair: Michael Byers

Stuart Elden Undermining Geopolitics – Sea, Seabed, Ice (Professor, University of Warwick UK)

Christian Marcussen Th e Continental Shelf Project of the Kingdom of Denmark - (Senior Advisor, Geological Survey of Cooperation with Canada Denmark and Greenland)

Ted L. McDorman 13:30 Canada’s Submission to the CLCS and the Arctic Neighbours (Professor, University of Victoria)

Elizabeth Riddell-Dixon Multilateral Code to Govern Arctic Off shore Resource (Professor, University of Western Ontario) Development

David VanderZwaag Governance of the Arctic Ocean Beyond National Jurisdiction: (Professor, Dalhousie University) Cooperative Currents, Restless Sea

8 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

PLENARY SESSION PROGRAM

FRIDAY, 13 DECEMBER (9:00-10:30) (Grand Ballroom - 200B)

Walter J. Natynczyk Space Solutions for the Arctic 09:00 (President, Canadian Space Agency)

Greg Henry ADAPTing to Permafrost Change in the Arctic 09:20 (Professor, University of British Columbia)

Anne Walker Opportunities for Canadian Contributions to the Global (Manager, Environment Canada - 09:40 Cryosphere Watch (GCW) Program Climate Processes)

Daniel Gallant Food Subsidies rather than Climate Warming as a Trigger for Red (Ph.D. candidate, Université du Québec à 10:00 Fox Range Expansion in the Arctic Rimouski)

FRIDAY, 13 DECEMBER (14:00-15:30) (Grand Ballroom - 200B)

Panel - Th e Way Forward: Future Opportunities and Challenges for Arctic Research in Canada

Louis Fortier (Scientifi c Director, ArcticNet & Project leader, CCGS Amundsen)

David Barber (Professor, University of Manitoba)

Nick Xenos Join Arctic research leaders and program managers in a panel and (Director, Arctic Science Policy, Aboriginal open discussion about the future of Arctic research in Canada. Aff airs and Northern Development Canada) How do we prepare for the end of ArcticNet in 2018? What are 14:00 the major challenges and opportunities facing the Arctic research Martha Crago community? What initiatives are being developped to continue (Vice-President, Research, Dalhousie the legacy of ArcticNet, IPY and other recent successes in University) Canadian-led Arctic research. David Moorman (Senior Programs Planning Offi cer, Canada Foundation for Innovation)

Duane Smith (President, Inuit Circumpolar Council - Canada)

15:30 Meeting adjourns

9 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

TOPICAL SESSION PROGRAM

WEDNESDAY, 11 DECEMBER - 10:30 to 12:00

Community Adaptation & Vulnerability in Arctic Regions (Part I) Chair: Tom Sheldon 200B

10:30 Radosavljevic, Boris Vulnerability of Coastal Infrastructure in the Arctic: A Focus on the Historic Settlement on Herschel Island 10:45 Sheldon, Tom SakKijânginnatuk Nunalik: Sustainable Solutions for Th riving Nunatsiavut Communities 11:00 Marshall, Rachael Developing a Functioning Model for Meaningful Trans-Disciplinary Interaction as a Means to Promote Sustainable Water Systems in Indigenous Communities 11:15 Furgal, Chris Understanding Scientist and Decision Maker Perspectives on the Arctic Science-Policy Landscape 11:30 Tremblay, Martin Mobilizing Science Results into the Development of Adaptation Actions 11:45 Grable, Carrie Research Request Process to Address Inuit-Specifi c Research Needs and Policy Development

Factors Contributing to Success at the High School and Post-secondary Levels in Nunavut and Nunavik Chair: Fiona Walton 204/205

10:30 Arnaquq, Naullaq Millie's Dream: Language Revitalization in the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut 10:45 Kennedy Dalseg, Sheena Th e Contribution of Community Engagement in Schooling: A Long History 11:00 Walton, Fiona Engaging Parents to Improve High School Education in Nunavut 11:15 Wheatley, Kerri Diverse Voices: High School Success Factors Identifi ed by Nunavut Youth 11:30 Rodon, Th ierry Postsecondary Education and Profesional Success for Inuit in Nunavut

Inuit Knowledge Chair: Rachel Hirsch 301

10:30 Hirsch, Rachel The Local Knowledge Gap: Knowledge Tracking as a Diagnostic Tool for Evaluating Knowledge Translation from Iqaluit to Ottawa 10:45 Kitching, Knut Tuktu and Climate Change: Inuit Hunting on Southern Baffi n Island 11:00 Oberndorfer, Erica The Shared Stories of People and Plants: Working Towards Accountable Research Relation- ships in Makkovik, Nunatsiavut (Labrador) 11:15 Rathwell, Kaitlyn J. Bridging Inuit and Scientifi c Knowledge about Socio-Environmental Change via Collaborative Mural Making 11:30 Siegwart Collier, Laura Inuit Knowledge and 30-year Trends in Gridded Climate Data Reveal Signifi cant Environ- mental Changes across the Canadian Arctic

10 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Towards a Better Understanding of Permafrost Dynamics and Impacts of Th aw (Part I) Chair: Anne-Marie LeBlanc 302

10:30 Lantuit, Hugues What Triggers Retrogressive Th aw Slumps in the Arctic Coastal Zone? 10:45 Pelletier, Maude Ecological and Geomorphological Time Sequence of Permafrost Degradation Mound, Tasiapik, Nunavik 11:00 Christiansen, Casper What Goes on Beneath: Soil Depth Specifi c Changes in Tundra Microbial Communities and Biogeochemistry During the Seasonal Th aw 11:15 Ducharme, Marc-André Characterization of Permafrost Th rough New Technology: Estimating the Th ermal Conductivity Using CT-Scan

11:30 Fouché, Julien Controls of CO2 Fluxes in Natural Conditions and under Warming Tests in Histic and Turbic Cryosols, Salluit, Nunavik, Canada 11:45 Gagnon, Samuel Measurement of Permafrost Greenhouse Gas Emissions through a New Closed Chamber Automated System

Integrated Regional Impact Study of the Western and Central Canadian High Arctic (IRIS I) - (Part I) Chair: Gary Stern 303

10:30 Stern, Gary Overview of the IRIS 1 Regional Impact Assessment 10:45 Candlish, Lauren Regional Climate Normals, Trends and Variability 11:00 Brown, Ross Characterizing Variability and Change in the Terrestrial Climate 11:15 Outridge, Peter Overview of the Terrestrial and Freshwater Impacts of Climate Warming in the Western and Central Canadian Arctic 11:30 Fortier, Louis Arctic Change: Impacts on Marine Ecosystems

Arctic Modelling Chair: Paul Myers 304/305

10:30 Myers, Paul Projected Changes to the Canadian Arctic Archipelago Sea Ice in the 21st Century 10:45 Markovic, Marko Evaluation of Recent North American Arctic Climate from a Suite of CMIP5 Simulations 11:00 Way, Robert Underestimated Arctic Warming in Met Offi ce (UK) and NOAA (US) Global Temperature Products 11:15 Lu, Youyu Model Simulated Volume Fluxes through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago and Davis Strait: Linking Monthly Variations to Forcing in Different Seasons 11:30 Ritchie, Hal An Integrated Marine Arctic Prediction System for METAREAs

Arctic Tundra and Vegetation (Part I) Chair: Philip Bonnaventure 101

10:30 Bonnaventure, Philip Spatial Modelling of Climate Change Eff ects on Treeline Position in Th ree Regions of the Yukon 10:45 Brown, Carissa Does Sexual Reproduction Limit Treeline Ecotone Expansion in the Circumpolar North? 11:00 Campeau, Allen Landscape-Scale Variation in Soil Organic Carbon Storage in the Central Canadian Arctic 11:15 Ge, Le Th e Feedback of Shrub Expansion to Carbon Cycle in Arctic Tundra

11 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

WEDNESDAY, 11 DECEMBER - 15:30 to 17:15

Roundtable: Future Directions in Research in Inuit Education Chair: Mary Simon 306

15:30 - Simon, Mary Mary Simon, Chairperson of the National Committee on Inuit Education, will chair a dis- 17h00 cussion on Inuit education and the research priorities and gaps identifi ed from the February 2012 Research Forum held in Iqaluit. Th e session should be of great interest to those pursu- ing Inuit education research, enabling participants to contribute to the future of research on Inuit Education.

Panel: Th e Great Powers of the Arctic Chair: Rob Huebert 204/205

15:30 - Huebert, Rob Th is panel will examine the impact of great power interest and participation in the Arctic 17h00 Manicom, James region through the actions and policies of the United States, Russia, China, India and Japan not as circumpolar states (or near-arctic states), but rather as great powers that are increasing- Lackenbaur, Whitney ly fi nding their interests in the Arctic increasing. Lalonde, Suzanne Lasserre, Frédéric Alexeeva, Olga

Arctic Marine Ecosystems (Part I) Chair: Jill Watkins 301

15:30 Watkins, Jill Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program (CBMP) - Marine Plan. Integrated Pan-Arctic Biodiversity Monitoring - Implementation Update 15:45 Edinger, Evan In-Situ Survey of a Deep-Water Bamboo Coral Forest in SE Baffi n Bay 16:00 Deslongchamps, Gabriele Impacts of Environmental Conditions on the Nitrogen Cycle in the Canadian Arctic 16:15 Hoover, Carie Identifying Past and Future Ecosystem Level Changes to the Beaufort Sea Shelf through Food Web Modelling 16:30 Lalande, Catherine Export Fluxes of Biogenic Matter in the Siberian Arctic Ocean 16:45 Carrie, Jesse Sedimentary Biogeochemistry for the Beaufort Regional Environmental Assessment (BREA) 17:00 Coupel. Pierre Pigments Signature of the Phytoplankton Communities in Beaufort Sea

Towards a Better Understanding of Permafrost Dynamics and Impacts of Th aw (Part II) Chair: Michel Allard 302

15:30 LeBlanc, Anne-Marie InSAR Maps: Seasonal and Inter-Annual Displacements in Permafrost Environments, Case Study for the Iqaluit Area, Nunavut 15:45 Rudy, Ashley Permafrost Disturbance Susceptibility Mapping Using Key Physiographic Controls and Geospatial Modelling in the Canadian High Arctic 16:00 Paquin, Jean-Philippe On the Simulated Arctic Near-Surface Permafrost and Climate Sensitivities to Soil and Snow Formulations 16:15 Zhang, Yu A New Approach to Map Permafrost and its Changes Considering the Uncertainties in Ground Condition and Future Climate Projection 16:30 Benkert, Bronwyn Standing on Unstable Ground: Geoscience Mapping for Permafrost Characterization in Yukon, Canada 16:45 Riedlsperger, Rudy Applying Best Practices in Community Focused Assessments of Permafrost Related Hazards in Nunatsiavut

12 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Integrated Regional Impact Study of the Western and Central Canadian High Arctic (IRIS I) - (Part II) Chair: Gary Stern 303

15:30 Church, Ian Future Requirements to Support Safe Arctic Marine Navigation in a Transforming Climate 15:45 Chan, Laurie Food and Cultural Security 16:00 Blasco, Steve Resource Development 16:15 Pearce, Tristan Climate Change Policy Responses for Canada's Inuit Population 16:30 Lamoureux, Scott Community and Regional Infrastructure in a Changing Climate

Community Health and Food Security Chair: Sarah Statham 304/305

15:30 Statham, Sara / Obed, Natan Th e Nunavut Food Security Coalition's Nunavut Food Security Strategy 15:45 Finner, Kaitlyn Including the Intangible: Photo-Cards as a Method for Analyzing the Social and Cultural Importance of Food in Rigolet, Nunatsiavut 16:00 Hiebert, Brad How Canadian National Media Maintain Settler Colonialism and Cultural Hierarchies in Th eir Portrayal of Nunavut Food Insecurity 16:15 Juillet, Cédric Social, Cultural, Economic and Ecological Determinants of Food Security in Northern Communities 16:30 Jameson, Kristie Engaging Communities: Addressing Inuit Community Food Security in Nunatsiavut and beyond 16:45 Harris, Cory Health Benefi ts of Wild Berries, Seaweeds and other Plants In Nunavik 17:00 Lemire, Mélanie Country Foods and Cardiovascular Health in Nunavik: Studying the Complex Balance Between Selenium and Environmental Contaminants

Arctic Tundra and Vegetation (Part II) Chair: Neal Scott 101

15:30 Higgins, Kellina Importance of Bryophytes and Lichens on Small Scale Variation in Th aw Depth in a Boreal Forest-Peatland Landscape, Northwest Territories, Canada 15:45 Provencher-Nolet, Laurence Short Term Change Detection of the Tundra Vegetation near Umiujak, Nunavik 16:00 Robinson, Samuel Pollination and Warming in the High Arctic 16:15 Scott, Neal Factors Regulating Net Greenhouse Gas Exchange across High-Arctic Landscapes at Cape Bounty, Melville Island, Nunavut: Interaction of Vegetation Distribution and Environmental Controls

16:30 Atkinson, David Calibrated and Validated Models for Landscape-Scale CO2 Exchange Rates for Cape Bounty, Melville Island, NU Using High Spatial Resolution IKONOS Imagery

13 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

THURSDAY, 12 DECEMBER - 10:30 to 12:00

Community Adaptation & Vulnerability in Arctic Regions (Part II) Chair: Kiley Daley 200B

10:30 Daley, Kiley Understanding Municipal Water and Health Relationships in Nunavut Households: A Community Case Study in Coral Harbour, Nunavut, Canada 10:45 Beveridge, Leah A Method for Assessing Coastal Vulnerabilities to Climate Change within an Arctic Community: Pilot Application in Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories 11:00 Farahbakhsh, Khosrow Applying Post-Normality to Engineering Design - Implications to Engineering in the North 11:15 Gordon, Allan Evaluating Emerging Tools to Address Uncertainties and Complexities of Engineering Design in Northern Communities 11:30 McGetrick, Jennifer Ann Expert Assessment of Geographic Information Science (GIS) for Health Communication in Circumpolar Natural Resource Development 11:45 Healy, Colleen Bridging the Gap Between Climate Change Research & Decision-Making in Nunavut

Education and Outreach (Part I) Chair: Mandy Arnold 204/205

10:30 Arnold, Mandy kANGIDLUASUk Student Program: Critical Refl ections on Five Years of Inuit Youth Outreach, Leadership, and Education Programming in Nunatsiavut, Labrador. 10:45 Desrosiers, Sarah Inuit Youth's Perceptions of Outdoor Environmental Studies Programming in Kugluktuk, Nunavut 11:00 Henrickson, Jeni Narratives from North of 60° 11:15 Angnatok, Dorothy Aullak, Sangilivallianginnatuk (Going off , Growing Strong): An Outreach Program to Enhance Youth Mental Health by Supporting Social and Cultural Connections While Improving Food Security Status 11:30 Lemus-Lauzon, Isabel From Pond Inlet to the Torngats: Science Programming and Capacity Building in an Inuit Homeland 11:45 Fishback, LeeAnn & Schools on Tundra: Terrestrial-Based Science Outreach Program Watts, Michelle

Arctic Marine Ecosystems (Part II) Chair: Helmuth Th omas 301

10:30 Th omas, Helmuth Vulnerability of Polar Oceans to Anthropogenic Acidifi cation: Comparison of Arctic and Antarctic Seasonal Cycles 10:45 Myers, Paul VITALS - Ventilation, Interactions and Transports Across the Labrador Sea 11:00 Duerksen, Steven Under-Ice Pelagic Production of Essential Fatty Acids and the Implications for Arctic Food Webs 11:15 Palmer, Molly A New Biogeochemical Model of the Chukchi Sea, Arctic Ocean: Modeling the Impacts of Sea Ice Retreat, Th inning, and Melt Pond Proliferation on the Summer Phytoplankton Bloom 11:30

11:45 Falardeau, Marianne Trophic Interactions between the Planktonic Stages of Arctic Cod and Pacifi c Sand Lance in the Rapidly-Warming Beaufort Sea

14 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Arctic Lakes, Rivers and Estuaries (Part I) Chair: Brent Wolfe & Reinhard Pienitz 302

10:30 Balasubramaniam, Ann An Integrative Approach to Understanding Biotic Responses to Multiple Landscape Gradients in Shallow Lakes (Old Crow Flats, YT) 10:45 Turner, Kevin An Isotopic Approach for Characterizing Runoff Generation Processes in a Lake-Rich Th ermokarst Landscape (Old Crow Flats, Yukon, Canada) 11:00 Bouchard, Frédéric Recent Shifts in Source Waters of Shallow Subarctic Lakes: Toward Widespread Desiccation? 11:15 Deshpande, Bethany Seasonal Oxygen Dynamics and Size-Fractionated Microbial Respiration in the Permafrost Th aw Lakes of Subarctic Québec 11:30 Medeiros, Andrew Th e Infl uence of Climate and Catchment Processes on Lakes Across Treeline in the Western Hudson Bay Region, Canada

Communities and Resource Development (Part I) Chair: Arn Keeling 303

10:30 Couture, Nicole CanCoast: A Tool for Helping to Assess Climate Change Vulnerability and Impacts of Development in Canada's Arctic 10:45 Keeling, Arn Mining, Landscape, and Social Memory at Rankin Inlet, NU 11:00 Kivett Knight, Janet Dimensions of Socio-Cultural Sustainability: Hopedale, Nunatsiavut 11:15 Kouril, Diana Understanding Environmental Sustainability in the North: Case Study in Hopedale, Nunatsiavut 11:30 Kunuk, Zacharias Digital Indigenous Democracy: An Experimental Media and Human Rights Response to Arctic Industrial Development

Atmospheric Processes, Storms and Impacts on Coastal Environments Chair: Will Perrie 304/305

10:30 Finnis, Joel Relationship between Cyclone Activity and Winter Climate Variability in Labrador 10:45 Weaver, Dan Expanding our Understanding of Atmospheric Water Vapour in the High Arctic 11:00 11:15 Perrie, Will Arctic Storm Impacts in Coastal Areas of the Mackenzie Delta

Arctic Wildlife (Part I) Chair: Sarah Wong 101

10:30 Guéry, Loreleï Understanding Intra- and Inter-Population Heterogeneity: Infl uence of the North Atlantic Oscillation on Common Eiders Nesting in the Canadian and Norwegian Arctic 10:45 Iverson, Samuel Longer Ice-free Seasons Increase the Risk of Nest Depredation by Polar Bears for Colonial Breeding Birds in the Canadian Arctic 11:00 Kenny, Tiff -Annie Estimation of Harvest Need of Wildlife for Consumption among Inuit Regions In Th e Canadian Arctic 11:15 Wong, Sarah Hotspots in Cold Seas: Th e Composition, Distribution and Abundance of Marine Birds in the North American Arctic 11:30 Milakovic, Brian Th e Use of DNA Mark-Recapture Techniques to Assess Grizzly Bear Population Status in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories

15 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

THURSDAY, 12 DECEMBER - 15:30 to 17:15

Arctic Physical Oceanography Chair: Igor Dmitrenko 306

15:30 Bedard, Jeannette Physical Oceanography of Cumberland Sound, Baffi n Island 15:45 deYoung, Brad Understanding Tidal Dissipation, Internal Wave Dynamics and Mixing in Lake Melville, Labrador 16:00 Dmitrenko, Igor Depth-Dependent Behavior of the Semidiurnal Tidal Currents Near the Critical Latitude in the Laptev Sea 16:15 Hamilton, Jim Freezeup Forecasting with a Real Time Ocean Observatory in the Eastern Northwest Passage 16:30 Nudds, Shannon A Spatially Continuous Estimate of Water Levels for Canadian Tidal Waters 16:45 Jackson, Jennifer Initial Observations of Pacifi c Water in the Canadian Beaufort Sea Based on Industry/Arcticnet and BREA Mooring Data 17:00 Perrie, Will Impacts of Climate Change on Fresh Water Content and Sea Surface Height in the Beaufort Sea

Education and Outreach (Part II) Chair: Jennifer Provencher 204/205

15:30 Ljubicic, Gita Learning from the Land I - Elder/Youth Land Camps as a Research Method 15:45 Okpakok, Simon Learning from the Land II - Elder/Youth Land Camps for Education 16:00 Petrasek MacDonald, Joanna From the Minds of Youth: Using Participatory Video to Explore Youth Resilience in a Changing / Konek, Jordan Climate 16:15 Gérin-Lajoie, José Th e Plant Gathering Project: Linking Cree Traditional Knowledge (Eeyou) and Science through a Multi-Generation Workshop 16:30 Lougheed, Martin Tukitaarvik: Mobilizing Knowledge and Experience to Support Inuit Students in Post-Secondary Education 16:45 Provencher, Jennifer How Wildlife Research can be Used to Promote Wider Community Participation in the North

Arctic Marine Ecosystems (Part III) Chair: Rob Young 301

15:30 Young, Robert Variation in the Canadian Beaufort Sea Fish Community Structure and Relative Abundance Associated with Depth and Habitat 15:45 Davis, Brendal Th e Conservation of the Greenland Shark (Somniosus microcephalus): Setting Scientifi c, Law, and Policy Coordinates for Avoiding a Species at Risk 16:00 Dixon, Heather Assessing Trophic Ecology of Migrating Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.) Caught off the West Greenland Coast 16:15 Kessel, Steven Residency and Distribution of Arctic Cod (Boreogadus saida) in Resolute Bay, Lancaster Sound 16:30 Roy, Denis Evidence of High Gene Flow in a Locally Diff erentiated Species: Th e Greenland Halibut Panmixia Paradox in the Northwest Atlantic 16:45 Moore, Jean-Sébastien Migratory Behaviour of Sea-Run Arctic Char in the Cambridge Bay Region: An Acoustic Telemetry Study to Inform Fisheries Management

16 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Arctic Lakes, Rivers and Estuaries (Part II) Chair: Reinhard Pienitz & Brent Wolfe 302

15:30 Guéguen, Céline Photoreactivity of Dissolved Organic Matter in the Nelson Estuarine System (Hudson Bay) 15:45 Hille, Erika Catchment-Level Processes Driving the Geochemistry of Small Tundra Lakes Aff ected by Shoreline Retrogressive Th aw Slumping, Mackenzie Delta Upland Region, NT 16:00 Moquin, Paul Responses of Benthic Invertebrate Communities to Shoreline Retrogressive Th aw Slumps in Arctic Upland Lakes 16:15 Gareis, Jolie Diff erential Growth Responses of Five Bacterial Populations to Photobleached DOM Substrate Isolated from Mackenzie River Floodwater 16:30 McCracken, Gregory Hierarchical Population Structure and Genetic Diversity of Lake Trout (Salvelinus Namaycush) in a Freshwater Dendritic System in Northern Labrador

Communities and Resource Development (Part II) Chair: Frank Tester 303

15:30 Mauro, Ian Our Baffi nland: Inuit Knowledge, Mining and Video Cartography 15:45 Tester, Frank Impacts of the Meadowbank Gold Mine on Women and Families in Qamani'tuaq (Baker Lake), Nunavut Territory 16:00 McDowell, Graham Th e Socio-Ecological Dimensions of Hydrocarbon Development in the Disko Bay Region of Greenland: Opportunities, Risks, and Tradeoff s 16:15 Sandlos, John Histories of the Arctic Future: Th e Elusive Dream of Northern Development

Community Health and Well-Being Chair: Mylène Riva 304/305

15:30 McTavish, Kristeen Building Capacity among Youth for the Future of Inuit Health Research 15:45 Daley, Angela Th e Well-Being of Children in Northern Canada 16:00 Cunsolo Willox, Ashlee Assessing Mental Health Impacts from a Changing Climate in Northern Canada: A Nunatsiavut Regional Perspective 16:15 Philibert, Aline International Inuit Circumpolar Cohort (ICC): Opportunities and Methodological Challenges in Harmonization of Existing Data from Th ree Population-Based Cohorts in the Circumpolar Region 16:30 Fagan-Garcia, Katharine Community-Driven Helicobacter Pylori Research in Arctic Canada: Update from the CANHelp Working Group 16:45 Bunce, Anna Perceptions of the Causes and Cures Surrounding Acute Gastrointestinal Illness among Residents of Iqaluit, Nunavut

Arctic Wildlife (Part II) Chair: Mael Le Corre 101

15:30 Rasiulis, Alexandre Climate Change and Caribou: How Winter Climate Aff ects Survival of Migratory Caribou 15:45 Saucier, Valérie Climate Change and Browsing: Phenology of a Summer Resource for Migratory Caribou 16:00 Simard, Alice-Anne Parasitism of Caribou Herds across the Circumpolar Arctic 16:15 Sharam, Greg Post-Calving and Summer Habitat Selection by Barren-Ground Caribou as a Component of Cumulative Eff ects Assessment 16:30 Le Corre, Mael Th ere and Back Again: Evolution of the Spring and Fall Migration Patterns of Migratory Caribou in Northern Quebec and Labrador 16:45 Jansen, Kelsey "Th ese Places Have Stories to Tell" - Linking Traditional Knowledge and Science in the Monitoring of Barren Ground Caribou Movements in the Northwest Territories, Canada

17 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

FRIDAY, 13 DECEMBER - 11:00 to 12:30

Arctic Marine Mammals Chair: John Cheechoo 200B

11:00 Cheechoo, John Web Information Map Tool on Canada's 13 Polar Bear Subpopulations 11:15 Petersen, Stephen Distribution of Polar Bear Denning Habitat in Canada: a Meta Analysis of Existing Sources and Gaps 11:30 Pokiak, Frank Beaufort Sea and Viscount Melville Region Sea Ice-Polar Bear Colloquium: Recommendations to Researchers and Management 11:45 Doniol-Valcroze, Th omas Is the Recovery of Beluga Populations Impeded by an Allee Eff ect? 12:00 Fortune, Sarah How Do Bowheads Make a Living in the Eastern Canadian Arctic? 12:15 Geoff roy, Maxime Recognition Criteria for the Detection of Marine Mammals Using a Fisheries Sonar in the Canadian Beaufort Sea

Arctic Contaminants Chair: Derek Muir 204/205

11:00 Muir, Derek Contaminant Trends in the Canadian Arctic: Results of the Recent NCP Assessments on Persistent Organic Pollutants and Mercury 11:15 Foster, Karen L. Spatial, Temporal, and Source Variations of Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Marine Sediments from Baffi n Bay, Eastern Canadian Arctic 11:30 Gantner, Nikolaus Fractionation of Mercury Isotopes in Water, Sediments, and Fish from the Husky Lakes, Northwest Territories, Canada 11:45 Outridge, Peter Increased Organic-Bound Mercury in the Sediments of Coastal Arctic Lakes During Medieval and Modern Warm Periods: Climate as a Signifi cant Factor in Sediment Mercury Concentrations 12:00 Stocki, Trevor J. Cesium in Arctic Beluga and Caribou before and after the Fukushima Accident of 2011 12:15 Fillion, Myriam Identifi cation of Environmental Sources of Lead Exposure in Nunavut, Canada

Climate Adaptation, Health and Indigenous Knowledge (IK-ADAPT) Chair: James Ford 301

11:00 Mauro, Ian Consensus Workshop on Indigenous Values for Health Systems in Circumpolar Regions 11:15 Wolfrey, Charlotte From Community-Based to Community-Led: Understanding Research as a Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Public Health in the North 11:30 Chatwood, Susan Indigenous Values and Health Systems Stewardship 11:45 Hirsch, Rachel Growing Strong? Refl ections on the Participatory Evaluation of a Community-Based Health Intervention in Nain, Nunatsiavut 12:00 Pearce, Tristan Traditional Ecological Knowledge in Adaptation to Climate Change in the Canadian Arctic [IK-ADAPT Session]

18 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Arctic Monitoring Chair: Trevor Bell 302

11:00 Bell, Trevor Lake Melville - Avativut, Kanuittailinnivut (Our Environment, Our Health): Understanding Local Impacts Within the Context of Global Change 11:15 Brown, Ross Variability and Change in Arctic Snow Cover 11:30 Flagg, Ryan Ocean Networks Canada: Cambridge Bay Cabled Observatory Upgrade and Community Engagement 11:45 Knopp, Jennie Th e Inuvialuit Settlement Region - Community-Based Monitoring Program (ISR-CBMP) 12:00 McLennan, Donald Proposed Conceptual Models for CHARS-led Monitoring, Assessment, and Prediction of Accelerating Change in Arctic Social-Ecological Systems

Sea Ice, Glaciers and Ice Islands Chair: Ryan Galley 303

11:00 Fortin, Michelle New Technology for the Interactive Analysis of Ice Data in Beaufort Sea 11:15 Rysgaard, Soeren Dynamic Ikaite Production and Dissolution in Sea Ice - Control by Temperature, Salinity

and pCO2 Conditions 11:30 Galley, Ryan Morphology and Distribution of Liquid Inclusions in Young Sea Ice as Imaged by Magnetic Resonance 11:45 Th omson, Laura Assessing the Role of Hypsometry, Hydrology, and Th ermal Structure in the Dynamics of White Glacier, Axel Hieberg Island, Nunavut 12:00 Lewis-Paley, Gregory Ice Island Detection Using Fine Quad Polarization RADARSAT-2 Imagery: Understanding Seasonal, Spatial and Temporal Variability

Inuit Research Advisor Workshop: Creative Ways to Engage Inuit Communities in Arctic Research Chair: Kendra Tagoona 304/305

11:00 - Th is topical session will be an interactive workshop, where participants will learn the various 12:15 processes of conducting research in Canada’s arctic regions, while engaging Inuit communi- ties in each step of their research project. Th e IRAs will facilitate breakout groups- each group focusing on a specifi c region. From proposal development to sharing research results, partici- pants will walk away with a greater understanding of how to engage Inuit in their research.

Shipping and Marine Infrastructure Chair: Brian Horton 101

11:00 Pelland, Cédric Canadian Arctic Maritime Transportation Capacity 11:15 Comtois, Claude Marine Transport Infrastructure in the Arctic: Patterns, Processes and Policies 11:30 Giguère, Marie-Andrée Shipping in the Arctic North-East Passage 11:45 Horton, Brian Assessment of Climate-Related Vulnerabilities Aff ecting Port of Churchill Shipping Infrastructure and Operations

19 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

PLENARY ABSTRACTS

MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER: RESEARCH Th e URQSUK/UTSUK research program was an initiative CONTRIBUTIONS THAT SUPPORT EXPLORATION funded through the International Polar Year, ArcticNet and DRILLING IN THE CANADIAN BEAUFORT SEA Northern Contaminants research programs to look at the relationships between environmental change, marine fats and Darlow, Neil1 ([email protected]), W. Smith2, C. Klassen1, D. Kerr3, M. Lowings3 and D. Fissell4 Inuit health and well-being in the Arctic. Th e project involved researchers in the environmental, health and social sciences 1 Imperial Oil Resources Ventures Limited, Calgary, Alberta working in collaboration with Inuit organizations, knowledge 2 Imperial Oil Resources Ventures Limited, Inuvik, Northwest holders, hunters, Elders and communities. Th e changes Territories taking place and interactions between aspects of the Arctic 3 Golder Associates Ltd environment and society were the impetus for the development 4 ASL Environmental Sciences Inc. of various sub projects aimed at understanding the nature, role During the period from 2008 to 2013 Imperial Oil and importance of marine fats in Inuit diet, and ultimately Inuit Resources Ventures Limited (Imperial), on behalf of their joint health, and how that may be changing. Th is video documentary venture partners, has participated in a number of research introduces aspects of the research projects and explores the collaborations and supported and provided input to several larger topic of environmental, social and cultural change and other research eff orts. health transition among Inuit and other Indigenous Peoples. It Th e proposed topic will focus on how Imperial will emphasizes the value of the relationship that exists for Inuit, be conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment of its and other Indigenous Peoples, with country foods harvested proposed exploration drilling program by leveraging these from the land and sea. Further, it discusses the challenges to research eff orts for geological, geophysical, biophysical and importance of maintaining aspects of a healthy diet in the environment, engineering and Traditional Knowledge gained context of a changing world. through the following programs: ArcticNet-Industry research collaboration, research programs with federal ministries ( e.g. GSC and DFO), studies funded by government and industry UNDERMINING GEOPOLITICS – SEA, SEABED, ICE conducted under programs such as PERD, BREA and ESRF, traditional knowledge studies with the Inuvialuit, academic Elden, Stuart ([email protected]) research programs (e.g. Cornell University), Beaufort Sea engineering database project with the NRC. Department of Politics and International Studies, University of Th e presentation will detail how Imperial has Warwick, UK, CV4 7AL incorporated the resulting best available science into its Th is concluding set of remarks relates the specifi c debates exploration drilling planning and program design to ensure that on Canada’s submission to wider issues concerning boundary operations are safe and environmentally responsible. issues, territory and law. In particular it considers how geopolitics, understood as a politics of the earth, of the ‘geo’, is complicated when the matter at stake is sea, seabed or ice. URQSUK / UTSUK: THE CHANGING NATURE OF FATS IN THE INUIT DIET (A DOCUMENTARY FILM)

Furgal, Chris1, E Dewailly2, V. Boulet3, B. Carrier, Chouinard3, THE OCEAN TRACKING NETWORK: A GLOBAL P. Rouja4, R. Laing5, T. Sheldon5 and the Community of Nain, SYSTEM TO QUANTIFY AND TRACK THE Nunatsiavut MOVEMENT OF MARINE ANIMALS AND THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL CORRELATES 1 Indigenous Environmental Studies Program, Nasivvik Centre, Trent University Fisk, Aaron T.1 (afi [email protected]), N.E. Hussey1, S. Vagle2, 2 Axe Santé Publique et Pratiques Optimales en Santé, Centre de S. Ferguson3, T. Dick4, J. Matley4, F. Whoriskey5 and S. Iverson5 Recherche du CHUQ, Nasivvik Centre Université Laval 3 FOLICKA Films 1 Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University 4 Department of Conservation Services, Government of of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, N9B 3P4 Bermuda 2 Institute of Ocean Sciences, DFO, Victoria, British Columbia, 5 Environment Division, Nunatsiavut Government V8L 4B2 20 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

3 Freshwater Institute, DFO, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N6 Island near Scott Inlet, and planned arrays in Eclipse Sound, 4 Biology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, northern Labrador and Ungava Bay. Th ese arctic arrays support R3T 2N6 research on arctic cod, sculpin, Arctic charr, Greenland halibut, 5 Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2 Greenland sharks, arctic skates, and associated marine mammal (ringed seals, bowhead and killer whales) and oceanographic With environmental change and increased anthropogenic studies. Th is presentation will introduce the OTN mission and impacts in the arctic marine ecosystems, the need to quantify infrastructure, summarize current achievements by arctic OTN regional and global movement of arctic animals has become researchers, and discuss the potential for collaborations and critical. Rapidly warming temperatures and associated receding development of animal movement studies in polar oceans. ice has created new opportunities for commercial fi shing, global shipping, resource extraction, and the movement of temperate species to higher latitudes. Th e ice and harsh temperatures FOOD SUBSIDIES RATHER THAN CLIMATE that protected the fragile arctic ecosystem from development WARMING AS A TRIGGER FOR RED FOX RANGE also limited research, and very little is known about polar EXPANSION IN THE ARCTIC marine animal movements and how these are infl uenced by environmental conditions and trophic interactions. New Gallant, Daniel1 ([email protected]), N. Lecomte2 and telemetry technologies (acoustic and satellite) are permitting D. Berteaux1 investigators to understand where aquatic animals move and 1 Canada Research Chair on Northern Biodiversity and how they interact, and the relationship of both to oceanographic Centre d’études nordiques, Département de biologie, chimie and climate variables. Th e Ocean Tracking Network (OTN) et géographie, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, is a recent global infrastructure and research project funded Québec, G5L 3A1 by the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) and the 2 Canada Research Chair in Polar and Boreal Ecology, Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC), Département de biologie, Université de Moncton, Moncton, respectively, that utilizes telemetry, along with autonomous New Brunswick, E1A 3E9 vehicles and oceanographic pods to measure environmental conditions, for documenting the movements, survival, and Range shifts and expansions are seen as nearly universal habitat use of animals, and how environmental conditions responses of plants and animals to climate warming. Th e arrival aff ect them. Th e seamless compatibility of the equipment used of new species in arctic ecosystems can have various impacts on means that animals tagged by one investigator can be detected species that are endemic to the Arctic. Th ese undergoing changes by the receivers of other investigators thousands of km away, represent a formidable problem for the Arctic, and elucidating and investigators have access to data detections of their tagged their cause and eff ect constitute research priorities in our time. animals for free. OTN maintains a secure database (>53 million During the fi rst part of the 20th century, the red fox (Vulpes detection records and growing) that provides a resource to the vulpes) expanded its distribution over thousands of kilometers science community for comparative studies and to document into the arctic tundra. In doing so, it increased its overlap with changes in species movement patterns over time in the face of the arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus), with which it competes for food changing environmental conditions. Vertebrates or invertebrates and shelter. More than twenty years ago, Hersteinsson and that are 5 cm long or larger can carry tags, which work in Macdonald published an infl uential paper, which associated the fresh and salt water, can be fi tted with environmental sensors red fox expansion with 20th century climate warming (Oikos (temperature, depth, accelerometry, etc.), and larger sizes can 64:505-515). Th is association has been made by many others communicate for more than 10 years. since then, but such attribution remains diffi cult to prove. We OTN is guided by an international science plan, and assembled and analysed historical fur harvest data from the currently involves more than 400 investigators and students. Canadian Arctic to evaluate various potential causes behind Open access to OTN infrastructure is provided to Canadian the red fox expansion. We considered three competing, but not and international investigators. OTN’s infrastructure and mutually exclusive hypotheses that were based on Hersteinsson logistics are always open to collaborations in support of other and Macdonald’s idea that food availability historically researchers working in the Arctic. OTN is built on sharing data, limited the presence of the red fox in the Arctic: 1) warming operations and maintenance, and draws scientists and partners summers caused the red fox expansion by increasing ecosystem from academia, government, the private sector, NGO’s, and productivity, 2) warming winters caused the red fox expansion individuals. by alleviating thermal stress and thus energy requirements, and OTN at present is active in the central and eastern 3) the appearance of sedentary human populations caused the Canadian arctic, with current acoustic receiver arrays in red fox expansion by increasing the availability of food subsidies Lancaster Sound, Dease Strait and off the east coast of Baffi n to foxes. We compared the performance of various statistical 21 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

models to identify the most important factors describing and borehole temperature records, are being made available via temporal trends in the importance of red fox relative to arctic the digital object identifi er (DOI)-referenced, open access data fox in commercial fur harvests at 14 trading posts scattered in publication series Nordicana D. ADAPT runs from 2011 to the Arctic. Both summer and winter climate variables performed 2016. poorly. Th e most important factor was human presence, as represented by the number of community-years accumulated around trading posts. Th e red fox expansion, having occurred THE CONTINENTAL SHELF PROJECT OF THE mostly during the fi rst half of the 20th century, probably was KINGDOM OF DENMARK - COOPERATION WITH not associated with the sustained warming trend observed in the CANADA Arctic over the last four decades. Human presence in the Arctic Marcussen, Christian ([email protected]) needs to be considered alongside climate change, as another major factor impacting northern ecosystems. Department of Geophysics, Geological Survey of Denamrk and Greenland (GEUS)

ADAPTING TO PERMAFROST CHANGE IN THE Around Greenland there are three potential areas for ARCTIC extending the outer limits of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles. Th e Danish/Greenland submission for the area Henry, Greg ([email protected]) and the ADAPT Discovery off South Greenland was send to the CLCS in June of 2012, Frontiers project team the submission for the area off North-East Greenland will be Tundra Ecology Lab, Department of Geography, University of fi nalized in November 2013 and the submission for the Arctic British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2 Ocean at the end of 2014. In order to acquire, interpret and document the necessary Permafrost is a defi ning feature of the circumpolar north, data for a submission to the UN Commission on the Limits of and with climate change already aff ecting its range and behavior, the Continental Shelf (CLCS) Denmark has cooperated with understanding the fate of northern environments is a pressing the other four Arctic coastal states as well as other countries. concern. Th e Canadian Arctic Development and Adaptation Cooperation with Canada has been very close both in the to Permafrost in Transition (ADAPT) project is bringing Labrador Sea and in the Arctic Ocean and has made it possible together researchers from within and outside Canada to study to meet the very challenging task to collect the necessary data the mechanisms and consequences of permafrost degradation in eastern part of the Arctic Ocean. Based on a Memorandum and to incorporate this information within an interdisciplinary of Understanding (of June 2005) more than eight joint data systems framework. ADAPT places emphasis on identifying acquisition projects have been carried out since 2006. Benefi ts the critical places and periods of rapid change in permafrost of this cooperation are cost sharing, sharing of expertise and and snow characteristics that have amplifi ed eff ects on the logistics, exchange of data, joint reports and joint scientifi c Arctic’s natural infrastructure and on its ability to provide papers leading to better founded submissions. geosystem and ecosystem services. Aspects of this research are in collaboration with the European Seventh Framework project Changing Permafrost in the Arctic and its Global Eff ects in CANADA’S SUBMISSION TO THE CLCS AND THE the 21st Century (PAGE21). Th e individual studies are all ARCTIC NEIGHBOURS linked to an overarching hypothesis that liquid water and snow cover control heat, sediment, carbon, and microbial transport McDorman, Ted L. ([email protected]) and thereby aff ect thermodynamic stability, geomorphological Faculty of Law, University of Victoria, Victoria, British processes, and the ecology, biogeochemistry, and human use Columbia of permafrost landscapes. Th e ADAPT approach is based on a conceptual model of the permafrost system as three layers and Th e submission by Canada to the Commission on the two interfaces. Th is conceptual model is being applied at 15 sites Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) of its outer limits of across northern Canada, to develop statistical and numerical the continental shelf in the Arctic Ocean will engage directly or models that represent permafrost behavior at multiple space indirectly Denmark (Greenland), the Russian Federation and and time scales, including downstream eff ects on connected the United States. environments. A set of standardized methods for permafrost Th is presentation will provide some commentary on the characterization and data compilation has been developed to relevant parts of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the provide inputs to these regional models and to help integrate CLCS Rules of Procedure and the developing State practice that across sites. Th e regional data sets, along with continuous air deal with submissions and neighbouring States. 22 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Depending on the content of the Executive Summary HOUSING CONDITIONS AND HEALTH IN THE of Canada’s submission, it may possible to provide some ARCTIC commentary of the apparent situation between Canada and its Riva, Mylène1,2 ([email protected]), Arctic Ocean neighbours. P. Plusquellec3,4, R-P. Juster3,5, E.A. Laouan-Sidi1, B. Abdous1,2, M. Lucas1,2, S. Dery6 and E. Dewailly1,2

1 SPACE SOLUTIONS FOR THE ARCTIC Axe Santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Québec, G1V 2M2 Natynczyk, Walter J. 2 Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval, Québec, G1V 0A6 Canadian Space Agency 3 Centre d’étude sur le stress humain, Centre de recherche Fernand-Seguin, Hôpital Louis-H. Lafontaine, Montréal, Space activities are part of our nation’s strategic Québec, H1N 3V2 infrastructure and have become critical for developing a strong 4 École de Psychoéducation, Université de Montréal, Montréal, economy. Th ey play a vital role in Canada’s security, also helping Québec, H3C 3J7 the Government of Canada to act in the areas of stewardship, 5 Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill resource management and sovereignty over our northern University, Montréal, Québec, H3A 0G4 regions, and eff ectively linking the North to the rest of Canada 6 Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services, Kuujjuaq, Québec, J0M 1C0

Background: Housing is a fundamental human right MULTILATERAL CODE TO GOVERN ARCTIC OFFSHORE RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT and an important determinant of health. In the Arctic, the housing shortage and inadequate housing conditions are Riddell-Dixon, Elizabeth ([email protected]) reaching alarming levels. In 2006, 49% of the population in Nunavik reported living in overcrowded houses and 46% Department of Political Science, Western University, London, in houses requiring major repairs, compared to 3% and Ontario, N6A 3K7 7% respectively for non-Aboriginal Canadians. Inadequate A multilateral code to govern Arctic off shore resource housing conditions are compromising public health in the development is needed to protect the fragile environment, Arctic. Household crowding has been associated, for example, to ensure that off shore mining and drilling operations off er with respiratory diseases, especially among children; high meaningful participation and signifi cant, long-term benefi ts rates and transmission of tuberculosis; psychological distress; to Arctic peoples, and to promote the orderly and peaceful violence; child development. Living in overcrowded dwellings development of resources. Oil, gas and mineral deposits are may further endanger health through chronic stress-related nonrenewable. Th eir exploitation has the potential to cause processes. Despite housing conditions being identifi ed as a key severe environmental damage and irreparable harm to the determinant of health, their role in the expression of health and economic and cultural well-being of Aboriginal peoples. At the health inequalities has seldom been investigated among Inuit same time, resource development has the potential to provide populations. much needed employment and funds to address the myriad of Objective: In this presentation, the housing situation in social and economic problems facing the North. A multilateral the Arctic and the repercussions on people’s and communities’ code is essential to maximizing the advantages and minimizing health and well-being will fi rst be discussed. Th en, using data the risks of off shore resource development. Some deposits span from health surveys conducted in Nunavik and Greenland, the infl uence of household crowding on chronic stress and international borders, while others lie in close proximity to psychosocial health will be presented, with a focus on diff erential maritime boundaries; hence activities within one jurisdiction health impacts for Inuit men and women. Methods: Data aff ect neighbouring states. Without an agreement among on health, housing and socioeconomic information are from Arctic countries on regulations to manage off shore resource the 2004 Nunavik Inuit Health Survey and the 2005-2010 exploitation, operations may degenerate into a race for the Greenland Inuit Health in Transition Survey. Th ese surveys lowest common denominator (e.g., how can country A produce combine health, socio-demographic and housing information more cheaply than country B and hence have the competitive collected using clinical procedures and questionnaires. edge?) Chronic stress is measured using an index of allostatic load (AL) representing the multi-systemic biological ‘wear and tear’ of chronic stress. Psychosocial health is measured using indicators of mental well-being. Household crowding is defi ned 23 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

by the number of people per room. A household considered Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP), a overcrowded when there is more than one person per room. Working Group under the Arctic Council, in collaboration with Results: For participants in these studies, household other Working Groups, international scientifi c organizations and size ranged from one to 14 individuals in Nunavik and from ArcticNet within Canada. It will be completed by 2017 with one to 18 people in Greenland. About 40% and 20% of the interim deliverables in 2015. participants lived in overcrowded dwellings in Nunavik and Key Components of the work to include: Integrated Greenland respectively. Th e risk of chronic stress, measured by Assessments in 3 pilot regions of the circumpolar Arctic, built the AL index, was signifi cantly higher among Nunavimmiut on the IRIS model; Stakeholder consultations with emphasis living in overcrowded dwellings, and more so among women on involving Permanent Participants (Arctic Indigenous Peoples compared to men. Signifi cant psychosocial health inequalities organizations), and cooperating with other Arctic Council associated with household crowding were observed among Working Groups, international scientifi c organizations well as Greenlandic Inuit. Th e risk of poorer mental well-being was with local and regional authorities and stakeholders; stakeholder signifi cantly higher among people, and especially among engagement is particularly important for improving the women, living in more crowded households. Conclusions: information basis for decision-making; Th e regional integrated Housing conditions are a critical public health issue in many reports are the core of the project; priority setting of the main Inuit communities that must be investigated further to inform issues and drivers of change in the diff erent regions will be healthy and sustainable housing strategies. Cohort studies and governed by regional needs in a bottom-up process built on the population health intervention research are needed to better process used by ArcticNet’s IRISes; Common methodologies understand how housing conditions, and changes in housing and a common framework for analysis are needed for conditions, infl uence health and well-being over the life course. application to the studies in all three regional pilot areas; Unequal housing conditions are linked to health inequalities From a Canadian perspective, the ArcticNet IRIS between people and between communities in the Arctic. initiative is being used as a model but is also seen as a signifi cant Specifi cally, people living in overcrowded conditions are more contributor to 2 of the selected 3 pilot regions (i.e., Beaufort/ likely to exhibit physiological responses to chronic stress and Chukchi/Bering - IRIS I region and Baffi n Bay/Davis Strait - poorer psychosocial health, compared to those living in less IRIS 2 & IRIS 4 regions). crowded conditions. Women seem to be particularly vulnerable Federal science programs such as the Canadian CHARS to crowded living. Redressing the housing situation is a priority (Blueprint dealing with Changing Cryosphere), BREA and for improving and sustaining good physical and psychosocial NCP programs have also indicated willingness to contribute to health in the Arctic. Th is will require cross-sectorial action, the AACA initiative. and coordination, within and between administrations and Th e fi rst AACA planning/scoping workshop was held in governments. Quebec City, 8-9 October 2013 with 6 Arctic States and PP organizations represented. Dr. Martin Fortier (Executive Director of ArcticNet) is ARCTICNET’S IRISES USED AS A MODEL TO GUIDE Canada’s Representative on the Integration Team and on the THE ARCTIC COUNCIL’S AACA INITIATIVE Regional Implementation Team for Davis Strait/Baffi n Bay Shearer, Russel region. Additional Canadian experts from ArcticNet, Indigenous Peoples organizations, territorial and federal governments will Northern Science and Contaminants Research Directorate, be nominated to participate on the 2 Regional Implementation Aboriginal Aff airs and Northern Development Canada Teams that involve Canada (i.e. Davis Strait/Baffi n Bay and Chukchi/Bering/Beaufort Sea regions). A new initiative is being undertaken by the Arctic Council Next steps include conducting regional workshops to be and ArcticNet’s IRISes will play a key role. Th e Adaptation held in December 2013 (Barents Sea) and early-mid 2014 for Actions for a Changing Arctic (AACA) initiative’s overarching other 3 regions. goal is to enable more informed, timely and responsive policy and decision-making related to adaptation actions in a rapidly changing Arctic. AACA deliverables include Arctic-focused climate and integrated environmental frameworks/models that can improve predictions of climate change and other relevant drivers of Arctic change. Th is would support the goal of obtaining better predictions to inform the development and implementation of adaptation actions by Arctic Council members and Permanent Participants. Th is work is led by the 24 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

FUTURE DIRECTIONS IN RESEARCH IN INUIT in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Second, the restless EDUCATION PLENARY SESSION sea reality will be described with three unsettled governance dimensions standing out: - Surging suggestions from academics, Simon, Mary NGOs and others for strengthening CAO governance National Committee on Inuit Education, Inuit Tapiriit arrangements. Proposals having yet to achieve political saliency Kanatami, Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5E7 include establishment of a new regional fi sheries or oceans management organization, jurisdictional extension of the Future Directions in Research in Inuit Education North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission, and negotiation Plenary Session Abstract Mary Simon Research in Inuit of a regional seas convention with protocols. - Continuing education presents a singularly unique opportunity to pursue uncertainty over the role of the Arctic Council. Th e Council research excellence using methodologies that are informed by in its May 2013 Arctic Ocean Review (AOR) Report did Indigenous standards for research. Building on the successes address future governance of fi sheries resources beyond national of the Roundtable on Research in Inuit Education held during jurisdiction but only gave a general and vague recommendation. the 2012 ArcticNet Annual Scientifi c Meeting and the 1st Recommendation 10 called for management to be “based on Forum on Research in Inuit Education held in Iqaluit, Nunavut cooperation on accordance with international law to ensure long in February 2013, the Amaujaq National Centre for Inuit term sustainability of fi sh stocks and ecosystems”. - Evolving Education and Inuit Qaujisarvingat: Inuit Knowledge Centre at but unresolved eff orts of the fi ve Arctic coastal States (Arctic 5). Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami will convene a plenary session on Future At a meeting of representatives of the Arctic 5 in Washington, Directions in Inuit Education Research. Th is plenary will be DC, April 29-May 1, 2013, to discuss future Arctic fi sheries in given by National Committee on Inuit Education Chairperson, the CAO, various points were agreed upon, such as the present Mary Simon, who will present on the results of Roundtable and lack of a need for any additional regional fi sheries management Forum, and the important conversations this work has opened organization (RFMO) or RFMOs for the area; the desirability of about re-balancing the research agenda and principles for Inuit developing interim measures; the need for improving scientifi c education. Ms. Simon will also speak to the research priorities, understanding; and the appropriateness of the Arctic 5 to take successes and gaps across Inuit Nunangat. Th is Plenary Session the initiative on this front. Various issues remain to be resolved will be complemented by an Inuit Research in Education including how to impose interim measures, and how to engage Roundtable Session at this ASM. Th ese sessions will be of great Arctic indigenous peoples and other interested States in future interest to those pursuing Inuit education research, enabling discussions. Denmark has off ered to host a further policy participants to contribute to the future of research on Inuit meeting of the Arctic 5 before the end of the 2013. Education.

MESSAGES FROM THE FAR NORTH: GOVERNANCE OF THE ARCTIC OCEAN BEYOND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE AT NUNAVUT’S NATIONAL JURISDICTION: COOPERATIVE NORTHERN COAST CURRENTS, RESTLESS SEA Vincent, Warwick1,2 ([email protected]) and VanderZwaag, David ([email protected]) D. Sarrazin1

Marine & Environmental Law Institute, Schulich School of 1 Centre d’études nordiques (CEN), Université Laval, Québec, Law, Dalhousie University, 6061 University Avenue, PO Box Québec, G1V 0A6 15000, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2 2 Takuvik Joint International Laboratory & Département de biologie, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6 With melting of the sea ice in the central Arctic Ocean (CAO) reaching record proportions in September 2012, the One of the features of the Polar Regions is their strong adequacy of existing governance arrangements to manage future response to year-to-year variations in climate. Our ArcticNet human uses of the high seas water column is increasingly being study ‘Northern Ellesmere Island in the Global Environment’ questioned. Th is presentation will explore governance realities (NEIGE, core-funded by NSERC, with logistic support from and potentialities through two images. First, cooperative PCSP) has allowed us to track these variations over the last currents will be reviewed, that is, existing international decade at the northern limit of Nunavut: Ward Hunt Island agreements relevant to Arctic marine living resources protection and vicinity, along the northern coast of Ellesmere Island. with the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention (LOSC) being Much of this area lies within the Canadian national park central. Th e Convention establishes an overall framework for Quttinirpaaq (‘Top of the World’ in Inuktitut), at latitude international cooperation in conserving living marine resources 83°N, about 1000 km north of Resolute Bay. Th e fi eld station 25 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

and automated environmental monitoring instruments are OPPORTUNITIES FOR CANADIAN CONTRIBUTIONS part of the CEN Network of northern observing stations, TO THE GLOBAL CRYOSPHERE WATCH (GCW) which in turn is a component of the INTERACT circumpolar PROGRAM network of terrestrial fi eld stations (www.eu-interact.org). Walker, Anne ([email protected]) Th is site is also the northernmost location for activities in the NSERC Discovery Frontiers project ‘Arctic Development and Climate Research Division, Environment Canada, Toronto, Adaptation to Permafrost in Transition’ (ADAPT), and research Ontario, M3H 5T4 and monitoring protocols are being applied in coordination with related permafrost studies across the Canadian North. Diminishing snow and ice cover due to a warming climate Th ese data, as well as all of our ArcticNet monitoring is an issue of global concern. Snow and ice are dominant records, are being made available through a new open-access features of the Canadian Arctic landscape, and recent observed changes in the cryosphere (seasonal snow cover, sea ice, lake data publication series, Nordicana D (www.cen.ulaval.ca/ and river ice, permafrost and seasonally frozen ground, ice caps nordicanad/), cross-referenced in the Polar Data Catalogue. and glaciers) are having wide-ranging impacts on the health Diverse types of aquatic ecosystems occur along this and well-being of northern communities, socio-economic northern coastline: bays, fj ords, lakes, lagoons, meltponds, activities, marine transportation, tourism, and wildlife. Access wetlands, water-tracks, and glacier-fed rivers and streams. Th e to up-to-date information, observations and data sets on the structure and functioning of all of these marine and freshwater state of the cryosphere in Canada and how it is changing is ecosystems are highly dependent on ice conditions, and our critical in order to meet a range of user needs and for making observations have shown that strong trends with abrupt, decisions regarding adaptation to a changing climate. In June discontinuous changes are superimposed on the year-to-year 2011, the World Meteorological Organization Sixteenth variability. Perennially ice-covered Ward Hunt Lake completely Congress approved a resolution for the development of a Global lost its thick ice cover in 2011 and 2012 (M. Paquette et al. Cryosphere Watch (GCW) to provide “the framework for 2013), and a series of saline lakes along the Ellesmere Island reliable, comprehensive, sustained observing of the cryosphere coast showed evidence of wind-induced mixing and biological through a coordinated and integrated approach on national change in response to the unusual loss of ice cover in 2008 and to global scales and deliver quality-assured global and regional subsequent summers. Our monitoring at Milne Fjord indicates a products and services” (GCW Implementation Strategy, 2011). rapid thinning of its thick ice shelf, and in 2012 our automated Th e development of new cryosphere observations, monitoring camera (two images recorded per day, downloaded in July 2013) and modeling capabilities achieved through recent initiatives captured the fi nal collapse and breakout of the Ward Hunt such as International Polar Year can form a good foundation Ice Shelf, and the full opening of Disraeli Fjord to the Arctic for Canadian contributions to GCW. Th e objective of this Ocean, perhaps for the fi rst time in millennia. In 2013, we presentation is to inform the ArcticNet science community also discovered a cairn installed in a coastal river valley by an about GCW, provide examples of potential Canadian American research team in 1959 to mark the extent of a glacier, contributions, and encourage broader engagement in the and our re-measurements at this site underscore the scale of development of some visible, innovative and sustainable GCW glacial retreat over the last 54 years. contributions to meet both user needs in Canada and enhance Th e latest climate projections published by the the global eff ort. International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC 2013) reinforce with greater certainty the likely warming and precipitation changes that may take place globally over the coming decades, MOVING FORWARD – THE CANADIAN HIGH particularly if greenhouse gas emissions continue unabated. As ARCTIC RESEARCH STATION in previous reports, the most extreme warming is projected to Labonté, Danielle ([email protected]) and take place in the far North. Th e Ward Hunt Island region, at the N. Xenos northern tip of North America, will continue to be a strategic location to track the magnitude and pace of this ongoing Northern Policy and Science Integration Branch, Aboriginal planetary change. Aff airs and Northern Development Canada, Gatineau, Québec, K1A 0H4

Th e Government of Canada’s Northern Strategy is helping to address the opportunities and challenges that exist in the North. Building a “world-class Arctic research station that will be on the cutting edge of Arctic issues”, is a signature deliverable of the Strategy. 26 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Th e Canadian High Arctic Research Station, currently in the design phase, will provide a world-class hub for science and technology in Canada’s North. It will complement and anchor the network of smaller regional facilities across the North. Th e Station will provide a suite of science and technology services, including a technology development centre, a knowledge- sharing space and advanced laboratories, as well as spaces for public use to support outreach activities and community integration. Th e CHARS’ mandate will be achieved through fi ve-year plans. Th e Science and Technology Plan for 2014/15 through 2018/19 is the fi rst of these. It outlines the fi ve priority areas on which the CHARS’ Science and Technology Program will focus initially. Th e priorities targeted during this fi rst program cycle will be phased in gradually as CHARS builds towards its full operating capacity in 2018/19.

27 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

ORAL ABSTRACTS

AULLAK, SANGILIVALLIANGINNATUK (GOING evaluation capacity for monitoring such community-based OFF, GROWING STRONG): AN OUTREACH health interventions. PROGRAM TO ENHANCE YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH BY SUPPORTING SOCIAL AND CULTURAL CONNECTIONS WHILE IMPROVING FOOD MILLIE’S DREAM: LANGUAGE REVITALIZATION IN SECURITY STATUS THE KITIKMEOT REGION OF NUNAVUT 1 Angnatok, Dorothy ([email protected]), Arnaquq, Naullaq1 ([email protected]), M. Kuliktana1, C. Pamak1, K. Winters1, R. Hirsch2, T. Sheldon1, C. Furgal2 M. Sandiford2, F. Walton1 and K. Wheatley1 and T. Bell3 1 Faculty of Education, University of Prince Edward Island, 1 Department of Lands and Natural Resources, Nunatsiavut Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3 Government, Nain, Nunatsiavut, A0P 1L0 2 Beachwalker Films, Charlottetown, PE C1A 1K6 2 Health, Environment, and Indigenous Communities Research Group, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8 Th is presentation introduces a new ArcticNet research- 3 Department of Geography, Memorial University of based documentary video that highlights and honours the Newfoundland, St. John’s, A1B 3X9 contributions of Millie Qitupana Kuliktana, an Inuinnaqtun Aullak, sangilivallianginnatuk (Going off , Growing speaker who has dedicated her career to revitalizing Inuinnaqtun strong) is a program focused on bringing together youth in her home community of Kugluktuk and within the Kitikmeot and harvesters to enhance a community freezer program in Region of Nunavut. Th ough the numbers of fl uent Inuinnaqtun Nain, Nunatsiavut (the Inuit land claims region of northern speakers is dwindling, the language is still spoken in varying Labrador). Th e program responds to priorities in Nunatsiavut degrees by Elders and members of the adult population and is while addressing outcomes of the Inuit Health Survey and is an heard in homes, communities and on the land in the Region. In example of real-time action-oriented research that can generate the documentary, Millie speaks passionately about her language knowledge while simultaneously improving quality of life in which is now in danger of being lost. An educator and language northern communities. Th e overall goal of “Going Off , Growing advocate, Millie has worked hard for over 30 years to maintain Strong” is to help build the resiliency of a group of youth in the Inuinnaqtun, completing both the Certifi cate in Language face of widespread social, environmental, and cultural change. Revitalization at the University of Victoria and the Nunavut Th is pilot project is about building connections (social and Master of Education off ered by the University of Prince Edward environmental) and evaluating the success of a community Island (UPEI) in order to increase her knowledge related to freezer and pilot youth outreach program that aims to enhance the retention of the language. She has also led initiatives to the mental, physical, and spiritual health of a group of youth educate Elders to become teachers of the language. In spite through intensive, long-term engagement and programming. of health challenges, Millie’s eff orts continue to command Th e fi rst group of ten youth started the program in March 2012 respect and inspire others interested in addressing the challenge and completed the program in August 2013 becoming Junior of Inuinnaqtun revitalization in the Kitikmeot Region. Th is Harvesters. Program evaluation and refl ection is currently being documentary video shares Millie’s vision and passion and is carried out together with program staff and a community-based based on interviews conducted with Millie and her sister Edna steering committee. Preliminary fi ndings from youth surveys Elias. Coordinated, designed, scripted and narrated by Naullaq indicate that they believe they are building the skills and gaining Arnaquq, PhD student in Educational Studies at (UPEI) the knowledge necessary to go off on the land. Program staff and produced by Gemini Award-winning fi lmmaker, Mark and steering committee members report that the mental health Sandiford, this documentary provides valuable research fi ndings and social connectedness of the youth has also increased. Th e related to language revitalization in the Kitikmeot Region. program model has now expanded into a second Nunatsiavut community (Hopedale), while a second cohort has been engaged in Nain. We off er our refl ections on the process, successes, challenges, and possible next steps in implementing programs at the immediate downstream end of large-scale research endeavours, such as the Inuit Health Survey, while building 28 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

KANGIDLUASUK STUDENT PROGRAM: CRITICAL skills or preferences are prior to landing in the Torngats. It REFLECTIONS ON FIVE YEARS OF INUIT YOUTH also means that, coming out of the Program, youth are better OUTREACH, LEADERSHIP, AND EDUCATION equipped to fi nd opportunities in various fi elds of study, PROGRAMMING IN NUNATSIAVUT, LABRADOR academic pathways and careers. In fact, many KSP participants have endeavored into experiences and life pathways that they Arnold, Mandy1 ([email protected]), D. Angnatok1,2, C. Baikie1, T. Sheldon2, J. Rowell3 and G. Baikie3 never knew were possible before the program. Th rough their participation in the program, the majority of participants also 1 kANGIDLUASUk Student Program Inc., Nain, report a development or improvement in a variety of leadership Newfoundland and Labrador, A0P 1L0 and employability skills, as well as the confi dence and resilience 2 Nunatsiavut Government, Nain, Newfoundland and Labrador, to apply these skills. A0P 1L0 After fi ve years of implementation, we will refl ect on the 3 Parks Canada, Nain, Newfoundland and Labrador, A0P 1L0 impact, successes, challenges and opportunities in establishing Th e kANGIDLUASUk Student Program (KSP) has a non-profi t experiential outreach program based in the North provided dynamic leadership and education opportunities for for northerners. Th is will include perspectives from program Nunatsiavut and Nunavik Inuit youth over the past fi ve years alumni, staff , research partners, board members, and community at a remote base camp and research station located within the members. We will also highlight mutual partnerships that are Labrador Inuit homelands of Nunatsiavut. A legacy of ArticNet developing with the Nain Research Centre and other youth and IPY initiatives, KSP has evolved from an idea and vision outreach initiatives to maintain and expand on previous to an incorporated not-for-profi t entity creating high impact ArcticNet and IPY research and monitoring programs in programs for diverse groups of Nunatsiavut and Nunavik Inuit Nunatsiavut, and explore pathways to future expansion and youth in the Torngat Mountains of northern Labrador. sustainability for KSP. By off ering an intensive learning and leadership fi eld program at an Inuit Base Camp where Inuit youth are immersed in Arctic science and research programs, Inuit knowledge, CALIBRATED AND VALIDATED MODELS FOR LANDSCAPE-SCALE CO2 EXCHANGE RATES FOR skills, and customs, heritage resource conservation initiatives, CAPE BOUNTY, MELVILLE ISLAND, NU. USING HIGH leadership development, and outdoor adventure pursuits, the SPATIAL RESOLUTION IKONOS IMAGERY program is dedicated to providing experiences that expand minds, inspire new directions, foster connections, and build Atkinson, David M.1 ([email protected]), P. Treitz2 and capacity. Th e program also provides youth a chance to look F. Gregory2 north - instead of south - for these types of experiences, to the 1 Department of Geography, Ryerson University, Toronto, wonders and opportunities that are developing within their Ontario, M5B 2K3 homeland. 2 Department of Geography, Queen’s University, Kingston, Located at the southern boundary of Torngat Mountains Ontario K7L 3N6 National Park, a unique and central aspect of the Base Camp and Research station is that it is managed and run by local As a result of the warming observed at high latitudes, there Inuit. Th is has allowed KSP participants to experience scientifi c is signifi cant potential for the balance of ecosystem processes research and monitoring in their own cultural context, exploring to change; i.e., the balance between carbon sequestration questions and concerns about the natural environment through and respiration may be altered, giving rise to the release of the dual lens of science and Inuit culture, experience, and soil carbon through elevated ecosystem respiration. Gross knowledge. Th e Base Camp has also continued to grow into and ecosystem productivity (GEP) and ecosystem respiration (ER) incredibly unique and diverse gathering place, where researchers, vary in relation to the pattern of vegetation community type youth, elders, Parks Canada staff , artists, musicians, writers, and associated biophysical traits (e.g., percent cover, biomass, Inuit leaders, international tourists and even former Olympians, chlorophyll concentration, etc.). High spatial resolution remote live, learn, share and experience together. Th is has fostered sensing has the potential to model net ecosystem exchange connections to Inuit from diff erent regions of the Arctic, (NEE) and its component fl uxes, GEP and ER. For Cape to inspiring leaders and role models, to broad perspectives Bounty, Melville Island, we calibrate a model of daytime and world views, and creative outlets of communication and CO2 exchange rates in three major ecosystem types along a refl ection. natural moisture gradient that is independent of vegetation Th e diversity and intensity of the KSP experience is unlike composition, instead using the normalized diff erence vegetation any other, and allows youth participants to fi nd a niche for index (NDVI) as the sole independent variable. Th e model themselves within the program, whatever their apprehensions, is validated using independent imagery and fl ux data from 29 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

subsequent years. Th e spectral model explains between 42% and snowmelt-dominated lakes also have higher biodiversity and

95% of the variation within CO2 exchange rates. Th e spectral a greater abundance of warm-water adapted chironomid taxa. model does indicate a high level of functional convergence in Th e relative roles of hydrology, catchment vegetation, sediment ecosystem-level structure and function within Arctic landscapes. composition, and limnology on community structure of diatoms and chironomids were further analysed using variance partitioning analysis (VPA). Results show that gradients in AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH TO UNDERSTANDING sediment composition and catchment vegetation explained the BIOTIC RESPONSES TO MULTIPLE LANDSCAPE largest amount of variation for both diatom and chironomid GRADIENTS IN SHALLOW LAKES (OLD CROW assemblages. Gradients in limnology were more infl uential to FLATS, YT) the community structure of diatoms than chironomids, while the relative infl uence of specifi c gradients in hydrology on both Balasubramaniam, Ann1 ([email protected]), A.S. Medeiros2, K.W. Turner2,3, R.I. Hall1 and B.B. Wolfe2 biotic assemblages was muted due to collinearity with the other factors. Th ese analyses highlight the complexity of the interplay 1 Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, among multiple factors on biotic community structure and ON, N2L 3G1 potential non-linear responses to climate warming. 2 Department of Geography & Environmental Studies, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3C5 3 Department of Geography, Brock University, St. Catharines, PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY OF CUMBERLAND ON, L2S 3A1 SOUND, BAFFIN ISLAND

Th e Old Crow Flats (OCF), a Ramsar Wetland of Bedard, Jeannette1 ([email protected]), S. Vagle2, J. Klymak1 and International Importance, is a lake-rich thermokarst landscape B. Williams2 that spans broad inter-related gradients of catchment vegetation 1 and lake hydrological conditions. Prior research has identifi ed School of Earth and Ocean Science, University of Victoria, a strong infl uence of catchment vegetation and source water Victoria, British Columbia, V8W 2Y2 2 Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Institute of Ocean Sciences, inputs on lake water chemistry, but the relative roles of these Sidney, British Columbia, V8L 4B2 hydro-limnological gradients on aquatic biota remain unknown. Th is knowledge is needed to identify lake ecological responses Cumberland Sound, a key site of the Ocean Tracking to climate-induced environmental change. Here, we employ a Network Arctic Arena, forms a 250 km long by 80 km wide landscape-scale analysis of ~50 lakes in OCF to 1) determine embayment on Baffi n Island, Nunavut, with a ~300 m sill if diff erences in source water (snowmelt, rainfall) infl uence and deep pockets reaching greater than 1100 m. Th e deepest the composition of diatom and chironomid assemblages locations in the Sound are oxygenated, supporting several in surface sediments and 2) distinguish the relative roles of species of fi sh, implying a renewal process occurs. How this catchment vegetation, hydrology, water chemistry, and sediment water is renewed is the focus of this study. CTD casts were composition on biotic community structure. taken throughout the Sound in the summers of 2011 and 2012 Ordination by detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) including two cross-mouth transects, and a pair of moorings and cluster analysis showed that diatom and chironomid were deployed over 2011-2012. Nutrient samples were collected assemblages grouped according to diff erences in source water. throughout the Sound to a depth of 400 m to identify water Analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) pair-wise tests demonstrated mass origins. Th e temperature-salinity characteristics of the that the composition of diatom (R=0.33, p<0.001) and Sound from 2011 and 2012 show that the entire water column chironomid (R=0.13, p=0.002) assemblages diff er signifi cantly cooled and freshened over the year. However, the only local between lakes dominated by snowmelt versus rainfall, but deep-water renewal occurred from 13 to 16 November 2011 low R values suggest that factors other than source water also corresponding to strong winds blowing northwestward into the infl uence their distributions. Redundancy analysis (RDA) Sound. A few days later the Sound iced over. After this time, the of biotic assemblages constrained to catchment vegetation, water column continued, on average, to cool at all depths under water chemistry, and sediment composition suggests that co- the ice. Nitrate-phosphate ratios indicate water in the sound variation amongst all three factors exerts strong infl uence on contains ~40% Pacifi c water, which matches the ratios found biotic community structure. For example, lakes dominated by in Davis Strait upstream of Cumberland Sound. An arm of the snowmelt input were situated in catchments with woodland Baffi n Island Current (BIC) fl ows southward through Davis vegetation, had high concentrations of dissolved phosphorus Strait across the mouth of Cumberland Sound. When water and dissolved organic carbon, high sediment organic matter mass characteristics from within the Sound are compared to the content, and a high relative abundance of Eunotia taxa. Th ese BIC, the densest water in the Sound matches the water found 30 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

at 400 m in the BIC. Isopycnals from the 2012 cross-mouth of traditional Inuit lifestyle in all communities in the region and transects imply water fl ows into the Sound along the northern an important cultural activity in the mixed economy of ULM. coast and out along the southern coast following a geostrophic Winter sea ice travel connects communities at either end of Lake pattern. Cumberland Sound is not an isolated water body as a Melville and provides access to country foods. Lake Melville: portion of the BIC bends into the Sound, bringing nutrient- Avativut, Kanuittailinnivut aims to: 1) Measure - establish rich, oxygenated waters. baseline conditions for Inuit health, community well-being and ecosystem function/integrity in Lake Melville prior to any Lower Churchill development, 2) Model – better predict the LAKE MELVILLE - AVATIVUT, KANUITTAILINNIVUT impacts of hydroelectric development on Inuit and the Labrador (OUR ENVIRONMENT, OUR HEALTH): Inuit Settlement Area, and 3) Monitor - develop the science for UNDERSTANDING LOCAL IMPACTS WITHIN THE monitoring the downstream eff ects of hydroelectric development CONTEXT OF GLOBAL CHANGE on a subarctic estuary and coastal Inuit communities in the Bell, Trevor1 ([email protected]), T. Sheldon2, C. Furgal3, context of ongoing climate change impacts. We will discuss C. Legere1, R. Laing2, B. deYoung4, E. Demirov4, Z. Lu1, preliminary results and future steps of the research program, N. Belalov1, J. Finnis1, E. Sunderland5, A. Schartup5, including those related to mercury, sea ice, climate change, land R. Calder5, R. Mason6, P. Balcom6, K. Gosnell6, J. Hughes and resource and most importantly, Inuit health and wellbeing. 7 8 8 9 Clarke , Z.Z. Kuzyk , M. Kamula , J. Angnatok and the Lake Melville: Avativut, Kanuittailinnivut is a research initiative Communities of North West River, Rigolet, Goose Bay/Mud of ArcticNet’s Nunatsiavut Nuluak project. Lake

1 Department of Geography, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1B 3X9 STANDING ON UNSTABLE GROUND: GEOSCIENCE 2 Department of Lands and Natural Resources, Nunatsiavut MAPPING FOR PERMAFROST CHARACTERIZATION Government, Nain, Newfoundland and Labrador, A0P 1L0 IN YUKON, CANADA 3 Indigenous Environmental Studies Program, Trent University, Benkert, Bronwyn1 ([email protected]), F. Calmels1, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8 1 2 3 4 4 Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography, Memorial L.-P. Roy , S. Laxton , D. Fortier , A. Lewkowicz and 1 University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1B 3X7 L. Kinnear 5 Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of 1 Northern Climate ExChange, Yukon Research Centre, Yukon Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, College, Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1A 5K4 02215 2 Yukon Geological Survey, Government of Yukon, Whitehorse, 6 Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Canada, Y1A 1B5 Groton, Connecticut, 06340 3 Département de géographie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, 7 University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Quebec, H2V 2B8 E3B 9P8 4 8 University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2 Department of Geography, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, 9 Community of Nain, Nain, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, K1N 6N5 A0P 1L0 Climate change adaptation planning is becoming Lake Melville: Avativut, Kanuittailinnivut is a joint increasingly widespread in Yukon, where the impacts of a Nunatsiavut Government and Memorial University-led research warming climate are already having identifi able eff ects. Of and monitoring program to study the downstream eff ects of the particular concern in Yukon is the impact of climate change on proposed Lower Churchill project on Inuit community health permafrost, because the stability of infrastructure is intimately and well-being in the Lake Melville region. Most importantly, related to the stability of the surface upon which it is built. it does so within the context of changes due to global causes Th is presentation will describe research being conducted by and its goal is to be a model for cumulative impacts assessment the Northern Climate ExChange (part of the Yukon Research and understanding in the Canadian subarctic. Th e Labrador Centre at Yukon College) and its partners, characterizing Inuit Settlement Area includes the eastern two-thirds of Lake permafrost and examining its responses to climate change in the Melville. Rigolet, the southernmost Nunatsiavut community, context of built infrastructure in Yukon. is located at the Narrows where Lake Melville opens to the Many Yukon communities, particularly those within the Labrador Sea. Signifi cant numbers of Labrador Inuit and land discontinuous permafrost zone, have ground temperatures just claim benefi ciaries live in the two main communities of Upper below 0°C, making them particularly susceptible to permafrost Lake Melville (ULM) − Happy Valley-Goose Bay and North thaw under a changing climate. Permafrost thaw in these areas West River. Harvesting of country foods is a central component may aff ect the stability of built infrastructure, because degrading 31 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

permafrost can cause subsidence, loss of stability and increased assessments have been conducted for the Arctic region as a water content of supporting soils. Yukoners are expressing whole and for specifi c communities, providing information concerns about these impacts, particularly in relation to their for international and national assessments and for territorial roads and communities. We want to understand and prepare for managers. Missing, though, is an assessment of the geospatial permafrost-related impacts to our infrastructure, and to ensure distribution of coastal vulnerabilities within a community, the resiliency of our communities in response to a changing to guide decision-making at the local level. Th is study aimed climate. to create a method that would combine multiple forms, Th e Northern Climate ExChange is working with Yukon sources, and types of data and information following the First Nations, communities, government agencies and industries principles of integrated coastal zone management. A coastal to examine current and potential future permafrost conditions, vulnerability index based on 27 indicators of socioeconomic with the goal of contributing to informed decision-making and biophysical exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity was regarding adaptation planning and development. In Yukon developed, and through a case study of Tuktoyaktuk, NWT, communities, we are gathering and mapping geoscience data, 10 indicators of exposure-sensitivity were operationalized. Th is including landscape metrics, surfi cial geology, permafrost work demonstrates the opportunity for qualitative information conditions and hydrology. Along key transportation corridors, and quantitative data to be integrated to produce a more we are drilling and conducting electrical resistivity surveys holistic, detailed, and localized assessment of climate change to characterize existing permafrost conditions and help the vulnerabilities within communities. Using GIS, the distribution Yukon government develop appropriate maintenance and of these vulnerabilities can then be mapped to provide an easily repair strategies in response to anticipated permafrost thaw. understood product that can be disseminated to the general Projections of future climate variability (e.g., temperature, public. precipitation, freeze and thaw dates) for Yukon communities and transportation routes are used to identify potential future trajectories of change, and are interpreted in the context of our IRIS 1 - RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT contemporary understanding of Yukon’s permafrost conditions. Lockhart, Lyle1, M. Byers2, E. Cameron3, L.N. Harris1, As part of our research activities, we strive to include community S. Kittmer4, A. Keeling4, S. Blasco5 (Steve.Blasco@NRCan- members, students, outreach, and collaborative learning RNCan.gc.ca), F. Lasserre6, P.-L. Têtu6, R. Tallman3, J. Knopp7, opportunities, to ensure that the science we do is accessible, J. Reist6 and C. Southcott8 relevant and timely for Yukoners. Th is presentation will outline the research described above, 1 Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, including our methodology, fi ndings, challenges, successes, and Maniboba, R3T 2N6 2 approaches for translating science into action, beginning at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, community level. We recognize that other jurisdictions across V6T 1Z4 3 Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6 the North are also concerned about the impacts of climate 4 Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, change on permafrost and local infrastructure, and develop this A1B 3X9 presentation with the goal of strengthening our collective ability 5 NRCan, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, B2Y 4A2 to develop tools supporting appropriate, informed decision- 6 Université Laval, Quebec, Québec, G1V 0A6 making and adaptive capacity. 7 ISR-Community-Based Monitoring Program, Joint Secretariat- Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Inuvik, Northwest Territories, X0E 0T0 A METHOD FOR ASSESSING COASTAL 8 Lakehead University, Th under Bay, Ontario, P7B 5E1 VULNERABILITIES TO CLIMATE CHANGE WITHIN AN ARCTIC COMMUNITY: PILOT APPLICATION IN Marine and coastal areas of the Inuvialuit Settlement TUKTOYAKTUK, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES Region and the Kitikmeot Region contain known deposits of several non-renewable resources, notably metals, oil and gas, and Beveridge, Leah ([email protected]) diamonds. Resource extraction has been a key economic driver Marine Aff airs Program, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova in this and other parts of the North for generations. Future Scotia, B3H 4R2 development of regional resources, however, will depend on world commodity prices and on suitable agreements with the Climate change is posing challenges to the resilience owners of the resources, namely the local Inuit. Development of of communities throughout the world. Indigenous Arctic resources in the region is complicated by harsh climate, limited communities, by virtue of their biophysical and socioeconomic transportation and other infrastructure, isolation, and complex characteristics, are among the most vulnerable. Vulnerability governance. Currently, the main activities within the region are 32 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

exploration; there are no commercial production projects active Range (Western Yukon). An empirical statistical approach using at the moment. Th e potential for future resource production multiple logistic regression to model the current distribution is huge but it remains potential rather than actual. Climate of forest and alpine ecosystems was utilized. Th is approach change poses challenges both for extractive industries based on used data from the Yukon Forest Inventory database as the non-renewable resources and also for traditional Inuit activities dependent variable along with previously published models based on renewable resources. Th e main challenges for non- of permafrost probability, mean annual air temperature and renewable resource projects are in the stability of structures on potential incoming solar radiation as independent variables. land (buildings, roads, storage tanks, ports, pipelines etc.) due to Changes to both mean annual air temperature and permafrost the deterioration of permafrost. Construction and maintenance probability models according to IPCC warming scenarios of stable structures, including waste-disposal facilities, adds to were used to facilitate estimates of future treeline position and project costs. Climate warming also presents opportunities, identify areas particularly susceptible to change. In each of the among them a longer summer marine navigation season. It was three study areas the amount of alpine terrain is forecast to be thought that this longer season would result in more trans-Arctic reduced to nearly one quarter of the original alpine area by the shipping between Europe and Asia because the Arctic route is end of the observation period as treelines advance upwards of so much shorter. However, surveys of ship-owners indicate little several hundred meters. Landscape pattern analysis demonstrates interest in Arctic sea routes yet. Th e increases in ship traffi c will substantially increased fragmentation of alpine patches and be on routes serving Arctic communities and resource projects. reduced habitat connectivity as a result. Th is study is unique in We may anticipate an increase in cruise-based tourism, but that it serves to identify and quantify ecosystem changes across Arctic communities will have to invest in tourism infrastructure large areas of complex topography where the relation between if they want to attract these ships. Arctic fi sh resources have treeline position and variables other than air temperature is only not been surveyed adequately and so our ability to set catch marginally understood. Th e study serves as a methodological targets or even to detect changes in populations is compromised. proof of concept and provides a baseline for expanding both the Probably the hallmark of successful resource development spatial and temporal extents of modelling these systems. projects in these regions will be partnership arrangements between resource owners (the Inuit) and developers such that acceptable risks and benefi ts accrue to each. RECENT SHIFTS IN SOURCE WATERS OF SHALLOW SUBARCTIC LAKES: TOWARD WIDESPREAD DESICCATION?

SPATIAL MODELLING OF CLIMATE CHANGE Bouchard, Frédéric1,2 ([email protected]), EFFECTS ON TREELINE POSITION IN THREE K.W. Turner2,3, L.A. MacDonald4, C. Deakin2, H. White2, REGIONS OF THE YUKON N. Farquharson2, A.S. Medeiros2, B.B. Wolfe2, R.I. Hall4, R. Pienitz1 and T.W.D. Edwards5 Bonnaventure, Philip P.1,2 ([email protected]), 1 1 2 R. Danby , M. Boreux and A.G. Lewkowicz 1 Centre d’études nordiques (CEN) and département de géographie, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6 1 Department of Geography, Queen’s University. Kingston, 2 Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Wilfrid Ontario, K7L 3N6 Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3C5 2 Department of Geography, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, 3 Department of Geography, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, K1N 6N5 Ontario, L2S 3A1 4 It is widely hypothesized that treelines will advance Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1 in response to current and anticipated future temperature 5 Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University increases worldwide. Spatially explicit, landscape-scale forecasts of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1 of change are therefore a useful tool to help in the process of adaptation. Moreover, such models can also help elucidate the Northern lake-rich landscapes provide key habitat for myriad of additional variables infl uencing tree establishment wildlife and are utilized by local indigenous communities and survival in these environments. Th is study is aimed to for their natural resources. Abundant in these regions are examine how treeline position will be aff ected by warming as thermokarst (thaw) ponds and lakes, which are typically shallow climate change continues in the 21st century. Integrating facets and, in some cases, ephemeral. In these landscapes, spring of climatology, geomorphology and landscape ecology, we snowmelt is an important hydrological event that controls developed a model to forecast the potential expansion of forests many ecological and geomorphological processes, and off sets in three distinct regions of the southern Yukon including Faro evaporative losses from shallow lakes during summer. However, (central Yukon), Watson Lake (Eastern Yukon) and the Ruby climate models predict that snowfall will decrease at some 33 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

mid- and high-latitude regions, which will have associated Science Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences, Apatity, Russian hydroecological consequences. Federation Here, we use lakewater isotope data across gradients 9 Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of of terrestrial vegetation cover (open tundra to closed forest) Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E3 10 and topographic relief to identify lakes that are vulnerable to School of Environmental Studies, University of Victoria, desiccation under conditions of low snowmelt runoff in two Victoria, British Columbia, V8W 2Y2 of Canada’s largest lake-rich subarctic landscapes – Old Crow Th e fundamental climatic niche of many species is Flats, Yukon, and Hudson Bay Lowlands, Manitoba. Lakes shifting with global change. Th is phenomenon is occurring located in low-relief, open-tundra catchments displayed a pronouncedly in sub-arctic ecosystems, where recent warming systematic, positive off set in measured lakewater oxygen-isotope has been more dramatic than at lower latitudes. Th e sub-arctic composition relative to the longer time period represented by is largely defi ned by transitions from southerly to northerly those signatures archived in surface sediments (aquatic cellulose). ecosystems, predominantly by the shift from forest cover to We attribute this off set to a strong evaporative 18O-enrichment tundra. Th e current warming of summer air temperatures in response to lower-than-average snowmelt runoff in recent sub-arctic regions should lessen environmental constraints on years. Climate data revealed that several of our water sampling the northern distribution of boreal forest species. Th us, we campaigns were performed following winters of substantially would expect treeline regions to be undergoing structural and lower snowfall compared to the climate normals. Furthermore, positional changes, colonizing tundra ecosystems. However, some tundra lakes underwent near-complete desiccation during complex feedback systems in sub-arctic ecosystems result in mid-summer 2010 following a winter of very low snowfall. In variable responses of treeline species. Recent observations have one case, the paleolimnological record provides no evidence that documented range expansion, stand infi lling, no response, or such intervals of extremely dry conditions have occurred during the retraction of the treeline ecotone associated with warming the past ~200 years. temperatures across the circumboreal. One of the leading Th ese fi ndings fuel concerns that a decline in snow-cover explanations for a time lag between increasingly favourable extent could lead to widespread desiccation of shallow lakes environmental conditions and treeline expansion is reproductive in these regions, especially those located in low relief, open- limitations caused by low productivity or poor dispersal of seeds. tundra terrain. Such hydrological changes would have profound Our main goal was to assess the reproductive potential of the eff ects on wildlife habitat, carbon cycling, and other ecosystem dominant tree species at the treeline ecotone in the circumpolar processes. north. We predicted that seed production and viability would decrease with stand density across the treeline ecotone, and that both reproductive metrics would be correlated with climatic DOES SEXUAL REPRODUCTION LIMIT TREELINE ECOTONE EXPANSION IN THE CIRCUMPOLAR metrics. We sampled reproductive structures (cones and NORTH? catkins) and measured stand density in 13 regions around the circumpolar north, with study sites in Canada, Norway, Sweden, 1,2 3 Brown, Carissa D. ([email protected]), S. Boudreau , and Russia. We used mixed-modelling techniques to relate i) 3 4 5 G. Dufour Tremblay , K.A. Harper , G.H.R. Henry , seed production and ii) seed viability to regional climate, stand 6 7 8 6 L. Hermanutz , A. Hofgaard , L. Isaeva , R.G. Jameson , structure, and species-specifi c characteristics. Th e availability of G.P. Kershaw9, S.D. Mamet2,9, A.J. Trant6,10, X. Walker2,5 and viable seed, not seed production, constrains treeline expansion J.F. Johnstone2 in the circumpolar north. Two general patterns were detected: 1 Department of Geography, Memorial University, St. John’s, 1) seed production per cone decreased from forest to tundra; Newfoundland and Labrador, A1B 3X9 and 2) high seed production in a region did not necessarily 2 Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, result in a large number of viable seed available for recruitment. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5E2 Our broad geographic approach revealed both biotic and 3 Centre d’études nordiques, département de biologie, abiotic factors driving these patterns. Reproductive potential Université Laval, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6 of circumpolar tree populations was closely tied to favourable 4 School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie climatic conditions; however, biotic constraints in the form of University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2 pollen limitation and pre-dispersal seed predation outweighed 5 Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z2 the favourable conditions created warmer air temperatures 6 Department of Biology, Memorial University, St. John’s, in some regions, thereby limiting the amount of viable Newfoundland and Labrador, A1B 3X9 seed available for expansion. Predictions of treeline ecotone 7 Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Trondheim, Norway expansion with climate change will improve with further 8 Institute of the Industrial Ecology of the North, Kola quantifi cation of the species-specifi c relationships between 34 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

climate and embryo maturation, a better understanding of how of relatively short duration and are aff ected by a range of seed predators and herbivores limit reproduction at treeline, and issues including inter-sensor calibration, frequent cloud cover, further investigation into the next steps to colonization: seed technological bias, and uncertainty in retrieval algorithms. germination and survival in tundra habitats. Likewise, climate model projections of future changes in snow cover do not take account of important Arctic snow processes such as blowing snow, wind slab, and depth hoar formation, IRIS 1 - CHARACTERIZING VARIABILITY AND and ignore potentially important feedbacks to snow cover CHANGE IN THE TERRESTRIAL CLIMATE from Arctic “green-up”. Th is talk will look at current observing systems and their ability to provide information on changing Brown, Ross1 ([email protected]), C. Barrette2, M. Rapaic3 and M. Markovic3 snow cover conditions in the Arctic as well as the magnitude and uncertainties in projected changes in snow cover from CMIP5 1 Environment Canada, Climate Processes Section @ Ouranos, generation climate models. 550 Sherbrooke St. West, 19th Floor, Montréal, Québec, H3A 1B9 2 Centres d’études nordiques, Université Laval, Québec, PERCEPTIONS OF THE CAUSES AND CURES Québec, G1V 0A6 SURROUNDING ACUTE GASTROINTESTINAL 3 Ouranos consortium, 550 Sherbrooke St. West, 19th Floor, ILLNESS AMONG RESIDENTS OF IQALUIT, Montréal, Québec, H3A 1B9 NUNAVUT

Th e IRIS-1 region covers a vast domain extending across Bunce, Anna1 ([email protected]), S. Harper2 and J. Ford3 the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, the Kitikmeot and Kivalliq 1 regions and parts of Nunavut. Th is region’s environment Department of Geography, McGill University, Montreal, experiences a wide variety of cold climates including some of the Qubec, H3A 0B9 2 harshest conditions in North America. Information on current Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Vetrinary and projected changes in key climate variables over this region is College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontraio, N1G 2W1 3 Department of Geography, McGill University, Montreal, required for vulnerability and impact assessment in the IRIS-1 Qubec, H3A 0B9 process. Providing this information is a challenge as the region has sparse observing networks and the climate is characterized Background: According to a 2009 report by the Lancet by strong gradients and large interannual variability. Th is talk Commission, climate change is the biggest public health threat will provide a brief overview of some of the challenges and some we face in this century. As Arctic communities stand on the of the results of characterizing the changing terrestrial climate of frontline of climate change, policy makers, community leaders the IRIS-1 region. Th e focus will be mainly on terrestrial climate and community members are already noting changes to the variables: air and ground temperature, precipitation, and snow health of their communities. In Iqaluit, Nunavut there is cover. anecdotal evidence that the incidence of acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI) in Inuit communities is high. Th erefore, this study aimed to identify and document the lived-experience of VARIABILITY AND CHANGE IN ARCTIC SNOW AGI in Iqaluit. Specifi cally, we sought to develop an in-depth COVER understanding of community perceptions surrounding the Brown, Ross1 ([email protected]), C. Derksen2 and causes of and cures for acute gastrointestinal illness.Th is research L. Wang2 is a part of the multinational Indigenous Health Adaptation to Climate Change (IHACC) project. 1 Environment Canada, Climate Processes Section @ Ouranos, Methods: In March 2013, 52 in-depth semi-structured 550 Sherbrooke St. West, 19th Floor, Montréal, Québec, interviews were conducted with a range of Inuit and non- H3A 1B9 Inuit community members in Iqaluit, Nunavut. Data on AGI 2 Climate Processes Section, Climate Research Division, symptoms, severity, causes, and treatment were captured. A Environment Canada, 4905 Duff erin Street, Downsview, Ontario, M3H 5T4 constant-comparative method was used for qualitative data analysis. Monitoring snow cover across the Arctic is especially Results: Interview data were categorized into two main complicated: many of the major controls of snow cover operate themes: perceived causes of AGI in Iqaluit and health behaviours at local scales below the resolution of most observing systems; associated with the symptoms of AGI. Perceived causes of AGI in situ snow measurement networks are characterized by large included water, diet, and interaction with people. Participants spatial gaps and biases; and satellite observations tend to be highlighted the importance that traditional country foods play 35 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

in remedying AGI symptoms. In relation to health practices, Th e Arctic is currently going through rapid changes; sea participants also provided greater clarity in terms of gender ice extent has decreased signifi cantly in the past decade, with specifi c health behaviour among Northern residents. the six lowest September sea ice extents from 1979 to present Conclusions: Th is study highlights community perception all occurring within the past six years. Increases in surface air of AGI and off ers a starting point for public health messaging temperature are responsible for an increase in oceanic heat regarding acute gastrointestinal illness in Iqaluit. content and latent heat in Arctic waters and associated with a decline in sea ice extent. With increasing open water there has been an increase in storm intensities. Previous studies have LANDSCAPE-SCALE VARIATION IN SOIL ORGANIC attributed westerly winds in the Beaufort Sea to enhanced storm CARBON STORAGE IN THE CENTRAL CANADIAN activity based on wind intensity and duration. Th e 1981-2010 ARCTIC normals and trends were calculated for the u and v winds, the magnitude of the wind, the total sea ice concentration and the Campeau, Allen1 ([email protected]), P. Lafl eur2 and E. Humphreys3 multiyear sea ice concentration. Storms for the region were assessed based on earlier studies of storm activity and intensity 1 Département de biologie, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, in the Beaufort Sea region. G1V 0A6 2 Department of Geography, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8 SEDIMENTARY BIOGEOCHEMISTRY FOR THE 3 Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, BEAUFORT REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6 ASSESSMENT (BREA)

Arctic soils constitute a vast, but poorly quantifi ed, pool Carrie, Jesse1 ([email protected]), H. Sanei2 and of soil organic carbon (SOC). Th e uncertainty associated with G. Stern1,3 pan-Arctic SOC storage estimates – a result of limited SOC and 1 land cover data – needs to be reduced if we are to better predict Centre for Earth Observation Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2 the impacts of future changes to Arctic carbon stocks resulting 2 Geological Survey of Canada-Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, from climate warming. Th is study investigated landscape-scale T2L 2A7 variation in SOC at a Southern Arctic Ecozone site in the 3 Freshwater Institute, Dept. of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Central Canadian Arctic, with the ultimate goal of up-scaling Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N6 SOC estimates with a land cover classifi cation system. Total SOC was estimated to depths of 50 cm and 30 cm for 76 soil We have analysed surface sediment samples (N=24) from pits, together representing 9 diff erent vegetation communities four transects collected from the M/V Frosti cruise in summer in 7 diff erent broad landscape units. SOC to 50 cm was lowest 2012 (~70 to 72°N and 130 to 141°W; transects TBS, GRY, in xerophytic herb tundra (7.2 ± 2.2 kg m-2) and highest in KUG and DAL) for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), birch hummock terrain in lowland tundra (36.4 ± 2.8 kg m-2), n-alkanes, 53 elements and organic matter (Rock-Eval analyses). followed by wet sedge and dry sedge meadows (29.8 ± 9.9 and Our results show that the Beaufort Sea is a highly petrogenic 22.0 ± 2.0 kg m-2, respectively). Th e up-scaled estimates of mean (fossil carbon-rich; as opposed to pyrogenic, or combustion SOC for the study area (excluding water) were 15.8 kg m-2 (to carbon-rich) system, showing that eroded coal outcrops, peat 50 cm) and 11.6 kg m-2 (to 30 cm). On a landscape scale, soil and natural oil seeps dominate the PAH signal relative to forest moisture content was found to have an important infl uence on fi res and industrial and vehicular activity. Th is is distinct from SOC variability. Overall, this study highlights the importance most other river-dominated seas worldwide, including most of SOC variability at small scales and its impact on up-scaling other major Canadian sites. Petrogenic sources dominate at SOC. each transect, although the DAL transect has a diff erent source than the other three. Th e TBS, GRY and KUG transect data are reasonably similar to samples from the Mackenzie Delta, IRIS 1 - REGIONAL CLIMATE NORMALS, TRENDS indicating the stronger infl uence of the Mackenzie River at AND VARIABILITY these sites, and the weak-to-non-existent infl uence at the DAL transect. Interestingly, mercury and most metals increase with Candlish Lauren ([email protected]), D. Barber, water depth/distance off shore, which may be related to higher J. Iacozza, J.V. Lukovich and B. Horton organic matter input, perhaps due to a combination of greater Centre for Earth Observation Science, University of Manitoba, aquatic (marine) primary productivity and lower (geological) Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2 sediment input. 36 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Th ese data serve as a baseline for environmental conditions In the current climate of healing and repatriation in prior to exploration (and exploitation) of oil and gas leases in Indigenous communities, an organized and respectful health the Beaufort. In addition, we are currently exploring the links systems response is required. Such a response needs to be between sediment biogeochemistry and contaminant burdens based on ethics and trust and be strategically aligned to inform in benthic invertebrates. Preliminary data show that there is a good governance and policy. Th e concept of health systems signifi cant link between sedimentary and benthic invertebrate stewardship provides a holistic framework that is well suited mercury concentrations across several species, with quite to nations addressing this task. Stewardship is defi ned as the large biomagnifi cation factors (up to 50x for certain species). “careful and responsible management of the well-being of the Analyses of hydrocarbon biomarkers in benthic invertebrates are population” and is the “very essence of good government” currently on-going. Where historical events have fragmented values, and elements of indigenous identity are still being repatriated to the national context and policies, there is a requirement to identify or re- IRIS 1 - CHANGE AND ADAPTATION: FOOD AND affi rm what the underlying indigenous values and context is so CULTURAL SECURITY we might inform a proactive values based approach inherent in good stewardship. Th is presentation shares the fi ndings of a 1 2 Chan, Laurie H.M. ([email protected]) and V. Douglas workshop that explored and described the Indigenous values shared and felt to underlie and show potential to direct eff ective 1 Center for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, stewardship of health systems in circumpolar countries including University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5 Alaska, Canada, Finland, and Norway. 2 Division of Health and Social Sciences, College of New Caledonia, Prince George, British Columbia V2N 1P8

Th e importance of traditional/country food as a critical WEB INFORMATION MAP TOOL ON CANADA’S 13 resource for the health and well-being of northern populations is POLAR BEAR SUBPOPULATIONS well documented. Traditional/country foods are critical resources Cheechoo, John1 ([email protected]), P. Pulsifer2 and P. Hale3 for physical, as well as mental, social and economic health of individuals and communities across the Arctic. Despite this, 1 Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Ottawa Ontario, K1P 5E7 2 shifts in traditional/country food consumption have been taking University of Colorado, Boulder, National Snow and Ice Date place over the past 15 – 20 years related to a variety of changes Center, Boulder, CO 80309-0449 USA 3 in northern ecological, social, political and economic systems. Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada, Gatineau (Hull), Quebec K1A 0H3 Th ose related to ecological shifts have been primarily associated with reduced confi dence in food safety due to identifi ed threats Web Information Map Tool on Canada’s 13 Polar Bear from environmental contaminants such as mercury and PCBs, Subpopulations Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami collaborates with Inuit and more recently the changes in species availability and regional organizations, federal and territorial governments, accessibility due to shifting climatic conditions. Th is review and co-management boards to highlight and promote the will present the current state of knowledge on food and cultural management of polar bears in each of the Inuit regional land security in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region and the adjacent claims territories of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Nunavut, Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut. Adaptation plans and policy have Nunavik, and Nunatsiavut. In an eff ort to further promote been developed to improve food security in the region. Case polar bear co-management nationally and internationally, Inuit studies on some of the adaptation initiatives will be discussed. Tapiriit Kanatami, in joint eff orts with the Inuit Knowledge Centre and the Canadian Wildlife Service of Environment Canada are developing a web-based information tool on the 13 INDIGENOUS VALUES AND HEALTH SYSTEMS subpopulations of polar bear that extends from the Inuvialuit STEWARDSHIP settlement region in the western Arctic to Nunatsiavut in the north east coast of Canada. Th is web-based tool will use Chatwood, Susan1,2 ([email protected]) and I. Mauro3 existing polar bear data and research gathered from collaborating 1 Institute for Circumpolar Health Research, Yellowknife, jurisdictions and organizations on each of the 13 subpopulations Northwest Territories, X1A 3X7 and will display the information for public web access, as well 2 Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, as use for presentations in a wide variety of venues such as Toronto, Ontario, M5T 3M7 meetings, conferences, classrooms, symposia, workshops, etc. 3 Geography and Eniornment, Mount Allison University, Th e development of this tool will utilize an existing platform Sackville, New Brunswick, E4L 1A7 called Nunaliit. Th e tool will also use the 13 subpopulations, 37 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

which are well-established polar bear management units, organic matter (SOM) in the organic and mineral horizons of as a structure by which information will be organized and the active layer as well as in any thawed permafrost. As SOM presented. Th e types of information that will be provided in is broken down, essential plant nutrients such as nitrogen and each subpopulation unit will include, but will not be limited to, phosphorous will become increasingly available, likely leading polar bear subpopulation numbers, trend, total allowable harvest to vegetation changes towards a shrubbier arctic and shifts levels, research activity, management authorities, jurisdictions, in tundra carbon balance that could have globally signifi cant the applicable land claim agreement(s) for the unit, the size feedbacks to climate change. or land area of the unit, the communities located within the Our current knowledge of the structure and temporal unit, and any applicable management or shared subpopulation dynamics of the soil microbial communities that utilise tundra agreements or MOU’s with adjacent domestic and international SOM and that are responsible for the critical mobilisation jurisdictions. Th ere will also be information on applicable of SOM-bound nutrients into plant-available forms is very traditional knowledge of the subpopulation, and the utilization limited. Furthermore, a broad range of environmental factors of media information such as photos, as well as videos that may such as pH, temperature, moisture, and substrate availability depict the species in its environment or contain interviews from and quality, can determine the composition of microbial Inuit knowledge holders. Th is initiative is a part of a large group communities, and many of these factors vary widely and of collaborators that include Inuit regions, federal, territorial, independently with soil depth and between seasons of the year and co-management interests. Th rough the Inuit Knowledge (i.e. between frozen and thawed soil states). Th erefore, we expect Centre, an expert on the development of similar types of web gradual shifts in bacterial and fungal community compositions based tools through the Nunaliit platform will be a part of to occur at increasingly deeper soil depths as the active layer developing this particular tool. Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami will be develops and soil horizons shift from frozen to thawed states. the host of this online web tool and it will represent a central Here, we investigate the structure of mesic tundra soil and public access location for updated information on Canada’s bacterial and fungal communities as the summer thaw progresses 13 polar bear subpopulations and on the status of their on-going to identify changes in diversity at diff erent soil depths. Th ese, management. For the session there will be at least 3 panelists, temporal shifts in microbial communities are explored using a led by ITK, to discuss and demonstrate the tool. It is hoped that combination of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) the presentation will illustrate how data, research, management, fi ngerprinting and high-throughput, next-generation sequencing technology, and multiple interests can converge for more eff ect of bacterial 16S and fungal 18S rRNA genes. We used a unique public outreach, knowledge transfer, and policy development. sampling design where soils were obtained in a time-dependent, Th is tool will be a work in progress and the session will be step-wise manner following the development of the active layer. an opportunity to test the tool’s eff ectiveness in front of a Sampling (at every 10 cm of soil depth) included all thawed soil conference audience and to receive important feedback. horizons and the uppermost frozen horizon at each sampling time, with deeper and deeper samples taken as the active layer developed during spring and summer, ultimately sampling the WHAT GOES ON BENEATH: SOIL DEPTH SPECIFIC uppermost permafrost-active layer soil interface in early fall. In CHANGES IN TUNDRA MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES this way, a total of 160 soil samples from 20 individual soil pits AND BIOGEOCHEMISTRY DURING THE SEASONAL were obtained from winter through autumn, all within a 100 m2 THAW area of mesic birch hummock tundra in the Canadian Low Christiansen, Casper1 ([email protected]), J. Neufeld2, Arctic near Daring Lake, NWT (64°E 52’N, 111°E 35’W). K. Moniz1, V. Walker1,3 and P. Grogan1 In order to understand the principal controls on microbial community structure over time and with soil depth, temporal 1 Department of Biology, Queen’s University, Kingston, dynamics will be related to total and dissolved pools of soil Ontario, K7L 3N6 carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous, substrate quality, microbial 2 Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, biomass, temperature, moisture, and pH. Ontario, N2L 3G1 Compositional changes in microbial communities 3 Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, School of typically refl ect a change in functional ability and, thus, Environmental Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston Ontario, K7L 3N6 activity. Consequently, general microbial temporal patterns and how they relate to corresponding changes in the surrounding Permafrost soils contain as much carbon as is currently soil environment are fundamental for our understanding of found in all land-plants and the atmosphere combined. In ecosystem function, and may help us predict how arctic climate a warming climate, release of carbon-based trace gas to the warming will impact tundra soil biogeochemistry now and in atmosphere will occur through microbial decomposition of soil the future. 38 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

IRIS 1 - FUTURE REQUIREMENTS TO SUPPORT economic market place is likely to be manifold in the next SAFE ARCTIC MARINE NAVIGATION IN A decade. Paradoxically, the understanding of the development TRANSFORMING CLIMATE of routes and hubs including infrastructure and supply chain has been limited to issues of servicing remote and isolated Church, Ian ([email protected]) and J. Hughes Clarke communities, extracting natural resources and insuring national Department of Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering, University sovereignty whereas the need to provide a knowledge base of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, E3B 5A3 which private and public stakeholders could use to insure the development of Arctic transport infrastructure from a system Should the predicted increase in duration of the ice-free perspective has been growing. season become a reality, there could be an increase in shipping Th e objective of the paper is to provide an assessment traffi c within the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Such shipping of marine transportation infrastructure in relation to changes. requires safe charted corridors and adequate search and rescue How does the polar world fi t into the wider perspective about services. Th is review examines the need for, state of, and transport and development? In particular, attention is focused capability to undertake, charting in the waters of the western on the role of ports and shipping to determine the accessibility and central Canadian Arctic. to and within the Arctic. Th e maintenance of western and central Arctic First, extant models relating to an understanding of communities and natural resource development both port infrastructure development are recalled, synthesized and critically depend on the transport of supplies from southern then used as a base upon which an appropriate analysis can be destinations. Additionally, passage within the Archipelago has conducted. Th e main focus is to consider port geography as recently become a viable route for international commercial a system embedding physical conditions, fl ows and network shipping by foreign-fl agged vessels. It is commonly quoted that connectivity. approximately 10% of the archipelago waters have been charted Second, we examine shift in the Arctic marine transport to modern standards. Th at area principally includes routes that in response to changes in governance since the 1950s. A detailed were reliably ice-free under conditions of 30 years ago. With the examination is made of alterations in particular stimuli aff ecting increasing traffi c as well as the potential for more open water selected components of the Arctic marine transport system. areas, there is a need to expand the safe charting coverage to Emphasis is given to security, development, privatisation and cope with the changing environment. Th is does not implicitly sustainability issues. require that the waters of the entire archipelago be covered, but Th ird, we proceed with a detailed examination of port and that new routes, based on the predicted opening of waterways, shipping network capacity of the polar ranges of Canada, Russia, be examined. Th e potential areas of interest within the Arctic United-States, Greenland and Northern European countries. dwarf the charting requirements in Canada’s other two oceans. Particular attention is given to provide insight for understanding In the absence of suffi cient resources to undertake the the logistics patterns characterizing polar economic geography. full scale of charting required, a prioritization scheme has been adopted by the CHS. A complementary approach would be to increase the effi ciency of existing Canadian Arctic mapping PIGMENTS SIGNATURE OF THE PHYTOPLANKTON capability through multi-tasking of committed federal assets. COMMUNITIES IN BEAUFORT SEA Th ese include the 1200 class ice-breaker fl eet as well as the upcoming Arctic Off shore Patrol Vessels. Coupel, Pierre1 ([email protected]), A. Matsuoka1, D. Ruiz-Pino2, M. Gosselin3, S. Lessard3, H. Claustre4, D. Marie5, J-É. Tremblay1 and M. Babin1 MARINE TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE 1 Joint International ULaval-CNRS Laboratory Takuvik, ARCTIC: PATTERNS, PROCESSES AND POLICIES Québec-Océan, Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Comtois, Claude ([email protected]) Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada 2 Laboratoire d’Océanographie et du Climat: Expérimentation Interuniversity Research Centre for Enterprise Networks, et Approches Numériques (LOCEAN), UPMC, CNRS, Paris, Logistics and Transportation, Université de Montréal, Montreal, France Quebec, H3C 3J7 3 Institut des sciences de la mer (ISMER), Université du Québec à Rimouski, 310 allée des Ursulines, Rimouski, Québec, Th e development of marine transport infrastructures G5L 3A1, Canada in the Arctic is a key issue in linking the polar world to the 4 Laboratoire d’Océanographie de Villefranche (LOV), CNRS global economic system. Th e opportunities for the constituents and Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Villefranche-sur-Mer, of Arctic transport to be integrated within the international France 39 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

5 Station Biologique, UMR7144 CNRS, INSU et Université in any one region. Materials of which the coast is comprised, Pierre et Marie Curie, Place George Teissier, 29680 Roscoff , crustal motion and its eff ect on relative sea levels, wave energy, France and sea ice conditions can all aff ect coastal dynamics. Where and how quickly any changes occur can impact infrastructure Phytoplankton changes are expected in the Arctic Ocean planning and development, as well as operations in the coastal in response to observed environmental changes. By modifying zone. CanCoast is an initiative of the Geological Survey of the dominance or succession of the phytoplankton, the Canada (GSC) which aims to assess the sensitivity of Canada’s entire food web as well as the carbon export will be aff ected. coastlines to climate change and to facilitate adaptation planning However, detecting changes in phytoplankton communities in in coastal areas. It is an ArcGIS-based geospatial database that the arctic remains diffi cult because of the lack of data and the provides a framework which enables coastal data to be collated, inconsistent identifi cation methods used. We propose the use archived, and analysed. Numerous coastal attributes and analysis of the chemotaxonomic tool CHEMTAX to analyse pigment products can be extracted from CanCoast for use by researchers, data sampled in the Beaufort Sea during the summer of 2009 planners and developers. in order to determine the phytoplankton confi guration in the Th e CanCoast geodatabase consists of a high resolution region. Taxonomic information from microscopy was used to (1:50,000 scale) marine vector shoreline developed from reinforce the analysis and to calibrate CHEMTAX. Clustering CanVec9 (a product of Natural Resources Canada). Th is methods were used to extract the regional distribution of the shoreline serves as a base for grouping coastal attribute layers main phytoplankton groups. Four phytoplancton populations of physical features, materials and processes (e.g., geology and were highlighted in the Beaufort Sea based on pigment sea-level change) with socio-economic characteristics (e.g., distribution. Diatom, haptophyte and prasinophyte dominance population and infrastructure). With these widely varying was observed as a function of bathymetry and depth. We found attributes grouped on a common shoreline, analyses of coastal divergences between pigment interpretation and microsopic sensitivity, vulnerability and adaptive capacity become possible count. Th e high biomass of dinofl agellates as observed through at varying spatial and temporal scales. Th ese data can then microscopy but undetected by the pigment, appears to be the be used in development planning on Canada’s marine coasts. principal source of these divergences. Moreover, the presence To date, a number of variables have been mapped onto the of dinofl agellates type Gymnodinium sp. is suggestive of high CanCoast shoreline. Several of the datasets used were from an heterotophic activity at this time of the year. Our results could earlier study by Shaw et al. (1998) which examined sensitivity be used as a baseline to detect future modifi cations or to detect to sea level change. Th ese include landforms, sea level change, temporal and regional diff erences in phytoplankton populations. shoreline displacement, tidal range, wave height, and the sensitivity index itself. Higher resolution layers for bedrock geology, surfi cial materials, and topographic relief have recently CANCOAST: A TOOL FOR HELPING TO ASSESS been added. In Canada’s Arctic, changing temperatures regimes CLIMATE CHANGE VULNERABILITY AND IMPACTS and sea ice coverage are additional factors that exert a strong OF DEVELOPMENT IN CANADA’S ARCTIC infl uence on coastal dynamics. As such, layers are being incorporated for permafrost and ground ice conditions, as Couture, Nicole J.1,2 ([email protected]), G.K. Manson2, D.L. Forbes2,3, P. Fraser2, D. Frobel2, T.S. James4,5, well as historical sea ice concentrations and derived monthly, K.A. Jenner2, C. Smith2, B. Szlavko2, R.B. Taylor2 and annual and decadal means. Additional layers under development D. Whalen2 include one on coastal winds derived from the North American Regional Reanalysis, and several socio-economic ones such as 1 Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, coastal infrastructure extracted from CanVec 9, and coastal 601 Booth Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0E8 populations based on census data. Current users of CanCoast are 2 Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, territorial, provincial and municipal governments, and several PO Box 1006, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, B2Y 4A2 federal government departments, such as Environment Canada 3 Department of Geography, Memorial University, St. John’s, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Applications Newfoundland and Labrador, A1B 3X9 include hazard mapping and mitigation, adaptation planning, 4 Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, impact assessment, and analysis of knowledge gaps. Specifi c PO Box 6000, Sidney, British Columbia, V8L 4B2 5 School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Victoria, examples of CanCoast data and their relevance in the Canadian British Columbia, V8P 5C2 Arctic are provided. Reference: Shaw, J., Taylor R.B., Forbes, D.L., Ruz, Th e coastlines of Canada respond to changing conditions M.-H., and Solomon, S.M., 1998. Sensitivity of the Coastal of in varying ways, depending in large part on their physical Canada to Sea-Level Rise. Geological Survey of Canada Bulletin characteristics and the environmental forcings that predominate 505. 40 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

ASSESSING MENTAL HEALTH IMPACTS FROM A led participatory framework, premised on local understandings CHANGING CLIMATE IN NORTHERN CANADA: A of mental health and wellness. Data were gathered through NUNATSIAVUT REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE in-depth interviews with 100 people and 20 health professionals from throughout Nunatsiavut, conducted by Local Research Cunsolo Willox, A.1 ([email protected]), M. Baikie2, I. Shiwak2, J. Flowers3, M. Groves4, G. Jacque5, N. Nochasak6, Coordinators. Th e interviews were complemented by video M. Wood7 and the Rigolet Inuit Community Government8 narratives from 18 digital stories created in each community during week-long digital storytelling workshops conducted by 1 Canada Research Chair in Determinants of Healthy the ‘My Word’: Storytelling and Digital Media Lab in Rigolet. Communities & Assistant Professor in Community Health, Participants reported that changes in climate and environment, School of Professional Studies, Cape Breton University, Sydney, and the resulting disruption to land activities, were a threat to Nova Scotia, B1P 6L2 mental health and well-being, and led to: intense emotional 2 Local Research Coordinator for Rigolet, ‘My Word’: reactions associated with loss of activities, identity, and sense Storytelling & Digital Media Lab, Rigolet Inuit Community of place (grief, mourning, anxiety, stress, distress); real and Government, Rigolet, Nunatsiavut, Labrador, A0P 1P0 3 Local Research Coordinator for Hopedale, Hopedale Inuit potential increases in consumption of drugs and alcohol; Community Government, Hopedale, Nunatsiavut, Labrador, potential increases in suicide ideation; and potential to aggravate A0P 1G0 acute anxiety disorders and major depression. Climate change 4 Local Research Coordinator for Makkovik, Makkovik Inuit was also reported to act as a magnifi er for other forms of stress Community Government, Makkovik, Nunatsiavut, Labrador, and distress and to highlight socio-economic inequalities, A0P 1J0 leading to further negative ramifi cations for mental health and 5 Local Research Coordinator for Postville, Postville Inuit well-being. Community Government, Postville, Nunatsiavut, Labrador, Th ese fi ndings contribute to the emerging research on A0P 1N0 climate change and mental health in the North and globally, 6 Local Research Coordinator for Nain, Nain Inuit Community and provide a regional perspective and baseline of potential Government, Postville, Nunatsiavut, Labrador, A0P 1L0 pathways through which climate change may continue to 7 Research Evaluator, Department of Health and Social Development, Nunatsiavut Government, Goose Bay, Labrador, impact on mental health and well-being, not only in Labrador, A0P 1L0 but also throughout the North. Th is presentation will discuss 8 Rigolet, Nunatsiavut, Labrador, A0P 1P0 the results from this study and screen a digital story highlighting the mental health impacts of climate change in the region. To Anthropogenic climate change has been an increasing advance discussion and dialogue on this topic, this presentation concern for Inuit across Canada, and the rapid changes to ice will conclude with further research questions and with thickness and extent, precipitation levels, weather patterns, and suggestions for potential adaptation strategies and mental health wildlife and vegetation dispersion are disrupting livelihoods resources that may likely be needed in the coming years. and lifestyles for many. In recent years, emerging evidence is indicating that climate change may have negative impacts for mental health and well-being, particularly for those who rely THE WELL-BEING OF CHILDREN IN NORTHERN closely on the natural environment for daily sustenance and CANADA economic activities and those who live in rural or remote areas, such as in Canada’s North. Burton, Peter , A. Daley ([email protected]) and S. Phipps For example, through a pilot study conducted in Rigolet, Department of Economics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Nunatsiavut from 2009-2011, participants shared that climate Scotia, B3H 4R2 change and the related environmental alterations were negatively impacting mental health and well-being in the community Th e Territorial North (i.e. Yukon, Northwest Territories, through direct and indirect pathways, and that climate change Nunavut) is markedly diff erent from the rest of Canada; yet was likely to be a continued and serious concern for the there is little statistically reliable information about child well- community in the future. Desiring to know if these fi ndings being in the region. We use the Canadian Community Health were refl ected in the other communities in the region, in 2012, Survey, a nationally representative dataset, to create a portrait the Rigolet Inuit Community Government partnered with the of child well-being in the Territorial North relative to Southern Inuit Community Governments of Nain, Hopedale, Postville, Canada. We examine seven domains of well-being with 23 and Makkovik to conduct a regional study on the impacts of indicators by region and Aboriginal identity for children aged 12 climate change on mental health. to 17. We include objective and subjective measures, refl ecting Th e Inuit Mental Health and Adaptation to Climate the importance of children’s perspectives in studies of their own Change project followed a community-based and community- well-being. 41 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

We fi nd negligible diff erences among the non-Aboriginal within Coral Harbour to investigate water usage practices and population; while most objective indicators are substantially perspectives of the water system’s functionality. Th ese data worse for Aboriginal children, especially in the Territorial were analyzed to understand potential environmental health North (i.e. income, poverty, household education, family risks and how they may aff ect families in this remote northern structure, crowding, food insecurity, exposure to second-hand community. We found that 15 of 28 households interviewed smoke, school enrolment, smoking, sexual activity, obesity face water shortages at least one time per month. Furthermore, and overweight). However Aboriginal children, regardless of delays in regular service have limited their ability to adhere geography, are more physically active and consume similar to public health and sanitation guidelines. Individuals most amounts of fruits and vegetables. And, there is less drinking resilient to water shortages are those capable of retrieving their among Aboriginal children in the North; though binging own drinking water directly from untreated sources. Residents is prevalent among all children in the region. In terms of with extended family and neighbours, whom they can rely on subjective indicators, Aboriginal children in Northern Canada during shortages, are also less vulnerable to municipal water fare worse in many respects (i.e. oral health, mental health, delays. As climate change and demographic trends continue to life satisfaction); however there are exceptions. Despite lower shape water-health relationships in Nunavut communities, our self-assessed mental health, Aboriginal children in the North are fi ndings emphasize the need for public health initiatives that considerably less stressed. Th ey also have a positive body image encompass both the physical and socio-cultural landscapes of the and stronger sense of belonging, perhaps refl ecting cohesive region. communities in isolated regions. Nevertheless, Aboriginal children in the Territorial North are generally less satisfi ed with life. Th is is not surprising since they fare worse in most THE CONSERVATION OF THE GREENLAND indicators of well-being that we consider in this study. SHARK (SOMNIOSUS MICROCEPHALUS): SETTING SCIENTIFIC, LAW, AND POLICY COORDINATES FOR AVOIDING A SPECIES AT RISK UNDERSTANDING MUNICIPAL WATER AND HEALTH 1 RELATIONSHIPS IN NUNAVUT HOUSEHOLDS: A Davis, Brendal ([email protected]), 1,2 1 3 COMMUNITY CASE STUDY IN CORAL HARBOUR, D. VanderZwaag , A. Cosandey-Godin , N.E. Hussey , NUNAVUT, CANADA S.T. Kessel3 and B. Worm1

Daley, Kiley1 ([email protected]), H. Castleden2, R. Jamieson3, 1 Departement of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova C. Furgal4 and L. Ell5 Scotia, B3H 4R2 2 Marine and Environmental Law Institute, Dalhousie 1 Centre for Water Resources Studies, Dalhousie University, University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2 Halifax, Nova Scoita, B3H 4R2 3 Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University 2 School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, N9B 3P4 University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2 3 Department of Process Engineering and Applied Science, Sharks are ancient predators, which have roamed the Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2 oceans for over 400 million years. Today, due to the expansion 4 Indigenous Environmental Studies, Trent University, of industrialized fi shing and the demand for shark fi n soup, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8 many shark populations are now a small fraction of their former 5 Coral Harbour, Nunavut, X0C 0C0 abundance. Exacerbating this problem is the inherent lack of In northern Canada, the lifestyle of Inuit, while still fi sheries data and management measures for sharks. About one rooted in tradition, has transitioned from nomadic origins in four species have been assessed as threatened to extinction by to one of permanent settlements. Th e provision and safe the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Even management of potable water is critical to the functioning in remote places, such as in the Arctic, sharks may also be at and public health of any permanent settlement; Nunavut or risk of becoming threatened. Th e Arctic has largely been spared elsewhere. In Nunavut however, underground piped water from intensive industrialized fi shing, but due to the seasonal delivery, as found in southern Canada, is simply not suitable for decrease in sea-ice cover from climate change, new developing the environmental and economic conditions. Instead, trucked fi sheries in the Arctic are reportedly catching large numbers of potable water delivery and wastewater removal systems are elasmobranchs (sharks, skates and rays), most frequently, the used in most communities. Our exploratory research aims to Greenland shark (Somniosis microcephalus). Th e third largest understand the relationship between water services and health shark in the world, the Greenland shark, is inherently vulnerable in Nunavut communities. Using a qualitative case study design, to exploitation due to the species suspected slow growth, late we conducted 37 interviews with residents and key informants maturity, and limited reproduction. However, like many shark 42 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

species, scientists are lacking detailed information on Greenland samples were then transferred to glass bottles containing an shark life history, ecology, stock structure, and other critical oxygen-sensitive optical sensor with incubation in a water bath data needed to assess the species conservation status. Here, under controlled temperatures. Oxygen concentrations were the authors review and highlight new scientifi c advancements measured using a fi bre optic system (Fibox 3, PreSens Inc). on the biology of the Greenland shark, and demonstrate how Th e seasonal oxygen data showed that these lakes are precautionary policy frameworks could prevent the same biological hotspots for bacterial respiration, and indicated that trajectory of decline and extinction risk as many other shark their organic carbon provides substrates for dense communities species. Th is review in intended to provide a fi rst glimpse into of bacteria. In many of the waterbodies, oxygen consumption the situation surrounding developing fi sheries in the Arctic, and by particle-attached bacteria dominated the respiratory activity. specifi cally for the Greenland shark. Fisheries bycatch of this In addition to evidence of high bacterial activity, our results species and of other elasmobranchs in the Arctic is unregulated from the mooring deployment indicated the prevalence of and not currently monitored. anoxia throughout the water column during much of the year. Following ice formation, anoxia was established in the bottom and middle strata in less than one month, and in less than three SEASONAL OXYGEN DYNAMICS AND SIZE- months, anoxic conditions occurred throughout the water FRACTIONATED MICROBIAL RESPIRATION IN column. For the majority of the year (66%), the bottom 1.0 THE PERMAFROST THAW LAKES OF SUBARCTIC m of the lake was completely anoxic. For 50% of the year, the QUÉBEC bottom 2.5 m were anoxic, and for 33% of the year, the lake was completely anoxic. Deshpande, Bethany ([email protected]) and Our results show that permafrost thaw lakes are W.F. Vincent highly active, heterotrophic systems, with thriving bacterial Centre d’études nordiques (CEN) & Département de biologie, decomposer populations. Integrating through depth and time Université Laval, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6 over the course of one year, anoxic and hypoxic conditions were present in more than 50% of the lake by volume, providing Hutchinson (1957) wrote that a limnologist could an ideal environment for anaerobic processes such as methane learn more about the nature of a lake from a profi le of oxygen production. concentration than from any other measurements. Oxygen infl uences all chemical and biological processes in lakes, including the decomposition of organic matter and growth of IMPACTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS ON heterotrophic organisms that rely on respiratory processes. Th is THE NITROGEN CYCLE IN THE CANADIAN ARCTIC molecule serves not only as the terminal electron acceptor for aerobic respiration, but also is the master variable controlling Deslongchamps, Gabrièle1 (gabriele.deslongchamps.1@ulaval. 1 1 2 2 many biogeochemical and biotic processes, including greenhouse ca), J-E. Tremblay , J. Gagnon , J. Granger and L. Treibergs gas production and loss processes. 1 Département de biologie, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Th e central objective of this research is to develop an G1V 0A6 improved understanding of oxygen dynamics in permafrost 2 Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, thaw lakes and ponds. Our work is part of the program ‘Arctic Groton, Connecticut, 06340 Development and Adaptation to Permafrost in Transition’ (ADAPT), and we investigated lakes at fi ve sites along a gradient As an essential and often limiting element for biological of sporadic to continuous permafrost in the ‘ADAPT Super productivity, nitrogen (N) occupies a central role in ocean Region’, which extends from Kuujjuarapik-Whapmagoostui (55° biogeochemistry. Th e availability of diff erent N forms in the 15’ N, 77° 45’ W) to north of Umiujaq (56° 33’ N, 76° 32’ W). ocean aff ects primary production and microbial processes, Automated measurements of oxygen were obtained to defi ne thus impacting food webs and the air-sea exchange of climate- the seasonal and short-term dynamics of oxygen, and laboratory active gases such as carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide (N O). experiments were made to assess oxygen loss (respiration) 2 In the Arctic Ocean, the growth conditions of living organisms processes. For long-term measurements, an experimental are changing dramatically; the extent, thickness and seasonal mooring system was installed in Lake BGR1 on discontinuous permafrost, and oxygen (with PME MiniDO2T sensors), persistence of sea ice are declining rapidly (thereby aff ecting conductivity (Onset HOBO U22 sensors) and temperature light availability and vertical mixing), freshwater runoff is (Vemco sensors) were measured at hourly intervals throughout increasing and the ocean is warming and acidifying. Th ese one year. To measure size-fractionated respiration rates, lake multiple stressors are bound to alter N cycling and the structure samples were pre-fi ltered to separate the total population, and function of marine food webs, but their impacts are poorly free-living, and particle-attached bacteria. Th e size-fractionated quantifi ed and understood. 43 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Th e goal of this project is to quantify rates of assimilation, methodology to teaching Indigenous youth about their local nitrifi cation and regeneration of ammonium as well as their environmental taking into account mental, physical emotional, sensitivity to environmental perturbations. Data were collected and spiritual approaches. Activities, including the monitoring in fall 2012 during a joint DFO-ArcticNet expedition of the of berry productivity, were delivered in close partnership CCGS Henry Larsen in Baffi n Bay and the Labrador Sea. with the Kugluktuk High School, Government of Nunavut Water samples from the surface and the subsurface chlorophyll Department of Environment and community members during maximum were taken in diff erent hydrographic regions and the Career and Technologies Studies (CTS) week as part of an incubated with 15N-labelled ammonium under diff erent environmental studies program. Th e intentions of this study conditions of light, pH and ammonium availability. Post-cruise are to encourage Inuit youth to make their own inquiries and determination of N cycling rates were performed by analyzing observations about the changes to environment infl uenced by the isotopic enrichment of the organic matter retained on fi lters climate change. and of the dissolved inorganic N in fi ltrates. Results indicate that light has a strong impact on assimilation and nitrifi cation rates, whereas pH and ammonium UNDERSTANDING TIDAL DISSIPATION, INTERNAL enrichment have no discernible eff ect on N cycling rates at the WAVE DYNAMICS AND MIXING IN LAKE MELVILLE, depths sampled. It follows that by increasing the amount of light LABRADOR reaching the water column, the decline of sea ice might reduce deYoung, Brad ([email protected]), Z. Lu and E. Demirov the amount of N available as nitrate and the overall air-sea fl ux of N2O. On the other hand, the substantial drop in seawater pH Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography, Memorial (i.e., acidifi cation) predicted for this century seems unlikely to University, St. John’s, NL, A1B 3X7 directly aff ect nitrogen cycling pathways in surface waters. We will present current meter and other oceanographic data for Lake Melville, for 2012 and 2013. Th e current data INUIT YOUTH’S PERCEPTIONS OF OUTDOOR will be presented with results from a high-resolution model. Th e ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES PROGRAMMING IN oceanographic data show how the circulation changes seasonally KUGLUKTUK, NUNAVUT and how the tidal dynamics infl uence the circulation in the Lake. To explore the impact of the sill on the tidal dynamics Desrosiers, Sarah ([email protected]) and G. Henry of the lake, we have applied the Finite Volume Coastal Ocean Model (FVCOM) numerical model. Th e results from the model Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, V6T 1Z2 agree well with measurements of surface elevation, tidal currents, and salinity. We will present estimates of tidally driven transport Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit complemented with scientifi c and mixing in Lake Melville. Th e current observations and data helps to understand the changing environment in the model results show how circulation, residence time and mixing Canadian Arctic. Recent eff orts have been made to integrate relate to the topography of the fj ord. Th e residence time for Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and western science in climate change water in the Lake can be quite short near the surface (days) but research. However stigmas remain and we have yet to reach a much longer (months) at depth with signifi cant implications for proper balance. Th e production of culturally important berry mercury in this environment. We will consider how we should species is heavily infl uenced by seasonal conditions such as move forward to develop realistic estimates of mercury dynamics temperature, precipitation, and soil moisture. Th us, berry in this large and complex coastal fj ord. productivity can be used as an indicator for environmental We are studying the infl uence of changes in the fresh water change making it an ideal subject for a community-based discharge on the dynamics and ecosystem of Lake Melville and monitoring program involving Northern high schools. how they interact with long-term climatic variability. Th ese Th e main objectives for this study are to: (1) enhance studies will be used to determine possible future scenarios for and maintain a long-term community-based monitoring the impact of natural and anthropogenic factors on the lake program using the annual productivity of Vaccinium vitis-idaea ecosystem and people and communities of the region. (Kingminat, Cranberry), Empetrum nigrum (Paun’ngait), Vaccinium uliginosum (Kigutaginak), Rubus chamaemorus (Akpik) and Arctostaphylous spp. (Kaplat) in Kugluktuk, Nunavut and (2) learn more about how Inuit youth perceive outdoor environmental education and the parallels between Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and western science. Th e course was developed by university researchers and used a holistic 44 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

ASSESSING TROPHIC ECOLOGY OF MIGRATING Recent studies have identifi ed tide-induced vertical mixing ATLANTIC SALMON (SALMO SALAR L.) CAUGHT OFF in the Laptev Sea attributed to velocity shear associated with THE WEST GREENLAND COAST semidiurnal baroclinic tidal fl ow in response to variations in sea-ice conditions. Furthermore, an assessment of intermittency Dixon, Heather. J.1 ([email protected]), J. B. Dempson2, in mixing on Arctic shelves and in the Laptev Sea region in T. F. Sheehan3, M. D. Renkawitz3 and M. Power1 particular, showed an increase in pycnocline shear due to wind- 1 Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, forced near-inertial currents associated with a reduced ice cover Ontario, N2L 3G1, Canada in summer indicating enhanced vertical mixing during ice-free 2 Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Science Branch, periods. St John’s, Newfoundland, A1C 5X1, Canada In keeping with these earlier studies, we examine the 3 National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, National mooring-based Acoustic Doppler Current Profi ler (ADCP) Marine Fisheries Service, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, velocity observations over the eastern Laptev Sea shelf in Woods Hole, MA 02543, U.S.A August 1998 – September 1999, April–May 2008 and April Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., suff er from low growth 2009.Enhanced semidiurnal-band velocity shear across the and high mortality in the marine environment, despite steps water column was found in the vicinity to the critical latitude at ~74.5°N, a region where the inertial frequency is close to being taken to protect the species such as the cessation of the frequency of the dominant lunar semidiurnal M2 tidal commercial fi shing. Many non-maturing adult salmon of North constituent. In fact, two diff erent constituents interfering at American origin migrate up the west coast of Greenland in late similar frequencies with diff erent phases produce the phase summer, during which they feed extensively. Salmon diet during disturbances. Our data indicate that the wind-forced inertial this migration was last studied during the 1970s. Since that time currents dominating the surface layer interfere with semidiurnal changes have occurred in both the oceanic environment (e.g. tides at similar frequencies, resulting in a depth-dependent temperature) in which they feed and the food webs within which phase behavior with potential implications for shear instability they feed (e.g. species composition). Here questions relating and vertical mixing. In turn, this instability can additionally to potential changes in salmon diet during the intervening 40 contribute to enhanced tidal mixing observed over the critical years and how salmon diet may be aff ecting marine survival are latitude. Th e suggested mechanism competes with shear addressed. Salmon migrating along the West Greenland coast instability attributed to the baroclinicity of the tidal fl ow were sampled at three communities between 2009 and 2011. originated from interaction with bottom topography and density Stable isotope methods were used to examine the trophic status stratifi cation. of the salmon, and the feeding relationships between salmon and their prey. Gut content analysis methods were also employed to assess whether the migrating salmon are generalists, or whether IS THE RECOVERY OF BELUGA POPULATIONS salmon within that population specialise. Traditional diet studies IMPEDED BY AN ALLEE EFFECT? can provide insight into prey resources consumed, but stable isotope analyses yield a longer-term view of feeding relationships Doniol-Valcroze, Th omas (thomas.doniol-valcroze@dfo-mpo. by accounting for all sources of energy assimilated during a gc.ca), A. Mosnier and M.O. Hammill feeding season and the combination of approaches provides a Maurice-Lamontagne Institute, Department of Fisheries and useful temporal prospective on marine feeding. Examining the Oceans, Mont-Joli, Québec, G5H 3Z4 diet of these salmon could provide answers to the problem of poor marine survival in this commercially important species, Subsistence hunting of beluga whales remains a central potentially allowing for the development of further management component of Inuit culture and economy. Numerous techniques to help revive salmon populations. populations have been over-harvested in past commercial hunts. Despite protection measures, several stocks have failed to recover at the expected speed (e.g., eastern Hudson Bay, DEPTH-DEPENDENT BEHAVIOR OF THE Cumberland Sound, Cook Inlet). Other, larger stocks, however, SEMIDIURNAL TIDAL CURRENTS NEAR THE have been growing at higher rates. Th ese observations contradict CRITICAL LATITUDE IN THE LAPTEV SEA the classical pattern of density-dependence and suggest the possibility of an Allee eff ect, i.e., a reduction in fi tness and Dmitrenko, Igor A. ([email protected]), population growth observed at low densities. Using examples J. Lukovich and S. A. Kirillov from across the Arctic, we show that per-capita growth rates Centre for Earth Observation Science, University of Manitoba, are better predicted by an Allee framework than by traditional Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2 density-dependence models. Th e highly social characteristics 45 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

of beluga suggest several mechanisms for this eff ect, such as diamictons well-bonded with pore ice, were extracted from a critical number of helpers for alloparental care. Transfer various sedimentary environments in the Nunavik and of knowledge by older individuals and during long weaning Nunavut regions. Th e core samples were scanned using a periods may also be critical for predator avoidance and to reduce Siemens Somatom 64TM scanner at the Institut National de la risks of ice entrapment. Although we cannot exclude alternative Recherche Scientifi que (INRS) in Québec city. According to the explanations (habitat degradation, environmental change), core diameter (100 mm), voxel resolution of 0.1 x 0.1 x 0.4 mm we suggest Allee eff ects may help explain the lack of recovery was obtained. By selecting a range of Tomographic intensity (TI) of depleted stocks. Th e potential existence of a threshold values corresponding to each of the soil components (sediments, below which stocks may inevitably decrease to extinction has ice, and gas) (Clavano et al., 2011), voxel classifi cation and particularly important consequences for conservation of beluga quantifi cation of the sample components were achieved using and management of subsistence hunts. ORS Visual © software, therefore providing volumetric contents of the frozen sediments and the bubbly ice in the permafrost samples. Th e thermal conductivity tests are conducted at the CHARACTERIZATION OF PERMAFROST THROUGH Laboratoire de géotechnique de l’Université Laval. Following the NEW TECHNOLOGY: ESTIMATING THE THERMAL same experimental setup as Côté and Konrad (2005), the tests CONDUCTIVITY USING CT-SCAN are conducted inside a cell surrounded by an insulated box at a constant temperature of about -8 °C. Temperature boundary Ducharme, Marc-André1,2 ([email protected]), M. Allard1,2, J. Côté3 and E. L’Hérault2 conditions at the top (-4 °C) and bottom (-12 °C) of the cores were maintained with two independent heat exchangers creating 1 Départment de géographie, Faculté de foresterie, géographie et a vertical heat fl ow through the sample (Coté and Konrad, de géomatique, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6 2005). Each core is tested over a minimal period of 24 hours. 2 Centre d’études nordiques, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6 Th e CT-scan used in this study provides voxel resolution larger 3 Département de génie civil et de génie des eaux, Faculté des than the porosity of fi ne-grained sediments such as silt and clay, sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, yielding an underestimation of pore ice and air content which G1V 0A6 is aff ecting the prediction of eff ective thermal conductivity. Structural and thermal design considerations when Nevertheless, the comparative results between CT-scan derived building in the Arctic require precise knowledge of the thermal conductivities and thermal conductivity cell results show a great and geotechnical properties of permafrost. Property values are potential for the method. As a preliminary study, tested samples also necessary as input for the parameterization of heat transfer showed a margin of error of less than 20%. models and thaw settlement prediction. Previous studies (Calmels and Allard, 2008 and Calmels, 2010) showed great potential in using X-ray computed tomography for classifi cation UNDER-ICE PELAGIC PRODUCTION OF ESSENTIAL and volume measurements of permafrost components, i.e. FATTY ACIDS AND THE IMPLICATIONS FOR ARCTIC FOOD WEBS sediment, ice and gas contents. Th e technology also provides visualization of the cryostructure and to some extent, depending Duerksen, Steven W.1 ([email protected]), G.W. Th iemann1, on system resolution, of more intimate soil particles-ice S.M. Budge2, M. Poulin3 and C. Michel4 organization (cryotexture). We are developing a new approach 1 to measure permafrost thermal conductivity. Our new approach Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Canada, combines proven thermal conductivity models (Schwerdtfeger, M3J 1P3 2 Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, 1963; Farouki, 1981; Côté and Konrad, 2005) and computed Canada, B3H 4R2 tomography analyses. Th e aims of this study are to (1) present 3 Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa, Canada, K2P 2R1 the application of an innovative and non-destructive approach 4 Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, Canada, R3T 2N6 using CT-scan to estimate thermal conductivity of undisturbed permafrost samples and (2) validate the results computed from Primary productivity in Arctic marine food webs CT-scan image analysis with experimental thermal conductivity generally occurs in two distinct forms: ice algae and open-water tests. We use a three-step model that takes into account the soil phytoplankton. However, there is growing evidence that the type, the porosity of ground ice and the cryostructure in the amount of pelagic primary production occurring under sea ice samples to assess the potential of the proposed method. To do so has been substantially underestimated. Moreover, unaccounted 20 permafrost samples with diff erent textures and cryostructures pelagic production may increase the availability of essential fatty (French and Shur, 2010), ranging from homogeneous fi ne- acids (EFAs): lipids that are necessary for homeostasis in all grained soils with stratifi ed ice lenses to coarse-grained animals and which are crucial for reproduction in zooplankton. 46 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Additional sources of EFAs during periods of ice cover would and Oceans Canada (DFO). On the basis of this record, the thus have great implications for our current understanding area was closed to bottom fi shing in 2008, to protect narwhal of Arctic marine food web dynamics. Fatty acid and stable overwintering habitat and the corals. In the summer of 2013 isotope compositions were analyzed for primary producers and during the Amundsen expedition to the Canadian Arctic, very consumers during three years in the springs of 2011, 2012 and dense forests of Keratoisis sp. were video-recorded using a remote 2013 near Cornwallis Island, Nunavut. High abundances of operated vehicle in a muddy environment at depths of 905-946 a pelagic diatom, Coscinodiscus centralis, and dinofl agellate, m in SE Baffi n Bay (67°58.36’N, 59°31.11’W). Multibeam Neoceratium arcticum, were consistently present under annually sonar bathymetry and backscatter were recorded before the dive. formed sea ice. Coscinodiscus centralis had signifi cantly higher Colonies of Keratoisis sp. were found in dense patches proportions of the EFA 20:5n-3 than ice algae in the area up to ~ 55 m long, summing ~500 m along the surveyed area (Wilcoxon rank sum, p < 0.001). Despite this, fatty acid profi les (>38 % of the video survey track). Th e colonies were estimated of both local pelagic zooplankton and those in a controlled to reach ~ 1 m in height and were generally thinner and more feeding study showed that these diatoms were not being utilized densely branched than K. grayi from the SW Grand Banks as a food source. After C. centralis was removed, redundancy region off Newfoundland, and occurred in much more dense analysis on the remaining seston (250-499 μm in size) indicated patches. Th e vast majority of observed colonies were alive, that advection source and downwelling radiation had a but broken dead colonies were also observed, especially in the signifi cant eff ect on fatty acid profi les (R2=0.25, p = 0.007). path of the scientifi c survey trawl conducted by DFO in 1999. In particular, the EFA 22:6n-3 was elevated on brighter days, Coral patches were not associated with steep slopes or other which was attributable to the presence of N. arcticum. Previous obvious features recognizable in the multibeam data. Dense studies have shown that this dinofl agellate is actively rejected forests of bamboo corals were observed only on mud bottoms, as a food source by calanoid copepods. Th erefore, we suggest and rare accumulations of rock along the transect did not host that early spring inputs of EFAs from largely overlooked pelagic bamboo corals. Th e bamboo corals at this location bear root-like sources may be an important resource for benthic ecosystems branches used for anchorage in the soft substrate, which might and could potentially act as alternate energy sources during years allow these corals to colonize more habitat area than corals living of reduced input from settling ice algae. Our results highlight attached to hard surfaces. the need for more investigation into the presence and role of Other invertebrates including sponges, crinoids and pelagic production under sea ice. other corals such as soft corals (family Nephtheidae) and sea pens were also observed but in much lower densities than the bamboo coral species. No Desmophyllum or other scleractinian IN-SITU SURVEY OF A DEEP-WATER BAMBOO corals were observed. Flatfi sh (probably the Greenland halibut CORAL FOREST IN SE BAFFIN BAY Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) were also observed around the corals. Zooplankton could be seen during the entire video Neves, Barbara1, E. Edinger1,2 ([email protected]), C. Hillaire- footage, suggesting that this type of food might be highly 3 4 5 Marcel , M. Treble and V. Wareham available in the area, at least during summer time. Satellite imagery also indicates high planktonic productivity in this 1 Department of Biology, Memorial University, St John’s, region of Baffi n Bay. Th e dense stands of Keratoisis in this Newfoundland and Labrador, A1B 3X9 2 Department of Geography, Memorial University, St John’s, muddy environment suggest they form essential habitat for Newfoundland and Labrador, A1B 3X9 other invertebrates and fi shes. More comprehensive surveys to 3 GEOTOP, Université de Québec à Montréal, Montreal, estimate the extent of these forests are recommended. Québec, H3C 8P3 Growth bands in the corals will be imaged to calculate 4 Freshwater Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, growth rates, for comparison with Keratoisis sp. from elsewhere Manitoba, R3T 2N8 in the NW Atlantic. Geochemical analyses of coral skeletons 5 Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre, Fisheries and Oceans from this location will be used to calibrate paleotemperature and Canada, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1C 5X1 paleoproductivity proxies for application to subfossil bamboo corals from other NW Atlantic locations. Bamboo corals (Octocorallia: Isididae) are cosmopolitan long-lived gorgonians that can occur on hard or soft substrates to depths of >4000 m. In the Northwest Atlantic, Keratoisis grayi is one of the most conspicuous isidids, which normally forms colonies up to 2 m high, growing attached to hard substrates. In 1999 large amounts of Keratoisis were encountered in SE Baffi n Bay during a scientifi c trawl survey conducted by Fisheries 47 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

COMMUNITY-DRIVEN HELICOBACTER PYLORI H.pylori prevalence based on UBT screening across all RESEARCH IN ARCTIC CANADA: UPDATE FROM THE communities was 60% (95%CI: 56-63%). Beyond this, the CANHELP WORKING GROUP most striking observation is that nearly half (48%; 95%CI: 41-54%) of the 231 H.pylori-positive individuals with Fagan-Garcia, Katharine1 ([email protected]. ca), E.V. Hastings1, D. Archie2, A. Corriveau3, B. Hanley4, histopathology results had severe chronic gastritis, while another S.J.O. Veldhuyzen van Zanten1, M. Keelan1, K.J. Goodman1 44% (95%CI: 38-51%) had moderate chronic gastritis, and and CANHelp Working Group 43% (95%CI: 36-50%) had gastric atrophy. Of 173 bacterial strains isolated from Aklavik and Old Crow participants, 1 University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2R3 38% were resistant to at least one antibiotic tested. Of trial 2 Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Inuvik, Northwest participants with a follow-up UBT, treatment was successful in: Territories, X0E 0T0 59% (95%CI: 44-73%)(29/49) assigned the standard 3-drug 3 NWT Health and Social Services, Yellowknife, Nothwest therapy used across Canada; 72% (95%CI: 60-81%)(53/74) Territories, X1A 2L9 assigned an alternative sequential therapy; 90% (95%CI: 73- 4 Offi ce of Chief Medical Offi cer of Health, Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Y1A 2C6 98%)(27/30) assigned an alternative 4-drug therapy. Conclusions. CANHelp community projects reveal a Introduction. Helicobacter pylori infection occurs with high prevalence H.pylori-associated disease in Canadian Arctic increased frequency in the circumpolar north. In recent communities. In particular, the high prevalence of severe years, residents of some Canadian Arctic communities have gastritis and gastric atrophy indicates an elevated risk of gastric voiced concerns about health risks from H.pylori infection cancer and confi rms that community concern is warranted. and advocated for research aimed at reducing these risks. Th e Ultimately, we will use community project fi ndings to inform Canadian North Helicobacter pylori (CANHelp) Working Group the development of strategies for managing H.pylori infection at - a team of community leaders, health offi cials, and researchers regional/territorial levels. - formed to address community concerns, describe the disease burden and inform regional health policy. We initiated community H.pylori projects at the request of participating TROPHIC INTERACTIONS BETWEEN THE communities: in 2007 in Aklavik, NT (2006 population=590); PLANKTONIC STAGES OF ARCTIC COD AND in 2010 in Old Crow, YT (2011 population=245); in 2011 in PACIFIC SAND LANCE IN THE RAPIDLY-WARMING Tuktoyaktuk, NT (2011 population=854); and in 2012 in Fort BEAUFORT SEA McPherson, NT (2011 population=792). Each of these projects 1 is ongoing, with data collection components occurring in waves. Falardeau, Marianne ([email protected]), D. Robert2 and L. Fortier1 Methods. Each community project is guided by a planning committee that includes community leaders, local health care 1 Québec-Océan, Département de biologie, Université Laval, providers, and research management staff . Project components Québec, QC, Canada, G1V 0A6 include: screening for H.pylori infection using the urea breath 2 Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research, Fisheries and Marine test (UBT); structured interviews to collect data on health Institute, Memorial University of Newfoundland, PO Box 4920, history and socio-environmental exposures; endoscopy to St. John’s, NL, Canada, A1C 5R3 collect gastric biopsies for histopathological and microbiological examination; a treatment trial to estimate eff ectiveness of Th e boreal Pacifi c sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) alternative therapies for eliminating H.pylori infection. We use was recently detected in southeastern Beaufort Sea collected data to describe the disease burden and estimate eff ects (Canadian Arctic), numbering as the second most abundant of socio-environmental exposures on relevant health outcomes. ichthyoplankton species after the arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) in To address community concerns, we conduct knowledge 2011. We contrast the hatching periods, growth, prey selectivity, exchange activities to share research fi ndings with community and feeding success of the planktonic stages (10 to 60 mm in members, healthcare providers and health offi cials. length) of the two species. Arctic cod hatched from January Results. All projects used active recruitment targeting all to mid-July and sand lance from mid-July to early September, community residents without restricting eligibility based on precluding any competition among the larval stages. By weight, symptoms or other criteria. In all, 875 people participated: 803 sand lance larvae grew 3.7 times faster than arctic cod larvae. were screened for H.pylori infection by UBT; 653 provided data Th e co-occurring juveniles of both species fed primarily on on health history; 569 provided data on individual-level socio- copepods and to a lesser extent on bivalve larvae, shifting to environmental exposures; 378 provided data on household-level larger prey with growth. Th e feeding success of both species socio-environmental exposures; 323 completed endoscopy with appeared limited by the availability of their preferred prey. A gastric biopsy; 245 enrolled in a treatment trial. signifi cant diet overlap in juveniles > 25 mm (Schoener Index 48 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

= 0.64) suggested potential competition for Pseudocalanus Th is presentation attempts to evaluate the lessons learned spp., Calanus spp. and bivalve larvae. However, sand lance from decades of infrastructure development in the North and strongly selected for nauplii while the more diversifi ed diet of uncover dominant features that governed the planning and arctic cod comprised mainly the copepodites of these species. design processes. Several case studies will be presented and Interspecifi c competition for food is unlikely at this time but is evaluated. Using the outcome of this evaluation and relevant predicted to amplify with a climate-related reduction in the size principles derived from post-normal science we will then of zooplankton prey and an increase in the abundance of sand propose a framework for design and decision-making around lance. infrastructure development in the North. Th e aim of the proposed framework is to help inform future decision-making processes related to regulating (codes APPLYING POST-NORMALITY TO ENGINEERING and standards), planning (participatory decision-making DESIGN – IMPLICATIONS TO ENGINEERING IN THE processes), design (technical and engineering design processes) NORTH and management (long-term sustainability and resilience) of infrastructure in the North. 1 3 Farahbakhsh, Khosrow ([email protected]), C. Goldhar , Th e presentation will bring together the existing body of A. Gordon1, S. Harper2, R. Marshall1, T. Sheldon3 and knowledge in the area of adaptive design and decision-making C. Wolfrey4 for resiliency with the collective experience of the authors in this 1 School of Engineering, University of Guelph, Guelph, area as pertains to northern climate. Ontario, N1G 2W1 2 Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary Collage, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1 IDENTIFICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL SOURCES 3 Environment Division, Nunatsiavut Government, Nain, OF LEAD EXPOSURE IN NUNAVUT, CANADA Newfoundland and Labrador, A0P 1L0 1 2 1 3 4 Rigolet Inuit Community Government, Rigolet, Fillion, Myriam , J.M. Blais , E. Yumvihoze , M. Nakajima , P. 3 3 3 1 Newfoundland and Labrador, A0P 1C0 Workman , G. Osborne , M. Baikie , H.M. Chan 1 Conventional engineering approaches are increasingly Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa coming under scrutiny for their failure to eff ectively address 2 Department of Biology, University of Ottawa complexity and uncertainty. Reductionist methodologies, 3 Department of Health and Social Services, Government of relying predominantly on long-term predictive and quantitative Nunavut models and promoting “silver bullet” solutions tend to create outcomes that lack adaptability and resilience. Th e challenges Background: Blood lead levels (BLL) were investigated are exacerbated in the North by remoteness, energy insecurity, in the adult Inuit population of Nunavut, northern Canada, lack of access to technical expertise, climatic and geographic during the Inuit Health Survey (IHS) in 2007-2008. conditions, and the unique socio-political and cultural Approximately 10% of the participants had BLLs over the undertones. Health Canada’s guidance of 100 μg/L. Th ere are numerous examples of failed engineering Objectives: 1) To repeat the measurement of BLL in the solutions that were often informed from southern experiences participants with high BLL and in their children; 2) to measure lead (Pb) concentrations in environmental samples to identify and imposed on Northern communities without meaningful potential sources and 3) to explore how Pb from environmental consultation. In contrast, there are also examples of eff ective samples contribute to BLL. engineering design and planning tailored to unique conditions Methods: Blood samples were collected from 100 adults of the North that have proven more successful and resilient in and 56 children in 2012. A total of 172 environmental the long-term. Both successes and failures provide opportunities samples (tap water, house dust, paint, country food, soil, for learning and innovation, particularly in long-term and ammunition) were collected from 14 houses from three infrastructure planning and development. communities where the participants had the highest BLL. Total It is generally agreed that a revised framework for Pb concentrations and Pb isotope mass balance were determined engineering design and planning is needed to address the by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). plethora of complex issues facing northern and remote Lead isotope ratio (LIR) analyses and discriminant analyses of communities. Post-normal science that has emerged from the the relative isotopic compositions of the samples were performed study of complex dynamic systems in physics and ecology in to characterize the potential relationship between Pb in particular may help provide a framework to inform engineering environmental and blood samples. Th e Human Research Ethics design and problem-solving processes in the North. Review Board of the University of Ottawa approved the project. 49 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Results: Th e geometric mean of BLL was 43.1 μg/L; BLL take into account the social and cultural importance of food. increased with age and was higher in adults than children (71.1 Focusing on a community based participatory research project vs. 17.5 μg/L, p<0.0001). Mean Pb concentrations in water with the community of Rigolet, Nunatsiavut, Labrador, this (14.7 μg/L) and dust (507.9 μg/m2, for wiped dust, 108.5 mg/ presentation will discuss the value of photo-cards as a tool and kg for coarse dust, and 433.1 mg/kg for fi ne dust) were generally method for food security research. Drawing from and adapting higher than in other parts of Canada. Mean Pb concentrations data collection methods such as card sorts and conversational of food, paint chips, soil coarse and fi ne fractions, and interviews, photo-cards have been used in Rigolet’s food ammunition were 71.7 μg/kg, 76.8 mg/kg, 10.2 mg/kg, 16.8 security research as a means of eliciting community members’ mg/kg, and 431.4 g/kg respectively. Higher BLL values were preferences and cultural experiences with the foods that found in households with elevated Pb levels in dust. LIR have been historically, and are currently, available within the analyses suggest that Pb in paint and ammunition contributed community. Th e presentation demonstrates how photo-cards to increased Pb in house dust, which was identifi ed to be the allowed participants to express their emotions, preferences and major source of Pb in the households with the highest BLL. cultural experiences and affi nity to certain foods in a way that Conclusion: LIR analysis is a useful technique to was not available with the research methods traditionally used in identify the routes of exposure to Pb and to contribute to the food security research. development of eff ective public health programs. Keywords: lead, blood, environment, dust, exposure, Inuit, children RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CYCLONE ACTIVITY AND WINTER CLIMATE VARIABILITY IN LABRADOR

Finnis, Joel (jfi [email protected]) INCLUDING THE INTANGIBLE: PHOTO-CARDS AS A METHOD FOR ANALYZING THE SOCIAL AND Department of Geography, Memorial University, St. John’s, CULTURAL IMPORTANCE OF FOOD IN RIGOLET, Newfoundland & Labrador, A1B 3X9 NUNATSIAVUT Concerns regarding climate change and variability in Finner, Kaitlyn1 (kaitlyn.fi [email protected]), I. Shiwak2, Labrador have been signifi cantly infl uenced by the extreme C. Flowers2, J. D. Ford1, C. Furgal3 and the Rigolet Inuit winter warming events of 2009/2010 and 2010/2011, during 2 Community Government which the region experienced prolonged thaw conditions. A consequent lack of snow cover and reduced coastal sea ice 1 Department of Geography, McGill University, Montréal, rendered important snowmobile routes impassable, negatively Québec, H3A 0G4 2 Rigolet Inuit Community Government, Rigolet, Nunatsiavut, impacting access to food, fi rewood, and neighbouring Newfoundland and Labrador, A0P 1P0 communities through much of rural Labrador. Previous research 3 Departments of Indigenous Studies and Environmental and has emphasized that these events were largely a consequence of Resources Sciences / Studies, Trent University, Peterborough, natural variability, with storm track anomalies associated with Ontario, K9J 7B8 the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) accounting for much of the warming. However, the NAO remains an unsatisfying Defi nitions of food security increasingly emphasize the representation of these storm track anomalies; although social and cultural importance of food. As a result there has it suggests warm winters are associated with atmospheric been a shift in food security research to go beyond measuring blocking over the North Atlantic, it provides little insight into and documenting the quantities and types of foods that are the impacts of this blocking on storm activity near Labrador. available and consumed to also include questions concerning Furthermore, it is not clear that this connection between the how appropriate the available and consumed foods are based NAO, blocking, and surface temperatures can be used to on the preferences and culture of the individuals, groups and inform Labrador’s climate adaptation eff orts, as climate models communities. Th is expanded understanding of food security frequently misrepresent the physical structure of the NAO and is especially relevant within the context of Northern Canada Atlantic blocking frequency, potentially limiting their ability to as food has historically been and continues to be an integral simulate realistic extreme warming events. Th e current study part of Inuit identity and culture. Many Inuit communities are addresses these shortcomings using a winter storm climatology experiencing increasing challenges to accessing their traditional developed for the region. Variability in storm frequency, foods from the land due to climate change as well as complex intensity, duration, and source region were examined, along social and economic changes that culminate in food insecurity. with the infl uence of these systems on moist static energy fl ux In order to address these complex changes and to ensure into a domain representative of Labrador and the Labrador Sea. food secure communities, interventions and policies must Results indicate warm winters are associated with fewer cyclones 50 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

approaching from cold source regions such as the Canadian OCEAN NETWORKS CANADA: CAMBRIDGE interior (‘cold’ cyclones), rather than an increase in systems BAY CABLED OBSERVATORY UPGRADE AND approaching from warmer regions around Atlantic Canada. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Th e result is reduced cold advection from the north/northwest, Flagg, Ryan (rmfl [email protected]), R. Key, B. Pierenne, S. McLean while warm advection from the south/southeast remains and T. Dakin relatively unchanged. Additional analyses connect reduced cold cyclone frequency to jet stream positions and preferred blocking Ocean Networks Canada Society, University of Victoria, locations. Th ese results provide context for the interpretation of Technology Enterprise Facility, 2300 McKenzie Ave, PO Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2 21st century climate projections, allowing large-scale shifts in the position of the polar jet stream to be interpreted as shifts in After 6 years of installing and operating the largest and the probability of extreme warming events. most advanced subsea cabled observatory in the world, Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) committed itself to helping to study the Arctic. In 2012 a small cabled observatory, consisting of SCHOOLS ON TUNDRA: TERRESTRIAL-BASED an underwater instrument platform and shore station, was SCIENCE OUTREACH PROGRAM installed off the main dock in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. As we begin our second year of partnering with the Cambridge Bay Fishback, LeeAnn1, M. Watts2, L. Barber2 and D.G. Barber2 community to collect open source data, our goals remain very 1 Churchill Northern Studies Centre, Churchill, MB; Canada much the same as they were in 2012: 1. Scholastic outreach to 2 Centre for Earth Observation Science, University of Manitoba, build science literacy among high school studies; 2. Maintain Winnipeg, MB and build positive working relationships with local government, businesses, and other community entities; 3. Maintain and Since 2004, ArcticNet’s Schools on Board program, based improve upon the quality and continuity of gathered scientifi c out of the University of Manitoba, has been an integral outreach data 4. Continue to increase the overall capability of the opportunity for high school students and teachers from across installation. Canada to be engaged in arctic climate change research on board Th e initial installation consisted of a Water Quality the CCGS Amundsen. Building on the continued success of the Monitor, a Shallow Water Ice Profi ler, an underwater camera, Schools on Board program, a new initiative called Schools on a meteorological station, and a shore camera. Th e underwater Tundra in collaboration with the Churchill Northern Studies instruments transmit data along a subsea cable to the shore Centre (CNSC) and Parks Canada was launched in 2013. station. Data are then transmitted wirelessly to a server station Th e Schools on Board program objective is to bridge arctic in the nearby regional government building. Finally, a satellite research with science education in high schools across Canada; internet connection makes data available in near real time on to increase awareness of issues related to climate change in ONC’s website. Canada, and to educate young Canadians about the challenges During the 2013 annual maintenance visit, ONC sent a and career opportunities of arctic research. Th is program merges small team to Cambridge Bay to engage students from the local well with the CNSC mandate ‘to understand and sustain the high-school, train teachers in the use of online tools, present a year’s worth of data to the local government, and to upgrade North’ through research and educational programming in both the sensor suite and overall capability of the observatory. Churchill’s subarctic environment. Expanding on the Schools Th e primary upgrade was the addition of a newly developed on Board objectives, the Schools on Tundra program pilot Ocean Innovation Centre interface module in a pressure brought nine students and two teachers from across Canada housing or ‘can’. Th e OIC can has allowed the existing cable to the subarctic tundra for a weeklong, terrestrial subarctic infrastructure (installed in 2012) to support a greater number of fi eld program. Participants were exposed to the objectives and underwater instruments. Th is improvement made it possible to methods of six diff erent science research programs from several simplify the connection of two new instruments at lower cost: research disciplines and institutions across Canada. Interactions an IC Listen HF Hydrophone, and a VEMCO VR2C Acoustic with scientists and hands-on experience in the fi eld, classroom Fish Tag Receiver, the latter in collaboration with the Ocean and laboratory, fostered a unique learning environment for all Tracking Network. participants. Th e Schools on Tundra program will be held again Th e shore station was upgraded with a higher quality in the winter of 2015 in partnership between Schools on Board meteorological station, and the fi rst Automatic Identifi cation and the CNSC. Th is successful model presents opportunities System (AIS) in the Canadian Arctic to monitor commercial for similar partnerships and programs to develop with other surface vessel traffi c. All of this work has required a close northern fi eld stations. partnership with not only the regional Kitikmeot government 51 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

but also with several local businesses, the Canadian with the distribution of Arctic cod. Th ere is an acute need for Hydrographic Service, and the University of Victoria Dive a synthesis of knowledge about the marine ecosystems of the Safety Offi cer. Kitikmeot.

ARCTIC CHANGE: IMPACTS ON MARINE NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR THE INTERACTIVE ECOSYSTEMS ANALYSIS OF ICE DATA IN BEAUFORT SEA

Fortier, Louis1 ([email protected]), S.H. Ferguson2, Fortin, Michelle1 ([email protected]), Y. Bédard1, P. Archambault3, J. Matley4, D. Robert1, G. Darnis1, J. Friddell2, S. Rivest1 and T. Roy1 M. Geoff roy1, K. Suzuki1, M. Falardeau1, L..A. Harwood2, 1 D. Slavik5, C. Grant3 and H. Link3 Centre de Recherche en Géomatique, Université Laval, 1055, avenue du Séminaire, Québec, Québec, Canada G1V 0A6 1 Québec-Océan, Département de biologie, Université Laval, 2 Department of Geography, University of Waterloo, 200 Québec, QC, Canada, G1V 0A6 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1 2 Freshwater Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3T 2N6 In the context of the CanIce project, aimed at improving 3 Institut des sciences de la mer, Université du Québec à sea ice data accessibility through web services, an application Rimouski, Rimouski, QC, Canada, G5L 3A1 has been developed to facilitate, enrich and accelerate the 4 School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Centre for analysis of ice concentrations. Funded by a research grant Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook from BREA (Beaufort Regional Environmental Assessment – University, Australia Aboriginal Aff airs and Northern Development Canada) the 5 Rural Economy Department, University of Alberta, project partners – Canadian Ice Service, Canadian Cryospheric Edmonton, AB, Canada, T6G 2H1 Information Network, Ryerson University and Laval University Th e pelagic (open water) and benthic (seafl oor) marine – focused mainly on the Beaufort Sea region. Th e mandate of ecosystems of the Western Canadian Arctic provide Inuvialuit Laval University team was to develop a SOLAP application and Nunavummiut of the Kitikmeot with many services. With (Spatial On-Line Analytical Processing) off ering geovisualization climate warming and a shift in sea-ice regime, these ecosystems and spatio-temporal analysis features and functionalities not are likely to transform into somewhat richer subarctic/boreal currently available through the Canadian Ice Service data portal. ecosystems over the present century. Presently, the pelagic and Th e resulting application combines Business Intelligence benthic ecosystems of the Western Canadian Arctic are still and GIS technologies to off er a multidimensional tool for essentially intact except for the fi rst symptoms of the expected interactive analysis and decision-making through a user-friendly invasion by animals from the North Pacifi c. However, studies WEB environment. Ice data provided by the Canadian Ice in the Bering Sea indicate that a spectacular shift in the relative Service and data gathered from GeoGratis website (Natural importance of the pelagic and benthic ecosystems can occur Resources Canada) served as a basis for designing the application in less than 20 years. Recent scientifi c studies in the area and feeding the resulting spatial “datacube”. Th e application point to the following potential transformations: (1) increased uses the EggCode data, an international standard to characterize penetration of light in the surface layer of the ocean, and sea and lake ice (ice concentrations, forms of ice and stages of increased upwelling of nutrients by wind from the deep layer development). ArcGIS, FME, Microsoft Access and Eclipse to the surface layer; (2) reduced production of ice algae and for Java programming tools have been used for preparing, increased production of phytoplankton; (3) enrichment of the processing and integrating multi-formats data into the datacube. pelagic ecosystem to the detriment of the benthic ecosystem; (4) Th e application, relying on an Oracle or MySQL database initial improvement of conditions for key arctic specialists such managed and accessed via Map4Decision SOLAP software, as the large copepod Calanus glacialis, the Arctic cod and several allows an interactive exploration of multi-sources, multi-times seabirds until mid-century; (5) a decline in the abundance and and multi-scales data by non-specialist users. Th is application health of resident ice-dependant seals and polar bears after mid also introduces the notion of data reliability access, with a century; and (6) signifi cant changes in the migration patterns quantitative measure of uncertainty applied to a calculated of migratory species such as the beluga, the bowhead whale and variable. the killer whale. Th e lack of regional models and scenarios of the future ocean climate in the Canadian Western Arctic weakens our capacity to forecast precise milestones in the ineluctable transition of the arctic marine ecosystems of the Western Arctic towards boreal marine ecosystems. Oil exploration leases overlap 52 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

HOW DO BOWHEADS MAKE A LIVING IN THE concentrations of prey were contained in depth bins 0-200 and EASTERN CANADIAN ARCTIC? 0-120 m. Given these preliminary results, it appears as though bowheads feed at depth on calanoid copepods in Kingnait Fortune, Sarah M.E.1 (s.fortune@fi sheries.ubc.ca), Fiord during the Summer. Th e foraging behavior of bowheads S.H. Ferguson2, M.F. Baumgartner3 and A.W. Trites1 will be further studied by examining archived SPLASH tag 1 University of British Columbia, Marine Mammal Research data. SPLASH tags have been used to track movement patterns Unit, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4 of bowheads using satellite telemetry and depth-temperature 2 Fisheries and Oceans Canada and University of Manitoba, profi les. We will examine the dive profi les of whales in Kingnait Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N6 Fiord during our sampling period to validate assumptions 3 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, regarding bowhead foraging behavior. Massachusetts, 02543

Climate change is predicted to continue to alter biotic SPATIAL, TEMPORAL, AND SOURCE VARIATIONS and abiotic conditions of marine environments. Such changes OF PETROLEUM HYDROCARBONS IN MARINE will aff ect marine predators as the quality and quantity of SEDIMENTS FROM BAFFIN BAY, EASTERN their prey shifts over time. However, the manner in which CANADIAN ARCTIC diff erent species will respond to environmental change is 1 1 unknown. Bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) and North Foster, Karen L. ([email protected]), G.A. Stern , 1 1 2 3 Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) are examples of two J. Carrie , J. N.-L. Bailey , P. Outridge , H. Sanei and 4 sympatric species (genetically related with similar morphologies R.W. Macdonald and diets) with diff erent physiological adaptations that could 1 Centre for Earth Observation Sciences (CEOS), Department result in divergent responses to environmental variability. To of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, begin to answer questions regarding species level responses to Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2 climate change, it is important to develop an understanding of 2 Natural Resources Canada, Geological Survey of Canada, dietary requirements. North Atlantic right whale diet has been Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0E8 3 extensively studied throughout their range, however, relatively Natural Resources Canada, Geological Survey of Canada, little is known about bowhead diet in the eastern Canadian Calgary, Alberta, T2L 2A7 4 Arctic. Consequently, we sought to collect information about Institute of Ocean Sciences, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Sidney, British Columbia, V8L 4B2 bowhead diet by combining data from harvested and live whales in Cumberland Sound. Stomach contents were collected Th e Arctic, and especially Baffi n Bay and Davis Strait, from a harvested animal on 6 August 2013 approximately 20 are estimated to hold vast underground reservoirs of untapped km northeast of Kekerten Island, at the mouth of Kingnait oil. As sea ice coverage declines because of climate warming, Fiord. Zooplankton samples (n=12) were collected between 22 exploration for these hydrocarbons has begun to increase, as and 26 August near bowhead whales in Kingnait Fiord. Two has shipping traffi c through the Arctic Archipelago. Both of 333-micrometer (μm) mesh conical nets 30 cm and 60 cm in these activities may lead to petroleum hydrocarbon pollution diameter fi tted with a General Oceanics helical fl ow meter and of northern marine ecosystems under Canadian jurisdiction. temperature depth recorder (TDR) were used to sample surface However, hydrocarbons are also present naturally, and possibly waters (0.5 m), and the water column using oblique (15 m) in some locations from oil seeps. Using sediment cores collected and vertical (180-220 m) hauling methods. Successive vertical as part of the Amundsen expeditions in 2008 and 2009, we tows of progressively shallower depth strata was also conducted have analyzed the background levels of hydrocarbons in Baffi n near the mouth of Kingnait Fiord in the absence of whales. Bay and studied their chemical signatures both pre-industrial Very few organisms were found in collections made in the era (pre-1900s) and presently to assess their sources, as well upper 15 m of the water column. Th is was not surprising given as temporal and spatial variability. Our results indicate that that the predominant behavior was long, high-fl uking dives, there is natural variability both spatially (between sites) and which suggests that the whales may be feeding at depth. Vertical temporally (pre- versus post-1900s sediments) of alkanes and samples collected between 0-230 m contained comparatively of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Hydrocarbon high concentrations of prey. Preliminary observations suggest biomarkers suggest that both marine and terrigenous organic that the samples were dominated by energy rich calanoid matter contribute to the organic carbon content of Baffi n Bay copepods such as Pseudocalanus spp. and Calanus hyperboreus. sediments, and that PAHs are predominantly derived from Th e stomach contents appear to be similarly dominated by petrogenic sources. Using chemical profi ling a site in the North copepods. Results from the successive vertical tows (0-200 Water Polynya was also identifi ed as a probable location of a m, 0-120 m, 0-95 m, 0-40 m) demonstrated that the highest recent (post-1900s), undocumented oil seep. 53 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

H site, models were improved when we added daily amplitude CONTROLS OF CO2 FLUXES IN NATURAL CONDITIONS AND UNDER WARMING TESTS of temperature, thaw front depth and deep horizon temperature. IN HISTIC AND TURBIC CRYOSOLS, SALLUIT, Th ese results support the assumption that organic matter NUNAVIK, CANADA decomposition might be major source of CO2 at the Histic Cryosol. In contrast at the T site, adding wind speed and solar Fouché, Julien1,2 ([email protected]), M. Allard1, C. Keller2 and radiation in models improved the ER variance explanation. We J.P. Ambrosi2 assumed that plant-derived processes dominate ER and warming 1 Centre d’études nordiques, Université Laval, pav. Abitibi-Price, ER enhancement at the Turbic Cryosol. We suggest that concern Québec, Qc, Canada, G1V 0A6 about the soil nature and the diurnal evolution of ER should 2 Centre Européen de Recherche et Enseignement de be taken when interpreting the temperature-sensitivity of CO2 Géosciences de l’Environnement, UMR AMU-CNRS 7330, fl uxes. Moreover, more environmental variables have to be Aix-Marseille Université, Europôle de l’Arbois, 13545 Aix en taken into account to model CO2 release from Cryosols in the Provence, France warming Arctic. Cryosols in tundra ecosystems contain large stocks of organic carbon as peat and as organic cryoturbated layers. UNDERSTANDING SCIENTIST AND DECISION Increased organic matter decomposition rate in those arctic soils MAKER PERSPECTIVES ON THE ARCTIC SCIENCE- due to increasing soil temperatures and to permafrost thawing POLICY LANDSCAPE can lead to the release of greenhouse gases, which potentially contributes to a positive feedback on global warming. Furgal, Chris1,2 ([email protected]), M. Buckham2, D. Hik3, 4 5 5 6 Instrumentation was installed on two permafrost-aff ected soils S. Nickels , S. Meakin , P. Moss-Davies and L. Braithwaite in Salluit (Nunavik, Canada; 62°14’N, 75°38’W) in order to get 1 Indigenous Environmental Studies Program, Trent University, a comprehensive understanding of ecosystem respiration (ER) Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8 kinetics and temperature sensitivity. Furthermore, we aimed 2 Health, Environment and Indigenous Communities Research to assess the temperature-independent variables that control Group, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8 3 diurnal and seasonal CO2 fl uxes. Two experimental sites under Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, tussock tundra vegetation were set up: one is on a Histic Cryosol Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9 (H site) in a polygonal peatland; the other one is on a Turbic 4 Inuit Knowledge Centre, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Ottawa, Cryosol reductaquic (T site) on post-glacial marine clays. At Ontario, K1P 5E7 5 each site an open top chamber was installed during the entire Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, growing season of 2011 to warm the soil surface. Th ermistors K1P 5V5 6 Canadian Ice Service - Environment Canada, Ottawa, and soil moisture probes were installed both in natural (N) Ontario, K1N 9M5 surface thermal conditions and in warmed (W) stations. At each station, ER was measured three times per day every second day Ecological changes, economic strains, cultural with an opaque closed chamber linked to a portable IRGA. In transformations and other factors represent multiple stresses for natural conditions, despite warmer conditions, average ER at the people of the Canadian Arctic. More specifi cally, climate -2 -1 the HN station (1.29 ± 0.45 μmolCO2.m .s ) was strongly change and variability will dramatically impact the environment, -2 -1 lower than at the TN station (2.30 ± 0.74μmolCO2.m .s ). A culture and identity of Inuit, and ultimately the face of Canada. mean diurnal warming of soil surface of 4.0°C lead to a ~39 % However, not all changes may be negative, and some new increase in ER at the HW station. At the TW station a ~3.3°C opportunities may be created. Th e challenges and opportunities increase induced an ER enhancement of only ~16 %. Our data created by climate change must be met head-on with sound supported the assumption that soil warming would increase policy decision-making. Th e best available information, based on

CO2 fl uxes from tundra ecosystems but with diff erent strengths both reliable science and community and Indigenous knowledge between soil types, which may show that ER originates from (IK), must be used to ensure that Inuit and all Canadians various processes and temperature is not the only control factor make appropriate and sustainable decisions with regards to of ER. the Arctic and its future. Currently, our understanding of how Decoupling of ER from soil temperature was highlighted best to eff ectively translate research results on urgent issues by daily evolution of temperature-sensitivity (i.e. Q10), which such as climate change into “action” through decision-making leads to hysteretic loops of diurnal ER cycles at both stations. at the local, region, national or international levels is limited. Considering the temperature-sensitivity of each measurement It is recognized that this gap between knowledge creation, via period separately increases the ER variance explanation. the generation of scientifi c results by members of the science However, part of the ER variance remained unexplained. At the community, and knowledge used by members of the policy 54 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

and decision making communities is infl uenced by a variety of We fi rst consulted the Cree and Inuit representatives about factors. their interest in a plant workshop, and secondly about their Th is project investigates multiple actors’ perspectives on desire to do a separate or a joint venture. Both communities the Arctic science – policy landscape to understand the nature expressed a strong desire to do it together and asked for a of the gap and how best it might be bridged on critical issues longer stay, at a farther location than was originally proposed. such as climate change and adaptation. We adopted online and Finally, the project started at the summer 2013 with the Cree face-to-face survey methods, with quantitative and qualitative community of Whapmagoostui. We spent fi ve days on the design features, to capture the experiences and perceptions of land (August 5-9, 2013), a party of 18 people of all ages. It researchers and policy makers working at the knowledge to included four Elders, four Youth, and seven fi eld assistants action interface. Participants were asked a series of questions from Whapmagoostui, two researchers from CEN, and a related to: perceptions of the current use and impact of science fi lm-maker from Wapikoni Mobile. Th is 5-day expedition was on policy in the Canadian Arctic; perceptions of barriers and a fertile ground to get to know each other and then to share facilitators to science impact on policy in the Canadian Arctic; our respective knowledge in many ways: cross-generational and, perspectives on strategies that promote/support the impact and cross-cultural, including Eeyou TK vs. science. Diff erent of science on policy and decision making in the Canadian approaches were used: demonstrations of herbal preparations Arctic. Although the survey is currently ongoing, we intend to by the Elders, visits of diff erent plant habitats with Youth and complete the survey during the 2013 ArcticNet ASM in Halifax fi eld assistants, plant collection shown to Elders, story-telling, from December 9-13 and a summary of initial insights will collective hunting activities, individual interviews with Elders be presented on the fi nal day of the conference. Investigating and fi eld assistants about their observations of environmental perceptions and perspectives of actors working at the science- changes, Youth science workshops (e.g. habitat characterization policy interface more broadly has the potential to provide and plant observation) and spontaneous exchanges about plants, insight into the nature of the science-policy gap and to inform animals and environment throughout the stay. Upon our return, ArcticNet’s science-policy mechanisms at the programmatic a wrap-up meeting was organized with the Youth at the CEN and project specifi c scales. Ultimately, this project is aimed Science Community Centre so they could share their thoughts at promoting eff ective science-policy or decision making about the workshop. A documentary fi lm has been produced in relationships and eff ective knowledge translation in the Arctic. collaboration with Whapmagoostui to portray the sharing and strong moments. Th is workshop was a good way to engage a multi-level THE PLANT GATHERING PROJECT: LINKING dialogue between an aboriginal community and researchers, CREE TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE (EEYOU) AND while promoting TK transmission both between generations SCIENCE THROUGH A MULTI-GENERATION and with the science community. We think one of the benefi ts WORKSHOP of this project is also to more actively engage the native Youth in natural sciences by making the science more relevant and Gérin-Lajoie, José ([email protected]), E. Hébert-Houle, connected to their culture and environment. It was essential E. Lévesque, Whapmagoostui First Nation and Centre d’études nordiques to understand and respect the pace and the background of the local communities in organizing such workshops. We anticipate Département des sciences de l’environnement & Centre pursuing this project with the Inuit village of Kuujjuarapik and d’études nordiques, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, hopefully with the two communities together in the future. Québec, G9A 5H7

Th e Plant Gathering Project started from a willingness MEASUREMENT OF PERMAFROST GREENHOUSE to share and to come together around the themes of northern GAS EMISSIONS THROUGH A NEW CLOSED plants and climate change, with the Cree community of CHAMBER AUTOMATED SYSTEM Whapmagoostui and the Inuit community of Kuujjuarapik. Th ese two communities located just above the 55th parallel on Gagnon, Samuel1,2 ([email protected]) and the eastern Hudson Bay coast, live side by side and represent M. Allard1,2 respectively the northernmost Cree and the southernmost 1 Département de Géographie, Université Laval, Québec, Inuit villages in Quebec. Our goals were: 1) to foster sharing Québec, G1V 0A6 between the Centre for Northern Studies (CEN) and the local 2 Centre d’études nordiques (CEN), Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6 communities, so that we continue to learn from each other; 2) to encourage the transfer of traditional knowledge (TK) between Over the past 30 years, the Arctic has experienced local Elders and Youth; and 3) to inspire future generations. a rapid increase in surface temperatures, which has lead to 55 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

important consequences such as the beginning of permafrost measurements, the results are promising as the sensors were thaw. Permafrost thaw is expected to contribute to increased responding well and the chamber appeared to be hermetic. emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) such as methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) through enhanced ecosystem respiration and soil carbon consumption, with potentially a MORPHOLOGY AND DISTRIBUTION OF LIQUID feedback eff ect on climate warming. Such emissions have been INCLUSIONS IN YOUNG SEA ICE AS IMAGED BY quantifi ed indirectly through mathematical models and from MAGNETIC RESONANCE sporadic fi eld measurements using portable gas chambers. Galley, Ryan J.1 ([email protected]), B.G.T. However, modeling still holds a lot of uncertainty and direct Else1, N-X. Geilfus1, A.A. Hare1, D. Isleifson1,5, L. Ryner4, measurements with chambers are both labor-intensive and time- D.G. Barber1 and S. Rysgaard1,2,3 consuming. At the moment, there are only few means of directly measuring permafrost GHG emissions over long periods of time 1 Centre for Earth Observation Science, University of Manitoba, without an operator and at small costs. 125 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 2N2 2 Th e objective of this project is to measure permafrost Greenland Climate Research Center, Greenland Institute CO and CH emissions in a peat bog located in Salluit, of Natural Resources, Kivioq 2, P.O. Box 570, 3900 Nuuk, 2 4 Greenland Nunavik. In order to assess the future impact of warming on 3 arctic carbon fl uxes, GHG emissions will be measured under Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Aarhus, Denmark the current climatic conditions and inside an open-top chamber 4 National Research Council Canada, Institute for (OTC), which can reproduce the climatic conditions expected Biodiagnostics, 435 Ellice Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, in about 50 years. In addition, the spatial variations of GHG Canada R3B 1Y6 emissions in the polygonal peat bog, from dry tundra polygon 5 Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer centers to wet troughs where permafrost is decaying, will be Engineering, University of Manitoba, 75 Chancellor’s Circle, studied in order to determine the eff ects of soil water saturation Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 2N2 on GHG emissions and composition. Th is project also aims to develop a new instrumen- In order to determine the morphology and distribution of tation: a closed chamber automated system equipped with liquid inclusions in young sea ice, magnetic resonance imaging GHG sensors. We intend to design and build a system of an 18 cm sea ice core was done using a Siemens 3T TIM capable of taking precise measurements over long periods of TRIO human scanner. Th e sample was stored at about -20 °C time while maintaining the integrity of the studied sites and until the beginning of a constructive interference steady state functioning autonomously. In addition, this system seeks to gradient echo sequence which lasted four and a half minutes. provide the research community with an instrumentation Here we present the fi rst three-dimensional reconstruction that is substantially less expensive than existing commercial of a brine drainage channel network in young sea ice using apparatuses. magnetic resonance imaging. Th e magnetic resonance image Four automated systems of closed chambers will sequence data presented here clearly illustrate that brine be used for the project, including one witness chamber and drainage channels are established relatively quickly during ice one chamber in an OTC. While three chambers will take formation, and indicates the amount and location of vertical GHG measurements, the witness chamber will be equipped and horizontal fl uid permeability in young sea ice. A simple with the instruments necessary to measure and compare the analysis of the image sequence reveals that magnetic resonance environmental impacts of the chambers. Peat cores will be imaging is useful in describing the vertical profi le of liquid sampled inside and outside the witness chamber and the OTC fraction that compares well to volumes calculated for similar sea throughout the summer in order to measure the infl uence ice temperatures. Future work in this vein may include three- of the chambers on primary production. GHG emissions, dimensional magnetic resonance scans of sea ice cores at in situ temperature and relative humidity will be measured 2-3 times/ temperatures using diff erent magnetic resonance sequences in day for about 90 minutes and recorded by a data logger. Manual order to improve the observation of inclusions, though this will measurements and independent measurements with a portable necessitate both access to a scanner and the construction of a chamber will also be taken in order to compare the accuracy and cooling system compatible with a magnetic resonance imager. precision of the new instrumentation. First measurements were made at the research site with an initial prototype of the automated chamber in August 2013.

Signifi cant changes in gas concentrations of both CH4 and CO2 were detected immediately when the chamber was closed. Although concentrations could not be compared with reference 56 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

FRACTIONATION OF MERCURY ISOTOPES IN DIFFERENTIAL GROWTH RESPONSES OF FIVE WATER, SEDIMENTS, AND FISH FROM THE HUSKY BACTERIAL POPULATIONS TO PHOTOBLEACHED LAKES, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES, CANADA DOM SUBSTRATE ISOLATED FROM MACKENZIE RIVER FLOODWATER Gantner, Nikolaus1 ([email protected]), J. Gareis2, D. Ross2, B. Dimock1 and H. Hintelmann1 Gareis, Jolie1,2 ([email protected]) and L. Lesack1

1 Department of Chemistry, Trent University, ON, Canada, 1 Department of Geography, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, K9J 7B8 British Columbia, V5A 1S6 2 Aurora Research Institute, Inuvik, NT, Canada, X0E 0T0 2 Western Arctic Research Centre, Aurora Research Institute, Inuvik, Northwest Territories, X0E 0T0 Mercury can accumulate in apex-predator fi sh muscle to concentrations exceeding those considered safe for subsistence Large river fl oodplains are ecologically and hydrologically consumption by humans. Fish species such as Lake trout are complex sites of intense productivity and biogeochemical typical apex-predators of Arctic lakes and can be a signifi cant modifi cation of nutrients and organic matter. Productivity and source of food for local indigenous peoples. Th e infl uence of biogeochemical processing rates are determined by the depth abiotic factors and biological parameters on Hg accumulation and duration of fl ooding, which in turn are driven by fl oodplain in apex-predators are not well understood. Further, a good microtopography and the annual discharge hydrograph. River understanding of sources of Hg to and processes within water fl oodplains in the circumpolar arctic are exceptionally complex column and food webs is still lacking. Our study aims to examples of these systems because they occur in a region with investigate the interactions of water column, food webs and Hg extreme seasonal variations in ambient temperatures, solar transfer in aquatic systems in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region exposure, river discharge and ice-infl uenced conditions. (Canada). Th e selected Husky Lakes, Yaya, and Noell Lake Th e Mackenzie River Delta, located in the western ecosystems represent a range of water column and ecological Canadian arctic, is an ideal site to study how circumpolar characteristics, as well as Hg delivery (marine-, riverine- or fl oodplains modify the quantity and quality of biogeochemical freshwater-derived). We investigate how those characteristics discharge to the Arctic Ocean. During the spring freshet and aff ect Hg transfer and fractionation. All lakes are frequented concurrent period of widespread fl ooding caused by high water by the Inuvialuit communities Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk for levels and ice jamming in delta distributary channels, large subsistence fi shing. Sampling includes surface water, benthic and amounts of fl oodwater (26 - 31 km3) temporarily move off - pelagic invertebrates, tissues from harvested fi shes, and non- channel and on to the lake-rich Mackenzie Delta fl oodplain. target fi shes. Biological parameters of fi shes (age, length, weight, Th e fl oodwater, derived from snowmelt runoff and rich in diet) are recorded and invertebrates separated by species. Sample terrigenous material, covers the fl oodplain to an average depth analysis includes total Hg (THg), monomethylHg (MeHg), of 2.3 m and coincides with the period of extended day lengths 13 15 and stable isotopes of carbon (δ C), nitrogen (δ N), and Hg around the time of the arctic summer solstice. Absorption of x (δ Hg) and otolith microchemistry. Hg IRs are analyzed by ultraviolet radiation results in photobleaching of terrigenous multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry dissolved organic matter (DOM), which breaks down into (MC-ICP/MS). Hg mass independent fractionation (MIF; lower-molecular weight organic compounds that can be more 199 202 Δ Hg) and mass dependent fractionation (MDF; δ Hg) easily used as a bacterial food source. Our hypothesis was was calculated and evaluated against conditions in the water that photobleaching of fl oodwater on the Mackenzie Delta column, food web transfer and the potentially diff erence in Hg fl oodplain will increase DOM bioavailability, thereby enhancing delivery. We demonstrate that MIF varies in Lake Trout from bacterial production both locally (on the fl oodplain itself) diff erent lakes up to ~2‰; We will present new results from this and in coastal margins (once fl oodwaters recede back into multidisciplinary study and discuss our preliminary fi ndings distributary channels that discharge to the ocean). with particular focus on implications for future research eff orts Th is hypothesis was assessed experimentally during in a changing Arctic environment. the 2010 freshet and open-water period. Mackenzie River fl oodwater was collected upstream of the delta on the day of peak fl ood (19 May) and fi ltered to remove sediment and bacteria. Filtered fl oodwater was then photobleached for 2 weeks under ambient conditions in Inuvik, NT, to simulate incubation on the delta fl oodplain. During the 2 week incubation, dissolved organic carbon concentrations declined from 7.05 mg L-1 to 6.38 mg L-1, while DOM parameters calculated using spectral

absorbance data refl ected a loss in DOM absorptivity (a440 57 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Arctic tundra responds to shrub expansion might depend on decreased by 65%), aromaticity (SUVA254 decreased by 20%), the changes in carbon assimilation capacity of tundra plant and average molecular weight (a250:a365 increased by 95%). All indicate extensive photobleaching of the incubated fl oodwater. species. Here, we conduct a series of experiments in low Arctic Photobleached fl oodwater was then “fed” to bacterial tundra near the Tundra Ecosystem Research Station, Daring populations isolated from 5 diff erent aquatic environments Lake, Northwest Territories (NWT) (64°52’N, 111°34’W) that are infl uenced, to varying degrees, by Mackenzie Delta to analyze the potential feedback of shrub expansion to fl ooding. Th ese environments included the Beaufort Sea (which Arctic tundra carbon sequestration. Th ree tundra sites along receives water discharge from the delta front), the East Channel a gradient of increasing shrub coverage (17% - 64%) were of the Mackenzie Delta (which receives fl oodplain drainage chosen. We hypothesized shrub coverage increase will promote following peak fl ood), and 3 delta fl oodplain lakes, each with a photosynthetic capacity of dominating species, thus increase diff erent dominant C source (melting thermokarst, river water, annual carbon sequestration. A Li-COR 6400 was used to and rooted macrophyte growth). Bacterial growth effi ciencies measure leaf photosynthetic capacity. Eddy covariance towers were used to assess responses to photobleached DOM substrate; measured net carbon exchange between atmosphere and tundra preliminary results indicate signifi cant diff erences in the at each site. Preliminary results showed that fi rst, the seasonal responsiveness of the various bacterial populations to the variability of photosynthetic capacity showed a similar overall photobleached DOM substrate. pattern in three sites: during growing season, photosynthetic capacity gradually increased to maximum value of near 18 μmol m-2 s-1 in late July after which photosynthetic capacity declined THE FEEDBACK OF SHRUB EXPANSION TO CARBON steadily towards the end of August. Second, the site with higher CYCLE IN ARCTIC TUNDRA shrub coverage had larger photosynthetic capacity, which led to more net carbon sequestration. Ge, Le1 ([email protected]), S. Arruda2, M. Buell1 and P. Lafl eur2

1 Environmental and Life Science Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9L 7B8 RECOGNITION CRITERIA FOR THE DETECTION OF 2 Department of Geography, Trent University, Peterborough, MARINE MAMMALS USING A FISHERIES SONAR IN Ontario, K9J 7B8 THE CANADIAN BEAUFORT SEA

Th e Arctic tundra ecosystems contain about one third of Geoff roy, Maxime1 (maxime.geoff [email protected]), 1,2 3 1 the global terrestrial ecosystem carbon and play an important S. Rousseau , F.R. Knudsen and L. Fortier role in the global carbon cycle. Atmospheric warming due 1 Département de biologie, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, to climate change is expected to cause important shifts in G1V 0A6 tundra vegetation composition. A growing body of empirical 2 ASL Environmental Sciences, Victoria, British Colombia, evidence has documented the increase in shrub abundance V8M 1Z5 and size in various Arctic tundra ecosystems. Increased shrubs 3 Kongsberg Maritime AS, Horten, Norway can infl uence albedo, snow cover, and soil temperature and feedback to the associated ecosystem processes including energy Research on active acoustic detection of marine mammals fl uxes, hydrologic dynamics, nutrient availability as well as was conducted from the research icebreaker CCGS Amundsen carbon balance. For example, the Arctic greening may protect in the Canadian Beaufort Sea from August to October 2011. permafrost from degradation because of atmosphere warming. Th e main objectives were to assess the ability of a Simrad SX90 Shrub growth can lead to increased carbon assimilation related fi sheries sonar to detect arctic marine mammals and to develop to larger photosynthetic biomass, and reduced surface albedo acoustic recognition criteria (i.e. echo-track characteristics and due to the conversion in Arctic species composition from short- target-strength, TS) to distinguish cetaceans and pinnipeds. statured vegetation to tall species will warm the system and Th e sonar detected 59 bowhead whales, 13 ringed seals, and 2 possibly increase ecosystem respiration which might counteract bearded seals. In addition, signals of one minke whale and of a the eff ect of greater carbon sequestration in biomass. Together, herd of harp seals encountered during transit from Quebec City changes in Arctic species composition because of climate to the Beaufort Sea were analysed. Ringed seal signals collected warming might feedback positively or negatively to carbon cycle with an echosounder during a previous study (2003-2004) were by diff erent processes, but our current understanding of these compared with sonar data and used to study TS variations of feedback mechanisms and their combined net eff ect on climate diving animals. No signifi cant relationship between TS and is not well characterized. depth was observed. TS of bowhead whales varied from -15 to Photosynthetic capacity is the maximum light-saturated 10 dB (0 to 5 dB when averaged by frequency) while TS of seals photosynthetic uptake of CO2. How carbon cycle of the was generally lower and ranged from -34 to -3 dB (average from 58 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

-20 to -6 dB) when detected with the sonar. Marine mammals Goal: Th is project evaluated a combination of systems presented higher TS values broadside. Based on recognition tools to better inform future infrastructure planning processes criteria established here, the sonar detected cetaceans at a by capturing the broader community context. Specifi cally, these distance up to 2000m and their signal was distinguished from tools were piloted to assess water treatment infrastructure in that of pinnipeds. Rigolet, Nunatsiavut. Methods: Th e approach was founded in systems thinking and the principles of post-normal science and complex adaptive SHIPPING IN THE ARCTIC NORTH-EAST PASSAGE systems theory. Th e steps included: (1) establishing a system boundary in consultation with project stakeholders based Giguère, Marie-Andrée ([email protected]) on the level of detail and the extent of analysis desired; (2) Département de géographie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, identifying stocks and fl ows of material, information, and Québec, H3C 3J7 fi nancial and human resources within the system; (3) collecting qualitative and quantitative data to characterize fl ows and stocks Th e goal of this research is to undertake a comparative including water supply, water demand, water quality, treatment assessment of shipping development in the North-East Passage. plant capacity and performance, allocated fi nancial resources, How marine carriers responding to the need to ensure supply human resources, local water tastes and preferences, system in the Arctic? How are these carriers reshaping the network history, and community perspectives; (4) collecting data by structure between Arctic shipping and East-West trade. Using reviewing technical drawings, reports and other literature, and empirical evidence from Russia, Norway and Iceland we by conducting semi-structured interviews with stakeholders, suggest a two-pronged methodological approach. First, we will focus groups with community members, and a community- examine transport organisation capacity in the Arctic. Th is will wide questionnaire; and (5) analyzing data using tools suited for be undertaken through a typology of vessels, their capacity and qualitative and quantitative analysis including causal loop and ownership structure. Second, a key feature of the analysis is the stock and fl ow diagrams, process mapping, descriptive statistics, contribution and capacity of ports-of-call in integrating intra- and other more conventional tools. Arctic and extra-Arctic markets. More particularly a detailed Results: Th e approach verifi ed the need for inclusion of examination is made of domestic, regional and international extended peer communities to enrich the scientifi c research and route patterns undertaken by these carriers. incorporate multiple viewpoints and diverse perspectives. Th e baseline assessment identifi ed the strengths of the current system to be low maintenance requirements and suffi cient water supply EVALUATING EMERGING TOOLS TO ADDRESS quantity. System uncertainties identifi ed include uncertain UNCERTAINTIES AND COMPLEXITIES OF fi nancial capital, impacts of climatic change, trained operator ENGINEERING DESIGN IN NORTHERN availability, signifi cant dependence on fossil fuels, discharge of COMMUNITIES untreated sewage, and low public trust in the drinking water Gordon, Allan1 ([email protected]), K. Farahbakhsh1, infrastructure. Th ese uncertainties make the system sensitive to R. Marshall1, V.E. Edge2, S.L. Harper2, C. Goldhar3, the price and availability of fuel; system outages or boil water T. Sheldon3 and Rigolet Inuit Community Government4 advisories in the event of mechanical breakdowns; the need for expensive wastewater treatment infrastructure due to changing 1 School of Engineering, University of Guelph, Guelph, regulations; worsening source water quality due to climate Ontario, N1G 2W1 change; and a lack of technical expertise in a system emergency. 2 Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary Conclusion: Th is tool successfully captured the important Collage, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1 technical, social, and local context through a comprehensive 3 Environment Division, Nunatsiavut Government, Nain, baseline assessment. Th e approach is intended to facilitate Newfoundland and Labrador, A0P 1L0 4 Rigolet Inuit Community Government, Rigolet, sustainable infrastructure planning and development in the Newfoundland and Labrador, A0P 1C0 context of rapidly changing social, cultural, and environmental systems present in the North. Th is work provides the foundation Background: It is becoming increasingly evident that water for identifying potential future states of the drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in some northern communities and wastewater system and will assist in the development of is not appropriately designed to suit the local climatic, appropriate scenarios and narratives to inform future planning environmental, fi nancial, or cultural context. Conventional processes. engineering methods do not require designers to adequately understand the unique local context and complex nature of remote northern communities. 59 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

RESEARCH REQUEST PROCESS TO ADDRESS fl uorescence were followed after 2 days of exposure. Terrestrial INUIT-SPECIFIC RESEARCH NEEDS AND POLICY CDOM photobleaching rates (i.e., decrease in a355 resulting DEVELOPMENT from exposure to solar radiation) for estuarine samples ranged from 0.015 to 0.028 h−1, corresponding to photobleaching half- Grable, Carrie ([email protected]), K. Kelley, M. Lougheed and lives of 25–47 h. Dissolved organic matter from the Nelson and S. Nickels Hayes Rivers was more photoreactive than from the bay where Inuit Qaujisarvingat: Inuit Knowledge Centre, Inuit Tapiriit photodegradation of terrestrial DOM decreased with increasing Kanatami, 75 Albert Street, Suite 1101, Ottawa, ON, Canada, salinity. Coincident with the loss of CDOM absorption was K1P 5E7 an increase in spectral slope S, suggesting a decrease in DOM molecular weight. Marked diff erences in photoreactivity of Requests to become involved in research projects have protein- and humic-like DOM was observed with highly inundated Inuit organizations creating an established need to humidifi ed material being the most photosensitive. Information respond in a systematic way. Th e requests which Inuit Tapiriit generated by our study will provide a valuable data set for better Kanatami (ITK) and its departments receive vary greatly, understanding DOM biogeochemical dynamics along the such as to engage as research partners, write letters of support, Nelson estuary. review documents, and sit on committees, among others. At the same time, Arctic researchers are asking for clearer direction in appropriately making such research requests of Inuit to UNDERSTANDING INTRA- AND INTER- save eff ort and improve the building of research relationships POPULATION HETEROGENEITY: INFLUENCE with Inuit. Staff of Inuit Qaujisarvingat (IQ), the research OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC OSCILLATION ON centre at ITK, in direct response to this growing demand for COMMON EIDERS NESTING IN THE CANADIAN Inuit involvement in Arctic research, is working to build more AND NORWEGIAN ARCTIC eff ective and effi cient systems to streamline the research request Guéry, Loreleï1,2 ([email protected]), S. Descamps3, process among Inuit organizations and Arctic researchers. By K. E. Erikstad4,5, S. Are4,5, G. Gabrielsen3, G. Gilchrist6 and building mechanisms for which to share information internally J. Bêty1,2 and with Inuit Qaujisarvingat National Committee (IQNC) members, IQ is ensuring the appropriate level of engagement 1 Département de biologie, chimie et géographie, Université du and helping to build research capacity and policy development. Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, Québec, G5L 2Z9 2 Th is is being done in collaboration with the IQNC, other ITK Centre d’études nordiques, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, departments and Arctic Researchers. Th is presentation will G1V 0A6 3 outline the evolving process, and our ultimate goal of developing Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway a standardized research request process which Inuit organizations 4 Biology Department, Faculty of Science, University of Tromsø, can adopt and implement that address the research needs of N–9037 Tromsø, Norway both academic researchers and Inuit in a mutually benefi cial 5 Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Polar Environmental way. Centre, N–9296 Tromsø, Norway 6 National Wildlife Research Centre, Environnement Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6 PHOTOREACTIVITY OF DISSOLVED ORGANIC MATTER IN THE NELSON ESTUARINE SYSTEM Climate change poses substantial threats to global (HUDSON BAY) biodiversity by inducing rapid population declines or extinctions. Signifi cant eff ects of climate change on wildlife have Mokhtar, M., C. Guéguen ([email protected]) been widely documented at the biological scale of populations, Department of Chemistry, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, communities and ecosystems. Although heterogeneity (i.e. Canada diff erences) among populations in their response to climate fl uctuations may exist, most studies have examined the impact Th e photoreactivity of colored dissolved organic matter of changing climate on a single population. Moreover, the (CDOM) transported to coastal environments by rivers analysis of data from several geographically dispersed study has received little attention despite the impact on DOM sites may facilitate the detection of causal relationships between biogeochemical cycles in nearshore environments. In this study, demographic parameters and environmental factors. It may sunlight exposure experiments were performed on CDOM also improve our understanding of the impact of climate collected along a salinity gradient in the Nelson estuarine variations on population dynamics, and help to elucidate the system in summer 2012. Decreases in CDOM absorption and mechanisms regulating populations. Moreover, heterogeneity 60 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

in the way individuals react to variations in climatic conditions mooring to an underwater hub, an 8 km long sub-sea cable within a given population is critical to understanding how that carries data from the hub to a shore station, and a two-way populations may cope with a warming climate. For example, satellite link that transmits the data from the shore station to the the reproductive eff ort can diff er among individuals and the user. Th is observatory is close to the location where a decade costs of the reproduction may aff ect their response to climatic long times series of instrumented mooring data have allowed fl uctuations. us to identify very strong links between water properties and Th e Common Eider (Somateria mollissima) is a marine the timing of freezeup and breakup. With this knowledge and duck with a circumpolar distribution that is aff ected by the real time data now available, freezeup predictions in each climatic conditions at diff erent phases of its annual cycle. of the last two years are presented, and compared to the timing Population counts and capture-recapture data were collected of observed freezeup which is obtained from the Canadian Ice in one subarctic (Grindøya Island, Norway) and two arctic Service daily ice charts. Th e results demonstrate that the real (Southampton Island, Nunavut, Canada and Prins Heinrich time observatory provides a practical ice forecasting capability, Island, Svalbard, Norway) populations over 27, 16 and 25 years, with a reasonable freezeup prediction made weeks in advance of respectively. Based on these long-term data sets 1) we estimated the actual occurrence of the event in both years. the adult survival rate in each population, taking into account the potential heterogeneity among individuals, 2) we assessed the impact of the winter North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) HEALTH BENEFITS OF WILD BERRIES, SEAWEEDS on the fl uctuations of annual survival and 3) we compared the AND OTHER PLANTS IN NUNAVIK responses between those populations. Harris, Corry1 ([email protected]), M. Lemire2, M. Lucas2, We found that not only heterogeneity among individuals M. Kwan3, A. Cuerrier4, P. Ayotte2,5, Y. Desjardins6, was present in each population but populations also responded A. Marette6, S. Dudonné6, G. Pilon6, M.J. Gauthier7, diff erently to climate fl uctuations. In each population, adult A. Bouchard7, E. Labranche7, S. Déry7, M. Grey7 and survival fl uctuated over time but was impacted by the winter É. Dewailly2 NAO in diff erent ways. At East Bay, when the individual heterogeneity was not included, the winter NAO negatively 1 Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, infl uenced eider survival; when heterogeneity was accounted Ontario, K1N 6N5 2 for, the temporal variation in annual survival fi t more eff ectively Centre de recherche du CHUQ, Université Laval, Québec, with the winter NAO. At Grindøya, when heterogeneity was Québec, G1V 4G2 3 Nunavik Research Center, Makivik Corporation, Kuujjuaq, not taken into account, the one-year lag winter NAO positively Quebec, J0M 1C0 infl uenced the survival; whereas when heterogeneity was taken 4 Institut de recherche en biologie végétale, Université de into account, the winter NAO with no time lag seemed to Montréal, Montréal, Québec, H1X 2B2 positively infl uence the survival of a group of individuals. 5 Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Québec, Th ese results improve our understanding of the impact of Québec, G1V 5B3 climate on bird populations in the threatened arctic ecosystem. 6 Institut sur la nutrition et les aliments fonctionnels, Université Taking into account diff erences among populations and among Laval, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6 individuals within populations should strongly help predicting 7 Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services, the response of arctic wildlife to on-going climate change. Kuujjuaq, Quebec, J0M 1C0

To survive in the Arctic, Inuit had for centuries to rely on FREEZEUP FORECASTING WITH A REAL TIME animals and plants such as wild berries and seaweeds. However, OCEAN OBSERVATORY IN THE EASTERN the consumption of country food has decreased markedly since NORTHWEST PASSAGE the 1990’s, and the rapid food transition towards a western diet has led to excessive intake of carbohydrate, salt and saturated Hamilton, Jim ([email protected]) and M. Pittman fats. Th e prevalence of obesity is increasing, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and risk factors have emerged as major health Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, B2Y 4A2 concerns. Global environmental changes also aff ect Inuit diets in many ways, most notably through altered availability of local An observatory off the south coast of Devon Island at the animal and plant species and/or elevated concentrations of eastern end of the Northwest Passage has been providing bi- environmental contaminants. hourly oceanographic data since September, 2011. Th e system With limited access to market fruits and vegetables, wild consists of three components; an acoustic telemetry link that Nunavik berries, herbs and seaweeds may provide Inuit peoples passes ocean and ice data from instruments on a sub-surface with needed plant-derived nutrients and secondary metabolites. 61 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

In addition to improving food security, Nunavik plants off er BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN CLIMATE CHANGE unique potential for the prevention or management of metabolic RESEARCH & DECISION-MAKING IN NUNAVUT disorders and associated cardiovascular complications. Low Healey, Colleen ([email protected]) in salt and fat, wild plants may serve as an important source of vitamins, minerals, and fi bre, as well as other antioxidants Government of Nunavut including polyphenols and carotenoids. Beyond antioxidant properties, several of these phytochemicals can improve insulin To ensure northern communities remain viable and secretion and sensitivity, and/or act as vasoprotective and anti- sustainable, climate change adaptation measures must be infl ammatory agents, possibly due to their diverse actions on integrated into evidence-based decision-making. More metabolic processes. Moreover, certain phytochemicals chelate research and long-term monitoring will be required in order to heavy metal ions, potentially reducing the bioavailability and better prepare for future climate change impacts and address subsequent toxicity of environmental contaminants. adaptation needs. Northern regions continue to experience Th e objectives of this research are to: (i) Characterise and human resource and research capacity challenges which quantify diff erent phytochemicals, macro- and micronutrients, pose barriers to obtaining and implementing the data that is and environmental contaminants in selected wild berries, required. Stronger communication and data-sharing networks seaweeds and other wild plant foods from diff erent Nunavik across Canada’s north will make positive contributions to the villages; (ii) Assess the bioactivity of the diff erent plant extracts successful streamlining of climate change adaptation measures in in vitro models pertinent to the prevention and treatment of into territorial and community planning. Th e Government of chronic diseases; (iii) Conduct an animal trial to evaluate the Nunavut, in collaboration with the other territories, is eager impact of wild berries on insulin resistance and obesity in mice; to identify new and innovative partnership opportunities with (iv) Measure polyphenol metabolites in Inuit blood samples to Universities and other research organizations to strengthen analyse with respect to dietary intake, markers of diabetes, and collaborative research, monitoring, and adaptive capacity in the CVD risk factors and; (v) Contribute to develop community- North. based intervention projects to improve wild berry consumption, distribution and availability throughout the year, propose local healthy alternatives to soft drinks and snacks, and to stimulate NARRATIVES FROM NORTH OF 60° youth empowerment and employment. Henrickson, Jeni ([email protected]) and A. Doering Preliminary results show that all the berries except cloudberries contain more polyphenols than lowbush blueberry, Learning Technologies, College of Education and Human which grows all over southern Canada and has demonstrated Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA signifi cant anti-diabetic activities. Blackberries are remarkably rich, presenting higher anthocyanin concentrations than any Th roughout the world, remote communities face fruit or vegetable listed in FDA databases. Although berries similar educational challenges related to formal schooling. did not improve obesity-induced glucose intolerance in Th ese challenges include recruiting and retaining qualifi ed mice, all species except one improved secondary measures of teachers and administrators (Sharplin, O’Neill, & Chapman, metabolic function. For example, cloudberry reduced diet- 2011), confl icting interests between local culture and national induced hyperinsulinemia during oral glucose tolerance tests curriculums and educational directives (McClean, 1995; and diminished glycemia levels during insulin tolerance tests, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, 2012; Redwing Saunders suggesting improved insulin sensitivity. & Hill, 2007), and limited access to the infrastructure, Understanding the benefi ts of country foods consumed technologies, and resources found in many urban and suburban in Nunavik will support and orient public policies and communities (Irvin, Hannum, de la Varre, Farmer, & Keane, community-based interventions aiming at improving food 2012). Due to both the local climate and diffi cult terrain, security, promote Inuit culture, minimize the risks from remote communities may be extremely isolated from the outside environmental contaminant exposure, and the emergence of world and many times are accessible only by plane or boat. obesity, diabetes and CVD in the Arctic. Th ese communities may also be home to indigenous populations on whom mandated, government-sponsored schooling was initially forced, with little to no input from the local community (Berger, 2009; McGregor, 2012). Th e circumpolar Arctic is home to many such remote, indigenous communities. It is also a region that is receiving increasing global attention due to climate change debates and the opening of new possibilities for natural resource extraction 62 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

and global transportation routes. Th is increased attention brings cultural hierarchy and solidify the Inuit’s position as ‘Th e Other’ its own set of unique challenges, including new threats to local – an ‘out-group’ viewed as inherently inferior to the ‘in-group’. culture, language, and traditional knowledge bases. Th e Arctic has remained hierarchized because of implicit settler In this paper, we examine the history of educational colonial processes that permeate political and cultural relations initiatives in the Arctic, focusing on: 1) the importance of and underpin modern policy development. An examination of traditional knowledge, 2) the role of indigenous culture in the nutrition transition – the shift away from traditional foods the educational curriculum, and 3) how and why technology to commercialized market options – brings these implicit settler might be used to enhance and preserve traditional knowledge, colonial processes into focus. language, and culture. Th e transition to a Western diet has provoked chronic We also share implementation examples of one design poverty and high levels of food insecurity, resulting in model, adventure learning (Authors, 2006, 2007; Authors, numerous negative health outcomes among Inuit. Current 2009), that has been successfully employed to engage millions health promotion initiatives employ an ineff ective downstream of learners throughout the world, ranging from remote Arctic approach to reduce Nunavut food insecurity – which communities to inner city schools. Th e adventure learning currently sits at approximately three times the Canadian (AL) approach is focused on designing and developing a hybrid average – when the issue is a result of high rates of poverty. learning environment that blends a predesigned curriculum Such disproportionately high rates of food insecurity are a with local culture using a combination of online and mobile manifestation of settler colonialism and fuel a covertly racist technologies; fi eld-based authentic narratives; multiple media national attitude toward the Inuit, which maintains their artifacts; and scaff olds for teachers and learners alike. marginalized position. We conclude our paper with a set of suggested principles Th is study examines national print media coverage of that elaborate on the topic of designing for engagement in Nunavut food insecurity as presented in two of Canada’s most remote communities through a focus on refl ective presence, widely read newspapers, Th e Globe and Mail and National Post. motivation, educator support, and simplicity of design. Th ese A critical discourse analysis was employed to analyse 50 print principles are illustrated through a narrative centered on the articles obtained from Th e Globe and Mail (36) and National design of a new online learning environment and adventure Post (14) pertaining to Nunavut food insecurity and related learning expedition titled North of Sixty°, through which we are health concerns. Preliminary analysis suggests national print collaborating with schools in remote communities throughout media propagates the Inuit’s position as Th e Other by selectively the circumpolar Arctic. Th e mission of North of Sixty° is to reporting on social issues such as hunger, poverty and income. create a global tapestry of video stories that weave together both Terms such as “Northerners” and “Southerners” are frequently an ecological and cultural narrative of the Arctic. As part of the used to categorically separate Nunavut and the Inuit from the project, several North of Sixty° team members also participated rest of Canada. Media reports focus on social problems such as in a pulking expedition between two remote communities food insecurity, while Inuit-driven eff orts to resolve their own on the Baffi n Island in Canada to learn more about the land, issues are widely ignored. Th is eff ectively portrays the Inuit as people, and culture while visiting schools there and conducting helpless and the territory as a failure. Further analysis will be interviews with Elders and others. conducted to determine how constant Othering contributes to an apparent national apathy regarding Inuit social health issues, and how it can foster neoracism – a culture-based HOW CANADIAN NATIONAL MEDIA MAINTAIN racism – among the Canadian populace. Th erefore, while SETTLER COLONIALISM AND CULTURAL preliminary analysis indicates Th e Globe and Mail and National HIERARCHIES IN THEIR PORTRAYAL OF NUNAVUT Post contribute to the Inuit’s Othering, they may have a more FOOD INSECURITY complex role in the advancement of national settler colonialism and the gradual assimilation of the Inuit into a unifi ed Canadian Hiebert, Brad ([email protected]) and E. Power culture. School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6

Th e Inuit have experienced signifi cant cultural changes since initial contact with European settlers and explorers in the 17th century, changes that accelerated in the mid-20th century. Basing their relationships to the Inuit in imperialism – the policy and practice of empire expansion – Europeans used political, economic and cultural tactics to swiftly establish a 63 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

IMPORTANCE OF BRYOPHYTES AND LICHENS CATCHMENT-LEVEL PROCESSES DRIVING THE ON SMALL SCALE VARIATION IN THAW DEPTH GEOCHEMISTRY OF SMALL TUNDRA LAKES IN A BOREAL FOREST-PEATLAND LANDSCAPE, AFFECTED BY SHORELINE RETROGRESSIVE THAW NORTHWEST TERRITORIES, CANADA SLUMPING, MACKENZIE DELTA UPLAND REGION, NT Higgins, Kellina1 ([email protected]), O. Sonnentag1 and E. Lévesque2 Hille, Erika1,2 ([email protected]), D.L Peters2, F. Wrona2, and S.V. Kokelj3 1 Département de géographie, Université de Montréal, 1 Montréal, Québec, H2B 2V8 Department of Geography, University of Victoria, Victoria, 2 Département des Sciences de l’environnement et Centre BC, V8W 3R4 2 d’études nordiques, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Water and Climate Impacts Research Centre, Environment Trois-Rivières, Québec, G9A 5H7 Canada, Victoria, BC, V8W 3R4 3 Northwest Territories Geoscience Offi ce, Government of the Th e high degree of spatial and temporal variability in Northwest Territories, Yellowknife, NT, X1A 2R3 seasonal permafrost thaw depth is infl uenced by several factors, In the Mackenzie Delta Upland region, NT, the both physical and biological. While studies allude to the eff ect landscape-level hydrological processes that drive the water of broad vegetation groups at a large-scale, the role vegetation balance of shallow tundra lakes are directly controlled by plays in aff ecting the spatial variability of thaw depth on the temperature, precipitation, and the presence of near-surface scale of metres is largely unknown. Th e present study explored permafrost, all of which are projected to be impacted by climate the infl uence of vegetation at the species level including warming. Th ese landscape-level hydrological processes drive trees, shrubs, forbs, lichens and bryophytes on the small-scale the seasonal geochemistry of freshwater systems in the region. variability of permafrost thaw depth in a boreal forest-peatland Shoreline retrogressive thaw slumping (SRTS), a common landscape characterized by forested peat plateaus underlain feature in the study area, had been used as an analogue for by permafrost, and treeless, permafrost-free collapse bogs and the eff ects of permafrost degradation on freshwater systems. channel fens. Th e study area (1.4km x 1km) is located in the SRTS occurs when ice-rich surface sediments thaw, making discontinuous permafrost zone in the southern Taiga Plains the terrain unstable and causing the lake shoreline to slump. Research has linked SRTS to changes in the geochemistry of ecoregion, Northwest Territories, Canada (N 61°18, W 121°18). the water column. Th e purpose of this study was to investigate We surveyed 80 permafrost sites and 20 reference sites in the landscape-level geochemical responses that drive the permafrost-free bogs and fens in July and August 2013. At six geochemistry and aquatic ecology of pristine (control) and locations per site spaced at 1-2m intervals, we compared thaw SRTS-aff ected tundra lakes. Th is was achieved by examining depth to the following vegetative characteristics: tree density 3 years of detailed hydro-climatological and geochemical data, (almost exclusively Picea mariana) and shrub, forb, lichen collected at a pair of representative tundra lake catchments, and bryophyte percent cover by species. Th e most important located in the Mackenzie Delta Upland region (Lake 5A: vegetative characteristic contributing to thaw depth was the Control; Lake 5B: Aff ected by SRTS), with supplemental data diff erent nonvascular plant species. Locations with Sphagnum available for 10 additional lakes in the study area (control and fuscum had the greatest thaw depth (62cm), followed by SRTS-aff ected). locations with shrub lichens (mostly Cladina rangifera and Seasonal and inter-annual variability in the contributing C. mitis) (55cm). In contrast, locations with feather mosses basin infl ow channels and lake water level strongly infl uenced (mostly Hylocomium splendens and Pleurozium schreberi) had the geochemistry of surface run-off and lake water. Overall, the concentration of Cl-, Ca2+, K+, Mg+, Na+, SO 2-, Dissolved the shallowest thaw depth (50cm). Greater tree density and size 4 Inorganic Carbon, and Total Dissolved Nitrogen exhibited was associated with shallower thaw depths. Variations in cover signifi cant variability between the pre-melt, melt, and open of 10% to 50% of the dominant shrub species (Rhododendron water seasons, for both lake types (control and SRTS-aff ected). groenlandicum, Vaccinium vitis-idea, and Rubus chamaemorus) During the spring months, surface run-off and, in turn, did not seem to infl uence the thaw depth signifi cantly, while lake water had relatively low concentrations, resulting from the other species of shrubs and forbs did not have suffi cient dilution by snowmelt water. Following spring snowmelt, these cover to make any conclusions. Th is research contributes to concentrations in surface fl ow increased, reaching a maximum our understanding of the impact of vegetation at the species during the late summer months. Th is is likely due to the level on permafrost thaw, and thus on thermal and hydrological mixing between surface fl ow and subsurface fl ow, which occurs processes, in a boreal forest-peatland landscape. when the active layer thaws. In lake water, concentrations 64 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

reached a maximum during the late-summer and late-winter in Nunavut across policy scales. Further, policy actors apply months, which can be explained by geochemical loading diff erent interpretations and actions to the message indicating from surface run-off , as well as concentration by evaporation. that local knowledge translation is a transformative, non-linear Lake geochemistry is intrinsically linked to landscape-level process. We suggest that “knowledge tracking” is a useful hydrological processes, which have and will likely continue diagnostic tool that can help direct further critical refl ection to be impacted by climate variability/change. SRTS strongly and dialogue about the opportunities and obstacles community- infl uences the geochemistry of shallow tundra lakes. Compared based researchers may be facing in their eff orts to see local to unaff ected terrain, run-off from terrain aff ected by SRTS knowledge moved into action. is ion rich, which appears to contribute to relatively high 2+ + 2+ 2- concentrations of Ca , K , Mg , SO4 , and Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC) in lake water. Th is suggests that the GROWING STRONG? REFLECTIONS ON THE enhanced geochemical loading of shallow tundra lakes aff ected PARTICIPATORY EVALUATION OF A COMMUNITY- by SRTS is driven by landscape-level hydrological processes. BASED HEALTH INTERVENTION IN NAIN, NUNATSIAVUT

Hirsch, Rachel1 ([email protected]), D. Angnatok2, THE LOCAL KNOWLEDGE GAP: KNOWLEDGE C. Pamak2, T. Sheldon2, C. Furgal1 and T. Bell3 TRACKING AS A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL FOR EVALUATING KNOWLEDGE TRANSLATION FROM 1 Health, Environment, and Indigenous Communities Research IQALUIT TO OTTAWA Group, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8 2 Hirsch, Rachel1,2 ([email protected]), S. Edmunds- Department of Lands and Natural Resources, Nunatsiavut Potvin3, G. Healey4, R. Porlier2 and J. Shirley5 Government, Nain, Nunatsiavut, A0P 1L0 3 Department of Geography, Memorial University, St. John’s, 1 Health, Environment, and Indigenous Communities Research Newfoundland and Labrador, A1B 3X9 Group, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8 2 Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University, Toronto, Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is Ontario, M3J 1P3 increasingly viewed as the moral gold standard in knowledge 3 Department of Social and Cultural Development, Nunavut translation through which to engage communities, enhance Tunngavik Incorporated, Iqaluit, Nunavut, X0B 0C0 the relevance of research questions, and increase the utilization 4 Executive and Scientifi c Director, Qaujigiartiit Health of results in practice and policy-making both by communities Research Centre, Iqaluit, Nunavut, X0A 0H0 and across policy scales. Participatory evaluation is a CBPR 5 Manager of Research Design and Policy Development, method used to assess the “success” of a community program Nunavut Research Institute, Iqaluit, Nunavut, X0A 0L0 or policy. Several youth outreach programs exist across the It is increasingly common practice to solicit community Canadian North; however, these are rarely evaluated formally perspectives on environment and health issues, such as changing nor have there been substantial eff orts made to build evaluation harvesting practices, to include in evidence-based policy and capacity. Empowerment evaluation is a concept that speaks to program decision-making on climate change and health issues self-determination in evaluative methods. According to this in Canada. It is, however, unclear how these studies are being approach, training participants to conduct their own evaluations used to act on local messages about the needs, values and is the key to building future evaluation (and adaptive) capacity. experiences of real people with real health concerns. Th e main Th is presentation, as part of a special panel session on “climate goal of this collaborative pilot project has been to work with adaptation, health, and Indigenous knowledge”, will provide local stakeholders in Iqaluit to develop a tool for evaluating how an overview of our experiences conducting a participatory local research messages are exchanged and used by policy actors evaluation of a community freezer youth outreach program. in Iqaluit and Ottawa. First, we visualize and assess a network of Aullak, sangilivallianginnatuk (Going off , Growing strong) is the policy actors (n=64) who have received a country food security fi rst program of its kind in Canada focused on bringing together message disseminated by the Qaujigiartiit Health Research youth and harvesters to improve a community freezer program. Centre (QHRC) in Iqaluit. Second, we interview a sub-sample We have been monitoring the success or ‘impact’ of this pilot (n=20) of these decision makers to learn more about how they program through: stakeholder engagement, formal outcome use this message in their jobs. Our fi ndings indicate that there assessment, and documentation of program activities. Th is are possible structural holes between policy scales indicating presentation provides on overview of our procedure for engaging weak network connectivity. Th ere are communication facilitators staff and community stakeholders through ongoing planning, or gatekeepers operating at all levels, but few that are working implementing, and refl ection on the success of the program. to transmit information about climate change and health We are still learning from this process but key insights include 65 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

the importance of establishing trust with youth participants, 2 Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation, Government of maintaining stakeholder engagement, and methodological Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB fl exibility. 3 International Institute of Sustainable Development, Winnipeg, MB † Deceased September 9, 2013 IDENTIFYING PAST AND FUTURE ECOSYSTEM LEVEL CHANGES TO THE BEAUFORT SEA SHELF Complementary studies of autumn and spring inter- THROUGH FOOD WEB MODELLING decadal variability and long-term trends in the formation and breakup/melt of the Hudson Bay ice pack demonstrate Hoover, Carie ([email protected]) and L. Loseto that the ice-free season is becoming longer in both spring and autumn, and that this growth is quantitatively predictable Freshwater Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, from climate data – correlating strongly with remote ocean/ MB, R3T 2N6 atmosphere teleconnection indices. Model data from the Centre Using an ecosystem model created for the Beaufort Sea for Earth Observation Science implementation of the Nucleus shelf, past and future changes in food web structure were for European Modeling of the Ocean (NEMO) provide a basis simulated incorporating multiple stressors. Here, an Ecopath for the projection of future Hudson Bay ocean/ice conditions with Ecosim model was created to represent the past (1970s) in 2030 and 2050. (Th e NEMO model is a product being ecosystem in order to assess the structure of the food web and prepared for use by all ArcticNet IRIS’s). Th e current study identify trophic linkages using past data. Th e model created applies fi ndings from these statistical and modeling analyses, as represents all trophic levels of the ecosystem from detritus and well as other published literature, in an eff ort to identify and producers to top predators. Th is approach allowed for certain quantify climate related risks and opportunities to shipping to parameters such as the minimum biomass of mid-trophic level and from the Port of Churchill, the Kivalliq region of Nunavut species to be estimated, based on the biomass of high and and international markets. High-priority infrastructure and low trophic level species. In addition, ecosystem statistics or operational practices originating or arriving at the Port of network analyses were calculated to identify characteristics of the Churchill will initially be identifi ed, and specifi c vulnerabilities ecosystem and individual components of the food web. Indices to climate variability and change estimated based on an expert such as the keystoneness index identifi ed species groups within assessment of their likelihood and consequence following the ecosystem displaying importance to the food web. From this a methodology developed by the International Institute of static food web, dynamic simulations were created incorporating Sustainable Development. Th is vulnerability assessment, multiple stressors such as environmental changes and past conducted by the Centre for Earth Observation Science, and harvesting, while fi tting the model to past recorded trends. collaborators Churchill Gateway Development Corporation, Here predominant stressors aff ecting ecosystem dynamics were Omnitrax, and Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation identifi ed in addition to ecosystem shifts. Finally, simulations will form a component of the Hudson Bay Integrated Regional were continued into the future to assess potential changes to Impact Study. Th is initial quantifi cation of climate related occur under continued climate and harvest pressure, and were risks and opportunities serve the dual purpose of guiding run using projected data up to 2060. A variety of future climate future research in the region, and informing the diversifi cation scenarios using data extracted from global climate models was of shipping operations to and from the Port of Churchill, a incorporated into the food web model to identify sensitive strategic priority for our collaborators. Th is project received species. Future climate scenarios were coupled with diff erent harvest levels to test the sensitivity of the ecosystem to these fi nancial support from the Northern Transportation Adaptation diff erent pressures. Initiative of Transport Canada.

ASSESSMENT OF CLIMATE-RELATED PANEL DISCUSSION: THE GREAT POWERS AND THE VULNERABILITIES AFFECTING PORT OF ARCTIC CHURCHILL SHIPPING INFRASTRUCTURE AND Huebert, Rob1 ([email protected]), W. Lackenbauer2, OPERATIONS S. Lalonde3, F. Lasserre4, O.Alexeeva5 and J. Manicom6 Horton, Brian1 ([email protected]), 1 Centre for Military and Strategic Studies, University of J.V. Lukovich1, G. Liu1, D.G. Barber1, E. Vido2, P. Gerrard3 and K. Hochheim1† Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T1N 1N4 2 Department of History, St. Jerome’s University, (University of 1 Centre of Earth Observation Science, Clayton H. Riddell Waterloo) Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G3 Faculty of Earth, Environment and Resources, University of 3 Faculté de droit, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2 H3C 3J7 66 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

4 Département de géographie, Université Laval, Québec, 1 Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Québec, G1V 0A6 Canada, K1S 5B6 5 Département d’histoire, Université du Québec à Montréal, 2 Environment Canada-National Wildlife Research Centre, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3P8 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1S 5B6 6 Research Fellow, Th e Centre for International Governance Innovation, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 6C2 Northern polar regions have warmed more than other parts of the globe potentially amplifying the eff ects of climate Not very long ago, the Arctic region was seen as almost change on biological communities. Ice-free seasons are completely separate from the rest of the international system. becoming longer in many areas, which has reduced the time Th e extreme climatic conditions, the distance from most urban available to polar bears (Ursus maritimus) to hunt for seals and settlement and the impact of the Cold War meant that there hampered bears’ ability to meet their energetic demands. In this were few connections to the rest of the world. However, the end study, we examined polar bears’ use of an ancillary prey resource, of the Cold War, improving technologies and the impacts of eggs of colonial nesting birds, in relation to diminishing sea climate change has ended this isolation. Th roughout the 1990s ice coverage in a low latitude region of the Canadian Arctic. and the beginning of the 2000s, the circumpolar states began to Long-term monitoring reveals more than 6-fold increases in cooperate and integrate the region into the greater international the number of bears coming ashore during the nesting season system. In the latter part of the 2000s, many non-Arctic at the Cape Pembroke thick-billed murre (Uria lomvia) colony states began to take notice of the emerging importance of the (1988-2011) and East Bay Island common eider (Somateria region and began to increase their participation there as well as mollissima) colony (1997-2012). We supplement these data developing specifi c Arctic policies. with information collected in surveys conducted over a wide Th is panel will examine the impact of great power interest geographic area in the Hudson Strait and Ungava Bay region and participation in the region. Th is will be done by examining during years of record low ice coverage (2010-2012). Our the actions and roles of these powers in the Arctic. While there fi ndings indicate that egg depredation by polar bears has become is a growing literature that looks at circumpolar cooperation in very widespread—occurring on >33% of eider colonies, and that the region, there has been little attention given to the reality that bears have a more negative infl uence on eider nesting success for the great powers, their actions in the Arctic are inevitably connected to their broader international interests. Th erefore and hatching success than more common nest predators such this panel will examine the actions and policies of the United as foxes or gulls. We interpret our fi ndings in relation to their States, Russia, China, India and Japan not as circumpolar implications for avian productivity and population dynamics, as states (or near-arctic states), but rather as great powers that are well as the sustainability of foraging on eggs given polar bears’ increasingly fi nding their interests in the Arctic increasing. Each high energetic demands and spatial and temporal limits to egg of these great powers has signifi cant political, economic and availability. strategic interests that are world-wide. Th erefore their actions in the arctic are tempered by the need to ensure that these other interests are harmed by their arctic actions. Furthermore, INITIAL OBSERVATIONS OF PACIFIC WATER IN THE amongst themselves their arctic interests diff er signifi cantly. CANADIAN BEAUFORT SEA BASED ON INDUSTRY/ Russian overall geo-political interests are much more important ARCTICNET AND BREA MOORING DATA to itself than are India’s arctic interests to its overall interests. But Jackson, Jennifer M.1 ([email protected]), D.B. Fissel1, what each of these great powers do in the Arctic will ultimately M. Lowings2, H. Melling3 and J.-É. Tremblay4 aff ect their actions elsewhere and vice versa. What does this mean for the region? How will this impact the eff orts to 1 ASL Environmental Sciences Inc., Victoria, British Columbia, develop and improve cooperation in the region? What does the V8M 1Z5 increasing interaction of these powers in the Arctic mean for the 2 Golder Associates Ltd., Calgary, Alberta, T2A 7W5 3 position of the Arctic as an increasingly important part of the Institute of Ocean Sciences, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, international system? Sidney, British Columbia, V8L 4B2 4 Québec-Océan et Takuvik, département de biologie, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, GIV 0A6

LONGER ICE-FREE SEASONS INCREASE THE RISK Pacifi c water enters the Arctic Ocean through Bering OF NEST DEPREDATION BY POLAR BEARS FOR Strait and is modifi ed in the Chukchi Sea before it enters the COLONIAL BREEDING BIRDS IN THE CANADIAN Canada Basin. Pacifi c Summer Water (PSW) is relatively warm, ARCTIC fresh (salinity 30 – 33) water that is modifi ed during summer Iverson, Samuel A.1 ([email protected]), H.G. Gilchrist2, while Pacifi c Winter Water (PWW) is relatively cold, salty P.A. Smith2, A.J. Gaston2 and M.R. Forbes1 (salinity 33.1) water that is modifi ed during winter. Pacifi c 67 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

waters are high in nutrients, especially phosphate and silicic at the federal level attempting to address some of the challenges acid, so are important for maintaining primary production in in Arctic communities of gaining adequate access to safe and the oligotrophic Canada Basin. It is thought that Pacifi c water healthy foods. Some local initaitives have been developed as is advected into the Canadian Beaufort Sea via either the Arctic well in response to this issue, such as community freezers which shelfbreak current or from the Canada Basin. However, the are being supported more strongly today than in recent years to distribution and properties of Pacifi c water in the Canadian increase access to safe, healthy and nutrient dense country foods. Beaufort Sea has not been thoroughly studied to date. Despite the variety of well-intended and innovative solutions Using temperature, conductivity, and current (ADCP) to the problems of food security in Inuit communities, few data collected from 8 moorings that were deployed from initaitives have taken a comprehensive approach to building 2009 – 2011 as part of the industry/ ArcticNet collaboration, solutions from the ground up via community engagement and 4 moorings that were deployed from 2011 – 2012 as part of direction. For the past several years the Food Security Network the BREA project, and nutrient data collected during summer of Newfoundland and Labrador (FSN-NL) has partnered with with icebreakers, we examine the properties and transport of the Inuit Community Government of Hopedale, Nunatsiavut, Pacifi c water on the continental shelf and continental slope of and the regional Nunatsiavut Government to complete a the Canadian Beaufort Sea. We fi nd that water within the PSW Community-led Food Assessment (CLFA) as a way to facilitate and PWW salinity ranges had a much greater temperature range community dialogue and planning to address challenges in the Canadian Beaufort Sea than in the off shore waters of the related to food accessibility, adequacy, and aff ordability and Canada Basin. Th is temperature variability suggests that either develop community appropriate solutions. Based on Hopedale’s a diff erent water mass occupies the 30 – 33.1 salinity range or experience and success, and the learning gained from their Pacifi c water is modifi ed within the Canadian Beaufort Sea. experience, the CLFA process has been adapted for Inuit However, during the summer of 2009, un-modifi ed PWW was communities with the aid of researchers at the Nasivvik Centre, observed; this event will be analysed in detail to understand how Trent University. Most recently, through funding from the PWW can be transported to the Canadian Beaufort Sea. Public Health Agency of Canada’s Innovation Strategy, this program has now expanded to partner with Hopedale, Rigolet and Nain, Nunatsiavut to complete CLFAs and identify, ENGAGING COMMUNITIES: ADDRESSING INUIT implement and evaluate community identifi ed, developed and COMMUNITY FOOD SECURITY IN NUNATSIAVUT applied action plans comprised of food intervention initiatives. AND BEYOND Over the next 3 years, the program team comprised of Jameson, Kristie1 ([email protected]), C. community coordinators, committees and researchers will help Furgal2,3, K. McTavish2,3, Juliana Flowers, Kelly-Ann Blake, two Nunatsiavut and one other Inuit community outside of this Martha Winters-Abel and Carla Pamak region, design, implement and evaluate community food action plans based on the CLFA process. Collectively, the learning 1 Food Security Network of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. taking place in Nunatsiavut will support regional discussions John’s, Canada around a food security working group and strategy to support 2 Trent University, Peterborough, Canada 3 Nasivvik Centre for Inuit Health and Changing Environments, this community led direction initiated with the support of this Peterborough and Quebec, Canada program. 4 Food Security Network of Newfoundland and Labrador, Th is presentation will provide an overview of the adapted Hopedale, Nunatsiavut, Canada CLFA process being used in this project, lessons learned to date 5 Food Security Network of Newfoundland and Labrador, from Hopedale and experiences thus far in other communities, Rigolet, Nunatsiavut, Canada to showcase the Inuit community-led work towards fi nding 6 Food Security Network of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nain, solutions to address the challenges associated with food security Nunatsiavut, Canada in the Arctic. Food security is recognized as a critical public health throughout the Inuit regions of the Canadian Arctic and sub- Arctic with household insecurity rates ranging from 24% to 70%; the highest reported food insecurity rate reported for an Indigenous region outside of the developing world. Signifi cant attention has been given to a variety of food related initatives and programs and their ability to address the issues of food insecurity. Programs such as Nutrution North Canada provide subsidies for food transport and sale and is one such program 68 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

“THESE PLACES HAVE STORIES TO TELL” – LINKING SOCIAL, CULTURAL, ECONOMIC AND ECOLOGICAL TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND SCIENCE IN THE DETERMINANTS OF FOOD SECURITY IN MONITORING OF BARREN GROUND CARIBOU NORTHERN COMMUNITIES MOVEMENTS IN THE NORTHWEST TERRITORIES, 1 2,3 CANADA Juillet, Cédric ([email protected]) and C. Furgal 1 Dokis Jansen, Kelsey1 ([email protected]), Lutsel K’e Department of Environmental Resource Studies and Sciences, Dene First Nation2 and B. Parlee3 Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8 2 Indigenous Environmental Studies Program, Trent University, 1 Department of Resource Economics and Environmental Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8 Sociology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H1 3 Nasivvik Centre for Inuit health and changing environments, 2 Lutsel K’e, Northwest Territories, X0E1A0 Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8 3 Faculty of Native Studies / Department of Resource Economics and Environmental Sociology, University of Alberta, In the context of climate change and human Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2H1 development, northern communities are, or will be, facing challenges to understand, mitigate and adapt to the impacts As development of mineral resources in the arctic of a changing environment. Traditional/country foods are expands, fi nding ways to understand and deal with the critical resources for the physical, as well as the mental, social environmental and socio-cultural impacts for Indigenous and economic health of individuals and communities across communities becomes increasingly important. Environmental Northern Canada. Th e importance of traditional/country monitoring programs involving First Nations, Inuit and food as a critical resource for the health and well-being of Metis peoples have become a standard component of many northern populations is well documented. Nonetheless, gaining environmental management arrangements in the Northwest a better understanding of the complex relationship between Territories and Nunavut; however, there has been relatively country food and the diff erent levels of health (environmental/ little literature on how Traditional Knowledge and science community/ household/ individual health) is important to can be integrated in monitoring in ways that are culturally allow northern communities to mitigate and adapt to the appropriate and lead to rigorous knowledge outcomes. In consequences of their changing environment. Disentangling other literature, scholars have been critical of the scientization these complex relationships can be best achieved by adopting a and decontextualization of Traditional Knowledge and lack of multiple inference approach that can provide the comprehensive respect for language, epistemology and the inequities in socio- statistical framework to identify underlying socio-economic- economic relations. Th is presentation will highlight lessons ecological factors while quantifying their relative importance in the food-health system. Furthermore, acknowledging that learned for linking Traditional Knowledge and science in arctic food security is characterized by more than one attribute and wildlife monitoring based on collaborative research with Lutsel that hidden associations among a set of variables is likely K’e Dene First Nation (2010-2013). Using ethnographic the rule rather than the exception, the objective of a better and dendrochronological methods, we worked together with understanding of the mechanisms linking health and northern Denesoline elders, caribou harvesters, youth and graduate food becomes more accessible, conditional upon availability students / faculty from the University of Alberta to track the of appropriate data. Comprehensive data supporting such eff ects of diamond mining activity on barren ground caribou objectives for Northern Canada are rare and the Qanuippitaa movements over a 3 year period. Outcomes included a historical database issued from the Health Survey of the Inuit of Nunavik portrait (1920-2013) of caribou-landscape interactions at critical (2004) and the Inuit Health Survey database gathered in sites of social and ecological signifi cance in the fall/winter Nunatsiavut (2007-08), represent unique opportunities. Today, range of the Bathurst and Beverly caribou herds. We discuss much has been learned from descriptive and basic statistical the synergies and confl icts between science and Traditional analyses on food related health issues and food insecurity status. Knowledge and highlight implications for the governance of Th e present project intends to expand upon these contributions arctic ecosystems. to understand the food-health system and investigate causal inferences within a hierarchical integrated modeling approach linking food security with potential local and regional social, cultural, economic and ecological determinants. Such work conducted both at a regional and community level will be essential to the development of future food security, and environmental/public health policies in Nunavik and Nunatsiavut communities facing climate change and increasing human development. 69 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

MINING, LANDSCAPE, AND SOCIAL MEMORY AT THE CONTRIBUTION OF COMMUNITY RANKIN INLET, NU ENGAGEMENT IN SCHOOLING: A LONG HISTORY

Keeling, Arn ([email protected]) Abele, Frances1, S. Kennedy Dalseg2 (sheenalkennedy@gmail. com) and K. Black3 Department of Geography, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1B 3X9 1 School of Public Policy and Administration, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6 Drawing from the literature on place, identity and 2 School of Public Policy and Administration / Institute for memory in mining communities, this paper explores Inuit Political Economy, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6 experiences with and memories of mine development and 3 School of Canadian Studies / Institute of Political Economy, closure at Rankin Inlet, NU. Based on archival research, oral Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6 histories and other sources, I discuss Inuit perceptions of the Th is paper will be presented in a session alongside our North Rankin Nickel Mine (NRNM), Canada’s fi rst arctic partners who are part the ArcticNet funded project, entitled mine (1957-1962), as an agent of cultural and socio-economic Improving access to postsecondary education for Inuit students adaptation and change. Undertaken as part of the ArcticNet (PI: Dr. Th ierry Rodon). Drawing on archival and interview project “Adaptation, Industrial Development, and Arctic research conducted over the last two years, this paper outlines Communities,” this study revealed a rich combination of sources the institutional development of the school system in the including documents, fi lm, and the oral stories of former miners Northwest Territories and Nunavut. In particular, it identifi es themselves. For many Inuit in Rankin Inlet today, the memories and explains in historical perspective the diff erent phases of and imagery of the community’s former mining days have come community engagement in the development of the school to form the foundation of the community’s identity. Th ese system in Nunavut, with a focus on adult and post-secondary largely positive memories of mining history in turn inform education. attitudes towards the recent return of large-scale industrial mining to the region. Th is paper also explores the challenges and opportunities ESTIMATION OF HARVEST NEED OF WILDLIFE FOR associated with conducting community-based, oral history CONSUMPTION AMONG INUIT REGIONS IN THE research to explore extractive industries in Arctic Canada. It CANADIAN ARCTIC off ers refl ections on experience in working in Rankin Inlet to document local experiences and perceptions of environmental Kenny, Tiff -Annie (Tiff [email protected]) and Laurie and social change associated with large-scale mineral H.M. Chan development. Initially undertaken with an aim to address the Center for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, ‘silences’ in the archival record about Inuit perspectives on University of Ottawa, Ottawa, K1N 6N5 development, this research raised numerous complex issues surrounding the ethics and practice of oral history research, Th e harvest and consumption of Arctic wildlife remains including: researcher positionality; oral history versus ‘traditional integral to the livelihood, and nutritional status of Inuit knowledge’ studies; research licensing and ethics reviews; local communities in Northern Canada. Increasingly, wildlife species knowledge versus Western science; and reconciling interviews consumed as country food are experiencing pressure from and documentary sources. various stressors, including climate change and the presence Th e research experience at Rankin Inlet demonstrates of toxic compounds. When wildlife populations are perceived the relevance and importance of oral stories in environmental to be vulnerable, wildlife managers may limit harvests and histories of large-scale resource development. In particular, consequently, restrict access of Inuit people to the cultural, oral history interviews have the potential to enhance and nutritional, and food security benefi ts these harvests confer. underscore the social and environmental justice dimensions To assist wildlife managers and public health professionals of such developments, as well as to capture the subtleties of in the development of conservation programs that optimize local perception and memory of the mining past. Th ough wildlife population sustainability, while mitigating adverse time-consuming to undertake and challenging to incorporate aff ect to the dietary quality of Inuit communities, reliable data into traditional historical narratives, oral histories contribute on current harvest levels and how they are related to the diet enormously to understanding the complexity of environmental is required. Unfortunately, however, there are few data sets and social change in Arctic communities. Research into past available to relate the level of harvest to the consumption level experiences with large-scale mineral development also has the in diff erent regions of the Arctic. Previous determinations of potential to inform contemporary debates around the impact of Inuit harvest requirements have been based largely on harvester the forecast expansion of mining in the Canadian Arctic. data, rather than detailed dietary response. Although these 70 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

estimates off er important insights into regional harvester needs, behaviour and movements of Arctic cod, which in turn may be the harvest requirements necessary to satisfy current diets often driving large-scale marine mammal migrations throughout the remains unknown. Using responses from the Food Frequency Canadian Arctic Archipelago (CAA). Th us, understanding the Questionnaire of the 2007-2008 Inuit Health Study (IHS) dynamics of Arctic cod within the Resolute Bay ecosystem, both from a total of 806 men and 1275 women, we characterized in relation to sea ice dynamics and the behaviour/movements annual consumption of Caribou (Rangifer tarandus), Beluga of the other marine organisms, will provide critical insight to (Delphinapterus leucas) and Ringed Seal (Pusa hispida) in 3 expand our understanding of Arctic marine ecosystems as a Inuit regions of northern Canada. Applying a proportional whole. To investigate the residency and distribution of Arctic projection to IHS data, these results were translated into cod, an acoustic receiver array of 60 Vemco VR2W 180 KHz regional country food requirements (animals/region-year), based was established and 85 Arctic cod from four locations in the on a review of species edible yield data reported in the literature bay were captured, measured, weighed and implanted with and unpublished government datasets. Th ese results provide Vemco V6 acoustic tags. Following an 86 day period of extended a baseline for food security and resources management in the residence in the bay area, all but three individuals exhibited a Canadian Arctic, and may serve as an example for Indigenous collective departure. During this absence 51 Arctic cod were peoples globally, to balance dietary needs and wildlife detected on the outside gate monitors, ~2 km outside of the conservation. Translating consumption of country food to the mouth of the bay. Following the 14 day absence, 49 Arctic equivalent wildlife harvest requirement communicates issues of cod collectively returned to the bay array and the rest were culture, health, food security, nutrition and diet, within a forum not detected inside the bay again. After a 65 day long second that is mutually relevant to wildlife managers. In this capacity, residence inside the bay, again all but the same three individuals the degree to which Inuit food requirements may be sustainably displayed a collective departure and eight cod were then detected satisfi ed by local sources can be assessed, and adverse outcomes on the outside gate monitors. Monitor site Residence Index on wildlife populations can be averted. (RI) analysis revealed a strong site fi delity toward the west and north areas of the bay. Capture location within the bay did not infl uence site fi delity during the residence periods, however, did RESIDENCY AND DISTRIBUTION OF ARCTIC appear to infl uence detection timing and distribution on the COD (BOREOGADUS SAIDA) IN RESOLUTE BAY, outside gate monitors. Th is data indicates that Arctic cod do LANCASTER SOUND exhibit an extended residence within Resolute Bay, both during open water and ice cover periods. Simultaneous monitoring 1 1 Kessel, Steven T. ([email protected]), N.E. Hussey , of environmental parameters and marine mammal presence/ 2 3 4 1 S. Vagle , R. Crawford , S. Ferguson and A.T. Fisk absence was conducted, and it is anticipated that further analysis 1 University of Windsor, Great Lakes Institute for of this data will help to explain the timing and distribution of Environmental Research, 401 Sunset Ave, Windsor, ON, Arctic cod within this system. N9B 3P4, Canada 2 Institute of Ocean Sciences, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 9860 West Saanich Road, Sidney, BC, V8L 4B2, Canada TUKTU AND CLIMATE CHANGE: INUIT HUNTING 3 Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, ON SOUTHERN BAFFIN ISLAND NC, 27858, USA 4 Department of Biological Sciences, 50 Sifton Road, University Kitching, Knut Tjensvoll ([email protected]) and of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada J. Ford Department of Geography, McGill University, Montreal, With climate change resulting in unpredictable sea Quebec, H3A 0B9 ice conditions from year to year, it is crucial to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the knock on eff ects to the Up to this point there has been relatively little research Arctic marine ecosystems. Resolute Bay, Cornwallis Island (74° that has examined human-caribou interactions in the context 44’ N, 095° 04’ W), is an important hunting ground for the of multiple stresses. Previously the focus of management local Inuit population and a historically known site for Arctic studies has been on the co-management structures and their cod (Boreogadus saida) aggregations. Arctic cod are believed to function. By addressing community interactions with caribou be a key stone species in the Arctic marine ecosystem, serving on Southern Baffi n Island in the context of changing access, as a food source for members of higher trophic levels, including climate-driven caribou population changes, and a number of ringed seals (Pusa hispida), beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) management frameworks and institutions, this study aims to and narwhales (Monodon monoceros), all of which are important develop a baseline understanding of the sustainability of caribou targets for the local hunting community. Little is known of the harvesting in the Iqaluit region. 71 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Drawing attention to caribou as a major source of as secondary to economic or environmental goals, rather than country food, and one of the Arctic species that will potentially essential preconditions for sustainability, or a sustainability goal be profoundly impacted by climate change, the study will in itself (Partridge, 2005). be a resource for land-use planners and policy-makers on Th e objective of this study is to gain an understanding the importance of preserving biodiversity and sustainable of social and cultural dimensions of communities that are northern ecosystems from ecological, cultural and food security important to Nunatsiavut residents, and that should be perspectives. Th is study will help to refocus attention on considered in community sustainability planning. Th is project sustainable harvesting and co-management as a key adaptation is being conducted as part of the Nunatsiavut SakKijânginnatuk and resiliency strategy in the face of a rapidly changing Arctic. Nunalik (Sustainable Communities Initiative), “Valued Places Th e presentation will discuss some of the preliminary and Spaces” sub-project, in cooperation with the Nunatsiavut fi ndings from this ongoing study of the caribou-human Government and the fi ve Inuit communities of northern relationship based around Iqaluit, Nunavut. Working closely Labrador. Th is project has a specifi c focus on values, principles with community members, and building upon over 6-years of and priorities of residents of Hopedale, Nunatsiavut, and previous research in Iqaluit, this research examines how hunters participants’ visions for the future of their community. are adapting their behaviors to changing access to harvest areas In July of 2013, 6 semi-structured focus groups, and variations in caribou populations. Th is will be considered including participatory mapping exercises, were conducted to against the backdrop of adaptive changes within the territorial gather perspectives on the valued social and cultural aspects institutions and organizations that are engaged in wildlife of community, and explore socio-cultural components of management. community sites and areas as being important to community sustainability. Approximately 30 community members participated and the recordings of these sessions were DIMENSIONS OF SOCIO-CULTURAL transcribed and analyzed. Preliminary results show that issues SUSTAINABILITY: HOPEDALE, NUNATSIAVUT of connectivity (to each other and the land) are central to participants’ overall sense of community sustainability. Th e Kivett Knight, Janet1,3 ([email protected]), C. Furgal2,3, youth in particular pointed to a need to sustain these links to D. Kouril1,3, T. Sheldon4 , T. Bell5 and C. Goldhar4 place and to people as key to community-level sustainability. 1 Sustainability Studies Graduate Program, Trent University, Strong cultural identity, grounded in language, land-based skills, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8 traditional games and community festivals, was also central to 2 Indigenous Environmental Studies Program, Trent University, socio-cultural sustainability. Overall, there was great importance Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8 placed on the social and cultural aspects of community, 3 Health, Environment and Indigenous Communities Research including sites and areas, in terms of the need to maintain those Group, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8 most tied to cultural identity and social cohesion, as well as the 4 Department of Lands and Natural Resources, Nunatsiavut role these components play in supporting overall community Government, Nain, Labrador, A0P 1L0 well-being and sustainability. 5 Department of Geography Memorial University of Consideration of these socio-cultural dimensions Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland, A1B 3X9 is essential, as they inform interaction with the natural Eff ects of resource development, climate change and environment, support sense of identity and cultural strength changing demographics are particularly apparent in Northern within Inuit communities, and also determine the capacity and Indigenous communities today. With rapid changes of communities to adapt to change and plan for future in economic opportunities, access to and interest in land sustainability. A better informed understanding of the social based activities and community growth there is the threat to and cultural values, needs and priorities of the community will maintenance of traditional lifestyles, cultural strength and social support more appropriate community planning, protect aspects vitality in communities. Th is issue is particularly relevant to and areas key to social and cultural sustainability, and ultimately many Arctic communities experiencing climatic change and contribute to stronger communities. situated in close proximity to resource development initiatives such as mining and hydroelectric projects. It is essential that planning for the future in these and other communities include appropriate consideration of not only economic and material goals, but also social and cultural ideals and objectives of its residents. However, a proliferation of sustainability projects and discourses at various scales continue to address social concerns 72 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

THE INUVIALUIT SETTLEMENT REGION – Th e goals of the ISR-CBMP are to: 1) Contribute reliable COMMUNITY-BASED MONITORING PROGRAM environmental data and local Inuvialuit knowledge to inform (ISR-CBMP) and support decisions by resource managers and developers, Inuvialuit organizations and wildlife co-management boards Knopp, Jennie1,2 ([email protected]), F. Pokiak3, in order to: (a) “protect and preserve the Arctic wildlife, V. Gillman4, L. Carpenter5, L. Staples6 and N. Snow2 environment and biological productivity through the application 1Inuvialuit Settlement Region - Community-Based Monitoring of conservation principles and practices” and (b) inform Program, Inuvik, Northwest Territories, X0E 0T0 requirements for the determination of wildlife compensation 2Joint Secretariat, Inuvik, Northwest Territories, X0E 0T0 and wildlife habitat restoration if damage occurs from 3 Inuvialuit Game Council, Inuvik, Northwest Territories, development, consistent with related provisions of the Inuvialuit X0E 0T0 Final Agreement (14.1-14.5 and 13.1B)[1]. 2) Incorporate local 4 Canada-Inuvialuit Fisheries Joint Management Committee, expert Inuvialuit knowledge as well as local ways of monitoring Inuvik, Northwest Territories, X0E 0T0 into community-based monitoring eff orts. 3) Build capacity in 5 Wildlife Advisory Management Committee - Northwest Inuvialuit communities to enhance participation in local and Territories, Inuvik, Northwest Territories, X0E 0T0 regional monitoring and research activities. 6 Wildlife Advisory Management Committee - North Slope, Th e overall goal of the ISR-CBMP is for long-term Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1A 6K8 community-based monitoring of important species and Th e ISR-wide Community-Based Monitoring Program environmental conditions. (ISR-CBMP) is a regionally coordinated, community-based Th is presentation will outline the creation, design and approach to monitoring in the region. It is a partnership that on-going implementation of the ISR Community-Based includes the six ISR Hunters and Trappers Committees, the ISR Monitoring Program as well as how the program provides wildlife co-management boards, the Inuvialuit Game Council knowledge and data to the management of natural resources in the ISR. and the Joint Secretariat. Community interests and priorities [1]THE WESTERN ARCTIC CLAIM – Th e Inuvialuit are integral to the design and implementation of the program, Final Agreement (As Amended) http://www.inuvialuitland.com/ along with the management needs and priorities of Inuvialuit resources/Inuvialuit_Final_Agreement.pdf organizations, wildlife co-management boards and federal and territorial resource management authorities. Community-Based Monitoring (CBM) focuses on UNDERSTANDING ENVIRONMENTAL improving resource management decision-making through the SUSTAINABILITY IN THE NORTH: CASE STUDY IN collection and application of local environmental knowledge and HOPEDALE, NUNATSIAVUT local environment-related information. It promotes the interests and role of local communities in the design of the monitoring Kouril, Diana1,3 ([email protected]), C. Furgal2,3, programs, the execution of local monitoring programs, and J. Knight1,3 and T. Bell4 data interpretation and application. CBM generates data and 1 Sustainability Studies Graduate Program, Trent University, knowledge that provide insight into trends and changes in Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8 environmental conditions over time, for management needs and 2 Indigenous Environmental Studies Program, Trent University, priorities of the local resource users, co-management boards, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8 government agencies, and researchers. 3 Health, Environment and Indigenous Communities Research Th e ISR-CBMP is building local capacity in the ISR Group, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8 communities to monitor current conditions and trends with 4 Department of Geography, Memorial University, St. John’s, respect to: 1) Wildlife and Fish: local conditions, including Newfoundland and Labrador, A1B 3X9 health, abundance and distribution; 2) Wildlife and Fish Habitat and related local environmental conditions: including Environmental sustainability seeks to maintain qualities indicators of change or trends in areas such as water quality, that are valued in the natural environment. Currently, factors erosion, and permafrost, and 3) Other environmental such as climate change, resource development, and the conditions: including invertebrates, vegetation and climate- associated social, economic and cultural changes that come related pathways. with these forces challenge the sustainability of Indigenous Th e data and knowledge collected and shared through the communities in many northern regions. It is expected that ISR-CBMP are the direct results of community participation these changes will continue in the future, requiring a better in monitoring eff orts driven by local and regional information understanding of and more attention paid to the principles of needs, in turn contributing to the management of local and ‘sustainability’ in the context of northern community growth regional resources. and development. Th e Nunatsiavut Government has recognized 73 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

this and is directing an initiative called, SakKijâ nginnatuk Since the Berger Inquiry rejected the Mackenzie Nunalik (the Sustainable Communities Initiative) in partnership Valley pipeline in 1977 in response to Aboriginal objections with the Inuit Community Governments and the support from expressed through personal testimony, northern environmental researchers at Trent and Memorial Universities. Th e fi rst phase reviews reduced resources or legal standing to individual or of SakKijâ nginnatuk Nunalik is aimed at understanding current community consultation. Digital Indigenous Democracy community priorities, values, challenges and opportunities (DID) was proposed to capitalize on new media tools of the related to future planning and development in the region. last decade to enable Inuit communities a stronger role with As apart of this initiative, the purpose of this project has more leverage to benefi t from Arctic development. To achieve been to: (1) document environmental areas and sites in and this in Nunavut, where internet access and cost-per-MB are around Hopedale that are valued by residents, (2) understand a hundred times behind southern Canada, DID proposed the importance of these places to diff erent groups within experimental technology: to connect IsumaTV wireless internet the community and (3) identify those areas that community mediaplayers (i.e. high-speed local servers) to community TV members feel should be protected and monitored for the future. channels and radio stations to blend new and old media into an innovative system adapted to the unique realities of low In order to accomplish this research, a series of six focus groups bandwidth Nunavut communities. In April 2012, DID had including a participatory mapping component was conducted to jump-start activities for Inuit facing Public Hearings on with residents in Hopedale, Nunatsiavut during the summer Baffi nland Iron Mine’s Final Environmental Impact Statement and fall of 2013. Community participants identifi ed a number (FEIS) in July 2012. Using Igloolik as its pilot community, of important environmental areas and sites on the land that can DID’s team focused on multimedia that would give Inuit voices be divided into three general categories: natural resources areas, “formal standing” in the Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) recreational areas, and trails. Th ese spaces and places in the local review process. DID co-director Zacharias Kunuk fi led a Formal environment were identifi ed as important because they represent Intervention to NIRB, entitled My Father’s Land, using the areas to gather resources (i.e. food, drinking water, wood), to innovative framework of a ‘Multimedia Human Rights Impact perform recreational activities, to support cultural traditions, Assessment,’ to inform, consult and empower Inuit to a higher as well as to gather with family, friends, and the community as level of Inuktitut-language participation in the review process. a whole. In addition, participants also identifi ed and described As the only Formal Intervention fi led by an individual Inuk, My areas of environmental concern and specifi c sites to be protected Father’s Land included 22 online call-in radio shows (inform) and monitored in the future. Overall, this knowledge will and 59 video interviews or commentaries (consult), uploaded to help better understand the importance of (and reasons for) www.isuma.tv/DID and contextualized within a human rights natural spaces and places in the community, as well as bring framework presented by DID human rights director, Lloyd clarity to how environmental sustainability is conceptualized Lipsett. Submitting a multimedia website of Inuit voices in their in a contemporary northern Indigenous context. With a better own language into the formal record of the Public Hearings understanding of local values and priorities associated with the challenged NIRB, Baffi nland and other Formal Intervenors, natural environment, individuals such as local and regional including governments of Canada and Nunavut and Inuit planners and government decision makers will be able to make Organizations, to acknowledge constitutional and international better-informed decisions surrounding community planning, human rights of individual Inuit to be informed and consulted, development and environmental management in the region. while demonstrating how new media technology could empower communities to a more signifi cant role in these negotiations. DID’s impact was evident when NIRB announced its decision DIGITAL INDIGENOUS DEMOCRACY: AN on the Baffi nland FEIS in September 2012, recommending EXPERIMENTAL MEDIA AND HUMAN RIGHTS to Canada’s DIAND Minister that Cabinet approve the Mary RESPONSE TO ARCTIC INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT River project with 142 Terms and Conditions, four of which directly supported continuation of community-based “inform Kunuk, Zacharias1 ([email protected]), N. Cohn2, L. Lipsett3, 4 and consult” activities at all stages of the mine’s progress. and I. Mauro NIRB specifi cally recommended that a multimedia internet 1 Kingulliit Productions, Inc. Igloolik, Nunavut, X0A 0L0 website be employed as a component for monitoring and 2 Isuma Distribution International, Montréal, Québec, mitigating impacts of the mine on environment, wildlife and H2T 2T3 socio-economic health of Inuit communities. Given the success 3 LKL International Consulting Inc, Montréal, Québec, and future potential of DID, eight more Inuit communities H2T 1S1 are in the process of installing IsumaTV mediaplayers to join 4 Department of Geography and Environment, Mount Allison the multimedia network. Th e DID project demonstrates the University, Sackville, New Brunswick, E4L 2H9 value of long-term interactive new media – especially when 74 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

combined with a constitutional human rights framework - Sensitivity of the IRIS1 region infrastructure to climate in environmental reviews of industrial developments across change occurs through two key areas: permafrost and change Nunavut and Canada. DID also presents a sustainable business coastal conditions. Permafrost, or permanently frozen ground, is model for improving interactive new media in low bandwidth sensitive to changing climate. Where ice-rich permafrost occurs remote communities and bringing Inuit and Aboriginal citizens thaw subsidence may result in changes to the stability of various across the Digital Divide separating them from other Canadians infrastructure components. Additionally, changes to the land today. may alter drainage patterns, further impacting infrastructure and potentially causing expensive repairs to be necessary, or failure in some cases. Ground ice mapping approaches and improved EXPORT FLUXES OF BIOGENIC MATTER IN THE understanding of the impact of changing permafrost conditions SIBERIAN ARCTIC OCEAN on land and surface water contribute to reducing the risk from permafrost change. Lalande, Catherine1 ([email protected]), E-M. Nöthig1, Th e IRIS1 region is also characterized by a diverse E. Bauerfeind1 and L. Fortier2 range of coastal environments that are also susceptible to 1 Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and climate change, resulting in risk for coastal infrastructure and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany, 27570 communities. Decreased sea ice has increased wave activity 2 Département de biologie, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, and the impact of strong waves on coastal erosion has been G1V 0A6 observed, particularly where erosion exposes massive ground ice and the combined eff ects of permafrost melt and coastal Th e unprecedented sea ice retreat that occurred in recent erosion occur. Additionally, projected sea level changes will aff ect years in the Siberian Arctic Ocean possibly led to rapid changes coastal areas by increasing the impact of wave erosion on coastal in primary production and export fl uxes of biogenic matter in infrastructure. Coastal erosion is already occurring in some this rarely sampled region. In this communication, we present communities, while it may challenge others based on projected export fl uxes of biogenic matter obtained from 3 long-term climate change. Th e diversity of coastal environments in the sediment trap deployments conducted in the Siberian Arctic IRIS1 region means that mapping local conditions and coastal Ocean to assess the factors that aff ect the timing, magnitude, processes is necessary to recognize risks from changing marine and composition of the biogenic matter exported from upper processes. waters to the seafl oor. Long-term sediment traps were deployed Knowledge about the presence of ground ice and thaw- by the Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar sensitive terrain, along with emerging coastal hazards, will and Marine Research over the Lomonosov Ridge in 1995-1996 provide the means to design appropriate infrastructure and and near the Gakkel Ridge in 2011-2012, and by ArcticNet to minimize potential risk. Further, new planning and design over the shelf break of the northern Laptev Sea in 2005-2007. standards are emerging to help local decision makers improve A preliminary comparison of these results indicates that the the resiliency of infrastructure. progressively earlier ice melt aff ected the export fl uxes of biogenic matter in the region. WHAT TRIGGERS RETROGRESSIVE THAW SLUMPS IN THE ARCTIC COASTAL ZONE? IRIS 1: COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN A CHANGING CLIMATE Lantuit, Hugues1,2 ([email protected]), M. Fritz1, M. Krautblatter3, M. Angelopoulos4 and W. Pollard5 Lamoureux, Scott ([email protected]) 1 Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Department of Geography, Queen’s University, Kingston, Marine Research, Potsdam, Germany Ontario, K7L 3N6 2 University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany 3 Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany Th e stability and safety of infrastructure in the 4 Golder Associates, Montréal, Québec communities and land of the IRIS1 region is of central 5 Dept. of Geography, McGill University, Montréal, Québec concern to residents, local decision makers and diff erent levels of government. Recent climate change has already caused Retrogressive thaw slumps (RTS) are spectacular lateral impacts to some important infrastructure including building thermokarst features occurring in ice-rich permafrost regions. foundations, roads, air strips, and shorelines, and projected Th ey develop along streams or coastlines and expand inland to climate changes suggest that further impacts to infrastructure are form landslide-like U-shaped scars exceeding a kilometer size in likely to occur. selected locations. Th ese slumps are a major source of sediment, 75 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

organic carbon and nutrients that have a large eff ect on the fall migrations of migratory caribou of the Rivière-George aquatic environment. Th e consequences of the occurrence of (RGH) and the Rivière-aux-Feuilles herds (RFH) showed RTS, which have been shown to occur at increased frequencies great variations during the last decades. Here we attempt to in the Arctic are not well understood. Th e impact of RTS link these changes in migration patterns to annual variations sediment delivery on coastal ecosystems is even less known, in climate and environmental conditions as well as population even though RTS contribute quantities of sediment sometimes size. We investigated the relationships between migration greater than coastal erosion itself. patterns (n = 700 and 800 migration paths in spring and fall, In this study, we present the results of a systemic respectively, between 1986 and 2012) and the north Atlantic multidisciplinary study attempting to understand the structure, oscillation index (NAO), meteorological data obtained from a the evolution and the fate of RTS on Herschel Island, Yukon Canadian Regional Climate Model (CRCM4), snow cover and Territory, in the southern Canadian Beaufort Sea and to relate Normalized Diff erence Vegetation Index. Preliminary analyses it to slump occurrence. We use information stemming from suggest that caribou stay north during pre-migration movements cryostratigraphic sampling in the ice headwall of the RTS, when climate is mild and wet, and that caribou from the RFH from cores collected above the headwall and in the slump fl oor are more likely to migrate toward southern winter ranges rather and from geophysics (mostly Direct Current and Capacitive than spending winter in the north when snow is abundant Coupled Resistivity) to describe the structure of the slump. We emphasize the role of ground ice distribution, sea water vicinity during pre-migration movements. During fall migration, and sensible and radiative heat input in dictating the pace at however, abundant snow limits the capacity of caribou to reach which slump initiate, stabilize and re-activate. We compare the furthest winter ranges. Patterns of spring migration depend this information to past knowledge on slumps to highlight the on the range that caribou are using during winter. Th e longest transient nature of slump occurrence in the arctic coastal zone migrations for both herds depart from a common range located and the existence of “pulses” of slump activity with potentially south-west of the study area. As the RGH size was declining, important impacts on the nearshore ecosystem. the herd progressively abandoned this range and shifted for closer winter ranges to the east. Following these changes in the space use of RGH, caribou from the RFH progressively THERE AND BACK AGAIN: EVOLUTION OF THE decreased their use of a northern winter range located close to SPRING AND FALL MIGRATION PATTERNS OF their calving ground, and shifted to the south-western winter MIGRATORY CARIBOU IN NORTHERN QUEBEC AND range. Understanding variations in migration patterns is LABRADOR essential for the conservation of migratory caribou. Our study will help to investigate how variations in climate and associated Le Corre, Mael1 ([email protected]), C. Dussault2 and S.D. Côté1 environmental factors aff ected these patterns.

1 Département de biologie and Centre d’études nordiques, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6 INSAR MAPS: SEASONAL AND INTER- 2 Direction de la faune terrestre et de l’avifaune, Ministère du ANNUAL DISPLACEMENTS IN PERMAFROST Développement durable, de l’Environnement, de la Faune et des ENVIRONMENTS, CASE STUDY FOR THE IQALUIT Parcs du Québec, 880, chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, Québec, AREA, NUNAVUT G1S 4X4 LeBlanc, Anne-Marie1 (Anne-Marie.LeBlanc@NRCan-RNCan. Migration is one of the most impressive large-scale gc.ca), N. Short2, W. Sladen1, G. Oldenborger1, V. Mathon- processes in ecology. It allows animals to follow seasonal Dufour3, M. Allard3 and E. L’Hérault3 changes in resource abundance and to decrease predation risk. 1 Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Migratory caribou, Rangifer tarandus, is a central species of Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0E8 the northern environments. Th ey leave the boreal forest in 2 Canada Centre for Mapping and Earth Observation, Natural spring to reach safer calving grounds and summer ranges in Resources Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0Y7 the north, performing the longest migration among terrestrial 3 Centre d’études nordiques, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, mammals. In the fall they return south to winter ranges. Spring G1V 0A6 and fall migrations are critical periods for caribou, and they have to adapt rapidly to a changing environment, notably due In recent years, interest in the use of Interferometric to climate changes. Modifi cations in snow cover, lake and river Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) as a source of ground ice-free periods or forage availability could directly impact the surface displacement information for natural and built timing of their migrations and choice of migratory routes. In permafrost environments has increased considerably. Among Northern Quebec and Labrador, the patterns of spring and the available InSAR methods, conventional diff erential InSAR 76 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

(D-InSAR) makes it possible to detect very small ground surface Th e traditional marine diet of the Inuit comprises movement, on the order of centimetres, for every pixel over large sea mammals that may contain high concentrations of coverage areas. As part of the Climate Change and Northern methylmercury (MeHg), a well-known neurotoxic agent which Development and Remote Sensing Science NRCan initiatives, in addition was recently shown to induce adverse cardiovascular D-InSAR data were acquired over three consecutive summers for eff ects. Conversely, several sea mammal tissues and organs the Iqaluit area, Nunavut. Scientists at the Canada Centre for frequently consumed by the Inuit are exceptionally rich in Mapping and Earth Observation have been working to improve selenium (Se) and accordingly, Se intake in Inuit is among the the processing of the InSAR data, while fi eld validation has been highest in the world. Se is an essential element that is of key undertaken in collaboration with scientists at the Geological importance to the antioxidant defense system; evidence gathered Survey of Canada and a complementary project led by the in fi sh and marine mammal eating populations suggests that Centre d’études nordiques at the Iqaluit airport. RADARSAT-2 a high Se intake may play a role in off setting some deleterious spotlight scenes with a resolution of approximately 1 m were eff ects of MeHg exposure. In contrast, in populations other than used to create maps of seasonal ground surface displacement. marine food consumers, elevated plasma Se concentrations have Th ese maps are interpreted based on a wide range of been recently associated to type 2 diabetes, hypercholesterolemia fi eld observations including surfi cial material, permafrost and/or hypertension. Clearly, more information is needed on Se characteristics, ground temperature, climate data and seasonal and Hg species found in food items and blood samples of the settlement measurements. Results show that the D-InSAR maps Inuit to better assess the risks and benefi ts of their traditional are slightly diff erent from year to year, but overall displacement diet. Previous speciation analyses of marine mammal tissues patterns do align very well with surfi cial geology units. Low consumed by the Inuit revealed that while meat contains mainly displacement is statistically associated with bedrock and coarse MeHg, Hg-Se insoluble crystals represents a large part of Hg sediments, while fi ner sediments, more likely to be ice-rich, present in liver, would reduce Hg bioavailability and related- show higher settlement. Within the same terrain unit, local toxicity for humans. In addition to total plasma Se levels, the surface and subsurface conditions can lead to diff erent amounts most common biomarker of Se status, several other biomarkers of displacement. In general, displacement seen in seasonal (e.g. selenoproteins and small Se molecules such as selenoneine) data sets is caused by thawing of the active layer. However, have been identifi ed and these may help to better characterize Se in the seasonal maps, fi eld observations also highlight areas status and possible Hg-Se interactions among Inuit populations. of subsidence driven by long-term instability, for example, in Our research program focuses on the Hg-Se balance and its relation to emerging health issues such as diabetes and areas of low-centre polygons due to the degradation of ice-rich cardiovascular diseases (CVD) risk factors in Inuit adults, taking permafrost. InSAR maps adapted for permafrost environments into account the diff erent species of Hg and Se. Speciation have the potential to provide useful geoscience information analyses are conducted in bio-banked blood samples from to support decision-making for existing or new infrastructure. 900 Inuit adults (18-74y) who participated to the 2004 Inuit In that context, results for built and natural environments Health in Transition Study in Nunavik (Canada). Hyphenated are compared for the Iqaluit area. Th e information content, HPLC-ICPMS techniques are used to measure plasma levels advantages and limitations of the results are discussed. of selenoproteins (selenoprotein P, glutathione peroxidases and selenoalbumin), inorganic Se (Se+4 and Se+6) and small selenomolecules (e.g. methyl-selenocysteine, selenomethionine, COUNTRY FOODS AND CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH selenoneine). Blood concentrations of MeHg and inorganic IN NUNAVIK: STUDYING THE COMPLEX BALANCE BETWEEN SELENIUM AND ENVIRONMENTAL Hg are also determined. Participants also agreed to clinical CONTAMINANTS measurements (e.g. fasting glucose and insulin, lipids profi le, blood pressure, PON1 activity) and answered medical and food Lemire, Mélanie1 ([email protected]), frequency questionnaires. Th e relations between biomarkers P. Ayotte1,2, L. Chan3, É. Dewailly1, A. Achouba1, P. Dumas1, of exposure to Hg and Se and diabetes and CVD risk factors 4 3 4 B. Laird , P. Jr Vanié and M. Kwan will be examined. We are also currently identifying the concentrations and forms of Se and Hg present in various 1 Axe Santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, traditional country foods as well as their bioavailability. Th e Québec, Qc latest results of the research team will be presented. 2 Biomarker laboratory, Institut national de santé publique, Th ese much needed data will improve our capacity Québec, Qc work together with public health authorities and community 3 Department of Biology,University of Ottawa, Ottawa, On members to promote and maximise the health benefi ts of 4 School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of country foods while minimizing risks from contaminant Waterloo, Waterloo, On exposure. 77 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

FROM POND INLET TO THE TORNGATS: SCIENCE exposure to multiple elements of youth program planning and PROGRAMMING AND CAPACITY BUILDING IN AN delivery, including methods of group facilitation, refl ection, INUIT HOMELAND team building, assessment, and risk management. Sam Arreak was an Inuk role-model and leader for KSP Angnatok, Dorothy1, M. Arnold1, S. Arreak3, R. Laing4, youth participants who could easily identify themselves with I. Lemus-Lauzon2 ([email protected]), and V. L’Hérault2 him. Sam also became more aware of and confi dent in his own communication skills and capacity. For the students, learning 1 kANGIDLUASUk Student Program, Nain, Newfoundland through the eyes and knowledge of an Inuk mentor encouraged and Labrador, A0P 1L0 them to become leaders and mentors themselves and helped 2 ARCTIConnexion, Rimouski, Québec, G5L 3A1 them connect with their cultural identity. Th is mentorship 3 Hamlet of Pond Inlet, Nunavut, X0A 0S0 experience also led to fascinating exchanges and sharing of 4 Nunatsiavut Government, Nain, Newfoundland and Labrador, perspectives between Inuit from very diff erent regions. A0P 1L0 Th is human experience created a strong bond between the ARCTIConnexion was created in 2012 following participants – Inuit and southerners - and left everybody more the genuine commitment of a group of northern and aware of each other, of our cultural diff erences, but most of all of southern-based environmental science students willing to our similarities. We believe this type of learning and leadership foster cross-cultural dialogue and the sharing of perspectives outreach program could and should be exported to other between northerners and arctic researchers. Since then, regions and are now working towards that goal. Building on ARCTIConnexion has evolved rapidly; what was only an idea the experiences and successes of KSP in Nunatsiavut, Labrador, last year is now an incorporated not-for-profi t organization that ARCTIConnexion’s team is now working in partnership with has the wind in its sails! the Hamlet of Pond Inlet to develop a youth outreach program ARCTIConnexion’s mission is to build bridges between on Bylot Island, in Sirmilik National Park. northern communities and southern-based scientists and institutions through the development of science education opportunities in the North and awareness activities in the South. ICE ISLAND DETECTION USING FINE QUAD POLARIZATION RADARSAT-2 IMAGERY: We believe that scientists could play an important role in the UNDERSTANDING SEASONAL, SPATIAL AND development of community research capacity by providing the TEMPORAL VARIABILITY younger generation – the future leaders - the tools and skills to monitor and manage environmental issues locally. Lewis-Paley, Gregory ([email protected]) and In 2013, a successful partnership was established with D.R. Mueller the not-for-profi t kANGIDLUASUk Student Program (KSP), Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Carleton which for the last fi ve years has been providing dynamic University, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6 leadership and education opportunities for Nunatsiavut and Nunavik youth at a remote research station located near the Ice islands, which are large tabular icebergs calved from Torngat Moutains National Park in Nunatsiavut, Labrador. KSP Arctic ice shelves, have been increasing in prevalence in Arctic off ers integrated learning in an Inuit homeland, where Inuit waters over the last decade. Ice islands have a long lifespan, drift youth are immersed in a three-week fi eld program combining long distances and periodically fragment which, when combined experiences in Arctic science, Inuit culture, leadership with increased industrial development in the region, can present development, and outdoor adventure. a signifi cant maritime hazard. Th e Canadian Ice Service (CIS) During the summer of 2013, ARCTIConnexion and Sam has been using the Synthetic Aperture RADAR (SAR) imaging Arreak, alumnus of the Pond Inlet Environmental Technology capabilities of RADARSAT-2 (RS2) to manually detect and Program, joined forces with KSP for a mutual exchange track ice islands. Th e CIS routinely uses the wide-swath, low of knowledge, experience, skills, and program concepts at resolution ScanSAR-Wide (SCW) mode for ice charting and it the Torngat Mountains Base Camp and Research Station. has been noted by ice analysts that there is large unexplained ARCTIConnexion, Sam Arreak, and Nain Research Centre variability in backscatter response from these ice islands. team members organized and co-delivered a diverse science, Furthermore, SCW images lack the spatial resolution to fi nd research, and monitoring program for KSP youth participants smaller ice island fragments and during summer melt conditions that included a mix of scientifi c methods, Inuit ecological it is diffi cult to distinguish diff erent ice types. knowledge and mentoring activities. In exchange, Sam and Th is study examined 259 polarimetric parameters to Isabel Lemus-Lauzon of ARCTIConnexion were immersed in assess their utility in separating ice islands from background a week of integrated KSP programming to explore and gain ice cover. In addition, we evaluated the hypothesis that several 78 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

key confounding factors such as seasonality, SAR incidence which seeks to better understand the relationships between angle, and the azimuth angle relative to the ice island’s surface caribou, community, and well-being. In order to address local ridges were associated with poor separability. Four ice islands concerns about caribou health and implications for local diets, that calved from the northern coast of Ellesmere Island were livelihoods, and cultural practices in the context of changing delineated in twenty Fine Quad-Pol (FQ) RS2 images from northern lifestyles, we worked with key local and regional July 2009 to March 2010. In each image, multi-year ice (MYI), representatives to secure funding from the Social Sciences and fi rst-year ice (FYI) and open water regions were also selected Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and the Kitikmeot to represent the background conditions against which the ice Inuit Association (KIA) (2009 - 2015), as well as considerable islands must be detected. Using the training polygons and in-kind support from community organizations. To conduct FQ images, the underlying reasons for variability in ice island this research we have followed local guidance and prioritized detection were explored. Each polarimetric parameter was the facilitation of Elder/youth land camps in an eff ort to engage computed for each of the FQ image, and using the polygons, the in more culturally appropriate research methodologies and to diff ering regions were compared using pair-wise Kolmogorov– foster the inter-generational transfer of knowledge. After three Smirnov tests (KS) as conditions varied. summers (2011 - 2013) of organizing and facilitating land Average separability of MYI and ice islands with very little camps that brought together Inuit Elders, youth, community surface sediment was highest in the gray level co-occurrence support staff , researchers, and teachers, we are now refl ecting on matrix uniformity texture measure of the C11 complex the role and eff ectiveness of land camps from both research and covariance matrix element. In this parameter, the KS separability educational perspectives. We address these perspectives in a two- was 0.604. Average separability between FYI and ice islands part presentation. Th is fi rst presentation will therefore focus on with surface sediment was 0.926 in the C33 matrix element. land camps as a research method. Most parameters exhibited some response to the confounding In working closely with community members throughout factors listed above. For example, the C11 texture measure all stages of this project, we strive to work within an Indigenous performed better when the surface ridges of the ice island research paradigm. Th e core principles of respect, reciprocity, were perpendicular to the RS2 look direction. In addition, and relationality inform our eff orts, as we also aim to learn separability was improved for this parameter at lower incidence about and work within more Inuit-specifi c cultural approaches. angles. However, the separability in the C33 matrix element had At a theoretical level, we draw from the Qaggiq model developed little dependence on azimuth or look angle. In neither case was by Janet Tamalik McGrath and Aupilaarjuk, emphasizing date associated with variability in ice separability. Separability of interconnections between land, language, culture, and living ice types in diff erent polarimetric parameters exhibited diff erent histories. At the level of practice, the land camp method is not responses to the confounding factors. Th is research using just a means for data collection and learning about caribou, polarimetric FQ data provides some insight for discriminating but also for supporting inter-generational and inter-cultural ice islands in CIS operational imagery but will be increasingly dialogue through enactments of individual, collective, and relevant in the future following the launch of the RADARSAT livelihood relationships. We will use this presentation to share Constellation Mission (RCM), which off ers the ability for near- our emerging understandings of the benefi ts and shortcomings full polarimetric information in a wide swath product. of land camps as a research method, including: i) local committee leadership; ii) logistical and fi nancial considerations; iii) documenting and representing Inuit knowledge of caribou; LEARNING FROM THE LAND I - ELDER/YOUTH iv) employing Indigenous (and more Inuit-specifi c) research LAND CAMPS AS A RESEARCH METHOD methodologies in a cross-cultural context; and, v) building and maintaining relationships. Ljubicic, Gita1 ([email protected]), S. Robertson2, R. Mearns3 and S. Okpakok4

1 Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6 2 Faculty of Native Studies, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2H8 3 Nunavut Sivuniksavut, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 5Z4 4 Gjoa Haven, Nunavut, X0B 1J0

Th rough planning meetings and workshops in Gjoa Haven, Nunavut in February and August, 2010, we developed a project based on community research priorities 79 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

TUKITAARVIK: MOBILIZING KNOWLEDGE AND MODEL SIMULATED VOLUME FLUXES THROUGH EXPERIENCE TO SUPPORT INUIT STUDENTS IN THE CANADIAN ARCTIC ARCHIPELAGO AND POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION DAVIS STRAIT: LINKING MONTHLY VARIATIONS TO FORCING IN DIFFERENT SEASONS Lougheed, Martin1 ([email protected]), S. Nickels1, C. Grable1, K. Kelley1 and T. Rodon2 Lu, Youyu1 ([email protected]), S. Higginson1, S. Nudds1, S. Prinsenberg1 and G. Garric2 1 Inuit Qaujisarvingat: Inuit Knowledge Centre, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5E7 1 Ocean and Ecosystem Sciences Division, Bedford institute of 2 Département de science politique, Université Laval, Québec, Oceanography, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Dartmouth, NS, Québec, G1V 0A6 B2Y 4A2, CANADA 2 Mercator-Ocean, Parc Technologique du Canal, 8-10 rue Attending college or university can be an overwhelming Hermès, 31520 Ramonville St-Agne, France experience for any young person. Th e challenge is often greater for Inuit, many of whom generally leave small isolated Th e solution of a 10-year simulation of the Arctic Ocean, Arctic communities for institutions in larger Southern urban produced using a 6 km resolution coupled ocean and sea-ice centers. Th e Tukitaarvik website is dedicated to decreasing the model, is analyzed to understand the variability, control and pressures these students face by serving the exact purpose its forcing mechanisms of the volume fl uxes through the Canadian name suggests: a place to gain understanding or be pointed in Arctic Archipelago (CAA) and Davis Strait. Th e analysis focuses the right direction. Th e website has been designed to include a on variability at monthly time scales. Th e model possesses number of tools, resources and information aimed at supporting useful skill in reproducing the observed characteristics of the Inuit students along the path to a post-secondary education. For “mean annual cycles” of fl ow and volume fl uxes through various example, the website walks you through the diff erent stages an sections. Analysis of the variability for diff erent seasons confi rms Inuit student may experience when attending a post-secondary the “control” of volume fl uxes, proposed in previous studies, institution. In addition, there are a number of inspirational by 1) variations of sea surface height (SSH) in the “upstream” videos from Inuit mentors who share their experience and regions and the relationship of this control to along-shore wind advice about post-secondary education. Prospective, current in the Beaufort Sea, and 2) by SSH in the “downstream” region and former post-secondary students are able to network with in Baffi n Bay that may be related to wind stress in the northern each other and provide and receive support through this interactive website. Th e idea behind creating Tukitaarvik arose Labrador Sea and Davis Strait (DS). It is important to note that in Iqaluit in 2009 in a focus group held with former Nunavut the eff ectiveness of these control and forcing mechanisms vary Sivuniksavut (NS) students. It was realized that many Inuit for fl uxes through diff erent sections and for diff erent seasons. students were experiencing the same challenges when attending In spring, a decrease in the northward fl ux through the eastern southern post-secondary education institutions and that portion of DS corresponds to a decrease in the strength of the students needed a place to share their experiences, learn from Irminger Current, and the East and West Greenland Currents, each other, and improve their opportunities. With fi nancial but the forcing mechanisms remain unclear. support from ArcticNet, researchers, students and technical staff from the University of Laval, Carleton University, and Inuit Qaujisarvingat: Inuit Knowledge Centre (IQ), the research EVALUATION OF RECENT NORTH AMERICAN centre at Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, have worked collaboratively ARCTIC CLIMATE FROM A SUITE OF CMIP5 with Inuit students to develop the Tukitaarvik Inuit Student SIMULATIONS Centre website (www.tukitaarvik.ca) to make their vision Markovic, Marko ([email protected]) and R. de Elia a reality. Th is presentation will outline the development of Tukitaarvik, its role in meeting the needs and goals of Inuit Ouranos Inc., 550 Sherbrooke West, H3A 1B9, Montreal, QC students and the Amaujaq Education Centre’s National Strategy on Inuit Education, as well as its role to improve the access and Th e release of new climate modeling data constituting the sharing of knowledge to support Inuit post-secondary education. Coupled Model Intercomparison Project - Phase 5 (CMIP5) provides a new opportunity to explore present and future Arctic climate. Th ese global climate models (GCMs), which represent the latest generation of climate modeling tools recently developed, include new physical processes and feedbacks at a higher resolution. It is therefore very important to evaluate the performance of this new generation of GCMs over the Arctic. 80 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

One of the principal problems researchers encounter storytelling, and recognizing context dependent value systems over the Arctic is the lack of gridded observational datasets. As can help us learn to better collaborate. We will specifi cally an alternative they are therefore obliged to use model-based be looking at how Indigenous research methodologies can reanalysis, a surrogate for observational datasets. In this work we promote more meaningful trans-disciplinary research through summarize diff erences among various reanalysis that are available the incorporation of their principle dimensions (Chilisa, 2012): over the North American Arctic. 1. Targeting local phenomenon instead of relying on Western Th is study will also evaluate the skill of the CMIP5 GCMs theory to identify and defi ne research foci; 2. Maintaining in simulating some key variables for representation of the Arctic context sensitivity, creating locally relevant concepts derived climate (e.g. snow, temperature, precipitation, radiation, sea- from local/Indigenous knowledge; 3. Being integrative, level pressure). Special interest of this analysis will be centered combining diff erent knowledge systems; and on the models’ representation of the seasonal cycle as the Arctic 4. Informing assumptions about what counts as reality, knowl- climate changes. In addition, an index of model overall skill with edge, and values in research through an Indigenous research respect to all analyzed variables will be calculated. Th is index can paradigm. serve as a model-outlier detector in future climate impact studies Th ese foundational principles underlie the development of over the Arctic region. ‘middle-grounds’ – a framework that provides space for trans- disciplinary or cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration between holders of diff erent knowledge systems. Meaningful multi- DEVELOPING A FUNCTIONING MODEL FOR perspective interactions within our partner communities act as MEANINGFUL TRANS-DISCIPLINARY INTERACTION models for conducting eff ective collaboration amongst a broad AS A MEANS TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE WATER range of academic perspectives. Th is evolving process promotes SYSTEMS IN INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES an environment for meeting northern Indigenous communities’ demands for sustainable and appropriate water systems that are Marshall, Rachael1 ([email protected]), K. Farahbakhsh1 Indigenous-owned, and inclusive of Indigenous perspectives. and Rigolet Inuit Community Government2

1 School of Engineering, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1 OUR BAFFINLAND: INUIT KNOWLEDGE, MINING 2 Rigolet Inuit Community Government, Rigolet, AND VIDEO CARTOGRAPHY Newfoundland and Labrador, A0P 1C0 Kunuk, Zacharias1 and I. Mauro2 ([email protected]) Northern Indigenous communities have faced many 1 Kingulliit Productions, Inc. Igloolik, Nunavut, X0A 0L0 challenges over the past century, including geographic isolation, 2 Department of Geography and Environment, Mount Allison impacts of climate change, and ineff ective infrastructure. University, Sackville, New Brunswick, E4L 2H9 Indigenous communities have called for equitable and sustainable community development driven by meaningful Th e Arctic is warming double the global average, Indigenous participation in decision-making; however, the decreasing sea ice, making it easier to access and extract mineral contrast between Indigenous ways of knowing and scientifi c/ and oil resources from the region, and this cumulative climatic technical worldviews has acted as a barrier to this process. At and economic change has signifi cant human and environmental the same time, researchers and practitioners whose perspectives health implications for Inuit and their communities. In emerge from diff ering disciplines and approaches rarely step Nunavut, the proposed Baffi nland Iron Mine, at the site of outside of their comfort zones, maintaining silos of theory and Mary River, is one of the largest industrial developments ever application where trans-disciplinary approaches are critical. Th e conceived for the Arctic, and would involve year-round shipping imposed water management systems, which are developed for of ore across sensitive permafrost, marine ecosystems and regions southern environments and continuously fail to provide safe of cultural signifi cance that have and continue to be used by drinking water to Indigenous communities, provide a clear example of this lack of trans-disciplinary engagement. Inuit. Using a new generation of GPS-enabled cameras, the We have learned through a trans-disciplinary water “Our Baffi nland” project explored Inuit knowledge regarding management project with four Indigenous partner communities mining, and spatially located a walrus and caribou hunting (located in northern and southern Ontario, northern expedition and associated interviews with eight Igloolik elders Saskatchewan, and Nunatsiavut) that Indigenous research that took place over the summer of 2012. Inuktitut language methodologies can provide a valuable framework for creating interviews were conducted in Steensby Inlet, a traditional dialogue between disciplines. In working with Indigenous homeland and hunting area for Inuit, and also where the communities, we have learned that reciprocity, the use of company plans to build a port for the proposed mine. All the 81 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

elders remarked on their intergenerational connection to the systems stewardship. Th e consensus approach refl ects not land, the ongoing importance of the region for harvesting only well documented health services methodologies, but country foods and associated health and cultural benefi ts, and also refl ects a series of social preferences that are applicable in discussed the possible impacts that the mine might have on an Indigenous context and captures knowledge outside the livelihoods. While elders were concerned about the possibility clinical realm, including communities of practice and policy- of adverse environmental impacts from mining activities – makers and individuals with a lived experience. Th e approach e.g. ore carrying super freighters striking and killing wildlife, provides a means of synthesizing information where published running aground in shallow water, or possibly spilling oil; year- information is inadequate or non-existent. Th e participatory elements utilized photovoice methods, an approach that enables round shipping disrupting the sea ice platform and harming stakeholders and knowledge holders to record strengths and animal reproduction and/or Inuit land use; and impacts of concerns, promote critical dialogue and reach policy makers. an inland railway for hauling ore on fi sh habitat - there was Participants shared research fi ndings captured with fi lm, photos also strong support for the economic opportunities that this or story that were relevant to an Indigenous context and proposed industrial development would bring to the region, highlighted underlying values. Th is presentation will focus on especially for youth. Given the potential benefi ts for the next the mixed methods approach and specifi cally the knowledge generation, elders were largely supportive of the mine, but sharing and compilation of workshop fi ndings within a fi lm also expressed concern that it might further accelerate the loss format during the workshop. of traditional skills, knowledge and ways of life. Th is speaks to the complexities of “Arctic development”, with elders advocating for mining on the one hand, and concerned about HIERARCHICAL POPULATION STRUCTURE AND its implications on the other. To move forward in a responsible GENETIC DIVERSITY OF LAKE TROUT (SALVELINUS manner, one of the elders strongly suggested that monitoring NAMAYCUSH) IN A FRESHWATER DENDRITIC SYSTEM IN NORTHERN LABRADOR systems be implemented to ensure that environmental impacts are well understood and mitigated as they are happening, McCracken, Gregory1 ([email protected]), R. Perry2, and thus increasing community confi dence and ideally Inuit D. Keefe2 and D.E. Ruzzante1 participation in the project. As a way to advance community- 1 Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova based monitoring regarding mining, we developed a “video Scotia, B3H 4R2 cartography” approach that allowed us to map interviews with 2 Department of Environment and Conservation, Corner elders and associated expedition footage, and presented our Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador, A2H 7S1 geospatial multi-media fi ndings in an interactive ipad exhibit called Our Baffi nland in the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) Freshwater systems are generally characterized by between October 2013 and February 2014. By combining highly asymmetric gene fl ow providing unique opportunities community-based research and video cartography, this project for landscape genetic studies. Gene fl ow asymmetries can infl uence the distribution of genetic variation and in general facilitated an adaptive approach to environmental impact lead to higher levels of genetic diversity in downstream than assessment and future monitoring that respects Inuit knowledge in upstream or headwater populations. Lake trout (Salvelinus and its emphasis on place, oral history and observation. namaycush) is a long lived salmonid species widely distributed throughout the northern temperate region of North America including northern Labrador. In this study, we examined the CONSENSUS WORKSHOP ON INDIGENOUS VALUES relationship between landscape attributes and molecular genetic FOR HEALTH SYSTEMS IN CIRCUMPOLAR REGIONS diversity and diff erentiation among ten lake trout populations Mauro, Ian1 ([email protected]) and S. Chatwood2,3 inhabiting a single hierarchically structured system, the Kogaluk River system. A total of 567 lake trout were collected from 1 Department of Geography and Enviornment, Mount Allison ten lakes and examined for their levels of polymorphism at 12 University, Sackville, New Brunswick, E4L 1A7 microsatellite loci. Lakes varied in size, elevation, connectivity, 2 Institute for Circumpolar Health Research, Yellowknife, and geographic position within the Kogaluk system. We Northwest Territories, X1A 3X7 3 Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, observed moderate to high levels of hierarchical population Toronto, Ontario, M5T 3M7 structure with very little migration between lakes. We observed no pattern of isolation-by-distance providing further support A collaborative consensus based approach with subject for the observation of little migration between physically area experts was utilized to explore values underlying health connected lakes. Local eff ective population size estimates were 82 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

correlated with lake area. Th is is the fi rst study to describe health inequities. In the Canadian context, aboriginal groups detailed patterns of genetic diversity in lake trout inhabiting a have successfully litigated the constitutional duty to consult spatially fragmented and ecologically pristine system in northern about such development through the legal system, raising Labrador. questions about the suffi ciency of process and consultation methods to elucidate environmental and health concerns. In other jurisdictions, recent health impact assessment initiatives THE SOCIO-ECOLOGICAL DIMENSIONS OF have established protocols to coordinate baseline evidence, HYDROCARBON DEVELOPMENT IN THE DISKO BAY interventions, and monitoring mechanisms for the health REGION OF GREENLAND: OPPORTUNITIES, RISKS, of communities facing development. Research to inform AND TRADEOFFS the emerging platforms for coordinating multi-stakeholder McDowell, Graham ([email protected]) and J. Ford perspectives on health issues related to development are needed. We examined how Geographic Information Science (GIS) Department of Geography, McGill University, Montreal, has been used by various stakeholders to promote positive health Quebec, H3A 0B9 outcomes in circumpolar communities in the context of natural resource development. Our research investigated expert opinion Eff orts to develop Greenland’s off shore hydrocarbon on whether incorporating GIS into community governance resources are well underway. Research into the interrelated social and environmental assessment procedures could improve and ecological dimensions of current hydrocarbon development communications about health-related concerns by providing activity, however, remains in its infancy in both Greenland and dynamic information on the health status and goals of these the Arctic at-large. Th is study draws on insights from socio- remote populations. Our research employed a social practice ecological resilience and political ecology scholarship to develop perspective, using epistemological techniques by collaborating a baseline understanding of the socio-ecological opportunities, with participants in the interview setting to identify and risks, and tradeoff s of hydrocarbon development in Greenland’s characterize the role of diff erent stakeholders to facilitate Disko Bay region. Community-based interviews (n = 45), key innovation in GIS for community health. informant interviews (n = 10), and participant observations were In 2012, we conducted 30 semi-structured interviews carried out in Ilulissat, Aasiaat, and Qeqertarsuaq, communities with 29 experts in GIS, health impact assessment, medical that together are representative of the region’s biophysical and geography, epidemiology and surveillance, natural resource socio-economic/political diversity. Th e study identifi es and policy, aboriginal law, aboriginal health, and community- discusses potential socio-economic development opportunities, based participatory research in the circumpolar context. risks of environmental degradation and social disruption, and Content analysis of the transcripts described the trajectory tradeoff s between known lifeways and new livelihood prospects. of health concerns from past to present, articulation of the Our conceptual approach and fi ndings are of relevance to environmental and social pathways through which natural the Canadian Arctic, where there have been few integrative resource development can presents risks and benefi ts, and assessments of the social and ecological dimensions of oil and characterization of the roles of industry, regulators, government gas development. agencies, communities, and researchers to engage indigenous peoples and innovate with GIS for improving health outcomes in circumpolar communities. Key themes that EXPERT ASSESSMENT OF GEOGRAPHIC emerged indicated strong support for the use of GIS in health INFORMATION SCIENCE (GIS) FOR HEALTH communication, particularly in facilitating a more extensive COMMUNICATION IN CIRCUMPOLAR NATURAL consultation with communities to produce higher quality data RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT with community-endorsed applications. To ensure that GIS McGetrick, Jennifer Ann1 ([email protected]), T. Bubela1 would improve communication about health concerns, the and D. Hik1,2 experts recommended measures to facilitate communities’ access to technology and training, community stewardship of data, 1 School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, utilizing community-level data for monitoring of impacts, and Alberta, T6G 1C9 2 Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, coordinating cumulative impact monitoring within regions. Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9 At the same time, innovation as a social practice was described to require multi-stakeholder responsibility, with industry, Natural resource development is poised to accelerate in regulators, government, communities, and researchers each northern Canada and across the circumpolar arctic. Recent playing a signifi cant role. development activities have raised questions about whether risks While our study was focused on informing environmental to northern people may outweigh the benefi ts by increasing assessment processes in northern Canada and the United States, 83 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

this research has broader relevance to other circumpolar regions systems, system elements, and a suite of potential monitoring where natural resource management systems are evolving to be indicators to be implemented and integrated; 1) through the accountable to the needs and concerns of indigenous people and CHARS monitoring program in the Cambridge Bay area; 2) local populations. In this context, research on the dynamic use at a network of representative terrestrial and marine/coastal of geospatial data with circumpolar communities can contribute sites across the Canadian North and; 3) through development evidence to inform the Arctic Council’s Sustaining Arctic and implementation of cumulative eff ects monitoring that Observing Networks (SAON) project, integrating concern for support environmental management systems for 2 targeted, human health with scientifi c decision-making and monitoring resource rich areas. Th e development of CAMPNet drivers in the arctic. and indicators, and the conceptual models presented, will rely heavily on work already completed by international science teams under the Circumpolar Monitoring Program (CBMP) PROPOSED CONCEPTUAL MODELS FOR Expert Monitoring Groups for terrestrial, freshwater, and CHARS-LED MONITORING, ASSESSMENT, AND marine ecosystems, ensuring linkages to the international arctic PREDICTION OF ACCELERATING CHANGE IN monitoring community. An important component of program ARCTIC SOCIAL-ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS implementation will be the inclusion of northern communities McLennan, Donald1 ([email protected]). to integrate local knowledge and experience in the design of E. Carmack2, M. Doyle3, J. Watkins4, J. Culp5, M. Gill6 and CAMPNet, especially with regard to creating training and M. Svoboda6 employment opportunities to build the long term capacity to implement the program. CAMPNet design and implementation 1 Canadian High Arctic Research Station, Aboriginal Aff airs will also be supported by technology development, funded and Northern Development Canada, Arctic Science and Policy research, traditional knowledge, and capacity building initiatives Integration Branch, Gatineau, Quebec, K1A 0M5 at CHARS. If we can work together to combine the resources 2 Fisheries and Oceans Canada, State of the Ocean, Sidney, British Columbia, V8L 4B2 and expertise of the all northern actors, CAMPNet will provide 3 Environment Canada, Landscape Science and Technology, the intelligence we will need to understand how, and how Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0H3 rapidly northern social-ecological systems are changing, predict 4 Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Oceanography and Climate how they will change in the near and distant future, and use this Branch, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0E6 information to support proactive and cost-eff ective adaptation 5 Environment Canada, Cumulative Eff ects and Bioassessment, strategies in a rapidly changing Arctic. Fredericton, New Brunswick, E3B 5A3 6 Environment Canada, Northern Conservation Division, Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1A 5B7 BUILDING CAPACITY AMONG YOUTH FOR THE FUTURE OF INUIT HEALTH RESEARCH Th e Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) will provide a world-class hub for science and technology in Canada’s McTavish, Kristeen1 ([email protected]), P. McCarney1, North that complements and anchors a network of smaller S. Nuesslein1, A. Boyd1, the National Inuit Youth Committee, regional facilities. With expertise in science-based monitoring, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, M. Grey2,3, E. Dewailly2 and C. Furgal1 new fi nancial resources, and a cross-jurisdictional mandate, 1 Nasivvik Centre for Inuit Health and Changind Environ- CHARS is in a position to lead development of coordinated ments, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8 monitoring of northern communities and ecosystems. Th e 2 Nasivvik Centre for Inuit Health and Changind Environ- CHARS monitoring team has proposed development and ments, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6 implementation of the Canadian Arctic Monitoring and 3 Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services, Prediction Network (CAMPNet) to coordinate present Kuujjuaq, Quebec, J0M 1C0 monitoring initiatives, and work with partners from industry, communities, governments and academia to develop key Th ere is growing recognition and respect for the fact questions to be answered, and to implement new monitoring that Inuit communities and community members must be initiatives to begin to answer these important questions. Th is consulted and involved in the research projects taking place in presentation will present conceptual models, identify key actors their regions. Increasingly, researchers and organizations are and partners, and propose a path forward for science- and recognizing the importance of involving youth in the research community-based monitoring that will integrate northern process, with various outreach programs and experiential social, economic and ecological systems at a range of scales. learning opportunities targeted at youth. Youth have particular Th e models presented will outline the inter-relationships health issues and needs, and Inuit communities have identifi ed between the important drivers of northern social-ecological the importance of involving youth in the future of health in 84 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

the Arctic. Participants of a 2012 Inuit Health Survey planning THE INFLUENCE OF CLIMATE AND CATCHMENT workshop in Kuujjuaq identifi ed that “youth, for many reasons, PROCESSES ON LAKES ACROSS TREELINE IN THE need to be part of this whole process. Th eir health needs - both WESTERN HUDSON BAY REGION, CANADA as identifi ed from their perspective as well as from a perspective Medeiros, Andrew1 ([email protected]), C. E. Luszczek2, of experience – need to be fl eshed out and considered in health H. Haight1, R. Quinlan2 and B.B. Wolfe1 survey/cohort planning.” (Report from the Inuit Health in Transition Study: Th e Circumpolar Cohort Nunavik Planning 1 Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Wilfrid Workshop). Participants also identifi ed the focus on involving Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3C5 2 youth as a timely priority to address, as they comprise a large Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, proportion of the Inuit population, and more importantly, M3J 1P3 because they play a central role in the future of the region. As permafrost degradation and terrestrial production In an eff ort to address these recommendations, the increase under warmer temperatures, changes in catchment Nasivvik Centre for Inuit Health and Changing Environments processes are likely to strongly infl uence the nutrient conditions and the National Inuit Youth Committee collaborated to and aquatic ecology of Arctic lakes. For example, the input design and deliver an initiative at the 2013 National Inuit of organic-rich sediments and dissolved carbon and nitrogen Youth Summit in Kuujjuaq, Nunavik which: 1) engaged Inuit from catchment disturbances is predicted to lead to increased youth in the research process, 2) provided Inuit youth with a nutrient availability, water clarity, as well as enhanced benthic community health research training opportunity and 3) gathered production. Th e distribution of chironomids in the Canadian perspectives from Inuit youth about Inuit health research Arctic is known to primarily follow a temperature gradient, but priorities. nested secondary relationships with nitrogen have also been Two interactive Inuit Health Research workshops were found. Th e strength of this secondary gradient in nitrogen off ered during the Summit. Th e fi rst focused on an introduction provides the opportunity to identify changes in lake nutrient to research, and covered research ethics as well as surveys and conditions that may be coincident with increases in temperature, interviews. Th e second focused on data analysis and results especially in permafrost and treeline landscapes undergoing communication. During this training session, participants change. learned how to construct a survey, how to design survey Here, we examined subfossil chironomids, as well questions, and gave input into a 15-question survey designed as organic carbon and nitrogen elemental and isotope to gather Inuit youth perspectives on health. Th e workshop compositions, from 210Pb-dated sediment cores collected participants were trained to administer surveys using iPads. from four lakes that spanned a north-south transect along the Eight participant researchers surveyed 34 of their peers at the western Hudson Bay treeline region. Increases in δ15N and Summit as an experiential learning activity. A separate debriefi ng declines in δ13Corg over the past 50 years were found in each session was held with the eight participant researchers at the end of the lake sediment cores north of the boreal zone, which we of the Summit. interpret to refl ect increased dissolved inorganic carbon and Evaluation activities were built into all aspects of the nitrogen entering these lakes. Th e onset of this increase in initiative, including pre-evaluation surveys prior to the fi rst nutrient availability occurred earliest in the lake at the southern workshop, post-evaluation surveys at the end of the second treeline transition, and latest in the northernmost lake in the workshop, and a debriefi ng and program evaluation with the tundra zone. Late 20th century increases in aquatic production participant researchers. Results from these training evaluations (increased organic matter content, increased diversity and will be presented, along with lessons learned through the abundance of chironomids) are evident in the two lakes located process of partnership, training development and delivery. within the treeline transition zone. However, the downcore Opportunities for future collaboration and training in Inuit analysis of the lake in the boreal zone revealed an early 20th community health research will also be discussed as this century shift from an assemblage dominated by cold-water initiative identifi ed Inuit youth’s conviction and interests to be adapted chironomids to a diverse community composed of involved in the future of health research in their communities. several warm-water indicator species. We interpret this shift It provides us direction on how to address issues relating to is likely due to increased temperatures rather than a response capacity and engagement of Inuit youth in the future of this of to nutrient availability. Surface-sediment surveys of additional the critical area of health planning and research in the Arctic. lakes found that the chironomid assemblages in lakes located in the treeline transition zone were unique, and contained high abundances of chironomid species not found in either boreal or tundra lakes. Th us, the aquatic biota of lakes in the treeline transition zone may refl ect a recent response to higher 85 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

availability of dissolved nutrients and a unique habitat than superpopulation estimate can be used as the basis for monitoring established boreal ecosystems or more nutrient-limited tundra relative changes over the long term. Potential impacts to ecosystems. Th is reinforces the important role of allochthonous barren ground grizzly bears associated with mining activities dissolved organic matter and nutrients on lake structure and are assumed to be minimal, but without detailed information function within Arctic regions undergoing warming. Future about population status, testing this assumption is diffi cult. biogeochemical changes are expected in lakes susceptible to An important objective for grizzly bear monitoring is to changes in their catchment condition, and could accelerate determine the abundance and distribution of grizzly bears in a trophic shifts under continued warming. larger regional context. Regulators, monitoring agencies, and community members recommended that the mining industry collaborate on large scale regional grizzly bear programs to assess THE USE OF DNA MARK-RECAPTURE TECHNIQUES population status and monitor trends over the long term. We TO ASSESS GRIZZLY BEAR POPULATION STATUS IN present interim results from two concurrent two-year Grizzly NUNAVUT AND THE NORTHWEST TERRITORIES Bear DNA programs across large regional study areas in NU and Milakovic, Brian ([email protected]) and G. Sharam NT. Despite some of the logistical challenges, we demonstrate the utility of DNA mark-recapture techniques over large scales Rescan Environmental Services Ltd - an ERM Company, to characterize grizzly bear populations as a baseline for impacts Vancouver, BC, V6E 2J3 monitoring, and to contribute to population level management and cumulative eff ects assessment. We show that the success of Th e barren-ground grizzly bear sub-population inhabits programs at this scale ultimately depends on the development of the Slave Geological Province (SGP) in the sub-Arctic and eff ective regional partnerships. Arctic regions of mainland Northwest Territories (NT) and Nunavut (NU). Grizzly bears are assessed as a species of Special Concern by COSEWIC, and listed as Sensitive in NT and MIGRATORY BEHAVIOUR OF SEA-RUN ARCTIC NU. Barren ground grizzly bears are at the most northern and CHAR IN THE CAMBRIDGE BAY REGION: AN eastern limits of the continental grizzly bear range, thereby ACOUSTIC TELEMETRY STUDY TO INFORM reducing overall population connectivity. Genetic diversity FISHERIES MANAGEMENT has been demonstrated to be comparatively low for grizzly bears in the SGP as a result of this relative isolation from other Moore, Jean-Sébastien1 ([email protected]), 2 2 3 bears. Furthermore, the Arctic tundra environment consists L.N. Harris , R.F. Tallman and A.T. Fisk of harsh climates and low productivity that contribute to low 1 Institue de biologie intégrative et des systèmes, Université reproductive rates and smaller average litter sizes, which may Laval, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6 make northern grizzly bear populations particularly sensitive to 2 Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N6 human disturbance. Barren ground grizzly bears also occur at 3 Great Lakes Institute of Environmental Research, University of low densities and roam over larger areas. Home ranges average Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, N9B 3P4 2,100 km2 for females and 7,200 km2 for males, which are the largest home ranges for grizzly bears in North America. Th ese Sea-run Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) is an important characteristics make population estimation challenging. In order commercial and subsistence resource for the community of to census bears, hair removal and DNA fi ngerprinting have been Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. However, knowledge of its marine increasingly used to mark and recapture bears. Th is technique migrations, which is important for informed management of has several benefi ts, including the lack of need for live captures, the species, remains limited. Th e Ocean Tracking Network is individuals can be identifi ed with a small risk of error, and hair spearheading an acoustic telemetry project in the region. During removal sites are faster to set up and are checked less often than the summer of 2013, 60 Arctic char from two rivers were live-capture sites. Roots of mammalian hair contain suffi cient surgically implanted with acoustic transmitters (10 of which DNA for analysis. Abundance estimates derived from mark- record depth and temperature information) and an array of 43 recapture correspond to the “superpopulation” if movement acoustic receivers were deployed in the Wellington Bay area. is random across grid boundaries. Th e superpopulation is Th e detection range of the receivers were tested and showed to the number of animals that inhabit the sampling grid and be satisfactory at a distance of up to 500m. Preliminary results surrounding area, but is compromised by the undefi ned suggest that the surgical implantation of transmitters was sampling area and therefore cannot be used to estimate density. successful as 87% of the fi sh tagged in the spring were detected Under a trend monitoring objective, an absolute abundance up to two months later. We documented a previously unknown or density estimate is not necessary, and the assumptions of behaviour whereas a large proportion of individuals make forays population closure can be relaxed. In this case, the initial into freshwater throughout the summer (mainly in mid- to late- 86 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

July). Two fi sh tagged during the upstream run in the Halokvik mean abundance in D lakes. Bivalvia and Oligochaeta displayed River were detected swimming up in the Ekalluk River 45 km similar abundance patterns in both D and U systems, although away a few days later. Th is raises interesting questions about mean densities of both groups were higher in Da compared the factors determining the decision of where to settle upon to Do areas in SRTS disturbed systems. Principle Component return to freshwater for the winter. Th is last result shows that Analysis of benthic macroinvertebrate abundance and straying of individuals, which results in mixing of stocks, should composition patterns using sediment chemistry data revealed be considered appropriately when managing this important the diff erentiation in between U and D lakes was related resource. primarily to increases in the concentrations of calcium in D lake sediments, and to higher organic carbon and organic nitrogen in U lakes. Correspondingly Chironomidae abundance was RESPONSES OF BENTHIC INVERTEBRATE found to be signifi cantly negatively correlated with macrophyte COMMUNITIES TO SHORELINE RETROGRESSIVE standing crop biomass (which is higher in D lakes), while THAW SLUMPS IN ARCTIC UPLAND LAKES Ostracoda abundance was positively correlated with macrophyte Moquin, Paul A.1 ([email protected]), P.S. Mesquita2, biomass. Th is study contributes to previous fi ndings examining F.J. Wrona1 and T.D. Prowse1 geochemical and pelagic food web alterations in thermokarst active lakes and further enhances our understanding of how 1 Department of Geography, University of Victoria, V8P 5C2 present and projected climate change in the Arctic is resulting in 2 Center for Sustainable Development, University of Brazil, cascading changes in the food web structure and ecological states Brazil in freshwater ecosystems. Permafrost disturbances in the form of shoreline retrogressive thaw slumping (SRTS) which leads to solute- CONTAMINANT TRENDS IN THE CANADIAN rich terrestrial inputs to Arctic tundra lakes has been shown ARCTIC: RESULTS OF THE RECENT NCP to change the biological, physical and geochemical properties ASSESSMENTS ON PERSISTENT ORGANIC of aff ected systems. Documented biological impacts include POLLUTANTS AND MERCURY reductions in phytoplankton standing crop and increased macrophyte abundance as well as changes to the zooplankton Muir, Derek C.G.1 ([email protected]), B. Braune2, and macrophyte community composition. Eight upland J. Chetelat2 and J. Stow3 tundra lakes in the Inuvik region of the Northwest Territories, 1 Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada (3 undisturbed and 5 disturbed) were sampled to Canada, Burlington ON assess the eff ects of SRTS disturbance on benthic invertebrate 2 Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Environment abundance and community structure. A stratifi ed, mixed- Canada, Ottawa ON eff ects experimental design was used to examine whether SRTS 3 Aboriginal Aff airs and Northern Development Canada, activity had observable eff ects on abundance and community Winnipeg MB composition between undisturbed (U) and disturbed (D) lakes and to further assess whether localized eff ects in disturbed Th is presentation will focus on highlights and conclusions systems could be discriminated by comparing samples taken from two recently completed assessments of contaminants in adjacent to the thermokarst disturbance (Da) to areas that were the Canadian Arctic conducted by the Northern Contaminants more distant (opposite) from the disturbance (Do). Signifi cant Program (NCP). Trends, pathways and processes for Persistent diff erences in benthic community composition and abundance organic pollutants (POPs) and for mercury (Hg) were reviewed were found between U and D lakes. While the abundance and assessed. Th e reports drew on results from monitoring of of benthic macroinvertebrates was signifi cantly greater in Da POPs and Hg under the NCP (2003-2011) as well as on any areas, no signifi cant diff erences in community composition other published or unpublished studies. Th is 9 year reporting were observed between Do and Da areas. Macroinvertebrate period has seen much new knowledge developed on temporal mean abundance in D lakes was more than two times greater trends of Hg, legacy POPs and new/emerging POPs in air and than in U lakes, with Ostracoda being the numerically biota, including species of dietary importance to aboriginal dominant taxonomic group driving this pattern. Ostracoda people in the North. Environmental levels of Hg in the Arctic mean abundance was four times greater in D compared to U have increased several-fold since the advent of the Industrial Era. systems and two times higher in Da compared to Do areas Th is increasing trend in Hg levels continues in some biota and within disturbed systems. Correspondingly, Nematoda mean in some areas of the Arctic despite recognition of the issue and abundance was approximately 10 fold higher in D compared to actions by many countries to mitigate Hg releases. Important U lakes, while in contrast, Chironomidae had signifi cantly lower scientifi c advances over the last decade include a better 87 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

understanding of atmospheric mercury depletion events and Labrador Sea, which allows for exchange of oxygen and natural long range atmospheric transport; characterization of Hg in the and anthropogenic carbon to the deep ocean, is sensitive to abiotic environment and, more frequent monitoring of temporal the warming that is taking place at high latitudes. Validating Hg trends in key Arctic biota. While these accomplishments and quantifying this sensitivity is central to our research are signifi cant, the complex nature of the Hg cycle continues network and also the broader community of climate change to provide challenges in characterizing and quantifying the researchers and policy makers interested in characterizing, relationships between Hg sources, transport processes, and levels and possibly minimizing, the eff ects of global climate change. as well as eff ects of Hg exposure on biota. Of particular concern New observations, including biogeochemical, will include are large uncertainties in our understanding of the processes those collected from a SeaCycler moored in the interior of the that are contributing to recently increasing Hg concentrations Labrador Sea, additional moorings, gliders and fl oats as well in some Arctic fi sh and wildlife. Over this period the list of as ship-board measurements and remote sensing). Combined individual compounds analysed was expanded particularly for with numerical modelling at a variety of scales and resolutions, perfl uorinated chemicals, brominated fl ame retardants and we will determine what controls these exchanges and how current use pesticides. Results for air monitoring indicate that they interact with varying climate, in order to resolve the role many legacy POPs, i.e. organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and of deep convection regions in the Carbon Cyle and Earth PCBs, are declining although the rates of decline were generally System. VITALs is a pan-Canadian initiative involving scientists more rapid in the period 1993 to 2001 compared to 2002 to from 11 Canadian universities as well as multiple federal 2009 (the most recent year reported). While overall trends (1993 government laboratories (Fisheries and Oceans Canada, as well -2009) for PCBs in air show a decline, the rates have slowed and as Environment Canada), industrial and foreign partners. Th is some more highly chlorinated congeners have increased slightly presentation will outline the project and our plans with a goal in recent years. Th e declining trends in concentrations in biota of improving collaboration and coordination with other projects are most apparent for OCPs and less evident for PCBs. Percent and initiatives. annual declines of ΣDDT ranged from 2.5%/year in thick-billed murre eggs to 11%/year in polar bear fat. New POPs such as PBDEs and PFOS generally increased in seals, seabirds, beluga, PROJECTED CHANGES TO THE CANADIAN ARCTIC and polar bears from the 1990s until the early 2000s and are ARCHIPELAGO SEA ICE IN THE 21ST CENTURY now declining. Hexabromocyclododecane was undetectable in Hu, X., L. Castro de la Guardia and P. G. Myers (pmyers@ biological samples from the 1990s but increased during 2005- ualberta.ca) 2012 for freshwater fi sh, ringed seals, and polar bears. Annual sampling has been instrumental in demonstrating the rise and Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of fall of new POPs, improving the statistical power of trends in Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E3 mercury and legacy POPs, as well as in allowing investigations of the eff ect of climate change. Results of the assessment A coupled ocean and sea-ice pan-Arctic model forced demonstrate the eff ectiveness of international regulations by the projected IPCC A1B climate forcing scenario is used such as the Stockholm Convention and also provide valuable to study the evolution of ice and ocean surface condition information for the recently signed Minamata Convention on within the Canadian Arctic Archipelago (CAA) in the 21st mercury. century. Sea ice experiences signifi cant changes from the mid 2020s to the mid 2060s in both concentration and thickness. Th e simulation shows a shrinking of 65% and thinning of VITALS - VENTILATION, INTERACTIONS AND 75% in summer over the 40 years, resulting in the opening of TRANSPORTS ACROSS THE LABRADOR SEA Northwest Passage (NWP) by the 2050s. A summer ice-free CAA is likely by the end of our simulation. With a lower albedo, Myers, Paul G. ([email protected]) a warmer ocean is simulated, particularly in summer. Th e sea surface salinity within the CAA demonstrates a strong decadal Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E3 oscillation without a clear trend over the whole simulation. A north-south pattern, separated by the Parry Channel, is also Th e VITALS (Ventilation, Interactions and Transports found in the changes of ocean temperature and salinity fi elds Across the Labrador Sea) research network is a newly funded due to diff erent ice conditions. A signifi cant decrease in the NSERC CCAR project. Our goal is to answer fundamental archipelago oceanic transport is noticed in our simulation after questions about how the deep ocean exchanges carbon dioxide, 2020, which is related to the change in the along-channel sea oxygen, and heat with the atmosphere through the Labrador surface height pressure (SSH) gradient, particularly the lift of Sea. Our working hypothesis is that deep convection in the SSH on the Baffi n Bay side. Freshwater storage increases in both 88 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

the upstream and downstream. Additional experiments with the THE SHARED STORIES OF PEOPLE AND PLANTS: unstructured fi nite element model FESOM are used to examine WORKING TOWARDS ACCOUNTABLE RESEARCH the evolution of sea-ice in Hudson’s Bay. RELATIONSHIPS IN MAKKOVIK, NUNATSIAVUT (LABRADOR)

Oberndorfer, Erica1 ([email protected]), A SPATIALLY CONTINUOUS ESTIMATE OF WATER C. Gear2 and G. Ljubicic1 LEVELS FOR CANADIAN TIDAL WATERS 1 Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, 1 2 3 1 Bartlett, Jason , B. de Lange Boom , A. Godin , T. Herron , Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6 4 3 4 P. MacAulay , L. Maltais , S. Nudds (shannon.nudds@dfo- 2 Community Liaison Offi cer, Nunatsiavut Government, 5 mpo.gc.ca) and C. Robin Makkovik, Nunatsiavut, A0P 1J0

1 Canadian Hydrographic Service, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Plants are frequently characterised by external observers Centre for Canadian Inland Waters, Burlington ON, L7R 4A6 as being of little importance to northern peoples. Th is 2 Canadian Hydrographic Service, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, characterisation often extends to Labrador, even though it is Institute of Ocean Science, Sidney BC, V8L 4B2 home to the southernmost Inuit communities in the world, 3 Canadian Hydrographic Service, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, in a region where residents draw on a diverse boreal fl ora and Institut Maurice-Lamontagne, Rimouski QC, G5H 3Z4 have long been familiar with horticulture. It is encouraging 4 Canadian Hydrographic Service, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and exciting to see recent collaborative projects in Labrador Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth NS, B2Y 4A2 that are addressing and communicating important local 5 Geodetic Survey Division, Natural Resources Canada, and CHS (DFO), Ottawa ON, K1A 0E9 relationships between people and plants. We hope to build on, and contribute to, these eff orts in working with the Inuit In the late 1990’s, the Canadian Hydrographic Service Community of Makkovik, Nunatsiavut (Labrador) to develop a (CHS) began using GPS to link the vertical hydrographic project that addresses both community and academic interests reference, Chart Datum (CD), to a national reference frame; concerning the reciprocal relationships between people and however, CD is only observed at tide gauges, while the low plants. In developing this project, it is both philosophically and water level it approximates exhibits signifi cant spatial variability practically important for us to be accountable to community between stations. Th e goal of the Continuous Vertical Datum priorities in developing research objectives. Relationships are for Canadian Waters (CVDCW) project is to develop a at the heart of the shared stories of people and plants; likewise, seamlessly varying surface connecting CD to the GRS80 they are the foundation for Oberndorfer’s early doctoral ellipsoid in the NAD83(CSRS) reference frame by integrating research and for the unfolding narrative of this project. We ocean models, water level analyses and GPS observations at worked closely with Makkovik’s Community Liaison Offi cer gauges, sea level trends, satellite altimetry, and a geoid model. to plan three preliminary community visits to Makkovik Th ese continuous surfaces are particularly useful in the Arctic (July and September 2012, February 2013), which helped us where both geodetic control points and tide gauge data are to understand: i) Local priorities for research on the topic of limited. Once operational, the CVDCW will enable the use people-plant relationships ii) Research products that would of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technologies be useful to the community iii) Makkovimiut (residents of for hydrographers and navigators, allow easier integration of Makkovik) expectations for visiting researchers Th ese discussions hydrographic and terrestrial data, facilitate research in storm produced numerous recommendations for research direction surge modelling and climate change adaptation, and aid with and research products, and led to the development of two practical issues such as sovereignty and the defi nition of the interrelated research objectives that we hope will weave together coastline. Surfaces are also developed for other low and high the community, academic, social, and ecological points of water tidal datum targets which defi ne a large portion of the interest in these shared stories of people and plants in Makkovik: vertical between land and ocean and can be used to delineate Objective 1: Document Makkovimiut relationships with plants fl ooding thresholds and inter-tidal ecosystem zones and (“Th e stories people tell about plants”) A recurrent priority boundaries. Here we present an overview of the methodology as throughout the preliminary visits was ensuring documentation well as validation of the surfaces against observed GPS and tide of Makkovimiut plant knowledge. Th is documentation includes gauge data. utilitarian and functional aspects of cultural plant use--plants as food, medicines and materials--but additionally considers how relationships with plants are culturally-expressed through practice. Many stories people tell about plants focus on how people protect and care for plants, share plant knowledge, and 89 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

negotiate worldviews that anchor people-plant relationships. At the beginning of the project, Inuit Elders in Makkovimiut are also adamant about continuing a long history Gjoa Haven expressed concern about generational and of enriching local plant knowledge by drawing on internal communication gaps between themselves and youth. Th is and external sources of information about plants, including disconnect arose through the rapid social, cultural, political, mentoring with Elders, community workshops, books, the and economic changes of the past century across the Canadian internet, and visiting researchers. Objective 2: Understand Arctic. Th e Elder representatives at early planning workshops, cultural eff ects on plant communities (“Th e stories plants tell and later in the local research advisory committee, emphasized about people”) Th e bays, coves and islands around Makkovik their interest in addressing this disconnect. Th ey wanted to have are the family homes of Makkovimiut. Many of these areas more opportunities to share their knowledge and oral history today appear “natural” to visitors, but these are intensely cultural with younger generations. For Inuit, connections between land places. Makkovimiut are interested in learning more about and culture are fostered by inter-generational and experiential the types of plants that were grown at these family places. Th is place-based learning, such as that aff orded by Elder/youth land objective looks at how the distribution of plant species and the camps. We will use this presentation to share our emerging composition of plant communities around Makkovik have been understandings of the benefi ts and shortcomings of land aff ected by historical cultural practices. Cultural knowledge camps for education, including: i) (re)establishing Elder/youth guides the planning of ecological research that will help tell the connections; ii) strengthening school-community relationships; story of human footprints on the landscape through plants. iii) considering the relevance of learning traditional cultural skills and practices in contemporary Hamlet life; iv) instilling confi dence, pride, and self-suffi ciency in Inuit youth; and, v) LEARNING FROM THE LAND II - ELDER/YOUTH considering the value of place-based, experiential education. LAND CAMPS FOR EDUCATION

1 2 3 4 Okpakok, Simon , R. Mearns , S. Robertson and G. Ljubicic IRIS 1: OVERVIEW OF THE TERRESTRIAL AND 1 Gjoa Haven, Nunavut, X0B 1J0 FRESHWATER IMPACTS OF CLIMATE WARMING IN 2 Nunavut Sivuniksavut, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 5Z4 THE WESTERN AND CENTRAL CANADIAN ARCTIC 3 Faculty of Native Studies, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Outridge, Peter1,2 ([email protected]), A. Gaden2 and Alberta, T6G 2H8 G. Stern2,3 4 Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6 1 Geological Survey of Canada, 601 Booth St, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0E8 Th rough planning meetings and workshops in 2 Centre for Earth Observation Science, University of Gjoa Haven, Nunavut in February and August, 2010, we Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2 developed a project based on community research priorities 3 Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 501 University Cres., which seeks to better understand the relationships between Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2 caribou, community, and well-being. In order to address local concerns about caribou health and implications for local diets, Th is presentation will synthesize and assess what is livelihoods, and cultural practices in the context of changing known about the impacts of recent warming on the terrestrial northern lifestyles, we worked with key local and regional landscapes and terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems in the representatives to secure funding from the Social Sciences and IRIS1 region of the western and central Canadian Arctic. It Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and the Kitikmeot summarizes the fi ndings on behalf of the 21 contributing co- Inuit Association (KIA) (2009 - 2015), as well as considerable authors of this chapter. It considers the scientifi c and Traditional in-kind support from community organizations. To conduct Knowledge evidence for climate-related impacts on the following this research we have followed local guidance and prioritized ecosystem elements: permafrost and thermokarst processes, the facilitation of Elder/youth land camps in an eff ort to engage vegetation, fi shes, terrestrial wildlife (mammals, arthropods in more culturally appropriate research methodologies and to and birds), and contaminants. Preliminary assessments are also foster the inter-generational transfer of knowledge. After three provided of the likely future landscape and ecosystem changes summers (2011 - 2013) of organizing and facilitating land occurring as a result of the predicted continuation in warming camps that brought together Inuit Elders, youth, community trends. Th is information will have relevance to decisions support staff , researchers, and teachers, we are now refl ecting on regarding assessment and mitigation of impacts from resource the role and eff ectiveness of land camps from both research and development, through improved understanding of the changing educational perspectives. We address these perspectives in a two- environment in which development may take place. Finally, part presentation. Th is second presentation will therefore focus key conclusions and recommendations are presented for the on land camps as an educational tool. attention of policy-makers and research managers. 90 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

INCREASED ORGANIC-BOUND MERCURY IN THE Hg. Th e most likely mechanism is rapid absorption of available SEDIMENTS OF COASTAL ARCTIC LAKES DURING Hg by living algae, or adsorption onto the reactive surfaces MEDIEVAL AND MODERN WARM PERIODS: of algal detritus and other types of particulate organic matter, CLIMATE AS A SIGNIFICANT FACTOR IN SEDIMENT followed by their sedimentation. MERCURY CONCENTRATIONS Human-derived Hg pollution is undoubtedly present in Outridge, Peter1,2,3 ([email protected]), G.A Stern1, the Arctic. However, northern lake sediments are not simply M.E. Goodsite3, P. Hamilton4 and H. Sanei1,3,5 recorders of atmospheric Hg deposition, but also record (in Hg) a climate signal. Th erefore, interpretation of the 20th century Hg 1 Centre for Earth Observation Science, University of Manitoba, increases as being solely due to long-range pollution is incorrect. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2 Statistically accounting for the climate eff ect leads to the 2 Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, conclusion that the recent atmospheric input of Hg pollution to Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0E8 3 AU-Herning, Aarhus University, 7400 Herning, Denmark these lakes was considerably smaller than previously reported. 4 Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 6P4 5 Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Calgary, Alberta T2L 2A7 A NEW BIOGEOCHEMICAL MODEL OF THE CHUKCHI SEA, ARCTIC OCEAN: MODELING THE Th e “algal scavenging” hypothesis was proposed to IMPACTS OF SEA ICE RETREAT, THINNING, AND explain high correlations between the concentrations and MELT POND PROLIFERATION ON THE SUMMER fl uxes of total mercury (Hg) and algal productivity indicators PHYTOPLANKTON BLOOM (diatom abundance, “S2” organic carbon) in the sediments of Palmer, Molly A.1,2 ([email protected]), northern lakes. Historical variations in these parameters over B.T. Saenz3 and K. R. Arrigo1 recent centuries matched reconstructed Arctic air temperatures, suggesting a mutual underlying climate eff ect. If this hypothesis 1 Department of Environmental Earth System Science, Stanford is true, then recent climate warming must be taken into account University, Stanford, CA 94305 when attributing the causes of recent sediment Hg increases. 2 Now at: Corporate Strategic Research, ExxonMobil Research Subsequently, many research groups looked for evidence of this and Engineering, Annandale, NJ 08801 eff ect in other lakes; similarly strong correlations have been 3 Ocean Sciences Department, University of California-Santa reported in >20 pan-Arctic lakes but not in others. However, Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 correlations ultimately have limited power to test hypotheses. Th e Arctic Ocean has undergone unprecedented changes Here we report new evidence from sequential chemical extractions of sediment Hg in several Canadian Arctic lakes. In in sea ice extent and thickness in recent decades, including a a shallow coastal lake on Devon Island, NU, the concentrations >40% reduction in the overall extent of the Arctic ice pack of organic matter-bound (i.e. oxidizable) Hg were signifi cantly and a considerable reduction in average ice thickness. As a higher (P<0.001) during the early 15th century (i.e., Medieval result of these changes, one of the most intense phytoplankton Warm Period) than in sediments deposited before and afterwards blooms ever recorded was observed in 2011 under sea ice in during cooler periods. Other Hg fractions (mineral, acid- the Chukchi Sea (Arrigo et al. 2012). Observations indicate extractable, water-soluble) mostly did not change. Furthermore, that the thinning sea ice, in combination with the increasing virtually all of the variation in pre-industrial total Hg over 500 abundance of melt ponds on the ice surface, resulted in years was explained by changes in organic-bound Hg (r2=0.99, enhanced light penetration to the underlying water column that p<0.001, N=9). An identical result (r2=0.99, p<0.001, N=7) allowed shade-adapted Arctic phytoplankton to grow rapidly was found in a shallow Mackenzie Delta lake, NWT, over and reach such high biomass levels. In this presentation, we 1,500 years. In both lakes, the variation in organic-Hg was give new results from a 1-D nitrogen-based biological model signifi cantly correlated with the algal proxy S2 carbon. During that simulates the continental shelf ecosystem of the Chukchi the 20th century in 3 lakes, signifi cant increases occurred in Sea, including a spectral radiative transfer model that accurately the organic-bound Hg fraction compared to the pre-industrial represents light availability in ice-associated regions (Palmer et period, in tandem with increased S2 carbon, diatoms and Arctic al. 2013). We investigate how rapidly changing environmental air temperatures. Most of the increase in 20th century total Hg variables, including sea ice and snow thickness; melt pond concentrations could be explained statistically by the increase in formation and areal coverage; and changing dates of ice retreat/ organic-bound Hg and, in turn, by algal biomass. Th ese fi ndings break-up; interact to initiate and control the magnitude of the support the scavenging hypothesis: major fl uctuations of spring and summer phytoplankton blooms in the Chukchi Sea, organic matter concentrations in a lake’s water column can alter Arctic Ocean. Results from the model indicate that ice with at sedimentary Hg concentrations in the absence of anthropogenic least 10% pond coverage is necessary for an under ice bloom 91 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

to form, but at least 30% pond coverage is needed to form the IRIS 1: CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY RESPONSES FOR massive type of bloom as observed in 2011. Furthermore, we CANADA’S INUIT POPULATION hypothesize that the under-ice region, with suffi cient pond Pearce, Tristan1,2 ([email protected]), J. Ford3, coverage for reduced light limitation of photosynthesis, may F. Duerden4, C. Furgal5, J. Dawson6 and B. Smit1 be an ideal habitat for shade-adapted Arctic phytoplankton to grow and fl ourish due to the combination of high initial nitrate 1 Department of Geography, University of Guelph, Guelph, concentrations, reduced penetration of ultraviolet radiation due Ontario, N1G 2W1 to shielding by sea ice cover, and reduced zooplankton grazing in 2 Sustainability Research Centre, University of the Sunshine the very cold waters under the ice. Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, 4558 3 Department of Geography, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 0B9 4 ON THE SIMULATED ARCTIC NEAR-SURFACE Department of Geography, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, V8P 5C2 PERMAFROST AND CLIMATE SENSITIVITIES TO 5 SOIL AND SNOW FORMULATIONS Indigenous Environmental Studies, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8 Paquin, Jean-Philippe1 ([email protected]) and 6 Department of Geography, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, L. Sushama2 Ontario, K1N 6N5

1 Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University, Halifax, We identify and examine how policy intervention can help Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2 Canada’s Inuit population adapt to climate change. Information 2 Centre ESCER, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, from across the Canadian Arctic is drawn upon to provide an Québec, H3C 3P8 integrated analysis of adaptation policy opportunities that are relevant and applicable to communities located in the ArcticNet Numerical models employed for climate change studies need improvements to adequately simulate the high-latitude IRIS 1 boundaries and elsewhere in the Canadian Arctic. soil temperatures and permafrost distribution. Th e objectives Th e policy responses are based on an understanding of the of this study are twofold. Th e fi rst objective is to assess the determinants of vulnerability identifi ed in ArcticNet supported sensitivity of the simulated Arctic soil thermal and moisture research conducted with 22 Inuit communities. A consistent regimes, particularly near-surface permafrost and active layer approach was used in each case study where vulnerability thickness (ALT), to soil and snow formulations, i.e. soil layer is conceptualized as a function of exposure-sensitivity to confi guration and depth, representation of Soil Organic Carbon climatic risks and adaptive capacity to deal with those risks. (SOC) and snow conductivity, in the Canadian Land Surface Th is conceptualization focuses on the biophysical and human Scheme (CLASS) through offl ine simulations for the 1960-2008 determinants of vulnerability and how processes and conditions period. Th e second objective is to address the ability of the fi fth- operating at multiple spatial and temporal scales infl uence generation Canadian Regional Climate Model (CRCM5) to them. Vulnerability is assessed in the context of multiple represent the Arctic climate, the distribution and characteristics stressors, climate and non-climate related, which infl uence of the near-surface permafrost and the sensitivity of the surface how climate change is experienced and conditions adaptation. climate to the implementation of SOC. Case studies involved close collaboration with community Results from CLASS experiments show that a shallow members and policy makers to identify conditions to which soil column greatly underestimates the near-surface permafrost. each community is currently vulnerable, characterize the factors Increasing the total soil column depth improves the permafrost that shape vulnerability and how they have changed over time, coverage although ALTs are overestimated. Colder summer identify opportunities for adaptation policy, and examine how soil temperatures and improved ALTs are noted for the adaptation can be mainstreamed. experiments using SOC. Th e implementation of SOC in Fieldwork, conducted between 2006 and 2012, included the CRCM5 increases both latent and sensible heat fl uxes with limited impact on the surface climate. Th e ALT inter- over 745 semi-structured interviews, 35 focus groups/ annual variability is related to the surface air temperatures and community workshops, and over 107 interviews with policy shows yearly dependence. Th e positive ALT trends over the makers at local, regional, and national levels. Based on a 1960–2008 period, in response the warming air temperatures. synthesis of fi ndings across the case studies, realizing adaptive Th e overestimation of the ALTs in the CRCM5 is related to capacity and overcoming adaptation barriers requires policy the warm biases in the surface climate although simulated and intervention to: (1) support the teaching and transmission of observed trends in surface temperatures are not signifi cantly environmental knowledge and land skills, (2) improve access to, diff erent. and understanding of climate, weather and sea ice information, 92 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

(3) review and enhance search and rescue capabilities, (4) of adaptive capacity, which is expressed as adaptation if drawn strengthen harvester support programs, (5) ensure the fl exibility upon to adapt to changing conditions. Th is depends on the of fi sh and wildlife management regimes, (6) improve the ability development, accumulation, and transmission of TEK within of Inuit food systems to meet present dietary and nutritional and among generations. Th e paper argues that eff orts to support requirements, (7) protect key infrastructure, (8) review building active participation in subsistence and TEK transmission codes and land-use plans in light of current and expected climate should be included in climate change adaptation programs in change, (9) improve support for local economic development Northern Canada. Th e research is part of ArcticNet Project 1.1 and entrepreneurial training and (10) establish ‘special hunting Community Adaptation and IK-ADAPT (Inuit Traditional areas’ prohibited to commercial shipping and cruise ship Knowledge for Adapting to the Health Eff ects of Climate tourism. Change) supported by CIHR.

TRADITIONAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE IN CANADIAN ARCTIC MARITIME TRANSPORTATION ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE CAPACITY CANADIAN ARCTIC [IK-ADAPT SESSION] Pelland, Cédric ([email protected]) Pearce, Tristan1,2 ([email protected]), J. Ford3, Département de géographie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, A. Cunsolo Willox4 and B. Smit1 Québec, H3C 3J7 1 Department of Geography, University of Guelph, Guelph, Th e goal of this research is to explore maritime transport Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1 2 Sustainability Research Centre, University of the Sunshine capacity in the Canadian Arctic. We wish to answer specifi c Coast, Queensland, Australia 4557 issues. How are the diff erent channel patterns limiting passages 3 Department of Geography, McGill University, Montreal, of the world fl eet? How to assess potential sites for port Quebec, Canada development? Th e broad objective of the proposal is to further 4 Health Studies & Emergency Management, Cape Breton our understanding of the various processes aff ecting vessel University, Sydney, Nova Scotia, B1P 6L2 movement and the spatial distribution of infrastructure. First, we will assess the bathymetry of all possible channels in the Th e paper examines the role of Inuit traditional ecological Canadian Arctic. Th is will permit to correlate maritime passages knowledge (TEK) (an element of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit with vessel size. Second, using a geographic information system (IQ)) in adaptation to climate change in the Canadian we will integrate geographic, demographic and economic Arctic. It focuses on the tangible aspects of TEK, particularly conditions aff ecting port development. We will then be in a hunting knowledge and land skills, and examines their role position to select or rule out port development and dimensions in adaptation to changing climatic conditions, which eff ect along maritime segment of Canadian Arctic waters. subsistence hunting, fi shing, and trapping in case study research conducted with Inuit across the Canadian Arctic. In several instances, TEK underpins adaptations, including: fl exibility ECOLOGICAL AND GEOMORPHOLOGICAL TIME with regard to seasonal cycles of harvest and resource-use; SEQUENCE OF PERMAFROST DEGRADATION hazard avoidance due to detailed knowledge of the local MOUND, TASIAPIK, NUNAVIK environment and understanding of ecosystem processes; and emergency preparedness, including knowing what supplies Pelletier, Maude1 ([email protected]), M. Allard1 and 1,2 to take when traveling and how to respond in emergency E. Lévesque situations. Despite the documented importance of TEK 1 Centre d’études nordiques, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, in adaptation and in maintaining a level of competency in G1V 0A6 subsistence in arctic communities, the relationships between 2 Département de chimie-biologie, Université du Québec à TEK and adaptation to climate change are not well defi ned Trois-Rivières, Québec, G9A 5H7 in the climate change adaptation literature. Consequently, eff orts to support the transmission of TEK are largely absent Climate warming is actually leading to permafrost from climate change adaptation programs. Th is paper aims to degradation and concurrent major ecosystem changes. Among fi ll these gaps by drawing on case study research conducted other impacts, geomorphic changes due to thaw settlement, in collaboration with Inuit across the Canadian Arctic and expansion of vegetation cover, increased snow depth in conceptualizing the relationships between TEK and adaptation thermokarst hollows and the recycling of organic matter and to climate change. Th is work contends that TEK is an element carbon in the transforming ecosystems concur over time during 93 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

the process of permafrost thaw to a drastic change in ecosystem Th e present study explores how fresh water content structure and functioning. In order to make a quantitative and sea surface height in the Beaufort Sea might be modifi ed assessment of ecosystem changes associated with permafrost under warming-induced conditions due to climate change. We degradation and to assess the speed of the changes, we selected performed simulations from 1970 to 2069 with a coupled ice- six sample plots located on a silty ice-rich permafrost mound in ocean model (CIOM) implemented for the Arctic Ocean. Th e the Tasiapik valley, near Umiujaq, in Nunavik. Th e six plots are surface fi elds to drive CIOM were provided by the Canadian representative of the regional ecological time sequence associated Regional Climate Model (CRCM), in turn driven by the third- with permafrost degradation which includes increasing active generation Canadian global climate model (CGCM3) outputs layer thickness, soil compaction, plant cover densifi cation following the A1B climate change scenario. Th e simulated sea and snow cover change. Our objectives are to determine the ice concentration in the entire Arctic and the fresh water content changes that occur in the fl ow of energy between the three in the Beaufort Sea are shown to have consistent patterns to layers of the ecosystem (vegetation / snow cover, active layer, those seen in observations and reanalysis data. In terms of the permafrost) during the degradation of permafrost and the possible future climate, the CIOM simulations suggest an feedbacks that occur during evolution. Th e rate of transition is 11% decrease per decade in ice volume, with the Arctic Ocean assessed by analysis of time-lapse aerial photographs and through becoming largely ice free in the summers by about ~ 2069. dendrochronology on shrubs and trees. Local micro-topography, Moreover, due to increases in melting of sea ice and Ekman height and species composition of the vegetation cover, thickness transport, there is an increasing trend in fresh water content and composition of the organic horizons and soil moisture were (FWC) and sea surface height (SSH) in the Beaufort Sea. Th e measured. Th e thickness and density of the snow cover were increase is about 2 m for FWC and 6 cm for SSH from 1979 measured at saturation time in March-April 2013. Each sample to 2069. Finally, the simulations also suggest that maximum plot was equipped with automatic data acquisition systems increases in the FWC and SSH occur near the center of the that continuously measured the temperature and humidity at Beaufort Gyre, where the maximum FWC and SSH are located. maximal active layer depth, -30, -15, -5 cm depth and at 20 cm in the canopy / snow cover. One full year of data was recovered ARCTIC STORM IMPACTS IN COASTAL AREAS OF at August 2013. Th e methodology follows the ADAPT protocol. THE MACKENZIE DELTA Preliminary data compilation and analysis indicate that between original permafrost conditions to fi nal disappearance (when Perrie, Will ([email protected]), F. Xu and Z. Long the active layer does not entirely freeze back and is replaced by seasonal frost) 80 cm of settlement has occurred. Th e vegetation Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2Y 4A2 cover evolved from lichens to shrubland and low forest with major shifts in species composition. Soil organic horizons Th ere are mainly two types of Arctic storms that frequently evolve from thin and discontinuous to a thickness of about 15 occur in southern Beaufort Sea and Mackenzie Delta region: (i) cm. Snow cover increased from virtually nothing to over 2 m. those with strong winds to the east, and (ii) those with strong Overall, the transformed ecosystem stores more carbon in the winds to the northwest. Th e oceanographic conditions of coastal soil and in the biomass. Th e changes took place over a period waters off the Mackenzie Delta and the southern Beaufort Sea of time of about 100 years. A more refi ned analysis is currently were examined during a typical northwest Arctic Storm in in preparation. Vegetation height, thickness of moss covers, early October 2008. Maximum winds were about 15 m/s for soil horizon structure and the increasing carbon storage will be 52 hours as measured at Pelly Island. In particular, our study represented in six topographic profi les to facilitate comparisons. focuses on the total water level rise during the October 2008 Th e overall information shall allow to measure the combined storm, when waters are still largely open around the Mackenzie impact of increasing snow cover thickness over active layer Delta, and southern Beaufort. Total water level rise during the depth, ground temperature profi les and ecosystem changes. storm includes contributions from storm surge, tides, wave setup and channel discharges. Th e October storm is selected to study the total water level rise because it represents a typical IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON FRESH WATER northwest storm event. We use a modern oceanographic model, CONTENT AND SEA SURFACE HEIGHT IN THE FVCOM, to simulate water elevations during the October BEAUFORT SEA storm, implemented on a regional domain. Arctic basin-scale model simulations by Long and Perrie (2013: in press Ocean Perrie, Will ([email protected]) and Z. Long Modelling) are used to defi ne open boundary conditions for Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, the FVCOM simulations. A widely accepted operational wave Canada, B2Y 4A2 model, SWAN, is applied to simulate waves and wave setups 94 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

in waters around the Delta during the storm. Results are study area (map extent) and the dens (points) or denning areas compared with measured waves levels and waves. We show that (polygons) within each study area. Th is provided a visual means wind induced storm surge and currents dominate, compared to to identify areas within Canada that are data poor, in addition contributions from tides, waves and Mackenzie channel fl ows. to areas that are important denning areas. GIS data were also Moreover, overall the tidal elevations and wave setups have categorized based on publication year to identify how eff ort may comparable magnitudes, whereas infl ows from the nineteen have changed with time. major channels of the Mackenzie Delta discharge to the We identifi ed sizable areas where little information has Beaufort result in obvious local water level rises, especially near been collected regarding polar bear denning. Major gaps in the locations of the major channels. our knowledge occur in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago where ice models predict the last areas of summer ice to occur. Most recent published polar bear denning area information DISTRIBUTION OF POLAR BEAR DENNING has been collected through traditional knowledge surveys, and HABITAT IN CANADA: A META ANALYSIS OF this points the way towards eff ective future monitoring. It was EXISTING SOURCES AND GAPS also clear that, with the exception of information for Western Hudson Bay, there has been very little published data to address 1 Petersen, Stephen D. ([email protected]), questions of denning habitat characteristics, changing habitat J.W. Higdon2, H. Penner1 and G. York3 suitability, or shifts in habitat use within the Canadian Arctic. 1 International Polar Bear Conservation Centre, Assiniboine We suggest that more eff ort should be devoted to identifying Park Zoo, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3R 0B8 productive denning areas and monitoring them as conditions 2 Higdon Wildlife Consulting, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3G 3C9 change in future years. Th e value of traditional knowledge 3 World Wildlife Fund Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5L4 studies in identifying polar bear denning areas highlight the importance of including local communities in the monitoring Th e 1973 Agreement on the Conservation of Polar Bears and management process. includes a guiding statement that “each Contracting Party shall take appropriate action to protect the ecosystems of which polar bears are a part, with special attention to habitat components FROM THE MINDS OF YOUTH: USING such as denning and feeding sites and migration patterns, and PARTICIPATORY VIDEO TO EXPLORE YOUTH shall manage polar bear populations in accordance with sound RESILIENCE IN A CHANGING CLIMATE conservation practices based on the best available scientifi c 1 data.” (Article 2). In the intervening years, each country that Petrasek MacDonald, Joanna (joanna.petrasekmacdonald@ 2 2 1 contains polar bears (Canada, USA, Norway, Greenland, Russia) mail.mcgill.ca), J. Konek , C. Konek , J. Ford , A. Cunsolo 3 4 4 5 has invested, to varying degrees, resources towards the research Willox , M. Baikie , I. Shiwak , C. Mitchell and the Rigolet Inuit Community Government6 and protection of habitat components related to polar bear denning. Within Canada, protected areas have been established, 1 Department of Geography, McGill University, Montreal, because of their importance for polar bear denning, in two Quebec, H3A 0B9 locations: Wapusk National Park in Manitoba and Polar Bear 2 Konek Productions, Arviat, Nunavut, X0C 0E0 Provincial Park in Ontario. Th ese two areas protect large parts 3 Departments of Health Studies & Emergency Management of the denning area for the Western and Southern Hudson and Nursing, Cape Breton University, Sydney, Nova Scotia, Bay polar bear sub-populations. In the remaining Canadian B1P 6L2 sub-populations, polar bears in denning areas are protected by 4 ‘My Word’: Storytelling and Digital Media Lab, Rigolet, harvest management regulations. Th is non-spatial approach to Nunatsiavut, Newfoundland and Labrador, A0P 1P0 protection is largely due to the ecology of polar bears in areas 5 Department of Integrated Studies in Education, McGill where denning is more dispersed. However, numerous denning University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 0B9 areas have been identifi ed in other regions, by traditional 6 Rigolet, Nunatsiavut, Newfoundland and Labrador, A0P 1P0 ecological knowledge holders and polar bear researchers. As climate change causes changes in northern ecosystems and Canada’s Arctic is on the frontline of rapid climatic and allows for increased anthropogenic activity, it is important to environmental changes and Inuit are widely believed to be one learn more about polar bear denning habitat on a national scale. of the most at-risk populations because of their reliance on the Th is project examined the existing literature – including natural environment for sustenance and livelihoods. Over half of scientifi c papers, government publications, consultant reports, the Canadian Inuit population is comprised of individuals under and traditional ecological knowledge studies – to identify and 24 years of age—youth who are likely to experience dramatic map polar bear denning areas in the Canadian Arctic. Maps changes in climate over their lifetime and, subsequently, will from the literature were georeferenced to record both the have to adapt to these changes. Th ese young people hold a 95 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

wealth of lived experience, a rich knowledge base, and creative 4 School of Public Health , University of Alberta, Edmonton, ideas that are much-needed in climate change adaptation Alberta, T6G 1C9 research and policy. In order to capture and incorporate the vital insight, experiences, and ideas youth can provide, Northern Initiating new approaches to better understand and fi nd climate change adaptation research should fi nd innovative solutions to current problems, and/or support interventions in ways to actively engage youth in all aspects of research and the context of the Inuit circumpolar region has been a growing meaningfully involve them in ways that are refl ective of their concern among academics, policy-makers and communities. interests. More recently, the gathering of knowledge about contaminant Th is project piloted the use of participatory video with exposure and health issues has turned out to be an opportunity Inuit youth in Rigolet, Nunatsiavut, Labrador as a data- to yield invaluable epidemiological information in the region, gathering technique, a participatory method to engage youth and thus off ering insights into the need for environment and in climate change discussions, and an adaptation technique in health prevention strategies and policy recommendations. To of itself. Participatory video is a process that brings together meet these needs, the idea of an international Inuit Circumpolar Cohort (ICC) that will combine data from Nunavik, individuals and provides training, tools, and support to allow Nunasiavut, Nunavut, Inuvialuit Settlement Region and the group the skills to fi lm, direct, edit, and produce their own Greenland, has been launched. Th e participating cohort studies video. Seven youth from Rigolet worked over a two-week period are (1) the 2004 Nunavik Cohort Study; (2) the International to create a video about their life in Rigolet. Youth received Polar Year (IPY) Adult Inuit Health Survey (HIS) 2007–2008; training in fi lm design, fi lming, editing, and production by and (3) the Inuit Health in Transition Greenland 2005-2010. Jordan and Curtis Konek, two Inuit fi lmmakers from Arviat, Th e aim of that paper is to describe the design of the ICC data Nunavut supported by the ‘My Word’: Storytelling and Digital platform and its development through the data harmonization Media Lab in Rigolet and members of the research team. and standardization procedures. Th e challenges encountered in Th is research emerged in partnership with two multi-year, centralizing data into one same big database will be discussed, in community-based research projects led by the Rigolet Inuit particular those related to dissimilarities between data semantic, Community Government in Rigolet, Nunatsiavut, Labrador: sampling strategies, instruments and/or analytical methods. Th e Th e Inuit Mental Health and Adaptation to Climate Change main characteristics of the ICC data platform will be displayed (IMHACC) and the Inuit Knowledge for Adapting to the and commented. More than 100 variables were harmonized Health Eff ects of Climate Change (IK-ADAPT) projects. among the three datasets and some secondary variables Follow-up in-depth interviews were conducted with all commonly used in epidemiology were generated. Th e variables participants as well as eleven community members to examine included many fi elds, such as environmental contaminant experiences with participatory video, evaluate participatory exposure, anthropometry, general health, including dental video as a youth engagement strategy, and assess its capacity to and mental health, socio-demographic, cultural and lifestyle act as an adaptation strategy. Th is presentation will share youth characteristics, social network, reproductive history for women participant and community member responses and a clip from and physical activities. Th e ICC platform provides knowledge the fi nal video created by the youth from Rigolet will be shown. on the burden of the environmental contaminants exposure and Based on the fi ndings from this research, participatory video impact on quality of life and health, thus off ering insights into provides a strong method to engage youth in research and could the need for environment and health prevention strategies and help to inform and develop youth-focused strategies and tools policy recommendations at the circumpolar regional dimension. for community adaptation. It will also provide an excellent opportunity for extension with the future follow-up of the three existing cohort studies.

INTERNATIONAL INUIT CIRCUMPOLAR COHORT (ICC): OPPORTUNITIES AND METHODOLOGICAL BEAUFORT SEA AND VISCOUNT MELVILLE CHALLENGES IN HARMONIZATION OF EXISTING REGION SEA ICE-POLAR BEAR COLLOQUIUM: DATA FROM THREE POPULATION-BASED COHORTS RECOMMENDATIONS TO RESEARCHERS AND IN THE CIRCUMPOLAR REGION MANAGEMENT

Philibert, Aline1 ([email protected]), P. Bjerregaard2, Pokiak, F. ([email protected])1 and J. Lam2 E. Dewailly3, K. Young4 and L. Chan1 1Inuvialuit Game Council, Tuktoyaktuk, NWT, X0E 0T0 1 Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, 2Joint Secretariat –Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Inuvik, NWT, Ontario, K1N 6N5 X0E 0T0 2 National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark Th is paper will provide a summary of the proceedings 3 Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Québec, G1V 2M2 from a Sea Ice-Polar Bear Colloquium held in February 2011 96 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

organized by the Joint Secretariat –Inuvialuit Settlement Region. collaborative workshop facilitated by Environment Canada and Th is colloquium was held to examine the following question: the Nunavut Arctic College that engaged Northern students What are the anticipated eff ects of climate change on sea ice, of wildlife biology in developing skills related to Northern polar bears and their prey in the Beaufort Sea and Viscount job opportunities in the fi eld. We describe the program as it Melville region? was developed to involve Northern students between 2007 Th e fi rst half of the colloquium included presentations and 2011, and how these refi nements may be applied to other from a sea ice scientist, polar bear biologist and seal biologists research projects looking to involve wider participation by regarding the state of knowledge of trends of sea ice, polar bear residents of Northern communities. and seal populations and their distribution in the Beaufort Sea and Viscount Melville Sound. Presenters included eminent scientists from University of Manitoba, GNWT, University of SHORT TERM CHANGE DETECTION OF THE Alberta, United States Geological Service, Canada’s Department TUNDRA VEGETATION NEAR UMIUJAK, NUNAVIK of Fisheries and Oceans, and the Canadian Ice Service. Th e second part of the colloquium involved an open Provencher-Nolet, Laurence1,3 (laurence.provencher-nolet@ete. discussion with all the presenters and participants to explore inrs.ca), M. Bernier1,3, E. Lévesque2,3 and D. Saint-Laurent2 the positive and negative eff ects of climate change on the 1 Institut National de la Recherche Scientifi que, Québec, interrelationship between sea ice and polar bears and their Québec, G1K 9A9 prey. Th e discussion also addressed taking stock of the state of 2 Départment of environmental studies, Université du Québec à knowledge for these regions and the critical actions for short and Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, G9A 5H7 long term as pertaining to sea ice and polar bear research in the 3 Center for northern studies, Université Laval, Québec, Beaufort Sea and Viscount Melville Sound. Québec, G1V 0A6 Th is paper will also provide the conclusion from the colloquium with respect to the future of polar bears with respect Since the mid-1990’s, station and experimental to climate change. measurements of climate variables indicate the strong climatic change already occurring in the arctic regions. In Nunavik, these changes are and will be felt in terms of a rise in summer HOW WILDLIFE RESEARCH CAN BE USED TO degree days, warmer winter temperatures and an increase of PROMOTE WIDER COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN snow precipitations. Expected impacts include changes to the THE NORTH northern ecosystems, by ways of alterations of the hydrological regime, the permafrost stability and the vegetation cover. Th ose Provencher, Jennifer1 ([email protected]), eff ects can be readily seen at the transition zone between the M. McEwan2, M.L. Mallory3, B.M. Braune4, J. Carpenter2, N.J. Harms5, G. Savard4 and H.G. Gilchrist4 subarctic and the arctic region like the area near the Inuit village of Umiujaq on the eastern shore of Hudson Bay. 1 Biology Department, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Th e objective of the study is to establish the local changes K1S 5B6 in the vegetation occurring in the Umiujaq area since the last 2 Nunavut Arctic College, Iqaluit, Nunavut, X0C 0E0 20 years and to understand the link between those changes with 3 Biology Department, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova the presence or melting of permafrost, the soil type, the local Scotia, B4P 2R6 topography, climatic conditions, etc. Th e selected study area 4 Environment Canada, Science and Technology Branch, Raven is a discontinuous permafrost area located at the treeline. Th e Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0H3 60 km2 area can be divided into two distinct environments: 5 University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7N 5A2 the coastal region to the east and the Lac Guillaume-Delisle Each year hundreds of research programs are undertaken graben to the west. Th e vegetation in the coastal region is very sporadic and dominated by tundra vegetation, while the graben in the territory of Nunavut. Although community consultation vegetation is mainly schrublands with patches of conifers requirements have greatly increased the role of communities (mostly black spruce). in research conducted in the local area, current practices For this purpose, three airborne color photographs typically engage a small portion of the population, leaving series were acquired by Hydro-Quebec and the Quebec many community members unconnected to research programs. Government in 1990 (coast), 1994 (graben) and 2010 (coast Wildlife studies and related community based laboratory and graben). Th e 1990 and 1994 photographs were fi rst studies are one way that research programs can attract the geometrically corrected and rigorously matched to the 2010 attention of a wider community audience, thereby introducing mosaic. Th e spatial lag between the 1990 and the 2010 photos wildlife research topics in a meaningful way. Here we describe a is 0,6 m (XRMS) and 0,36m (YRMS). Because of the lack of 97 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

information about the lens distortion, the spatial lag between sediment transport processes. Flood risk was evaluated with photographs of 1994 and 2010 was higher (XRMS: 1,78m LIDAR data from 2013. Th e volumetric requirements for and YRMS: 1,70m ). Second, a texture analysis was applied to spit growth were obtained from combining bathymetric and integrate supplementary data layers to the three color bands airborne data into a DEM. in the process of classifi cation. To classify those photographs, Retreat is the only viable strategy to preserve the historic a multi-scale segmentation approach and a semi-automated settlement. It remains unknown for how long Simpson Point object-based method well adapted to high resolution images will retain its historic nature. Shoreline retreat aff ects most of the were used (Dissanska et al, 2009). For the graben sector, four peninsular shoreline. Decision makers should consider that the major vegetation classes (lichen tundra, shrub tundra, spruce Simpson Point vulnerable to storm surge, expected to increase tundra and herb lands) were mapped. Based on test samples, both in frequency and severity, because the low topography of an error matrix was computed giving an overall accuracy of the spit does not off er much protection of fl ooding by storm 81% for 2010 and 85% for 1994. Global change detection surge. Buildings should be raised and moved away from the by comparison of the total proportions of the vegetation eroding shore. Ice transport processes such as pile- and push- covers shows an increase of 12% of shrubs and a decreased of up, could both be either a benefi t or a risk. Encroachment of 8% of lichens from 1994 to 2010, whereas spruce and herb these processes on shore may destroy infrastructure, but may covers were quite stable. Th ese results corroborate with the also supply sediment to the shoreline, thus protecting it from actual greening trend ongoing in Nunavik, for which vascular wave attack and storm surge. In the long term, the risk of coastal plants are favored to the detriment of non-vascular plants with hazards will increase. warming climate (Tremblay et al.,2012; Ropars and Boudreau, 2012). A vegetation map for the coastal area is also computed, and the good precision of the geometrical correction allows the CLIMATE CHANGE AND CARIBOU: HOW WINTER production of a ``from-to change`` detection map that shows CLIMATE AFFECTS SURVIVAL OF MIGRATORY the temporal evolution of the land cover type. CARIBOU Rasiulis, Alexandre, L.1,2 ([email protected]), M. Festa- Bianchet2,3 and S. Côté1,2 VULNERABILITY OF COASTAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE ARCTIC: A FOCUS ON THE HISTORIC 1 Département de biologie, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, SETTLEMENT ON HERSCHEL ISLAND G1V 0A6 2 Centre d’éudes nordiques, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, 1 1 Radosavljevic, Boris ([email protected]), H. Lantuit , G1V 0A6 1 1 2 M. Fritz , P. Overduin and M. Krautblatter 3 Département de biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, J1K 2R1 1 Alfred Wegener Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, 14473 Potsdam, Germany Information on survival is essential to understanding 2 Technische Universität München, 80333 Munich, Germany fl uctuations in ungulate populations. Juvenile survival is Herschel Island has a long history of human habitation by known to be a key population driver for stable and growing indigenous peoples, and whalers who came to the island at the populations, while adult female survival plays a principal end of the 19th century. Th eir traces include many archeological role in the decline of ungulate populations. Understanding sites, and some of the oldest standing buildings in the Yukon, how and why these parameters fl uctuate is crucial for the built during the whaling era. Th e island has been a territorial management and conservation of these populations. Survival park since 1987, and it is a candidate to become a UNESCO of ungulates such as caribou is known to be aff ect by a range of World Heritage Site. Th e historic settlement, airstrip, and environmental factors including temperature, precipitations and park infrastructure are located on Simpson Point, a narrow large scale climate indices. With climate change accentuating, gravelly spit with elevations generally <2 m. Changing climate especially in northern regions, caribou populations, sensible to conditions and sea level rise are known to threaten the island climate, are likely to experience decreased survival that may in infrastructure: buildings had to be moved inland, and one was turn aff ect their population dynamics. We studied the eff ect lost completely. of various small and large scale climate parameters on the Th is study used a comparison of historic aerial annual and overwinter (December - Mai) survival of adult and photographs, and a digital elevation model (DEM) created from yearling female of two migratory caribou (Rangifer tarandus) LIDAR and bathymetric surveys to assess historic shoreline herd of Québec and Labrador between 1990 and 2012. We movement, and fl ood vulnerability to examine the coastal hazard found that annual and winter (December - March) North potential on Simpson Point. Field observations and a high- Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), a large scale climate index had a resolution bathymetric survey provided insight into nearshore positively relation with both annual and overwinter yearling 98 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

survival. Furthermore, average winter temperatures and total APPLYING BEST PRACTICES IN COMMUNITY winter precipitations were found to have a negative relation with FOCUSED ASSESSMENTS OF PERMAFROST annual yearling survival but only for a herd that has experienced RELATED HAZARDS IN NUNATSIAVUT very low survival rates. We did not fi nd any signifi cant relations Riedlsperger, Rudy ([email protected]), S. Hatcher and T. Bell between climate and adult female survival, probably due to their higher resilience, however total winter precipitations seem to Department of Geography, Memorial University of have a small positive relation within the declining population. Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, We discuss the signifi cance of these results on future population A1B 3X9 dynamics of both herds. Permafrost related landscape hazards including ground subsidence, frost heaving, or mass movement, are ubiquitous features of northern communities. Failure to recognize and BRIDGING INUIT AND SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE ABOUT SOCIO-ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE VIA account for these hazards can directly impact life and property, COLLABORATIVE MURAL MAKING damage buildings and critical infrastructure, and result in loss of equipment required for the subsistence economy, among other Rathwell, Kaitlyn1,2 ([email protected]) potentially detrimental eff ects. Th e fi rst part of our presentation outlines current approaches to assessment and mapping of 1 Environmental Change Governance Group (ECGG) permafrost related hazards with the objective of classifying 2 Department of Environment and Resource Studies, University zones suited for development or requiring particular adaptation of Waterloo, Canada, N2L 3G1 strategies for sustainable development in the Canadian Arctic Linking Inuit and scientifi c knowledge systems to and Subarctic. We will focus on key attributes of current best understand and address rapid change in the Arctic is a crucial practices in community focused permafrost hazard assessments, challenge. Th e objective of this presentation is to demonstrate including stakeholder engagement, community relevance, the the capacity of collaborative mural making, and artistic process inclusion of contributing factors to permafrost related hazards, more generally, as a promising approach to connect ways the integration of climate change analysis and projections, and of knowing with regard to socio-environmental change. I the production of conclusive hazard maps matching end-user draw on my empirical research in Nunavut, Canada, and my needs. We will then focus on the context of Nunatsiavut to experience collaborating with Inuit artists, youth and elders discuss how these key points are integrated in a region that on a mural about socio-environmental change in the Arctic. previously has not been subject to comprehensive hazard We engaged in games, story telling and local techniques in assessments. Nunatsiavut is the homeland of the Labrador print-making and traditional sewing to collaboratively create Inuit who face housing challenges and shortages of building the mural. Both the mural itself, and more importantly the land in all of their fi ve communities. Rapid population processes surrounding mural creation, demonstrates a bridging growth and resulting community expansion coupled with of knowledge systems. Th e mural expresses a youth perspective recent climatic and environmental changes are exasperating on socio-environmental change. It shares a vision of the past as these conditions, threatening the ability of the communities connected to the future via hunting, seals and ice/water travel, to maintain healthy housing and traditional livelihoods. To and demonstrates the resilience of Inuit culture in the context of address these issues the Nunatsiavut Government, together rapid socio-environmental change. Th e process of collaborative with its partners, established the SakKijanginnatuk Nunalik mural making off ers methodological lessons for scholars (Sustainable Communities) initiative. Sustainable community and practitioners engaging in bridging ways of knowing. planning and development are targeted through the production Collaborative art making allows an open, creative space for Inuit of hazard assessment and planning constraint maps. Th ese and western scientifi c participants to share understandings of eff orts are ongoing, and combine Inuit knowledge with new environmental change and socio-environmental relationships geoscientifi c data to highlight suitable areas for development (e.g. hunting stories, sketches), and to engage in experiential and to support community infrastructure planning decisions. learning (e.g. seal-skin stretching, stencil techniques). Artistic For example, participatory mapping sessions held in Hopedale processes therefore can off er a robust platform for bridging Inuit and Postville gathered local knowledge of resource harvesting and scientifi c knowledge systems about socio-environmental (e.g., berry picking, shore-based fi shing, small game hunting), change and result in a tangible artistic output. recreational areas (e.g., swimming holes, picnic areas, walking trails), and places of cultural and spiritual signifi cance (e.g., heritage sites, cemeteries). Meanwhile, analysis of remotely sensed imagery, fi eld mapping, geophysical surveys, geotechnical reports and local construction experience generated information 99 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

on terrain characteristics and stability in these communities. research and development is a cornerstone activity within the Th e integration of this data will help inform current revisions Canadian Operational Network of Coupled Environmental of land-use plans and planning policies aimed at building PredicTion Systems (CONCEPTS). Th is presentation will sustainable and resilient communities in the face of changing provide an overview of these activities, illustrate some results to climate and environmental realities. date, discuss plans for future operational systems, and link with other complementary presentations at this meeting.

AN INTEGRATED MARINE ARCTIC PREDICTION SYSTEM FOR METAREAS POLLINATION AND WARMING IN THE HIGH Ritchie, Hal1 ([email protected]), N. Bernier2, M. Buehner2, ARCTIC T. Carrieres3, S. Desjardins4, L. Fillion2, D. Johnston5, 2 2 6 Robinson, Samuel ([email protected]) and P. Pellerin , G. Smith and G. Garric G. Henry 1 Meteorological Research Division, Environment Canada, Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, Dartmouth, NS, B2Y 2N6 Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z2 2 Meteorological Research Division, Environment Canada, Dorval, QC, H9P 1J3 Climate change is expected to alter the community 3 Canadian Ice Service, Environment Canada, Ottawa, ON, dynamics of high-arctic plants. Th e International Tundra K1A 0H3 Experiment (ITEX) uses Open-Topped Chambers (OTCs) 4 Meteorological Service of Canada, Environment Canada, to increase air temperatures by 1-3° C in order to simulate Dartmouth, NS , B2Y 2N6 the eff ects of future climate change on current arctic plant 5 Meteorological Service of Canada, Environment Canada, Downsview, ON, M3H 5T4 communities. OTCs alter reproductive timing and magnitude of 6 Mercator-Océan, Toulouse, France fl owering plants, but the eff ect of the OTCs on insect visitation and alteration of pollen exchange is poorly studied. We tested In December 2007 Canada accepted offi cial designation as how pollination and warming interact within OTCs in Dryas the Issuing Service for meteorological Marine Safety Information integrifolia (L.), Salix arctica (Pall.), and Papaver radicatum (L.), (MSI) in the form of forecasts / warnings and ice bulletins for at Alexandra Fiord, Nunavut, Canada. Pollination addition METAREAs XVII and XVIII as part of the Global Maritime caused increased seed production in S. arctic, changed fl ower Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). Th ese areas are in the production in D. integrifolia, and altered germination rates in Arctic bordering on Canada. An important part of Environment P. radicatum. We found that OTCs have the potential to create Canada’s involvement is the development of an integrated pollination defi cits, and that this interacts with the induced marine Arctic prediction system and satellite products in support warming eff ect to change fl ower production, seed production, of monitoring and warnings. Th e integrated marine Arctic and seed germinability in ways that may not happen in a future prediction system will feed into a highly automated information warmed arctic. dissemination system. In particular, our group is working on the development, validation and implementation of marine forecasts with lead times of 1 to 3 days using a regional high resolution POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION AND coupled multi-component (atmosphere, land, snow, ice, ocean PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS FOR INUIT IN NUNAVUT and wave) modelling and data assimilation system to predict Rodon, Th ierry1,2 ([email protected]), F. Lévesque1, near surface atmospheric conditions, sea ice (concentration, M. Okalik1 and P. Gross1 thickness, pressure, drift, ice edge), freezing spray, waves and ocean conditions (temperature and currents). Th e core of the 1 Chaire de recherche sur le développment durable du Nord, system is an Arctic extension of the highly successful Gulf Université Laval, Québec, G1V 0A6 2 of St. Lawrence coupled modelling system, with the GEM Département de science politique, Université Laval, Québec, G1V 0A6 (Global Environmental Multi-scale) model as the atmospheric component coupled to the NEMO (Nucleus for European In Nunavut, little is known about the level of success Modelling of the Ocean) ocean model and the CICE ice model. enjoyed by students with post-secondary education. Th ere is An ice-ocean data assimilation system is being developed in no public data available concerning the relationship between collaboration with Mercator-Océan using their SAM2 system post-secondary education and employment, the programs for ocean data assimilation together with the 3DVAR ice analysis attended by Inuit students or their graduation and employment system developed at Environment Canada. Th e METAREAs rates. Th erefore, it is not known if Inuit students’ employment 100 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

is related to their post-secondary education, if post-secondary patterns is a repeated high degree of local diff erentiation of new education improves the type of employment available to them, recruits and colonizers originating from a common gene pool. if graduation (or not) from post-secondary education aff ects Such a scenario has important conservation implications in their job prospects, if post-secondary education has an impact terms of devising more appropriate strategies balancing species on income and if it aff ects job satisfaction. Th e main objective persistence and replenishment with sustainable resource use. of this communication is to present the preliminary results of Keywords: panmixia, common gene pool, along current the project Monitoring educational and professional success advective dispersal, long-term and large scale migration, amongst Inuit of Nunavut who have registered in a post- Greenland halibut secondary program which sought to overcome this knowledge gap by gathering data on success among Nunavut Inuit who have attended or are currently attending post-secondary PERMAFROST DISTURBANCE SUSCEPTIBILITY education inside and outside of Nunavut. We will start by MAPPING USING KEY PHYSIOGRAPHIC CONTROLS presenting the methodology used to gather the data and will AND GEOSPATIAL MODELLING IN THE CANADIAN then follow with a presentation of preliminary results and HIGH ARCTIC analysis. Rudy, Ashley ([email protected]), S. Lamoureux, P. Treitz, K. Van Ewijk and P. Bonnaventure

EVIDENCE OF HIGH GENE FLOW IN A LOCALLY Department of Geography, Queen’s University, Kingston, DIFFERENTIATED SPECIES: THE GREENLAND Ontario, K7L 3N6 HALIBUT PANMIXIA PARADOX IN THE NORTHWEST Th ermokarst, active layer detachments, and retrogressive ATLANTIC thaw slumps, representing three forms of permafrost Roy, Denis1,2 ([email protected]), D.C. Hardie1,3, M.A. degradation, constitute serious risks for infrastructure and have Treble4, J.D. Reist4 and D.E. Ruzzante1 the potential to alter environmental and ecological conditions in Arctic regions. Environmental change and increased land 1 Marine Gene Probe Laboratory, Department of Biology, development pressures require innovative cost-eff ective methods Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada B3H 4R2 for assessing hazard prone areas. Th e overall research objective 2 Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of this project is to design a landscape model to predict and of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada N9B 3P4 3 Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of characterize disturbance prone areas using key physiographic Oceanography, Dartmouth NS Canada B2Y 4A2 controls and a geospatial modeling approach that incorporates 4 Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Freshwater Institute, Winnipeg, satellite imagery to effi ciently produce hazard susceptibility Manitoba, Canada R3T 2N6 maps. Susceptibility maps identify areas prone to disturbance; a fundamental component of hazard management and the Determining population structure is critical toward basis for provision of measures aimed at reducing the risks designing and implementing sound management strategies resulting from permafrost degradation. To test the validity of increasing species conservation. Yet, to do so, population this modelling approach and its applicability across the Arctic, structure must be assessed using markers attuned to population methods are being developed and applied in four regions with genetic processes such as genetic drift and gene fl ow, contrasting geological, ecological and permafrost characteristics: which refl ect actual levels of reproductive isolation among Ellesmere Island, NU (80°N); Sabine Peninsula, Melville Island, putative genetic clusters. Th is is critical for highly-exploited, NU (77°N); Cape Bounty, Melville Island, NU (74°N); and commercial species that form the backbone of regional and Sachs Harbour, Banks Island, NT (71°N). local economies. Here, we show extremely low levels of At each geographical location, disturbances will be population genetic diff erentiation among Greenland halibut examined in the fi eld to provide constraint over the spatial (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) collected from throughout the variability and controls for disturbance. Field mapping is a Northwest Atlantic, which cannot be statistically diff erentiated crucial step necessary to provide data to calibrate and validate from panmixia using twelve species specifi c polymorphic the model performance. Logistic regression will be used to microsatellite markers. In contrast, some previous studies produce susceptibility maps by relating a disturbance inventory have demonstrated signifi cant diff erences among individuals (dependent variable) to a series of causal/landscape factors collected from various parts of the species’ range using a variety (independent variable), predicting areas where disturbances of non-genetic techniques. In accordance with other reports are most likely to occur. Th ese probabilities can then be and consistent with the species’ life history, we demonstrate used to create a hazard susceptibility index identifying areas that the most parsimonious explanation reconciling observed with high, moderate and low susceptibility to disturbance. 101 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Landscape variables considered important for disturbance concentrations: (1) a mm to cm thin surface layer containing initiation include: slope, geology, wetness (i.e., wetness index), frost fl owers and brine skim with concentrations of >2,000 μmol topographic index (i.e., curvature), potential incoming solar kg-1, (2) an internal layer with concentrations of 200-400 μmol radiation, vegetation and distance to water channels. kg-1 and (3) a bottom layer with concentrations of <100 μmol Hazard susceptibility maps generated as a result of kg-1. Snowfall events caused the sea ice to warm, dissolving this research will predict landscape elements susceptible ikaite crystals under acidic (pH ~ 5) conditions. Removal of to permafrost disturbance providing quantitative baseline the snow cover allowed the sea ice to cool and brine salinities information on landscape sensitivity to both projected climate to increase, resulting in rapid ikaite precipitation. Th us, varying change and resource-based land uses. Th is is necessary as the snow conditions may play a key role in ikaite precipitation infrastructure and resources for Arctic communities, from and dissolution in sea ice. Th is will have implications for drinking water to roads and housing, critically depend on the CO2 exchange with the atmosphere and ocean. Using the state of the permafrost and land stability. Hazard susceptibility FREZCHEM model we show that observed ikaite crystal maps can provide communities, government agencies and concentrations in sea ice generally agree with equilibrium industry with land planning information to cost-eff ectively map concentrations calculated from seawater temperature, salinity and identify potentially hazardous areas in the Arctic where the and pCO2. susceptibility to disturbance or degradation is high.

HISTORIES OF THE ARCTIC FUTURE: THE ELUSIVE DYNAMIC IKAITE PRODUCTION AND DREAM OF NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT DISSOLUTION IN SEA ICE - CONTROL BY Sandlos, John ([email protected]) TEMPERATURE, SALINITY AND PCO2 CONDITIONS Department of History, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Rysgaard, SØren1,2,3,4 ([email protected]), F. Wang1,5, R.J. Galley1, R. Grimm6, M. Lemes1, N.-X. Geilfus1, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrodor, A1C 5S7 A. Chaulk1, A.A. Hare1, O. Crabeck1, B.G.T. Else1, Since the early twentieth century, economic boosters K. Campbell,1 T. Papakyriakou1, L.L. Sørensen4, J. Sieverts4,7 and D. Notz6 from the private and public spheres have promoted various schemes to catapult the Canadian Arctic from icy wasteland 1 Centre for Earth Observation Science, Department of Envi- to a productive contributor to the national economy. Whether ronment and Geography, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, the economic engine was to be the ranching of domesticated MB R3T 2N2, Canada wildlife, or the more capital intensive exploitation of minerals, 2 Department of Geological Sciences, University of Manitoba, diamonds, or hydrocarbons, the rhetoric surrounding specifi c Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada northern development projects suggested the creation of a 3 Greenland Climate Research Centre, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, 3900 Nuuk, Greenland new North, with development as a gateway to the utopian 4 Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, advance of civilization to the region. Th is presentation will Denmark trace the historical development and evolution of the rhetoric 5 Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, surrounding the future of the Canadian Arctic. I will draw MB R3T 2N2, Canada on previous research on wildlife management, comparative 6 Max-Planck Institute for Meteorology, Hamburg, Germany examples from imagined Arctic futures outside Canada, and 7 Aarhus University, Department of Environmental Science, an overview of case study work on mineral developments 4000 Roskilde, Denmark conducted as part of an ArcticNet NI research program (Polaris Ikaite is a hydrous calcium carbonate mineral Mine, Nanisivik Mine, Rankin Inlet, etc.). Th e talk will argue that, despite the boosterish rhetoric, the history of development (CaCO3 • 6H2O). It is only found in a metastable state, and decomposes rapidly once removed from near-freezing water. in the Canadian Arctic served to entrench the region’s status as a Recently, ikaite crystals have been found in sea ice and it has zone for the sporadic and uncoordinated extraction of primary been suggested that their precipitation may play an important commodities. Th e presentation will conclude with an assessment of the lessons history might off er about current imagined role in air-sea CO2 exchange in ice covered seas. Little is known, however, of the spatial and temporal occurrence of Arctic futures based on off shore oil exploitation, a navigable ikaite in sea ice. Here we present evidence for highly dynamic Northwest passage, massive mineral development such as the ikaite precipitation and dissolution in artifi cially grown sea Mary River Iron Ore Mine, investments in mass infrastructural ice. During the experiment, ikaite precipitated in sea ice with development, and further engagement of Inuit communities in temperatures below – 3°C, creating three distinct zones of ikaite the development process. 102 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

CLIMATE CHANGE AND BROWSING: PHENOLOGY distribution, as vegetation communities are distributed along OF A SUMMER RESOURCE FOR MIGRATORY moisture gradients often determined by snowfall patterns CARIBOU across the landscape. Furthermore, changes in soil moisture and temperature could alter fl uxes of greenhouse gases such Saucier, Valérie1,2 ([email protected]), J.-P. Tremblay1,2 as carbon dioxide (CO ), methane (CH ) and nitrous oxide and S. D. Côté1,2 2 4 (N2O). Th e future net GHG balance of high-Arctic ecosystems 1 Département de biologie, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, will be determined by the interaction between vegetation G1V 0A6 distribution and the impacts of environmental factors on net 2 Centre d’études nordiques, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6 GHG exchange. Since 2008, we have been measuring both spatial and Climate change (CC) is increasing temperatures temporal variation in CO2, CH4 and N2O fl uxes using in the Arctic, which is extending plants growing season. combinations of eddy covariance, auto-chambers measuring Warmer, longer growing seasons could advance phenological CO2 fl uxes, and static chamber techniques at Cape Bounty, events, potentially forcing a mismatch between nutritional Melville Island, Nunavut. Measurements were performed in requirements of migratory caribou (Rangifer tarandus) and three major plant community types across a moisture gradient: resource availability. Our objective was to assess the combined polar semi-desert (PSD), mid-moisture tundra (MM) and eff ects of simulated warming (i.e. increased temperature and wet sedge meadow (WS). In 2008 and 2009, comprehensive nutrient availability) and browsing by migratory caribou on the measurements of all gases were carried out. Th e growing phenology of a dominant species in subarctic ecosystems, Betula seasons in the two years were diff erent in temperature and glandulosa. We expected a shift in phenology mostly driven by precipitation, allowing us to characterize variations in trace CC, with browsing delaying reproductive stages. Since 2009, gas fl uxes across environmental gradients of temperature and we have simulated two levels of temperature (with and without moisture. In 2008, only the WS community was a net CO2 open-top chambers), two levels of nitrogen fertilisation (0 and sink, whereas in 2009 all vegetation types were CO2 sources, 1 g m-2) to simulate long term eff ects of CC, and three levels with MM emitting almost an order of magnitude more carbon of summer browsing (0, 25 and 75% of twigs browsed), within than the other two plant communities. WS released the most fi ve fenced blocks. Regardless of treatments, there were annual N2O and CH4, followed by MM communities, while PSD diff erences in the reponses of B. glandulosa. Phenological stages soils were net CH4 sinks. Th ere was little discernible infl uence were mostly infl uenced by warming. Flowering stages appears to of environmental factors on N2O fl uxes, while environmental be more variable than fruiting and senescence. In 2013, when factors and vegetation type had a signifi cant eff ect on CH4 the growing season was shorter, warming advanced the leaf out fl ux and ecosystem respiration. Overall, emissions of CH4 and and yellowing of leaves. Long term eff ects of CC and browsing N2O, tended to be higher in the warmer year 2008. On a given did not aff ect the timing of phenological events, although land area, depending on the climate of a given season and on browsing could have reduced the amount of reproductive the relative cover of the diff erent vegetation types, CH4 fl ux -2 structures. Previous analyses show that B. glandulosa is a tolerant can result either in carbon effl ux or uptake (4.12x10−3 g C m -1 species, so the intensity of our browsing simulation may not season in 2008 vs. –12.69x10−3 g C m-2 season-1 in 2009 be suffi cient to limit the eff ect of increased temperatures on B. for the entire Cape Bounty area). Th e CH4 effl uxes are small glandulosa’s phenology. compared to more southern ecosystems, but uptake values are signifi cant, comparable even to tropical ecosystems. Given the vast expanses of polar deserts, and the more potent nature of CH as a GHG, changes in the spatial extent of the diff erent FACTORS REGULATING NET GREENHOUSE GAS 4 EXCHANGE ACROSS HIGH-ARCTIC LANDSCAPES vegetation types could have a signifi cant impact on net climate AT CAPE BOUNTY, MELVILLE ISLAND, NUNAVUT: forcing attributed to high-Arctic ecosystems. INTERACTION OF VEGETATION DISTRIBUTION More recently, in 2012 and 2013 we have used auto- AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS chamber systems to quantify both net CO2 effl ux and ecosystem respiration from MM and PSD communities. Th ese chambers Scott, Neal A. ([email protected]), I. Wagner, F. Gregory, make measurements every 30 minutes over the entire growing E.C. Buckley and P.M. Treitz season. Our results from 2012 show that MM communities Department of Geography, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON were consistent net carbon sinks that year. In 2013, we measured net CO effl ux and ecosystem respiration in PSD sites on both K7L 3N6 2 vegetated and bare ground areas. Th ese data will allow us to Global-scale climate simulations predict signifi cant come up with more realistic estimates of the net GHG balance changes both in temperature and moisture regimes in the high of the high-Arctic landscape, and how it might change in Arctic. Th is could lead to changes in vegetation community response to a change in climate. 103 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

POST-CALVING AND SUMMER HABITAT SELECTION the Bathurst caribou herd covering the period between 2004 BY BARREN-GROUND CARIBOU AS A COMPONENT and 2010. Th e modeling eff ort focused on the post-calving and OF CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ASSESSMENT summer ranges as these periods are thought to be related to over- winter suvival, and when caribou are most likely to be in the Sharam, Greg ([email protected]) and B. Milakovic vicinity of several industrial activities. Th ese models are intended Rescan Environmental Services Ltd - an ERM Company, to meet requirements to monitor caribou in an eff ective and Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 2J3 meaningful way that contribute to caribou management and cumulative eff ects assessment. Th is is a robust alternative to Barren ground caribou are a biologically and culturally aerial surveys, and is consistent with the views of regulators, important species in the Arctic. Caribou sustain wild predator communities and agencies that are pushing for regional and populations such as wolves, grizzly bear and wolverine, and broad scale approaches to monitoring. provide critical resources for human populations living in the North, particularly Aboriginal communities. Hunting, disease, and environmental variability can all aff ect caribou numbers, SAKKIJÂNGINNATUK NUNALIK: SUSTAINABLE and the eff ects from industrial activities occurring within the SOLUTIONS FOR THRIVING NUNATSIAVUT species range need to be monitored for management purposes. COMMUNITIES Bathurst caribou winter below the treeline and migrate to 1 1 calving grounds to the west of Bathurst Inlet. Th e size of the Sheldon, Tom ([email protected]), C. Goldhar , 2 Bathurst caribou herd has declined from about 200,000 females and T. Bell in 1986 to approximately 31,900 ± 11,000 individuals in 2009, 1 Environment Division, Nunatsiavut Government, Nain, an average annual decline of about 6% per year from 1986 to Newfoundland and Labrador, A0P 1L0 2006, and then a very rapid decline of 35% per year between 2 Department of Geography, Memorial University, St. John’s, 2006 and 2009. Th ese population trends have been attributed Newfoundland and Labrador, A1B 3X9 to declining calf survival, and concomitant declines in adult female fecundity, and survival in winter due to hunting. A Rapid population growth and resulting community survey conducted in 2012 under ideal conditions reports that expansion along the Nunatsiavut coast coupled with recent the population has remained stable, or may have increased to climatic and environmental changes demand sustainable 35,000 individuals since 2009. Caribou abundance is thought to approaches to community planning and development. In fl uctuate with a periodicity of between 40 and 70 years. While response to these on-going challenges, community leaders the decline in caribou numbers may be a consequence of natural from the fi ve coastal communities of Nunatsiavut have forged population cycles, current low numbers make the populations partnerships across multiple levels of government and with vulnerable to human harvest, disturbance, disease, and weather universities to create SakKijânginnatuk Nunalik (the Sustainable events. Caribou vary in their response to disturbances based on Communities Initiative or SCI). Th e SCI is building vibrant, the time of year and age of calves. Caribou are most sensitive to resilient, sustainable communities in Nunatsiavut through a population-level eff ects during calving and post-calving when holistic, integrated community development program that is calves are most susceptible to predation and disturbance. Recent closely informed by the needs of Nunatsiavummiut and the evidence suggests that over-winter survival may be related to priorities of policy-makers. Th e SCI is providing innovative conditions on the summer range. Inadequate leaf biomass, solutions through action-oriented projects that aim to: develop late start date and early end date of green leaf biomass, and a food security strategy; address food security needs and support poor quality of leaf biomass in the summer range are generally youth-at-risk through a community freezer and youth outreach believed to be detrimental to caribou growth and pregnancy program; engineer water and wastewater system solutions; rate during the summer-fall period and calf:cow ratio in the complete hazard assessments and map planning constraints in next year. Given the vulnerability of calves during the post- calving period and the relationship between habitat quality and communities; develop an Inuit based sea-ice classifi cation system caribou demographics, industrial activity on the post-calving for on-ice travel; create climate change adapted sustainable and summer ranges may contribute additional pressures on community plans; forge new housing directions through the caribou. Understanding the relative contributions of natural development of a housing strategy and the creation of new and anthropogenic factors to population level changes in housing designs completed through a participatory, community- the Bathurst caribou herd is the goal of cumulative eff ects driven design process; and, advance an energy security vision assessment, and fundamental to developing sound management for the region. All of the SCI projects aim to ensure that practices to promote the long-term sustainability of the herd. Nunatsiavut communities have the information and support A broad-scale resource selection function was developed for needed to adapt to the already occurring and unavoidable 104 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

impacts of environmental and social changes, while embracing Inlet (15), Nunavut; Umiujaq (20), Kangiqsujuaq (17), and integrated plans and opportunities to make Inuit communities Kangiqsualujjuaq (9), Nunavik; and Nain (23), Nunatsiavut. more resilient and sustainable. Recent outcomes of the fi rst year We followed the same semi-structured questionnaire to obtain of phase II of the SCI include: the completion of landscape qualitative responses on observed changes across three broad hazard and building constraint maps for the communities of environmental categories: 1) Vegetation/ Berries, 2) Weather/ Hopedale and Postville that will inform updated sustainable Seasons, and 3) Animals. To investigate long-term changes in community plans; the successful completion of the fi rst year of climate, we extracted high resolution gridded climate data from the community freezer, youth outreach program; the completion the Climatic Research Unit Time-Series datasets (CRU TS3.1) of an infrastructure risk assessment targeting housing in all for each community. We chose a comparable 30 year period (1977-2007) for trend analysis of 12 climate variables calculated communities that will guide a housing design charette; and, an from monthly mean data. We estimated Th eil-Sen slopes and evaluation of the municipal water and wastewater systems in 95% confi dence intervals for each time series, and tested for Rigolet and Nain. Th e SCI is continuously building momentum signifi cance using the non-parametric Mann-Kendall test (p and working towards ensuring the continued success of future <0.05). We investigated patterns in interview responses and their projects and programs and, ultimately, fostering meaningful, correlation with climate variables using multivariate ordination. positive change for Nunatsiavut communities. We found that Inuit are observing signifi cant environmental changes in all locations across the Canadian Arctic. Th is corresponds with signifi cant long-term changes in INUIT KNOWLEDGE AND 30-YEAR TRENDS IN climate variables, such as the general trend towards increased GRIDDED CLIMATE DATA REVEAL SIGNIFICANT annual temperature for most communities, and increased annual ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES ACROSS THE CANADIAN ARCTIC precipitation in eastern communities. Within-community consensus was strongest for Vegetation/Berries followed by Siegwart Collier, Laura1 ([email protected]), J. Gérin-Lajoie2, Weather/Seasons and Animals. However, the opposite pattern 3 2 1 2 A. Cuerrier , E. Lévesque , L. Hermanutz , C. Spiech and appeared true for consensus between communities. Notable 4 G. Henry patterns for each interview response category follow. 1) Vegetation/Berries: most communities perceived an increase 1 Memorial University of Newfoundland, Department of Biology, St. John’s, NL, A1B 3X9 in shrub abundance. Th e two most easterly communities also 2 Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Département des perceived increases in all plants and trees, which correlated with Sciences de l’environnement et Centre d’études nordiques, long-term increases in annual and summer precipitation. Nain Trois-Rivières, QC, G9A 5H7 was the only community to strongly perceive declines in berry 3 Jardin botanique de Montréal, Institut de recherche en biologie quantity and quality; 2) Weather/Seasons: most communities végétale, Montréal, QC, H1X 2B2; Université de Montréal, perceived changes in timing of seasons, while many of the Montréal, QC, H3C 3J7 eastern communities noted less snow, more rain, decrease 4 University of British Columbia, Department of Geography, sea ice thickness, later sea ice freeze-up and earlier break-up. Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4 Th ese patterns correlated with an increase in annual and fall Th e Canadian Arctic is experiencing unprecedented precipitation. Kugluktuk stood out as the only community changes linked to increased climate variability, population to strongly perceive less rain; 3) Animals: there was common growth and development. As such, there is growing concern perception among most communities that fi sh, bird and among Inuit that these changes threaten the availability and mammal abundance is changing. In all cases, we found no integrity of their natural and cultural resources. Here we correlation between the age and/or gender of participants and synthesize Inuit knowledge of environmental change from interview responses. Although we’ve identifi ed some perceptions multiple communities and geographic locations across the common to most communities, patterns in interview responses Canadian Arctic, and we integrate their knowledge with long- appear to be locally driven. In many cases, local perceptions term climate data to develop a comprehensive understanding correlated with signifi cant changes in climate variables. Th is of environmental change across tundra ecosystems. Th is emphasizes the importance of locally-driven strategies to climate collaborative and interdisciplinary approach is necessary to change adaptation. understand locally-based concerns where climate change may be occurring asymmetrically. From 2007-2010, we consulted 144 Inuit Elders and knowledge holders from the following communities and regions: Kugluktuk (17), Baker Lake (24), Pangnirtung (19) and Pond 105 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

PARASITISM OF CARIBOU HERDS ACROSS THE eckerti during summer, which is consistent with the mode of CIRCUMPOLAR ARCTIC transmission of these parasites through infected vegetation. Prevalence and intensity of Hypoderma tarandi were higher Simard, Alice-Anne1 ([email protected]), S.D. Côté1, K. Beckmen2, V. Brodeur3, M. Campbell4, in calves, probably because calves had not yet developed an B. Croft5, C. Cuyler6, T. Davidson7, J. Dau2, J. Ducrocq8, immune response against infection. Echinococcus granulosus and B. Elkin5, T. Giroux7, A. Kelly5, M. Kienzler9, L. Parett2, Fascioloides magna, two parasites with a cumulative eff ect of D. Russell10, J. Taillon1 and S. Kutz8 infection, were more present in adults. Th e two Greenland herds had higher prevalence and intensity of Cephenemyia trompe 1 Université Laval, Département de biologie et Centre d’études than others. Our research provides the fi rst comparative survey nordiques, Pavillon Alexandre-Vachon, Québec, Québec, of caribou health across a broad geographic range. Canada, G1V 0A6 2 Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA, 99701 3 Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement, FUTURE DIRECTIONS IN RESEARCH IN INUIT de la Faune et des Parcs, Direction de l’expertise Énergie-Faune- EDUCATION ROUNDTABLE SESSION Forêts-Mines-Territoire du Nord-du-Québec, Chibougamau, Québec, Canada, G8P 2Z3 Simon, Mary 4 Government of Nunavut, Department of Environment, National Committee on Inuit Education, Inuit Tapiriit Kivalliq Region, Arviat, Nunavut, Canada, X0C 0E0 Kanatami, Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 5E7 5 Government of the Northwest Territories, Environment and Natural Resources, Wildlife and Fisheries, Yellowknife, Abstract Th e National Strategy on Inuit Education, Northwest Territories, Canada, X1A 3S8 released by Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami in 2011, responds to the 6 Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Postboks 570, stark reality in Inuit education today where it is estimated Nuuk, Greenland 3900 7 Athabasca Land Use and Resource Planning, Prince Albert roughly 75% of the children are not completing high school, Grand Council, Opawakoscikan Reserve #201, Prince Albert, and many who do, fi nd that their skills and knowledge are Saskatchewan, Canada, S6V 7G3 not comparable to those of other Canadian graduates. Th e 8 University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calgary, implementation of the Strategy will be long-term, and the Alberta, Canada, T2N 4N1 National Committee on Inuit Education has chosen to prioritize 9 Yukon Department of Renewable Resources, Dawson City, one short-term recommendation; to improve the capacity for Yukon, Canada, Y0B 1G0 research in Inuit education. Without suffi cient information, 10 Conservation and Sustainability, Environment Canada, it is diffi cult to make informed choices on building an Inuit- Canadian Wildlife Service, Pacifi c and Yukon Region, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, Y1A 5B7 centred education system, or for parents to understand how their children are doing compared to other Canadian children. Comparative studies across time and geographical regions Building on the successes of the Roundtable on Research are useful to improve our understanding of the health and in Inuit Education held during the 2012 ArcticNet Annual dynamics of wildlife populations. Here, a total of 1833 caribou/ Scientifi c Meeting and the 1st Forum on Research in Inuit reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) were sampled across thirteen Education held in Iqaluit, Nunavut in February 2013, the herds from Alaska to Greenland to assess some or all of seven Amaujaq National Centre for Inuit Education and Inuit parasites: Hypoderma tarandi, Cephenemyia trompe, Fascioloides Qaujisarvingat: Inuit Knowledge Centre will convene a magna, Taenia hydatigena, Echinococcus granulosus, Taenia roundtable session on Future Directions in Inuit Education krabbei and Dictyocaulus eckerti. We seeked to determine which Research. National Committee on Inuit Education Chairperson, combinations of factors such as gender, age class, sampling Mary Simon, will lead discussions on the results of the previous period and population size best explained the prevalence Roundtable and Forum, and the importance of re-balancing the and intensity of those parasites after correcting for the year research agenda and principles for Inuit education. Discussion of sampling. Fascioloides magna was present only in the two Québec herds, and caribou from the Rivière-George herd had will focus on the research priorities and gaps identifi ed, a higher intensity than caribou from the Rivière-aux-Feuilles including the development of joint Inuit and non-Inuit research herd. Th e prevalence and intensity of Fascioloides magna and teams. Th is Roundtable Session will be complemented by a Dictyocaulus eckerti were higher during the population size peak Plenary Session by Ms. Simon. Th ese sessions will be of great and afterwards than at other times, suggesting the importance interest to those pursuing Inuit education research, enabling of population size in the transmission of these parasites. Th ere participants to contribute to the future of research on Inuit was a higher prevalence of Fascioloides magna and Dictyocaulus Education. 106 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

THE NUNAVUT FOOD SECURITY COALITION’S and objectives that will help guide action on food security into NUNAVUT FOOD SECURITY STRATEGY the future. Th e Nunavut Food Security Coalition will provide Statham, Sara1 ([email protected]), N. Obed2, E. McKenna3 oversight, guidance, and leadership for the Nunavut Food and A. MacRury1 Security Strategy, as well as the development, implementation, 1 Department of Health, Government of Nunavut, Iqaluit and evaluation of associated action plans. Th e Coalition, Nunavut, X0A 0H0 co-chaired by the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut 2 Department of Social and Cultural Development, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., consists of 30 members that represent Tunngavik Inc., Iqaluit Nunavut, X0A 0H0 government departments, Inuit associations, non-governmental 3 Department of Family Services, Government of Nunavut, organizations, and the private sector. Participation in the Iqaluit Nunavut, X0A 0H0 Nunavut Food Security Coalition is voluntary and open to any Nunavummiut share a commitment to address what is Nunavut organization that shares its collective vision of a food considered to be a food security crisis. In fact, the 2007-2008 secure Nunavut. Inuit Child Health Survey states that 7 in 10 Inuit preschoolers in Nunavut live in food insecure households. Access to healthy and aff ordable food has been a challenge for Nunavummiut for OVERVIEW OF THE IRIS 1 REGIONAL IMPACT many years, and this issue has emerged as a major political and ASSESSMENT public concern. Stern, Gary, A. ([email protected]) and A. Gaden In 2009, the Government of Nunavut released a statement of priorities, Tamapta, which emphasized the importance of Department of Environment and Geography, University of meeting the basic needs of Nunavummiut, including aff ordable, Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2 healthy food. As part of these priorities, the Government of Nunavut announced that it would prepare and implement a Th e ArcticNet Integrated Regional Impact Study (IRIS) poverty reduction strategy. for the Inuvialuit Settlement Region and the Kitikmeot region In 2010-2011, the Nunavut Roundtable for Poverty of Nunavut (collectively referred to as “IRIS 1”) is in the process Reduction undertook an extensive public engagement process to of developing a regional impact assessment (RIA) of climate inform a territorial poverty reduction plan. Th is process included change and other stressors (e.g. modernization). Th e RIA is eff orts to understand the experience of food insecurity among supported and based on Inuit traditional knowledge, western Nunavummiut. As a result, the poverty reduction strategy, Th e science, a regional climate model and consultations with regional Makimaniq Plan: A Shared Approach to Poverty Reduction, called decision-makers, and it aims to make knowledge accessible and for “those in leadership roles that deal with food security to work understandable for everyone, particularly resource managers together for the benefi t of all Nunavummiut.” Th e Makimaniq and decision-makers at all political levels. Th e presentation Plan included a commitment: “We will establish a Nunavut will illustrate “where we are” with respect to the IRIS 1 RIA. Food Security Coalition... and develop a territorial action plan Discussion items will include our progress, consultation with on food security.” stakeholders, integration with other reports, gaps and timeline. Th e Nunavut Food Security Strategy is the result of this commitment. Prepared by the Nunavut Food Security Coalition, the Strategy is derived from the poverty reduction CESIUM IN ARCTIC BELUGA AND CARIBOU BEFORE public engagement process that was used to prepare Th e AND AFTER THE FUKUSHIMA ACCIDENT OF 2011 Makimaniq Plan, the recommendations outlined in Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.’s 2010-2011 Annual Report on the State of Stocki, Trevor J.1 ([email protected]), M. Gamberg2, Inuit Culture and Society, the thousands of statements from L. Losetto3, E. Pellerin1, L. Bergman1, J.-F. Mercier1, Nunavummiut documented on social media, the evidence from L. Genovesi1, M. Cooke1, B. Todd1, D. Sandles1, J. Whyte1 and 4 academic and government research, as well as the Nunavut Food X. Wang Security Symposium. 1 Radiation Protection Bureau, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9 Th e Nunavut Food Security Strategy refl ects over two years 2 Gamberg Consulting, Whitehorse, Yukon,Y1A 7A1 of collaborative eff ort, and describes the actions that must be 3 Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N6 taken to improve food security in Nunavut. Th e Strategy is 4 Environment Canada, Burlington, Ontario, L7R 4R6 structured around six themes: Country Food, Store-Bought Food, Local Food Production, Life Skills, Programs and Following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident in Community Initiative, as well as Policy and Legislation. For March 2011, northern Canadians expressed their concerns each theme, the Coalition has identifi ed a mission, rationale, about possible radioactive contaminants in important traditional 107 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

foods. Th erefore, a study has been conducted to measure the 3 Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., Iqaluit, Nunavut, X0A 0H0 levels of radionuclides in Arctic caribou and beluga whales. Th e 4 Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Inuvik, Northwest main radionuclide of concern is cesium-137, which has a half- Territories, X0E 0T0 life of 30 years and is chemically similar to potassium, thereby easily accumulating in plants and animals. Cesium-137 was Inuit Research Advisors act as a link between the Inuit released into the atmosphere during nuclear weapons tests in community and the research community. As they are located the 1950s-60s and during nuclear accidents, such as Chernobyl in each of Canada’s four Inuit regions, they are there to assist in 1986. Previous studies have been made on the cesium-137 researchers travelling to the north to conduct research. Th ey can levels in Canadian caribou herds from 1958 to 2000, allowing assist in many ways such as: linking researchers to local people, researchers to determine the amount of cesium-137 in caribou advise researchers on community needs, assist researchers new to specifi cally attributable to atmospheric weapons testing and the the north on ethics, and even help to fi nd Inuit willing to assist Chernobyl accident. Samples of lichens, mushrooms, caribou with the research itself and act as research assistants. and beluga whales taken before and after the Fukushima Th is interactive topical session will be led by the Inuit accident were freeze dried, homogenized, and measured using Research Advisors, whereby participants will learn the various gamma ray spectroscopy to identify the radionuclides present processes of conducting research in Canada’s arctic regions, and determine the radioactivity concentration in the samples. To while engaging Inuit communities in each step of their research determine the effi ciency of the detectors for the diff erent sized project. Th e IRAs will facilitate breakout groups- each group samples, physical calibration standards were used and virtual focusing on a specifi c region. From proposal development to simulations were also performed. A comparison of the caribou sharing research results, participants will walk away with a samples from before and after the accident has indicated no greater understanding of how to engage Inuit in their research. increase in radioactivity as a result of the Fukushima accident. Th e fi rst half of the session will allow groups to brainstorm and Results are consistent with pre-Fukushima levels for these learn. Th e second half will be spent on presenting the results of caribou. Th e amount of Cs-137 measured in the mushrooms each group, followed by a discussion. and lichens was low. Th e pre-Fukushima mushrooms had the same level of Cs-137 as the post-Fukushima mushrooms. No Cs-137 was found in the pre-Fukushima beluga whale samples, IMPACTS OF THE MEADOWBANK GOLD MINE ON even if all the measurements were combined into one spectrum. WOMEN AND FAMILIES IN QAMANI’TUAQ (BAKER In the individual post-Fukushima beluga whale samples, Cs-137 LAKE), NUNAVUT TERRITORY was also not found. However, when the post-Fukushima beluga Tester, Frank J. ([email protected]) and K. Czyzewski whale measurements were combined, a negligible amount of radioactive Cs-137 was found. Th e amount of this Cs-137 School of Social Work, University of British Columbia, was about 200 times smaller than the natural radioactive Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z2 potassium in the samples. Th e Cs-137 present in beluga whales is probably attributable to leftover fallout from atmospheric Meadowbank, an open-pit gold mine operated by Agnico- weapons tests from the 1960s. All of these results are in accord Eagle Mines commenced operations north of Qamani’tuaq early with atmospheric monitoring results from the Radiation in 2010. Under an Inuit Impact Benefi t Agreement, signed with Protection Bureau, since the predominant environmental the Kivalliq Inuit Association in 2011, the company committed pathway for Fukushima pollutants to Canada is through the itself to producing, by March of 2012, a ‘Community Wellness atmosphere. Both the caribou and beluga whale results have Report and Implementation Plan’. To date, for reasons explored been communicated to the communities and stakeholders. Th e in the paper, this has not happened. Few resources have been caribou and beluga whale continue to be a healthy food choice directed to the community to address the impacts of the mine. for northerners, with respect to radioactivity. Th e paper is based on qualitative research done with Inuit women in Qamani’tuaq, consisting of a one-week research training workshop with women based on popular education INUIT RESEARCH ADVISOR WORKSHOP: CREATIVE techniques, focus groups and interviews with community WAYS TO ENGAGE INUIT COMMUNITIES IN ARCTIC informants working in law enforcement and social services. As of RESEARCH December 2012, Inuit comprised 24.7% of the total permanent workforce. Women comprised 45% of the 166 permanent Pamak, Carla1, B. Palliser2, R. Makkik3 and S. O’Hara4 Inuit employees. Other women are employed in temporary 1 Nunatsiavut Government, Nain, Newfoundland and Labrador, positions. With the exception of a few women working as part A0P 1L0 of the truck haul crew, most work in housekeeping, laundry, and 2 Kativik Regional Government, Kuujjuaq, Quebec, J0M 1C0 food preparation. While some women reported that working 108 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

or having a family member working at the mine had improved surface nutrients in the Antarctic may allow mitigation of their quality of life, many women recounted diffi culties they acidifi cation, via CO2 removal by enhanced summer production were having taking full advantage of employment opportunities. driven by iron inputs from glacial and sea-ice melting. Th ese Impacts were intersectional. Th e income made available has diff erences suggest that the Arctic system is more vulnerable contributed to substance abuse which, in turn, has contributed to anthropogenic change due to lower alkalinity, enhanced to problems associated with the ‘two-week in, two-week out’ warming, and nutrient limitation. work schedule of the mine, jealousies and family disputes, sometimes leading to violence. A lack of day-care facilities complicates women’s employment, as do incidents of harassment ASSESSING THE ROLE OF HYPSOMETRY, and a lack of appreciation and understanding of Inuit culture HYDROLOGY, AND THERMAL STRUCTURE IN THE and social history by Qablunaat employees from southern DYNAMICS OF WHITE GLACIER, AXEL HEIBERG ISLAND, NUNAVUT Canada. Women identifi ed needs for lifeskills training, fi nancial literacy and improved mental health services. Th ey expressed Th omson, Laura ([email protected]) and L. Copland concern over the lack of development of community-based alternatives to mine employment. Th ere was little recognition Department of Geography, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, among those interviewed of the implications for the community Ontario, K1N 6N5 when the mine is shut down, currently planned for 2017. It In the global cryosphere, the glaciers and ice caps of appears that little planning has been done for this eventuality. the Canadian Arctic Archipelago are currently the largest Th e paper examines factors inhibiting a better consideration of contributors to global sea level rise with an average annual mass social impacts on women and families, with recommendations loss of 67±6 gigatonnes between 2003 and 2010. Th e negative for changes in the role of women in deliberating and negotiating mass balance that has been observed across the entire Canadian impact benefi t agreements and the ways in which their needs are Arctic over the past decade is resulting in glacier retreat and met. thinning. However, it is unclear as to how negative mass balance will impact the thermal structure, hydrology, and thus motion of glaciers, which is an important feedback for future mass balance VULNERABILITY OF POLAR OCEANS TO through changes to glacier hypsometry. Using historical datasets ANTHROPOGENIC ACIDIFICATION: COMPARISON and new measurements of ice thickness, surface motion, and the OF ARCTIC AND ANTARCTIC SEASONAL CYCLES thermal structure of White Glacier, this study reports on how these properties have responded to the negative mass balance Shadwick, Elizabeth H.1, T.W. Trull1,2,3, H. Th omas4 (helmuth. trend observed at the glacier over the past fi fty years. [email protected]) and J.A.E. Gibson2 White Glacier is a 14 km long polythermal glacier in 1 Antarctic Climate & Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre, the Expedition Fiord region of Axel Heiberg Island, Nunavut University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia (79.4°N, 90.6°W). Research on the glacier has continued on a 2 Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of near-annual basis since 1959, when a team led by Fritz Muller Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia established the nearby McGill Arctic Research Station. Th e 3 CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, Hobart, Tasmania, White Glacier mass balance program is the longest running Australia program of its type for a mountain glacier in the Canadian 4 Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Arctic and it is a key indicator Arctic glacier health to the World Nova Scotia, Canada Glacier Monitoring Service. Early glaciological studies on White Glacier were diverse and included ice velocity measurements Polar oceans are chemically sensitive to anthropogenic and mapping the polythermal boundary. After the early acidifi cation due to their relatively low alkalinity and 1970s the program shifted almost exclusively to mass balance correspondingly weak carbonate buff ering capacity. Here, we measurements that show an increasingly negative mass balance -2 -1 compare unique CO2 system observations covering complete trend, reaching a record low in 2012 of -983 kg m a . annual cycles at an Arctic (Amundsen Gulf) and Antarctic We review early studies on White Glacier and show site (Prydz Bay). Th e Arctic site experiences greater seasonal how we are repeating past measurements using traditional warming (10 vs 3°C), and freshening (3 vs 2), has lower mass balance methods alongside modern approaches to 3D alkalinity (2220*10-6mol/kg vs. 2320*10-6mol/kg), and lower mapping, velocity measurements, and hydrological studies summer pH (8.15 vs 8.5), than the Antarctic site. Despite a in an eff ort to maximize the utility of historic data available larger uptake of inorganic carbon by summer photosynthesis, in this region. We are in the process of collecting data for the the Arctic carbon system exhibits smaller seasonal changes than creation of a new high resolution map of White Glacier using a the more alkaline Antarctic system. In addition, the excess combination of ‘structure from motion’ analysis of ground and 109 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

airborne photography, LIDAR (light detection and ranging) AANDC’s CCAP has developed a TP with the three measurements, and dGPS elevation profi les, which will be used territorial governments (Nunavut, NWT and Yukon). Th e to calculate volume change since the production high quality TP, a four year (2012-2016), $4 million commitment, is a key maps from 1959. We have installed three continuously running component of AANDC’s CCAP. Th rough this partnership, dGPS stations and a network of 22 prisms, which are measured territorial governments have developed own climate change with a robotic theodolite total station, to identify changes in adaptation projects to address their most pressing priorities. the onset, duration, frequency, and magnitude of seasonal Many of the projects have assessed the vulnerabilities and glacier speed-up events since the previous velocity studies of opportunities of climate change related to infrastructure, food the 1960s and 70s. To determine long-term changes in the security, traditional livelihoods, and emergency management velocity structure of the glacier, these ground measurements and have begun work on the development of plans and are supplemented with velocity fi elds derived from multi- strategies to address these impacts. Th ese actions will aid in the spectral image correlation analysis and SAR methods. With a development and implementation of decisions that protect the combination of pressure transducers and time-lapse cameras health and safety of northern and Aboriginal communities. we gauge the diurnal and seasonal trends in glacier runoff to understand the coupling between hydrology patterns and velocity events. AN ISOTOPIC APPROACH FOR CHARACTERIZING RUNOFF GENERATION PROCESSES IN A LAKE-RICH THERMOKARST LANDSCAPE (OLD CROW FLATS, MOBILIZING SCIENCE RESULTS INTO THE YUKON, CANADA) DEVELOPMENT OF ADAPTATION ACTIONS Turner, Kevin W.1 ([email protected]), B.B. Wolfe2 and 3 Tremblay, Martin ([email protected]) T.W.D. Edwards 1 Climate Change Division, Natural Resources & Environment Department of Geography, Brock University, St. Catharines, Branch, Aboriginal Aff airs and Northern Development Canada, Ontario, L2S 3A1 2 Gatineau, Quebec, K1A 0H4 Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3C5 Aboriginal Aff airs and Northern Development Canada’s 3 Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University (AANDC) Climate Change Adaptation Program (CCAP)) of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1 is designed to meet Canada’s commitment to Aboriginal Application of novel hydrological methods for assessing and northern peoples’ pursuit of healthy and sustainable runoff generation in remote northern landscapes is necessary to communities, and to reduce future federal fi nancial and identify the consequences of climate variability and change. In environmental liabilities by allowing communities to prepare Old Crow Flats, a lake-rich thermokarst landscape in northern for, and respond to the impacts of climate change. Achieving Yukon (Canada), local land users have expressed concerns over this goal, AANDC-CCAP is contributing to the Territorial the eff ects of recent lake drainage and fl uctuating river discharge Partnership (TP) with the territorial governments ofYukon, on their traditional way of life. Here we evaluate the utility of NWT and Nunavut, as well as leading in partnership with the isotopic monitoring of the lower Old Crow River, which drains Standards Council of Canada, the Northern Infrastructure the fl ats, for tracking runoff generation. Isotopic ‘snapshots’ Standardization Initiative (NISI). Th ese are two prime examples obtained from three spring sampling campaigns provided of AANDC initiatives that mobilize knowledge and science results into the development of climate change policies and characteristic patterns of deuterium-excess (d-excess) along adaptation actions. the Old Crow River. River sampling in June 2007 captured a Th e NISI, a fi ve year (2011-2016), $3.5 million program pulse of evaporatively-enriched lake water originating from a funded under the Government of Canada’s Clean Air Agenda rainfall-triggered catastrophic lake drainage event, recognizable (CAA), was created to begin to lay the foundations necessary through decreased d-excess. June 2008 was marked by negligible to address the vulnerabilities of northern infrastructure to variability in d-excess along the same reach of the river, present and future climates. To date, the program has completed consistent with minimal export of lake waters after a winter of fi rst draft standards of each of the program focus areas: 1) below-normal snow accumulation. In contrast, rising d-excess Community Drainage in Northern Canada; 2) Management along the study reach in June 2009 was traceable to enhanced of Snow Loads on Northern Buildings; 3) Th ermosyphon- rainfall-generated runoff . Supported Foundations for New Buildings in Permafrost; 4) In the absence of a dense network of river discharge Managing the Eff ects of Permafrost Degradation on Existing data, which is rarely available in remote northern contexts, Buildings. our results indicate river water isotope sampling is a feasible 110 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

approach for characterizing lateral water movement across principles identifi ed by the Nunavut Department of Education the OCF landscape. For example, continued river isotope and the Government of Nunavut. In addition, the results sampling could be used to track lake drainage events and their provide evidence to support core investments identifi ed in the catchment of origin, and could be coupled with remote sensing National Strategy on Inuit Education (National Committee on techniques to identify their specifi c locations. River water Inuit Education, 2011, p. 9). isotope sampling is readily transferrable to other thermokarst landscapes where it could be incorporated by residents and agencies into local monitoring programs, and furthermore, CIRCUMPOLAR BIODIVERSITY MONITORING could also be linked with other measures such as total suspended PROGRAM (CBMP) – MARINE PLAN. INTEGRATED PAN-ARCTIC BIODIVERSITY MONITORING – sediments, and dissolved carbon and nitrogen species to examine IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE nutrient export in response to increased permafrost thaw and hydrological connectivity. Watkins, Jill ([email protected])

Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0E6 ENGAGING PARENTS TO IMPROVE HIGH SCHOOL Arctic biodiversity is under growing pressure from climate EDUCATION IN NUNAVUT change, resource development and other stressors, yet existing Walton, Fiona1 ([email protected]), N. Eegeesiak2, L. Metuq3, circumpolar monitoring programs have traditionally been J. Hainnu3, S. Pitsiulak3 and E. Flaherty3 largely uncoordinated. Th is has limited our ability to eff ectively monitor, understand and respond to biodiversity trends at the 1 Faculty of Education, University of Prince Edward Island, PE, circumpolar scale. C1A 4P3 2 Coalition of Nunavut District Education Authorities, Iqaluit, Th e Arctic Marine Biodiversity Monitoring Plan (the NU, X0A 0H0 CBMP-Marine Plan) is one of four pan-Arctic, long-term, 3 Government of Nunavut, Iqaluit, NU, X0A 0H0 integrated biodiversity monitoring plans produced by the Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF)’s Circumpolar Negative experiences in residential schools and a southern- Biodiversity Monitoring Program (CBMP). Approved by the dominated school system have adversely aff ected the attitudes Arctic Council in 2011, the CBMP-Marine Plan integrates of Inuit parents towards education. As a result, some parents in existing circumpolar monitoring datasets and models to improve Nunavut feel uncomfortable approaching teachers and school the detection and understanding of changes in Arctic marine principals to discuss their children’s progress. ArcticNet research biodiversity. conducted by Inuit and non-Inuit researchers who interviewed Th e CBMP-Marine Plan strives to provide comprehensive parents, grandparents, Elders, students, and DEA members and timely circumpolar information on Arctic marine raised questions related to the factors that promoted success biodiversity to decision makers. Its implementation is currently in school for students attending high school in Clyde River, Pangnirtung, Rankin Inlet and Kugluktuk. co-led by Canada and Greenland. Th e research revealed that when community members Th is presentation will present a selection of the results, feel invited, welcomed, and supported by Inuit and non-Inuit products and accomplishments of the CBMP-Marine Steering principals and teachers, they are more comfortable participating Group and Expert Networks during the fi rst two years of in dialogue about education. Th is leads everyone to encourage implementation (2011-2013). young people to stay in school, complete their homework, and develop work habits that lead to more success in school. Research results indicate that communication fl ows more easily UNDERESTIMATED ARCTIC WARMING IN between school and home and between the students, their MET OFFICE (UK) AND NOAA (US) GLOBAL parents, or grandparents, when principals and educators speak TEMPERATURE PRODUCTS the language of the community. More positive attitudes towards Way, Robert1 ([email protected]) and K. Cowtan2 education develop and students fi nd they have the supports necessary to help them to complete their education. Th e fi ndings 1 Department of Geography, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, address the fi rst research question raised in this ArcticNet Ontario, K1N 6N5 research focussed on high school success: What decisions, 2 Department of Chemistry, University of York, Heslington, practices, strategies and actions contribute to successful school- York, YO10 5DD community collaborations and improved parental engagement in two Nunavut communities? Th e values underpinning Global temperature trends over the past decade have these decisions and practices refl ect Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit remained relatively fl at according to the Met Offi ce (UK) 111 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

and NOAA (US) global air temperature products leading partners to investigate a wide range of atmospheric science to widespread discussion of a temporary “pause” in global topics, including climate change, ozone depletion, and air warming. However, these products contain observations for quality. Th e research presented will describe recent eff orts only 84% of the globe with large data gaps in the Polar Regions to expand PEARL’s observational capabilities in order to and Africa. In this study, we show that the apparent hiatus improve our understanding of water vapour in the High Arctic from warming is directly caused by insuffi cient instrumental atmosphere. coverage of the fastest warming parts of the world. Using a novel Th e expansion of water vapour observations includes approach, we combine instrumental observations and satellite participation in the MUSICA (Multi-platform remote Sensing radiance data with spatial interpolation techniques to create a of Isotopologues for investigating the Cycle of Atmospheric globally complete temperature record from 1979 to present. water) network. MUSICA aims to answer outstanding Holdout cross-validation tests demonstrate that this hybrid questions regarding the atmospheric water cycle. Participation method is superior to other methods of spatial interpolation in MUSICA has enabled the retrieval of accurate atmospheric in predicting the values of removed cells. Comparison with water vapour total columns from PEARL’s high-resolution Arctic observational and reanalysis datasets show that the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer measurements hybrid approach displays considerable skill at high latitudes and of solar absorption. Signifi cantly, the MUSICA retrieval technique gives unique insight into water isotopologues, reproduces the spatial patterns of recent warming with accuracy. opening up possibilities for investigating the evolution and Arctic (>60°N) temperature trends over the past decade transport processes of water vapour, which remain poorly are found to be signifi cantly greater than in the Met Offi ce understood, especially in the Arctic. and NOAA records while reanalysis products tend to show Th is new PEARL FTIR dataset provides a window into exaggerated Arctic warming. Several NCEP reanalysis products the concentration, seasonal variability, and other characteristics are shown to be characterized by biases relative to observations of water vapour in the High Arctic, helping to address the in the northern mid-latitudes and in both Polar Regions. paucity of water cycle data currently available in the region. Assessment of temperature change over the past decade reveals Understanding the variability in concentration is important that the apparent “pause” in global warming is an artefact which because water vapour plays a critical role in Earth’s radiation refl ects incomplete meteorological station coverage in the Arctic. balance as a greenhouse gas and through feedback eff ects. In addition, because of the large impact that water vapour can have on atmospheric spectroscopy generally, this knowledge informs EXPANDING OUR UNDERSTANDING OF the study of other gases. ATMOSPHERIC WATER VAPOUR IN THE HIGH Th e accuracy and reliability of the PEARL FTIR water ARCTIC vapour dataset has been verifi ed using many other instruments Weaver, Dan1 ([email protected]), at PEARL (e.g. Sun Photometer, Microwave Radiometer, K. Strong1, M. Schneider2, K.A. Walker1, T. Uttal3, N. Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer) and through O’Neill4, C.T. McElroy5, C. Sioris5, Z. Mariani1, P.M. Rowe6, comparisons with radiosondes launched from the nearby V.P. Walden7 and H. Vömel8 Environment Canada Eureka Weather Station and with satellite measurements by instruments on the Atmospheric Chemistry 1 University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada Experiment (ACE) mission. PEARL FTIR results are presented 2 Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, IMK-ASK, Karlsruhe, here and compared to data produced by these instruments, Germany 3 providing a more complete and robust picture of water vapour NOAA, Earth Systems Research Laboratory, Boulder, USA at Eureka. Th is knowledge provides a valuable contribution to 4 Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada ongoing studies of climate and the Arctic atmosphere. 5 York University, North York, Canada 6 University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA 7 Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA 8 GRUAN Lead Centre, Deutscher Wetterdienst, Lindenberg, DIVERSE VOICES: HIGH SCHOOL SUCCESS Germany FACTORS IDENTIFIED BY NUNAVUT YOUTH

Eureka, Nunavut (80.05° N, 86.42° W) provides a Wheatley, Kerri ([email protected]), F. Walton, A. McAuley and N. Arnaquq valuable vantage point for Arctic studies. Its High Arctic latitude off ers one of the world’s most northern facilities for Faculty of Education, University of Prince Edward Island, scientifi c research. Th e Canadian Network for the Detection Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3 of Atmospheric Change established the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory (PEARL) near Eureka in In spite of the fact that statistics on Nunavut education 2005. A suite of instruments enables PEARL researchers and portray an image of uniformity, the lived experiences of Inuit 112 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

youth in high school vary greatly from one community to the FROM COMMUNITY-BASED TO COMMUNITY- next, and between students. As educators, community members LED: UNDERSTANDING RESEARCH AS A CLIMATE and parents share opinions about education in Nunavut, CHANGE ADAPTATION STRATEGY FOR PUBLIC ArcticNet researchers presenting these fi ndings found that a key HEALTH IN THE NORTH stakeholder group was largely absent from the dialogue. In an Wolfrey, Charlotte1 ([email protected]), eff ort to create a more comprehensive view of education, young A. Cunsolo Willox2 and S.L. Harper3 people were asked to add their voices to the conversation. 1 A protocol for semi-structured interviews was developed AngajukKâk, Rigolet Inuit Community Government, Rigolet, to explore participants’ experiences with high school and to Nunatsiavut, Labrador, A0P 1P0 2 encourage reflection on the impact of those experiences. Th is Canada Research Chair in Determinants of Healthy Communities & Assistant Professor in Community Health, methodology ensured that participants were not constrained, School of Professional Studies, Cape Breton University, Sydney, and could maintain a large degree of control about the topics Nova Scotia, B1P 6L2 discussed. In conjunction with community partners, researchers 3 Assistant Professor in Ecosystem Approaches to Health, from the University of Prince Edward Island conducted Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, interviews with a cross-section of 19 Nunavut youth of diverse Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1 educational backgrounds. Participants between the ages of 17-25 were drawn from Pangnirtung, Rankin Inlet, Kugluktuk, and Local observations and scientifi c monitoring have included students attending school in Ottawa. Interviews were documented rapid changes in climate and environment in video recorded, transcribed and analyzed for common themes. Northern Canada. Th ese changes are aff ecting the livelihoods, Research footage was then used to produce a documentary video lifestyles, and activities of Inuit across Canada, and in some Alluriarniaq Stepping Forward: Youth Perspectives on Education cases are also negatively impacting their health and well-being. in Nunavut. From the fi ndings, strategies and practices that Finding ways to adapt to the health eff ects of climate change specifi cally contributed to high school success were identifi ed. has become both a priority and a necessity for many Inuit Results indicate that while parents and communities communities across the North. While tangible adaptation strategies and resources are important, many projects overlook hope young people will become successful adults, participants the capacity that research, and getting involved in the research expressed beliefs that the path towards success is very diff erent process, has for communities, not only to yield important results from one person to the next. Central elements that lead students about climate-sensitive health outcomes, but also to become an towards their own vision of success include: having a strong important adaptation strategy in and of itself. sense of personal and cultural identity, which can be developed Since 2007, the Rigolet Inuit Community Government during time spent with grandparents and engaging in cultural (RICG) has pro-actively worked to develop community- activities; as well as having a very strong support network that based participatory research projects to assist their community includes family, friends and educators. While young people in in adapting to the health eff ects of changing climatic and Nunavut expressed both their struggles and successes in high environmental conditions. Using a variety of qualitative and school, they remained confi dent that education can, and will quantitative methods, the community of Rigolet has worked change, for the future of generations of Nunavut. in partnership with academics and health professionals to Research results provide unique insight into the gather research on the relationship between climate change perspectives of youth on high school education in Nunavut, and waterborne and foodborne disease, climate-sensitive and demonstrate that young people have a valuable role to play mental health impacts, food security in a changing climate and in discussions about education in Nunavut. Research provides environment, and youth observations and perceptions of climate support for policy and curriculum initiatives with particular change and its impacts. Th rough these projects, the RICG has focus on individualized instruction and multiple options moved from a community-based to community-led research for success, and for increased inclusion of culture within the framework and has established a digital media and research school. Results help give discussion on high school education centre, which is emerging as a hub for research in the area. in Nunavut a human face, and supports the view that the Th ese research experiences have allowed Rigolet to increase their diversity of Nunavut students is an asset to the territory, and an overall research capacity, respond rapidly to research questions opportunity for continued improvement to education. and needs that emerge, and actively make changes in the community grounded in the research results. Presenting as part of a special session on climate change and health adaptation in the North, Climate Adaptation, Health, and Indigenous Knowledge (moderated by Dr. James Ford) we will describe how Rigolet has taken control of their 113 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

own research agenda, and actively undertakes projects which VARIATION IN THE CANADIAN BEAUFORT SEA meet the needs and priorities of the community in meaningful FISH COMMUNITY STRUCTURE AND RELATIVE and locally-appropriate manners. Th is presentation will provide ABUNDANCE ASSOCIATED WITH DEPTH AND an overview of the research projects conducted on climate HABITAT change and health in Rigolet, Nunatsiavut, explain the research Reist, Jim D., A.R. Majewski and R.J. Young (robert.young@ design approaches, and discuss how the presence of research in dfo-mpo.gc.ca) Rigolet has become an important form of health adaptation for the community. Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3t 2N6 Th e Beaufort Regional Environmental Assessment (BREA) identifi ed signifi cant gaps in the scientifi c and local stakeholder HOTSPOTS IN COLD SEAS: THE COMPOSITION, understanding of the Beaufort Sea ecosystem, one of which was DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE OF MARINE that associated with the off shore fi sh community. Th e over- BIRDS IN THE NORTH AMERICAN ARCTIC arching BREA program structure is to address these data gaps Wong, Sarah, N.P.1 ([email protected]), prior to signifi cant new oil and natural gas development in C. Gjerdrum2, K. H. Morgan3 and M. L. Mallory1 the region. Bottom and mid-water trawling methods are used to describe the fi sh community across the Canadian Beaufort 1 Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Sea at depths ranging from 35 to 1500 m for both benthic and Scotia, B4P 2R6 pelagic zones respectively. Fish occurrence, relative abundance 2 Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada, Dartmouth, and diversity are linked with the habitats available through Nova Scotia, B2Y 2N6 the collection of standard oceanographic variables (salinity, 3 Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada, Sidney, dissolved oxygen concentration, temperature nutrients, etc.), British Columbia, V8L 4B2 substrate composition through box coring, and benthic and pelagic community structure (zooplankton). Th e variation Th e distribution and thickness of sea ice in the Arctic in the fi sh community and relative abundance of the major is changing rapidly, resulting in changes to Arctic marine taxa are described throughout the depth ranges examined ecosystems. Seabirds are widely regarded as indicators of marine and spatially for the southern Beaufort Sea from the Alaskan environmental change, and understanding their distribution border to Amundsen Gulf. Results from 2012 have increased patterns can serve as a tool to monitor and elucidate biological the known species richness of marine fi shes in Canadian waters changes in the Arctic seas. We examined the at-sea distribution by 12 from 52 to 64; preliminary results from 2013 indicate of seabirds in the North American Arctic in July and August, additional species are present in Amundsen Gulf area. Pelagic 2007-2012, and identifi ed marine hotspots based on diet and diversity appears to be relatively low throughout the area (~6 foraging mode. Species richness and mean seabird density was species) whereas benthic diversity is much higher (~58 species). higher in the western Arctic (Aleutians, Alaska to Kugluktuk, Benthic diversity decreases with depth, being high on the shelf Nunavut) than the eastern Arctic (St John’s, Newfoundland (to ~200m depth), intermediate in slope waters (~200-500m to Kugluktuk). Short-tailed shearwaters (Puffi nus tenuirostris) depths), and low in deepwater. Beyond depths of ~1000m fi sh were the most abundant species observed. Northern fulmars diversity appears to consist primarily of species of eelpouts (Fulmarus glacialis), thick-billed murres (Uria lomvia) and (Zoarcidae) and Arctic Skate (Amblyraja hyperborea). Catches dovekies (Alle alle) were also sighted in large numbers. Few and hydroacoustic assessment indicate that overall, benthic birds were sighted between Dolphin and Union Strait and King relative abundance follows a similar pattern being relatively high on the shelf, moderate on the slope and low in deeper William Island. Persistent hotspots included: the Bering Sea, waters. Pelagic abundance represents an exception. First, Bering Strait, Chukchi Sea, Lancaster Sound, Baffi n Bay, Davis most biomass is represented by Polar (Arctic) Cod (Boregadus Strait and the low-arctic waters off Newfoundland. Th ese waters saida), and, second, although found in most environments, the are characterized by high primary productivity. Colony location, greatest abundance of Polar Cod occurs between 250-400m sea ice extent and physical processes driving primary production depths on the slope drop-off of the Mackenzie Shelf. Similar are likely important factors in the marine distribution of seabirds high abundances are found in Amundsen Gulf, however, in this area. Th is study is the fi rst to document the marine they occur primarily between 200-500m depths due to the distribution of seabirds across the entire North American Arctic shallower nature of this area. Th ese depth zones are complex within the same time period, providing a critical baseline for oceanographically and represent gradients between surface water monitoring the distribution and abundance of Arctic seabirds mass layers (North Pacifi c/freshwater infl uences), intermediate and a framework from which to predict future important marine layer (Atlantic infl uence), and deeper layer (Arctic Basin areas in a changing Arctic seascape. infl uence). It is hypothesized that during summer the upper 114 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

water mass provides concentrations of zooplankton essential to the diet of the concentrations of Polar Cod in the area while the intermediate water mass provides a homogeneous environment for seasonal growth. Predation from marine mammals is also likely reduced in this zone. Despite large biomass of Polar Cod in pelagic habitats, the diversity and sizable biomass of fi shes in benthic habitats implies this zone is integral to the overall functioning and health of the Beaufort Sea ecosystem. Th e implications of the diversity of marine fi shes, linkages among ecosystem types within the area, and possible trophic patterns are examined in relation to oil and gas development scenarios, ecosystem modeling and potential fi sheries in the region.

A NEW APPROACH TO MAPPING PERMAFROST AND CHANGE INCORPORATING UNCERTAINTIES IN GROUND CONDITIONS AND CLIMATE PROJECTIONS

Zhang, Yu1 ([email protected]), I. Olthof1, R. Fraser1 and S. Wolfe2

1 Canada Centre for Mapping and Earth Observation, Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0Y7 2 Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0E8

Spatially detailed information regarding permafrost evolution with climate change is critical for land-use planning and for environmental and ecological assessment. However, current maps about soil and ground conditions in the north are very coarse, and projected climate scenarios range widely. We propose a new approach to mapping permafrost thermal evolution by integrating fi eld measurements, remote sensing data, and a process-based model. Land-cover types from satellite imagery were used to capture the general land conditions and to improve the resolution of existing permafrost maps. Th e probability of diff erent ground conditions within land-cover types were estimated from fi eld observations. A process-based model was used to quantify the evolution of permafrost for each ground condition under three representative climate scenarios (low, medium and high warming). From the model results, the probability of permafrost occurrence and the most likely permafrost conditions can be determined. We applied this approach at 20 m resolution to a large area in Northwest Territories, Canada. Mapped permafrost conditions were in agreement with fi eld observations and other studies. It demonstrates that the data requirement, model robustness and computation time are reasonable, and therefore this approach may serve as a practical way to map permafrost and changes at high resolution in other regions. 115 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

POSTER ABSTRACTS

SEABED HABITAT MAPPING IN SUPPORT OF A perform a supervised classifi cation of the multibeam sonar data MOLLUSC FISHERY, EASTERN BAFFIN ISLAND, in ArcMap®, and to map the distribution of seabed topographic NUNAVUT, CANADA units and statistically distinct biological assemblages. Th ese data will allow us to assess how variations in seabed habitats and Aitken, Alec1 ([email protected]), T. Bell2, E. Edinger2 and biota change in response to water depth, sediment composition, E. Cowan2 tidal currents, and iceberg scour. 1 Department of Geography & Planning, University of Preliminary results from the 2013 fi eld campaign record Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5C8 several distinct benthic habitats within the Broughton Harbour 2 Department of Geography, Memorial University of and southern Broughton Island study areas. At depths between Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador, 5 and 40 metres the seabed is characterized by heterogeneous A1B 3X9 substrates consisting of various proportions of sand, gravel, boulders and shell hash; the coarser clasts support an abundance Our knowledge of the marine benthos inhabiting the of rockweed (Fucus sp.) and kelp (Laminaria sp., Agarum sp.). fj ords and continental shelf of Baffi n Island is rudimentary. Echinoderms, shrimp, fi sh (eelpout, sculpin), bivalves (Mya A recent pan-arctic inventory of the species diversity of the truncata, Serripes groenlandicus) and whelks (Buccinum sp.) occur macrofauna and megafauna inhabiting Arctic shelf seas commonly on these substrates. Broughton Harbour habitats identifi ed the waters bordering the Canadian Arctic Archipelago are distinguished by the presence of crinoids (Heliometra as some of the most poorly explored marine habitats in the sp.), chitons and anemones, while southern Broughton Island circumpolar North. Th is project allows us to assess the spatial habitats are distinguished by the abundance of sea urchins variation in benthic invertebrate community structure within (Strongylocentrotus sp.). At depths between 40 and 60 metres a marine habitat mapping context in the vicinity of the silty sand substrates were distinguished by the presence of community of Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut. bivalves (Macoma sp.), tubiculous polychaetes (Pectinaria In the summer of 2012, we acquired multibeam sonar granulata), and arenaceous foraminifera. bathymetry and acoustic backscatter data in Broughton Channel using the Kongsberg EM 3002 echosounder aboard M/V Nuliajuk. Ground-truthing of the bathymetric and acoustic PHYSICAL CONTROL OF SUBSURFACE backscatter data involved the selection of stations at which CHLOROPHYLL MAXIMUM IN THE ARCTIC OCEAN sampling was performed to recover bottom sediments and 1 benthic macrofauna and megafauna. Th ree priority sampling Ardyna, Mathieu ([email protected]), M. Babin1, P. Franks2, M. Gosselin3 and J-É. Tremblay1 areas were identifi ed based on previous research related to bivalve mollusc abundance: northern Baffi n Island, Broughton 1 Takuvik Joint International Laboratory, Laval University Harbour and southern Broughton Island. In each sampling area, (Canada) - CNRS (France), Département de biologie et ten sites were chosen for study. Five of the ten sites in each area Québec-Océan, Université Laval, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, had been sampled in a previous survey for molluscs and were Canada 2 chosen based on the full range of mollusc densities recorded in Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California the study area. Th e remaining fi ve sites in each area were chosen at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92037, USA 3 Institut des sciences de la mer de Rimouski, Université du based primarily on backscatter signal intensity, incorporating Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, Québec G5L 3A1, Canada diff erent substrate types, and at locations not previously sampled. Subsurface chlorophyll maxima (SCM) are common Th ree sampling techniques were employed in the fi eld to features of phytoplankton aggregation at depth in marine study the seabed sediments and benthic biota: video images, ecosystems ranging from the tropics to the Arctic. However, Ponar grab samples, and Kolquitz dredge samples. At each the large-scale abiotic and biotic mechanisms behind their sampling site one video transect (5 minute duration) was maintenance, depth and magnitude still need to be clarifi ed. undertaken, followed by replicate grab samples (n = 3-5), and In this study, we examined a large database of ocean stations lastly one dredge sample (5 minute duration). Data relating to documented with physical (i.e. vertical structure and light sediment characteristics (i.e. texture, organic matter content) attenuation of the water column), nutritive (i.e. nitrate, silicate and the species composition and abundance will be used to and phosphate concentrations) and biological (i.e. vertical 116 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

profi les of phytoplankton production and biomass, particulate LAI values and compare them to values obtained from three organic carbon and nitrogen) variables in an extremely cold and other methods. Field research took place at the Daring Lake stratifi ed biome, the Arctic Ocean. Th e hypothesis that SCM Tundra Ecosystem Research Station (N64°52’, W111°35’) in dynamics are driven by light attenuation, as shown at tropical central NWT over the months of June, July and August of latitudes, appears not to be valid in the Arctic Ocean. On the 2013. Six sampling sites were established, each with diff erent contrary, strong vertical density gradients between the polar surface and vegetation characteristics. Within each of these sites surface mixed layer and both the Atlantic (i.e. Eastern Arctic NDVI was measured in several 0.5m2 plots using the Tetracam Ocean) and Pacifi c (i.e. Western Arctic Ocean) –nutrient-rich ADC handheld infra-red camera and was calculated using the waters seem to constrain the maximal depth of SCM. Th is is associated PixelWrench2 software. LAI was measured using the particularly prevalent during the post-bloom period throughout point quadrat method, a LAI-2200 Plant Canopy Analyser from the Arctic Ocean, when the surface mixed layer is shallow and LI-COR, and by destructively harvesting and scanning all green surface nutrients are exhausted. Following SCM deepening, leaves within the plots. An ANOVA was used to compare the changes in phytoplankton physiology are also observed, such NDVI and LAI values among the six sampling sites and those as decreased productivity and biomass and evidence of photo- obtained using the diff erent methods. Th is paper discusses the acclimation at the SCM depth. To further assess this hypothesis, variances found between these measurements and attempts to a 1D model (Fennel & Boss 2003) was used to perform a establish links between small scale measurements of NDVI and sensitivity analysis, exploring these mechanisms and the role LAI in the Canadian sub-Arctic tundra. of other environmental variables on SCM dynamics (i.e. temperature, grazing pressure…). CHALLENGES AND DEVELOPMENTS IN SEA ICE MODELING SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL VARIATIONS OF NDVI IN A Auclair, Jean-Pierre1 ([email protected]), H. Ritchie1,2 and SUB-ARCTIC TUNDRA ENVIRONMENT J.-F. Lemieux3 Arruda, Sean ([email protected]) 1 Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Department of Geography, Trent Unniversity, Peterborough, NS, B3H 4R2 2 Ontario, K9J 7B8 Meteorological Research Division, Environment Canada, Dartmouth, NS, B2Y 2N6 Growing season for sub-Arctic tundra environments lasts 3 Meteorological Research Division, Environment Canada, only a couple of months during the summer. During these Dorval, QC, H9P 1J3 months there is a dramatic increase in ecosystem-atmosphere Accurate representation of small scale ice features such exchange of carbon dioxide and water vapour due mainly to as openings in landfast ice and ice leads constitutes a challenge photosynthesis as the tundra plants go through their annual for current sea ice models. Th e strong velocity gradients present growth cycle. Th erefore, it is important to monitor the diff erent in high resolution simulations of the ice slow the convergence characteristics of these ecosystems in order to build better of numerical solvers, resulting in the use of improperly refi ned predictive models of this net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of solutions. Errors in the sea ice velocity fi eld impact both greenhouse gases. Current NEE models use estimated values ice cover and thickness, which can in turn propagate and of leaf area index (LAI), derived from remotely sensed indices signifi cantly aff ect weather forecasts by modifying the exchanges such as the normalized diff erence vegetation index (NDVI). of energy and moisture between the ocean and the atmosphere. Due to the coarse resolution of the satellite images used (pixel Study of the numerical properties of the sea ice momentum size of 0.5km2 – 1.0km2) and the fact that the amount of balance is providing insight regarding these observed defi ciencies vegetation in these regions varies dramatically on the scale of in sea ice models. In parallel, the implementation of a new just meters, LAI is a large source of error in these models. For numerical solver for sea ice velocities which can handle the fi ne this reason it is important to develop smaller scale approaches structures present at high resolution is under way in the CICE for estimating LAI in these environments. Th is project has ice model. Th is presentation will provide an overview of the three main objectives in order to accomplish this. Th e fi rst problem along with preliminary results from both approaches is to determine whether spatial and temporal variations exist used to tackle it. in NDVI, measured at the plot scale (~0.5m2), between six diff erent tundra vegetation communities. Th e second objective is to determine the correlation between NDVI and LAI to show whether these plot scale NDVI measurements produce viable estimates of LAI. Th e third objective is to use these estimated 117 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

NATURALLY LOW CALCIUM CARBONATE DIGITAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS FOR SATURATION STATE WITH STRONG FLUVIAL INPUT COMMUNITY PLANNING IN NUNATSIAVUT IN THE ARCTIC INLAND SEA, THE HUDSON BAY SYSTEM Baikie, Caitlyn ([email protected]), R. Riedlsperger, S. Hatcher, and T. Bell Azetsu-Scott, Kumiko1 ([email protected]), M. Starr2, Z. Mei3 and M. Granskog4 Department of Geography, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1B 3X9 1 Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, B2Y 4A2 Canada According to the recent report on Nunatsiavut community 2 Pêches et Océans Canada, Institut Maurice-Lamontagne, priorities, challenges and opportunities, there is a signifi cant Mont-Joli, Québec, Canada lack of desirable building land in all communities (Nain 3 Marine Biology Institute, Shantou University, Shantou, China Research Centre Report 12-01). Available building space is 4 Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway constrained by a combination of landscape hazards, restricted areas and ground that is unsuitable for development. Land Hudson Bay system (HBS) is a shallow inland sea in the uses, including garbage dumps, airports, cemeteries, quarries southern margin of the Arctic, composed of Hudson Strait, Foxe and housing developments, are competing for the minimal Basin/Channel, James Bay and Hudson Bay. Dissolved inorganic amount of desirable land that is available. Meanwhile, changing carbon (DIC) and total alkalinity were measured to investigate climate may be impacting land suitability as a result of thawing the state of the ocean acidifi cation. Oxygen isotope composition permafrost aff ecting land stability or changing precipitation was used to identify the freshwater sources including sea ice and snowmelt patterns disrupting community drainage. Our melt water and meteoric water (precipitation, river and glacier Digital Information System for Communities (DISC) project runoff ). addresses the issue of building land in communities through the Th e saturation states of seawater with respect to calcium production of planning constraint maps that identify available, carbonate in surface water (<10m) is strongly infl uenced by river suitable areas for development across a range of land uses and runoff distribution with lower saturation states along the coastal under current and projected future climate states. Th ese maps regions, especially in the eastern Hudson Bay. Aragonite under- combine existing community information with Inuit Knowledge saturation at surface water was observed in the south-eastern and new geoscientifi c data in a georeferenced information part of the Bay, where river runoff content is high (>10%). database to support community infrastructure planning and Also the diff erence in watershed characteristics (limestone vs. development decisions. Each community database compiles for igneous rock formations) contributed to the saturation state the fi rst time digital information on community infrastructure variation in the coastal region. At depths, low saturation state and resources, landscape characteristics and hazards, regulated is caused by remineralization of organic matter. Th e highest land areas, protected and valued spaces and places, climate DIC concentrations (>2300 micromol/kg) were observed at scenarios and environmental modeling. To aid in landscape the central part of HBS bottom water with pH(total) of 7.49 and community visualization (e.g., shaded relief, variable solar and aragonite saturation state of 0.37. Over 67% and 22% of illumination), terrain imagery is draped over a digital elevation bottom water was undersaturated with aragonite and calcite, model created from satellite image pairs and combined with respectively in Hudson Bay. Th e aragonite saturation horizon selected information layers. Th e DISC project also provides was less than 5m deep in the coastal area of Hudson Bay where each Nunatsiavut Inuit Community Government (ICG) with salinity ranged from 25-27, whereas in central Hudson Bay it the infrastructure and training to access and update their digital was around 50m. Th e aragonite saturation was higher (>1.75) database. Th e applicability of, and engagement with, the DISC along northern Hudson Strait where off shore water with high database will be assessed during community planning revisions salinity fl ows from Baffi n Bay. Th e river water fraction showed in Hopedale in 2013/14, and appropriate modifi cations made a strong negative correlation with saturation states, while sea for planning updates in the other four Nunatsiavut communities ice meltwater fraction was small during this study and didn’t by 2015. Municipal plans and development regulations that are have a clear relationship with saturation states. Th e fl uvial based on community values, needs and concerns and informed input is the dominant controlling factor to the saturation states by the most current planning constraint data, including climate and pH in the coastal regions in the late summer to fall, while and landscape hazards, are excellent tools to guide ICGs in remineralisation of organic matter and a limited water exchange making day-to-day land use and development decisions that are infl uencing the low saturation state at depths. Th e observed build long-term sustainable, climate adapted communities. low saturation state in HBS is controlled by these natural processes and provides an interesting environment to study biological responses such as adaptation to ocean acidifi cation. 118 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES OF DISLOCATION FROM between the three local Aboriginal groups and a diverse group THE RIVERS AND LAND– RESULTS FROM THE of non-Aboriginal women. Women who participated included CLAIMING OUR PLACE: WOMEN’S RELATIONSHIP those who were traditionally marginalized and not engaged WITH RIVERS PROJECT IN HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE in community matters. Th is collaborative model used circle BAY, LABRADOR workshops to create a safe environment that allowed a diversity of women to talk about their experiences and to discuss these Baikie, Gail1 ([email protected]), L. Dean2 and P. Beals3 stories to identify key meanings and ideas together. 1 Academic Lead, FemNorthNet, Happy Valley-Goose Bay Although participation was open to all women living site, NL; based at School of Social Work, Dalhousie University, in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, the majority of the women were Halifax, NS originally from the predominately Inuit communities of 2 Researcher, FemNorthNet, Happy Valley-Goose Bay site, NL; Nunatsiavut. Inuit from these communities often relocate to based in Halifax, NS the town to access educational and health services, as well as 3 Community Lead, FemNorthNet, Happy Valley-Goose Bay employment opportunities. Many intend to do so temporarily site, NL but cannot return to their communities of origin for a variety of reasons. Th is group of women expressed grief about their Claiming Our Place: Women’s Relationship with disconnection from, and lack of access to the land and the rivers. Rivers in Happy Valley-Goose Bay is part of FemNorthNet, a Th ey refl ected that the activities that they associate with these Community-University Research Alliance (CURA)-supported natural settings - “going off on the land” for berry-picking, initiative of the Canadian Institute for the Advancement of hunting, fi shing – and not being able to connect their children Women (CRIAW). Th e project explored the connection between to this integral aspect of family and culture is damaging their women and their local natural environment and the potential personal well-being and cultural identity. implications to their wellbeing given the current natural resource economic development agenda. FemNorthNet involved women in four northern communities to help them develop leadership ARCTIC SCIENCE PARTNERSHIP (ASP): A NEW skills to mitigate impacts of community restructuring. INTERNATIONAL NETWORK TO EXAMINE AND Happy Valley-Goose Bay, a large, diverse community UNDERSTAND A CHANGING ARCTIC in central eastern Labrador, is the service hub for resource Barber, Lucette ([email protected]), S. Rysgaard and development interests throughout the region, and the nexus D. Barber of socio-economic impacts of building a hydroelectric dam at Muskrat Falls. Th is is the second dam on the Churchill River, Centre for Earth Observation Science, University of Manitoba, which has signifi cance to all of the peoples of the area. Winnipeg, MB R2T 2N2 Several cultures cross paths, historically and geographically, in the area around and within Happy Valley-Goose Bay - Innu, Climate change is well underway in the polar regions of Inuit, NunatuKavummiut - and a diverse group of non- our planet, imposing extraordinary challenges to vulnerable ecosystems, communities, and indigenous peoples. Th e Arctic Aboriginal people. Th e region’s settlement history is refl ective Science Partnership (ASP) addresses this global issue through a of northern Canada: trappers, traders, fi shermen, whalers, formal international collaboration of research, education, and missionaries, military, RCMP and teachers have settled here communication programs. in the distant and recent past. Th e latest immigrants include A product of the Canada Excellence Research Chair employees of the resource development and service industries in Arctic Geomicrobiology and Climate Change, this new (many coming from outside of Canada, as Temporary Foreign partnership merges over 350 scientists from 3 leading research Workers). centres: ARC (Arctic Research Centre, at Arrhus University), Historically, women and Aboriginal people have not GCRC (Greenland Climate Research Centre, at the Greenland benefi tted from economic development activities to the extent Institute of Natural Resources), and CEOS (Centre for Earth promised. Often they do not feel that their voices are heard in Observation Science at the University of Manitoba), to the conversation about economic development. Yet they have coordinate integrated fi eld and academic programs. Across water, strong connections to and relationships with the “Big Land” land and atmosphere, the ASP investigates: ongoing changes and its natural environment and are experiencing the direct and in ice-ocean interactions; snow and ice extent; permafrost indirect impacts of resource-based development. thaw; feedbacks between the Arctic and Earth climate systems; To gain insight into what women are experiencing in proxies for predicting future changes in ocean currents, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, a contemporary facilitation process weather systems and ecosystems; impact of climate change on – Creative Action Circles © - rooted in Indigenous oral Arctic communities and people; and pollutant transport and traditions, was selected to engage and build trust among and consequences of exposure on ecosystems and humans. 119 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Th is poster described the nature of this partnership, the between simulations (an index of the uncertainty in the current and planned fi eld campaigns, as well as coordinated simulations ensemble) was typically highest over the northern academic and outreach programs aimed at training students and islands of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. informing public and policy makers.

BREEDING ECOLOGY OF ROUGH-LEGGED HAWKS CLIMATE CHANGE PROJECTIONS FOR THE (BUTEO LAGOPUS) IN THE HIGH ARCTIC: ARE CANADIAN ARCTIC IRIS REGIONS NESTING STRUCTURES VULNERABLE TO CLIMATE CHANGE? Barrette, Carl1 ([email protected]), P. Grenier2, R. Brown3 and D. Chaumont2 Beardsell, Andréanne1 ([email protected]), G. Gauthier1, D. Fortier2 and J. Bêty3 1 ArcticNet/Centre for Northern Studies, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6 1 Département de Biologie et Centre d’Études Nordiques, 2 Ouranos consortium, 550 Sherbrooke St. West, 19th Floor, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6 Montréal QC H3A 1B9 2 Département de Géographie et Centre d’Études Nordiques, 3 Environment Canada, Climate Processes Section @ Ouranos, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, H2V 2B8 550 Sherbrooke St. West, 19th Floor, Montréal QC H3A 1B9 3 Département de Biologie et Centre d’Études Nordiques, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, Québec, G5L 3A1 Climate change scenarios are description of plausible future evolution of the climate (IPCC, 1994) providing Avian predators like the rough-legged hawk (Buteo means to assess the potential impacts of climate change on the lagopus) play a key role in the Arctic food web. Th is migratory environment. Recent assessment reports such as SWIPA (2011), bird, which has a circumpolar distribution, breeds on cliff s, IPCC (2007) and ACIA (2005) used Global Climate Models hoo-doos or on steep hillsides in the tundra. Nest-sites are (GCMs) and provided pan-Arctic scenarios based on climate an important resource and their availability may limit the models with spatial resolution on the order of 200 to 400km distribution, density and breeding success of raptors. Several that only partially resolve the geography of the Canadian Arctic physical and biological features may infl uence the use of a Archipelago. Th is poster presents climate scenarios for the nesting site and the reproductive success of the pair using Canadian Arctic IRIS regions based on dynamically downscaled it. Considering the shortness of the arctic summer and the climate model output at a 45 km resolution with the Canadian major energy investment associated with nest building, the Regional Climate Model (CRCM) run at Ouranos. Th e IRIS same structure can be reused during many years. Nest reuse domain covers the Canadian Arctic and Subarctic and was can improve reproductive success as the addition of new initially divided into four separate regions. At this point in material to a pre-existing nest may increase its quality over the the process a total of 16 climate change (CC) indicators were years. Th ese nesting structures, however, are exposed to mass computed for IRIS regions 1-2 and 3 using 8 CRCM model movements,slope failure, active layer detachment slides and nest runs. Th e CRCM runs are forced at their lateral boundaries collapses have been previously reported as a cause of breeding with two diff erent GCMs (ECHAM5 and CGCM3) assuming failure in hawks. Permafrost thawing and precipitation increase the SRES A2 emission scenario. Projections are presented for due to climate warming are likely to augment the vulnerability the 2050 time-frame (2041-70) with respect to a 1971-2000 of the nesting structure to slope geomorphological hazards and reference period. Here we summarize the main CC indicator result in habitat loss for rough-legged hawks in the future. It is results for IRIS-1-2-3 to which were added previously published therefore important to better understand how site characteristics IRIS-4 results covering most of the proposed IRIS Umbrella region. Th e projections show mean annual air temperature and meteorological factors infl uence reproductive success and increasing by about 2.4 to 5°C with the largest warming in the stability of nesting structure in this species. Th e aims of this winter period between November and February. Th e warming is study are to 1) map nest locations of rough-legged hawks and accompanied by an earlier start to the summer season by about determine their spatial distribution, 2) determine the frequency 2 to 15 days and later end by about 6 to 16 days. Total annual use of these nests over the years, 3) characterize breeding sites precipitation (rainfall + snowfall) is projected to increase by and their surrounding habitat to assess features that may aff ect about 8 to 24% with the strongest increases occurring over the their use and reproductive success 4) assess the vulnerability northern part of Nunavut and over western Nunavik. Th e snow of breeding sites to mass movements processes. Th e study is season is projected to be shorter by ~2-4 weeks but projected conducted on Bylot Island, Nunavut, where about 40 nests of increases in snowfall result in projected increases in maximum rough-legged hawks are already known and have been monitored snow over most of the Canadian Arctic (~1 to 14%). Variability opportunistically since 2007. In 2013, an exhaustive search of 120 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

potential nesting habitat for hawks was carried out over 500 bound to it, and this is the main process by which Hg becomes km2 to map all nests and to conduct a preliminary assessment incorporated into sea ice. of the local environment. Nests are revisited during the breeding season to determine reproductive success (clutch size, fl edging success). Nests will be revisited in 2014 and each breeding ARCTIC SCIENCE DAY: AN EFFECTIVE OUTREACH site will be characterized by measuring several environmental CONCEPT FOR COMMUNICATING ARCTIC SYSTEMS parameters (height, orientation, soil type, active layer thickness, SCIENCE TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS etc.) and by describing the local geomorphology. Climatic data Beattie, Sarah ([email protected]), M. Watts, L. Barber (temperature, precipitations, wind speed) will come from a local and D. Barber weather station. Sampling carried out during summer 2013 revealed that several known nests of rough-legged hawks have Centre for Earth Observation Science, University of Manitoba, collapsed in recent years on Bylot Island but the causes of these Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2 collapses still remain to be determined. Arctic Science Day (ASD) is an educational event held every February at Fort Whyte Alive, an outdoor educational A MESOCOSM-BASED INVESTIGATION OF centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, for Manitoba high school MERCURY DYNAMICS WITHIN SEA ICE students. Schools on Board (schoolsonboard.ca), an ArcticNet outreach program, based at the Centre for Earth Observation Beattie, Sarah ([email protected]) and F. Wang Science (CEOS) at the University of Manitoba, collaborates

with Fort Whyte Alive and the ArcticNet Student Association Centre for Earth Observation Science, University of Manitoba, (ASA) to host ASD. Th e overall goal of ASD is to have graduate Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2 students introduce high school students to Arctic systems Th e role of sea ice in the cycling of the global pollutant science by engaging them in hands-on activities. Graduate mercury (Hg) within the Arctic Ocean system has been students design stations that: 1) Introduce the main themes of increasingly recognized, though critical knowledge gaps on Hg Arctic research, 2) Demonstrate and provide hands-on activities dynamics in the sea ice environment remain, and the changing on current Arctic research techniques in an outdoor, real-world Arctic icescape adds urgency to addressing these gaps. Of setting, and 3) Promote the Arctic research program at the particular importance is the question on the origin of Hg in sea University of Manitoba. As highlighted by the participants ice, which has only been inferred from the physical and chemical themselves, all benefi tted immensely from this activity. state of discrete Arctic sea ice samples. Another knowledge ArcticNet graduate students are given the opportunity to gap involves the temporal evolution of Hg distribution within practice eff ective scientifi c communication skills, high school growing new sea ice. Complementary to our ongoing fi eld study students are introduced to the exciting world of arctic research in the Arctic Ocean, the work presented was conducted at the in a unique and engaging setting, and teachers are directed to Sea-ice Environmental Research Facility (SERF), an outdoor sea the resources they need to incorporate Arctic science into their ice mesocosm at the University of Manitoba. Here we present curriculums. Th is poster describes to the process and outcomes the fi rst mesocosm-based study of Hg dynamics within new and of this progressive outreach model can be applied under various growing artifi cial sea ice. Total Hg concentrations in various scenarios to further educate students and the public on the artifi cial sea ice types, including frost fl owers and pancake ice, emerging fi eld of Arctic system science. are reported. Interestingly, total Hg concentrations within the frost fl owers grown at SERF were found to be an order of magnitude lower (at ~ 10 ng L-1) than natural frost fl owers ADDRESSING OCEANOGRAPHIC CONDITIONS AND formed during atmospheric mercury depletion events. Th is MARINE SPECIES ISSUES THROUGH COMBINED fi nding supports the theory that frost fl owers grow kinetically TRACKING AND MONITORING STUDIES from the vapour phase, and thus atmospheric elemental Hg can become incorporated into frost fl owers and the underlying sea Beauchamp, Nikki ([email protected]) ice environment through this process. Th e fi rst measurements of Ocean Tracking Network, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova dissolved Hg and direct particulate Hg within bulk sea ice are Scotia B3H 4R2 reported, and temporal monitoring campaigns for these various Hg species were conducted. Particulate Hg concentrations It is critical to understand how human impacts including within thin, newly formed sea ice are very high at ~ 435 ng warming temperatures and overfi shing are aff ecting the g-1, suggesting the particulate matter within the surface water movement and survival of the marine life on which humans that acts as nucleation sources for sea ice formation has Hg depend. Successful, new strategies for ocean conservation 121 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

and management depend on decision makers having the best Nunavik. Th is research is a contribution to the Discovery information possible. Th e Ocean Tracking Network (OTN) Frontiers project “Arctic Development and Adaptation to is at the forefront of a new, revolutionary global endeavour Permafrost in Transition” (ADAPT). which unites researchers from diff erent disciplines around the Th ermokarst lakes and ponds are among the most world to create unprecedented scientifi c knowledge on the abundant freshwater ecosystems in Arctic and Subarctic impacts of environmental change on oceanographic conditions landscapes. Th ese waters occupy depression in the ground that and marine life. Rapidly advancing science and technology are result from the thawing of permafrost. Th ey play a key role in allowing investigators to measure marine animal movements, the carbon cycle through their elevated rates of microbial activity habitat use and survival in relation to changing ocean conditions that causes greenhouse gas emissions, and there is concern that using lines of acoustic receivers on the ocean fl oor that act as these processes may accelerate as a result of global warming. Th e “listening stations,” recording data from fi sh and other marine carbon fl uxes in these aquatic ecosystems are mainly attributed animals tagged with electronic tracking devices. OTN works to bacteria and small cell (picoplanktonic) phototrophs. Th ese with industry partners to further develop tracking technologies microbial communities are at the base of the food web, and their which give ocean researchers new tools like “roboprobes”—self- abundance may be regulated by resource supply (‘bottom up’) or powered vehicles that roam the waters collecting oceanographic by grazing on them by zooplankton. Early observations of lake and tracking data during year-long missions—and plankton at high latitudes showed a high abundance of rotifers “bioprobes”—marine animals equipped with novel, Bluetooth- (Arndt, 1993). However, little is known about the taxonomic enabled receiver/transmitters tags that detect other tagged and functional diversity of this group of micro-invertebrates marine animals and uplink information in real time while also in northern waters, and their ecology in subarctic thermokarst providing data on the ocean temperature, depth and other ponds has not been studied. properties. OTN social science researchers are determining how Th e overarching hypothesis is that rotifer grazing data from acoustic telemetry studies can be used to implement exerts a strong top-down control on the microbial food legislative and regulatory reforms for better oceans management. web and therefore infl uences biogeochemical processes that OTN specialists in oceans law and governance are investigating cause greenhouse gas emissions. Given that thermokarst how to make better decisions for ocean governance, especially as waterbodies receive diverse carbon sources (allochthonous and it pertains to ecosystem-based management, indigenous rights, autochthonous), we also hypothesized that these ecosystems and the role of regional agreements in managing fi sheries, and contain abundant, functionally diverse rotifer populations. protecting the marine environment and biodiversity. Two fi eldwork campaigns were completed in the vicinity of the villages of Kuujjuarapik and Umiujaq on the east coast of Hudson Bay to address these hypotheses. Numerous HIGH BIODIVERSITY OF ROTIFERS IN THE thermokarst ponds are found in this region. Zooplankton and PERMAFROST THAW LAKES OF NUNAVIK AND limnological properties of the ponds were sampled, and grazing THEIR POTENTIAL ROLE IN THE AQUATIC FOOD experiments were performed in pond water with diff erent sizes WEB of fl uorescent microspheres to determine which components of the food web are consumed by the diff erent rotifer species and at Bégin, Paschale N.1,2 ([email protected]) and what rate. W.F. Vincent1,2 Our preliminary results revealed a total of 26 rotifer 1 Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, species in the thermokarst lakes and ponds of the region. G1V 0A6 Rotifer population size varied greatly among waterbodies, and 2 Centre d’Études Nordiques (CEN), Université Laval, Québec, this variation is now being evaluated by multivariate statistics. Québec, G1V 0A6 We found that the highest concentrations of rotifers occurred in the oxycline, where the oxygen concentrations decrease When microscopic animals called rotifers were fi rst abruptly. Th ese diversity and abundance observations coupled discovered in the plankton of lakes and ponds, biologists were with the results of the grazing experiments will provide new captivated by their unusual feeding structures (corona, thought insights into the predation pressure exerted by this group of to resemble a pair of rotating wheels) that cause a current of microzooplankton, and an improved understanding of the water to fl ow towards the mouth. By fi ltering water, rotifers indirect control they may have on biogeochemical processes in are able to feed on bacteria and other minute cells that occur thaw ponds. in great abundance in the microbial plankton. Our aim in the present study was to determine the presence, abundance, diversity and potential ecological role of rotifers in thermokarst waters (thaw lakes and ponds) on permafrost landscapes in 122 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

GLACIAL ICE STREAMS IN EASTERN PARRY indicate that ice delivered by the ice stream in Peel Sound CHANNEL AND ADJOINING MAJOR INLETS, fl owed to the east along Parry Channel. Th is appears to mark CANADIAN ARCTIC ARCHIPELAGO the westward limit of glacial ice streams fl owing eastward along Parry Channel as bathymetric data and ridge and MacLean, Brian1, S. Blasco1, R. Bennett1, T. Lakeman2, groove lineations indicate that the ice stream emanating from J. Hughes Clarke3, R. Covill4 and E. Patton1 M’Clintock Channel fl owed to the west and northwest. Th e 1 Geological Survey of Canada-Atlantic, Bedford Institute of observed bathymetry and glacial bedforms indicate that both Oceanography, Dartmouth, NS Laurentide and Innuitian ice streams contributed glacial ice to 2 Department of Earth Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, eastern Parry Channel. NS 3 Department of Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB 4 SEABED HYDROCARBON VENTING FEATURES IN Tekmap Consulting, Fall River, NS BAFFIN BAY

Multibeam imagery and 3.5 kHz profi les have been Bennett, Robbie1 ([email protected]), D. C. Campbell1 and acquired from CCGS Amundsen by ArcticNet and the Ocean J. Hughes Clarke2 Mapping Group at the University of New Brunswick along 1 mainly widely spaced transects in Parry Channel and in Geological Survey of Canada (Atlantic), P.O. Box 1006, several adjoining large inlets. Th ese data together with single Dartmouth, NS, B2Y 4A2 2 Ocean Mapping Group, Dept. of Geodesy and Geomatics, channel seismic refl ection profi les acquired by the Geological Engineering, University of New Brunswick, P.O. Box 4400, Survey of Canada provide information on seafl oor bathymetry, Fredericton, NB, E3B 5A3 morphology and features, as well as seafl oor and subsurface geology. Multibeam echosounder data were used to map the Th e occurrence of mega-scale ridge and groove lineations distribution of seabed gas vents (pockmarks) in Baffi n Bay identifi ed from multibeam imagery indicates that these and Lancaster Sound. Th e data were collected by the Ocean waterways were occupied by fast fl owing glacial ice streams Mapping Group at the University of New Brunswick (OMG- on one or more occasion in the past. Limited chronological UNB) during ArcticNet and CASES expeditions onboard information suggests that the most recent of these events CCGS Amundsen from 2003 to 2011. Using the multibeam data occurred during the Wisconsinan glaciation. set gridded at 25 m horizontal resolution, circular depressions Ridge and groove lineations on the seafl oor of eastern in the seabed interpreted to be pockmarks caused by venting Parry Channel are less continuous than in Peel Sound and hydrocarbons are observed in the study area. Th e pockmarks are Amundsen Gulf farther west in the Northwest Passage, but are mostly clustered at Buchan Trough, Scott Trough, Broughton suffi ciently numerous to document ice fl ow trends. Trough and near Cape Dyer. Sixty-three features interpreted Deep bathymetry extending from Prince Regent, as pockmarks are observed in the multibeam bathymetry data Admiralty and Navy Board inlets into Lancaster Sound and available in Baffi n Bay and Lancaster Sound. Th e pockmarks conforming ridge and groove lineation features indicate that identifi ed from these data are up to 900 m wide and 26 m deep. glacial ice streams fl owed northward from those inlets into Th e clusters of pockmarks at Buchan and Scott Troughs Lancaster Sound. Preservation of those lineations suggests are located at the southern edge of the Baffi n Fan and in the that ice fl ow from those inlets postdated any eastward fl ow of Scott Inlet Basin. Both the Baffi n Fan and the Scott Inlet Basin grounded glacial ice along Lancaster Sound from Prince Regent are thought to contain hydrocarbons and the presence of a Inlet eastward. known hydrocarbon seep at Scott Inlet indicates that there A north-northeasterly trending ridge composed of ice- is a leaking hydrocarbon system present in the Scott Inlet contact sediments identifi ed from seismic refl ection profi les in Basin. Existing studies using satellite imagery have interpreted Lancaster Sound appears to have formed as a marginal moraine potential sea surface hydrocarbon slicks in Baffi n Bay in the along the west side of the ice stream fl owing out of Prince same approximate area as the pockmarks at the southern edge Regent Inlet or it possibly marks the boundary between Prince of the Baffi n Fan and in the Scott Inlet Basin. Th e pockmarks Regent ice and ice fl owing eastward in Barrow Strait – Lancaster identifi ed around Broughton Trough and Cape Dyer are not Sound. located within a signifi cant hydrocarbon basin but potential sea Multibeam imagery across the mouth of Wellington surface slicks have been identifi ed with satellite data in this area. Channel shows mega-scale ridge and groove lineations indicative Due to the amount of seabed disturbance by icebergs on of a glacial ice stream entering Barrow Strait from the north the Baffi n shelf, it is diffi cult to diff erentiate between pockmarks through Wellington Channel. Farther west, lineation trends and circular depressions caused by ice scour (scour pits). 123 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Knowledge of ice scour morphology is required to interpret seems to saturate with higher vegetation. Th e fall images, pockmarks in highly scoured areas of the seabed. representing the baseline without snow cover, are then compared with the winter images to evaluate the eff ect of snow cover on the SAR signal. In the presence of snow, RADARSAT-2 signal MONITORING SUBARCTIC ENVIRONMENTS USING is attenuated while the TerraSAR-X signal increases slightly. X- AND C-BAND RADAR IMAGERY Th e relationship between snow depth and radar parameters is relatively weak. A fi rst classifi cation with and unsupervised Duguay, Yannick1,2 ([email protected]), M. Bernier1,2, Wishart method was performed using the polarimetric F. Domine3,2 and E. Lévesque2,4 RADARSAT-2 data to delineate vegetated areas and allowed 1 Institut National de la Recherche Scientifi que, Québec, to classify three types of vegetation. Given the correlation Canada between the heights of vegetation and snow cover, improved 2 Centre d’études nordiques, Québec, Canada segmentation based on the height of the shrub cover should 3 Takuvik, Université Laval-CNRS, Québec, Canada allow a better estimation of the snow cover parameters. 4 Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Canada

Subarctic environments are signifi cantly aff ected by TOWARDS MODELLING PERMAFROST the climate warming observed in recent decades. Th ese DISTRIBUTION USING A EASY-TO-USE DATABASE perturbations lead to many environmental changes such as AND LARGE DATASETS permafrost thawing and expansion of shrub vegetation cover. Snow, with its insulating properties, also plays an important Bevington, Alexandre ([email protected]) and role in these processes maintaining relatively warm ground A.G. Lewkowicz temperatures during the winter while protecting the vegetation Department of Geography, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, from the cold and wind. Th e presence of shrubs may, in turn, Ontario, K1N 6N5 trap wind blown snow and creates a positive feedback favoring the expansion of shrub vegetation at the expense of the tundra. Changes in the distribution and characteristics of Th e objective of this study is to develop methods for monitoring permafrost are expected to become increasingly evident as simultaneous subarctic environments of these two elements to the climate warms. Predicting these impacts across a spatially ensure eff ective monitoring of subarctic environments. Satellite variable landscape is challenging, particularly in mountain Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) allow, among other things, environments which have a high degree of spatial heterogeneity. provide information on the vertical structure of the observed Th is research will create high-resolution spatial predictions for objects and are considered here to estimate the height of the various climate scenarios using the “Temperature at the Top vegetation and snow cover thickness. of Permafrost” (TTOP) model, a physically based equilibrium Th e study area is a 60 km2 region situated around the model. Th e TTOP model uses scaling factors between the air Umiujaq community (56.55° N, 76.55° W) in northern (Ta) and ground surface (Ts) temperatures (n-factors), and Quebec, Canada. Th e area can be divided into two distinct between Ts and ground temperature at the top of permafrost (if environments: the coastal region to the east and the Lac present) (Tg) (rk values). N-factors are infl uenced by vegetation Guillaume-Delisle graben to the west. Th e vegetation in the in summer (nt) and snow cover (nf) in winter, and rk values coastal region is very sporadic and dominated by tundra (thermal diff usivity) are infl uenced by soil type and the amount vegetation, while the graben vegetation is mainly shrublands of seasonally frozen and unfrozen moisture. with patches of conifers. A series of polarimetric RADARSAT-2 Ta for the Yukon will be modelled by spatially C-band images (HH, VV, HV, VH polarizations) and dual- interpolating between measurements made at about 100 climate polarized TerraSAR-X X-band images (HH, HV polarizations) monitoring stations and at about 50 Environment Canada have been acquired over the area between October 2011 weather stations using topographic information derived from a and April 2012 during the fall and winter seasons. Field high-resolution digital elevation model and surface temperature measurement campaigns where performed during the summer lapse rates. N-factors and rk values will be assigned to each pixel of 2009 and the winter of 2012 to collect data on the vegetation of the modelled air temperature surface using high resolution and snow characteristics respectively. Temperature and soil vegetation maps from the Land Cover Clasifi cation-2000 dataset moisture sensors were also installed at 6 selected sampling sites. (http://geogratis.gc.ca/) and surfi cial geology maps at diff erent In-situ observations have shown that the height of the shrub resolutions from the Yukon Geological Survey. Th e predicted vegetation infl uences the depth of the snow cover. Preliminary values of Tg will indicate the presence or absence of permafrost results show an increase in the RADARSAT-2 backscattering under current climate, and the climate fi eld will then be with vegetation height while the TerraSAR-X backscattering perturbed to examine the impact of long-term warming. Th ese 124 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

predictions will be compared to statistical modelling of the Contributions: Th is project has the potential to identify probability of permafrost done previously for the region using and show evidence for more appropriate and accurate the Basal Temperature of Snow method. factors infl uencing Inuit self-rated health and ultimately, the identifi cation of new or more specifi c determinants of health for Inuit. Th is will then provide enhanced understanding IDENTIFYING INDIGENOUS DETERMINANTS OF for future measures of health among this population. With HEALTH: INSIGHTS FROM INUIT AND AN ANALYSIS this understanding, it will be possible to incorporate more OF INUIT SELF-RATED HEALTH relevant factors in future health surveys or community health evaluations. Bilodeau, Nicole1,2 ([email protected]) and C. Furgal2,3

1 Sustainability Studies Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8 OPPOSITE TRENDS IN PHYTOPLANKTON BIOMASS 2 Health, Environment and Indigenous Communities Research AND PRODUCTION BETWEEN BEAUFORT SEA AND Group, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8 BAFFIN BAY 3 Indigenous Environmental Studies Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8 Blais, Marjolaine ([email protected]) and M. Gosselin ISMER-UQAR, 310 allée des Ursulines, Rimouski, Québec, Purpose: Th e goal of this research is to identify and assess G5L 3A1 the importance of Indigenous health determinants from an Indigenous perspective – this will be done by concentrating Phytoplankton communities were regularly monitored on Inuit perspectives of health. Th is project will contribute during fall in Beaufort Sea and in Baffi n Bay over the last to Indigenous health research by focusing on Indigenous- decade. Field measurements, mostly conducted during the specifi c views of health; the purpose is to contribute to research ArcticNet program, allowed us to determine if any changes that better represents Inuit and Indigenous health from an occurred in phytoplankton biomass and production in these two Indigenous point of view and understanding. contrasting environments, despite the fact that a study based Rationale: Th e importance of identifying Indigenous- on remote-sensing (Arrigo & van Dijken, 2011) did not fi nd identifi ed determinants of health is that Indigenous people any signifi cant trend in phytoplankton productivity over the last decade in these two sectors. Phytoplankton chlorophyll a often conceptualize health diff erently than is represented in the (chl a) biomass was measured by the fl uorometric method while dominant non-Indigenous defi nitions and models available. primary production was estimated from C-14 uptake during in Non-Indigenous measurements for evaluating Indigenous situ simulated incubations. health have been shown to have limitations while some In Beaufort Sea, satellite data showed an important Indigenous indicators have been shown to have signifi cant value decrease of sea ice cover and CTD data showed a deeper surface in understanding aspects of health and well-being previously mixed layer, along with a smaller stratifi cation index. Th e not well understood. For this reason, it is critical to explore biomass stayed relatively stable over years (around 27 mg Chl a Indigenous-identifi ed determinants to evaluate or measure m-2) while primary production increased slightly from 74 mg health. C m-2 d-1 in 2002 to 108 mg C m-2 d-1 in 2011. Proportion of Objectives: Th is research proposes to: 1) Identify the value large cells in the biomass has increased by more than 2 times, of using self-rated health as a way of understanding Indigenous consequently increasing the potential export of carbon towards health determinants; 2) Identify critical determinants of Inuit the deep ocean. Similar biomass and production over years health as represented in the current literature: 3) Explore new along with a change in the size-structure community suggest an determinants of Inuit health identifi ed by Inuit experts; and 4) increased grazing pressure by microzooplankton on small cells. In southern Baffi n Bay, sea ice cover was variable over years Analyse Inuit self-rated health using existing and new data (Inuit due to the instability of the ice bridge that links Ellesmere Island identifi ed determinants) to increase the understanding of factors to Greenland. Th e surface mixed layer has become shallower infl uencing self-rated health. whereas the stratifi cation has stayed relatively stable over years. Methods: Key-informant interviews will be conducted Phytoplankton biomass has decreased by about 3 times (from 76 with regional health experts working in one Inuit region. Th e to 26 mg Chl a m-2) and primary production by almost 20 times data collected from these interviews, along with the factors (from 717 mg C m-2 d-1 to 41 mg C m-2 d-1). Th e community identifi ed in the literature review will be used in the analysis of used to be dominated by large cells but is now dominated by the self-rated health questions from the Inuit Health database small cells. Change in the sea ice conditions could be responsible for that region to explore their ability to better explain the for the disappearance of the early fall bloom that would now be variability in Inuit self-rated health. replaced by a period of low production dominated by small cells. 125 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Results suggest that phytoplankton communities of transitions. Th e result of this study will aim to enhance our Beaufort Sea and Baffi n Bay are already experiencing the eff ect understanding of the micro- and meso- scale climatic factors of global warming and that these two regions known to be responsible for soil temperature variability in these systems. very contrasting in terms of their phytoplankton biomass and Improved characterization of these settings part of a process production are now more similar than ever in terms of their examining the development of a numerical permafrost model balance between production and export of phytoplankton cells. to examine the thermal regime of the ground according to scenarios of climatic change.

THE EFFECT OF SEASONAL VERSUS PERENNIAL SEA ICE COVER ON ADJACENT AIR AND GROUND CAN SEABIRDS CONTROL BENTHIC BIODIVERSITY IN THE ARCTIC? Bonnaventure, Philip P.1,2 ([email protected]) and S. F. Lamoureux1 Bouchard Marmen, Mariève1 (marieve.bouchard.m@gmail. com), P. Archambault1 and E. Kenchington2 1 Department of Geography, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6 1 Université du Québec à Rimouski, Institut des sciences de la 2 Department of Geography, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, mer, Rimouski, Québec. Ontario, K1N 6N5 2 Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography (BIO), Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Th is study examines the spatial variability of air and ground temperatures in two distinct parts of Melville Island, Th e Canadian Arctic shelters millions of seabirds each Nunavut to identify the role of persistent sea ice on adjacent year during the breeding season. Th ese biological vectors return terrestrial climate and soil thermal regime. Th e Cape Bounty important quantities of organic matter (guano, feathers) locally Arctic Watershed Observatory (CBAWO), (74° 53’N, 109° in seasonal pulses, potentially creating hotspots of marine 35’W), on south-central Melville Island is characterized by a biological productivity in the area surrounding a colony. Benthic seasonal sea ice cover that has transitioned in recent years from species integrate this increased production into marine food near perennial to substantially reduced or even absent in mid to webs over longer time frames (sessile, long-lived). Th e principal late summer. Cape Collingwood (76°30’N, 108°00’W) located objective of this project is to characterize the impact of seabird approximately 250 km to the north on the coast of the Sabine colonies on benthic communities. With this important input Peninsula remains within an area with perennial sea ice. of nutrients, we expect that primary production, secondary During the melt season sea ice cover generally acts to production and deposition of organic matter on the sea fl oor cool both air and ground temperatures in adjacent coastal will be increased. Th ese diff erences may aff ect the benthic regions. Th is study examines the seasonal diff erences that are biodiversity, biomass, variability, growth, etc. Diff erent sampling seen in air and ground temperatures in two distinct ice cover settings using an air and soil temperature logger network along tools have been used aboard CFAV Quest and CCGS Henry latitudinal and elevation gradients. Data collected between 2011 Larsen in 2012 to detect the infl uence of seabirds colonies. and 2013 reveals that in summer months, coastal areas with Benthic camera transects and samples collected by Van Veen summer sea ice remain consistently cooler both in terms of air grabs allowed us to characterize benthic communities and to and ground temperature. Air temperatures in at costal zones subsample sediments and organic matter. All of this work has can be substantially depressed and generally range between been carried out in control zones and in several bird-aff ected 0.5-2°C cooler at the coast of Cape Bounty and 1-5°C cooler zones. Preliminary results show signifi cant diff erences between at Cape Collingwood. Th e dominant diff erence in the winter zones but not between controls and bird-aff ected zones. however, appears to be controlled by elevation and is evident by More photos and samples have to be processed to clarify our the presence of surface temperature inversions with an elevation conclusions. gradient of approximately +4°C/km. Th is study examines a critical climatic link between two cryospheric elements (permafrost and sea ice), which OBSERVATIONS OF MARINE MAMMALS IN THE individually have been examined extensively. Th e goal is to COASTAL WATERS OF NUNAVIK understanding the evolution of air and ground temperatures, Breton-Honeyman, Kaitlin1 ([email protected]) C. Furgal1, which act to control the depth of the seasonal active layer in M. Hammill2, V. Lesage2, W. Doidge3 and B. Hickie1 this area of continuous permafrost. Th e active layer is critical to the terrestrial ecosystem and thickening of this layer is likely 1 Environmental and Life Sciences Program, Trent University, to lead to enhanced hydrological pathways as the environment Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8 126 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

2 Maurice-Lamontagne Institute, Department of Fisheries and example of the rich information embedded in Inuit knowledge Oceans, Mont-Joli, Québec, G5H 3Z4 systems and is illustrative of the connections that many Inuit see 3 Nunavik Research Centre, Makivik Corporation, Kuujjuaq, in the environment. Given the pressures on Nunavik to develop Québec, J0M 1C0 resources in unprecedented ways (e.g. Hopes Advance Iron Ore project) a comprehensive baseline study of marine mammals, Arctic marine mammals are challenging to study due which draws from local expertise, is warranted to be able to to remoteness and the sometimes inaccessible or diffi cult better predict and mitigate impacts to wildlife. environments in which they live. Th ese conditions often result in a lack of observational data leaving signifi cant gaps in our understanding of species’ ecology and behaviour. Nunavimmiut ARCTICNET’S IRIS PROCESS AS A SCIENCE-POLICY live in 14 communities along the coastline of the Arctic region MECHANISM: A CASE STUDY OF IRIS 4 IN NUNAVIK of Quebec, and have depended on Arctic marine wildlife AND NUNATSIAVUT for centuries for a variety of cultural, health, and economic 1,2 3 4 purposes. Th rough the close relationship they have with Furgal, Chris ([email protected]), D. Hik , S. Nickels , 5 2 4 5 these species, Nunavimmiut have developed a rich and deep S. Meakin , M. Buckham , K. Kelley , P. Moss-Davies and 6 understanding of species’ ecology. L. Braithwaite Inuit Knowledge of the ecology of belugas and other 1 Indigenous Environmental Studies Program, Trent University, marine mammals was documented through 40 semi-directed Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8 interviews including participant mapping with local experts 2 Health, Environment and Indigenous Communities Research in four Nunavik communities (Kangiqsualujjuaq, Quaqtaq, Group, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8 Ivujivik, and Kuujjuaraapik). Data, included species diversity 3 Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, and assemblages, timing of sighting and behavior, and were Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9 verifi ed and validated with participants and other community 4 Inuit Knowledge Centre, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Ottawa, members. Ontario, K1P 5E7 5 Species richness was highest in Hudson Strait and Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, increased eastward, with the highest diversity observed around K1P 5V5 6 Canadian Ice Service - Environment Canada, Ottawa, Kangiqsualujjuaq and Killiniq (17 species), and lowest by Ontario, K1N 9M5 Kuujjuaraapik (9 species). While pinnipeds were ubiquitous throughout Nunavik, change in species richness among regions Th e central objective of ArcticNet, as stated in the original was mainly driven by cetacean observations. July was the month proposal to the Network Centres of Excellence Program and as when most marine mammals were noted nearby communities. stated in the ArcticNet Strategic Plan (2006) is to contribute to Historically, bowhead whales were the only baleen species the development and dissemination of the knowledge needed observed in the Hudson Strait, but more recent observations to formulate adaptation strategies and national policies to show minke whales there as well. After belugas, killer whales help Canadians face the impacts and opportunities of climate was the most frequently observed cetacean by Nunavimmiut, change and globalization in the Arctic. Similar to other Arctic and Kuujjuaraamiut spoke of observations, though notably research programs (e.g. Northern Contaminants Program and rare, of killer whales in the past, approximately 35 years ago. International Polar Year), ArcticNet has endeavored to bridge Th e other three Nunavik communities noted a marked increase the gap between knowledge and action through strategic project in killer whale sightings, which has also been documented in funding and program orientation. However, our understanding Nunavut. Th e Nunavimmiut observations of increased sighting of how best to eff ectively translate research results on urgent of polar bears have been echoed in other communities across issues, such as climate change, into “action” or decision-making the Arctic. Th ree of the four communities noted an increase at the local, region, national or international levels is limited. in walrus and there were also observations of an earlier spring As a result, the merit and value of learning from ArcticNet’s migration. Observations of declines in some seal species merit experience at the science policy interface can contribute to further investigation, though many Nunavimmiut stressed broader understandings of science-policy processes and their that population fl uctuations are part of natural cycles. Th e eff ectiveness, and also assist ArcticNet in developing a critical observations of new species to the region, for example hooded understanding of the processes of engagement that best fulfi ll seals and pilot whales, may be refl ective of a northward overall network objectives. Th e purpose of this project is to expansion of species. explore and review ArticNet’s Integrated Regional Impact Th e Inuit Knowledge shared here is a valuable source Study (IRIS) process as a science-policy mechanism. Using a of observational data. Although belugas were the focus of the case study approach, the project focuses on the development interviews, the marine mammal ecology presented here is an and experience of the fi rst completed IRIS assessment under 127 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

ArcticNet’s mandate: IRIS 4 in Nunavik and Nunatsiavut. soil. NDVI (Normalized Diff erence Vegetation Index) varied Multiple methods are being used, including semi-directive from 0.31 to -0.12 for sites representative of the vegetated interviews with policy makers and scientists involved in IRIS 4, component of the polar semi-desert, with the high value participant observation of IRIS 4 meetings and workshops, as occurring in a vegetated site, and the low value occurring on well as document review of IRIS 4 products and deliverables. bare soil. Measurements of NEE (in the transparent chambers) Th e results and analysis from this project will contribute to the and ecosystem respiration (opaque chambers) were made body of work on the ‘science policy interface’ in order to make every 30 minutes from late May to late July. Biophysical recommendations for improved information exchange between measurements, including air temperature, soil temperature, scientists and decision-makers. Particular focus here is placed and soil moisture were taken in conjunction with the carbon on the potential effi cacy of adaptation strategies in Canada’s exchange readings. northern communities, as these strategies are informed through Of the four vegetated sites where NEE was measured, IRIS mechanisms currently being developed and implemented the site showing the largest net uptake of CO2 over the season by ArcticNet as a program and its individual research projects. -2 -1 had an average NEE of -0.96 μmol CO2m s . Th e maximum Additionally, recommendations will be provided for future -2 -1 NEE recorded at this site was 0.55 μmol CO2m s and the knowledge translation activities that constructively bridge the -2 -1 minimum was -1.96 μmol CO2m s . Th ese values show science – policy gap in the Arctic. signifi cant seasonal variation, which seems to indicate that changes in factors, such as air temperature, soil temperature and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) have a marked eff ect SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL PATTERNS OF NET on CO2 exchange. CARBON EXCHANGE IN POLAR SEMI-DESERT COMMUNITIES AT THE CAPE BOUNTY ARCTIC WATERSHED OBSERVATORY, MELVILLE ISLAND, QUANTIFYING CARBON EMISSIONS FORM A NUNAVUT VARIETY OF TUNDRA PONDS USING MULTIPLE METHODS Buckley, Emma C. ([email protected]), N. A. Scott, and P. M. Treitz Buell, Mary-Claire1 ([email protected]), P. Lafl eur2 and E. Humphreys3 Department of Geography, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6 1 Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8 While studies across latitudinal gradients have shown 2 Department of Geography, Trent University, Peterborough, decreasing values of ecosystem respiration (ER) and net Ontario, K9J 7B8 ecosystem exchange of carbon dioxide (NEE) in northern tundra 3 Department of Geography, Carleton University, Ottawa, ecosystems, little is known about the factors that regulate NEE Ontario, K1S 5B6 in higher latitude Arctic systems. Multiple plant community types arrayed across a landscape can make scaling of point Th e Arctic carbon cycle is tightly linked to global climate measurements challenging. We have been exploring the spatial change. Th is is through the potential feedbacks between carbon and temporal controls over CO2 exchange at the Cape Bounty emissions into the atmosphere and increased global temperature. Arctic Watershed Observatory (CBAWO) since 2008. NEE Arctic water bodies are often considered sources of carbon to was measured at the ecosystem-scale using the eddy covariance the atmosphere because of their high respiration rates. Most of technique in 2008 – 2010 and 2012 – 2013 in an area of the research on Arctic freshwater emissions focuses on water relatively homogeneous mesic tundra. While our fl ux tower bodies with surface areas several hectares in size. Th erefore, the provides a good measure of NEE for mesic tundra, estimates for carbon contribution of small Arctic ponds to the atmosphere other plant community types are more limited due to their low is largely unknown. Th e aim of this study is to quantify carbon abundance in the tower footprint. Th ese communities include emissions from Arctic ponds of various sizes, so that we may polar semi-desert and wet sedge tundra plant community types, better predict their contribution to the local carbon budget. A which combined occupy over half the area of the West River secondary aim is identify the signifi cant physical and chemical watershed at CBAWO. parameters that infl uence the carbon emissions over the snow- In 2013, we deployed eight ADC Automated Carbon free season. Four ponds in the Arctic Tundra near Daring Lake, Exchange (ACE) systems to help quantity the contribution Northwest Territories, were examined. Two ponds were located of polar semi-desert plant communities to the landscape-scale in upland areas with small catchments surrounded by eskers net carbon balance. As polar semi-desert varies spatially, the and low vegetative cover; the two other ponds were located in chambers were distributed between areas of vegetation and bare low-lying areas with larger, more vegetated catchments. Floating 128 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

chambers, carbon dioxide probes and headspace samples were by the recorded increase in fl uorescence, used to quantify used to measure carbon fl uxes from the four studied ponds. chlorophyll a concentration. Th e ice profi ler showed that sea ice Chemical characteristics of the ponds were measured using decay started in late May and the fi rst ice breaking event was a YSI sonde. Water temperature, air temperature and wind observed a month after. By the 2nd of July, complete melting speed at each pond were continuously measured throughout has occurred leaving the bay free of ice. the study. Preliminary results indicated that carbon emissions from the ponds were positively correlated with water and air temperature and that all ponds were in a state of net AFFECTS OF GLACIAL MELTWATER ON THE AIR-SEA heterotrophy throughout the ice-free season. All methods used CO2 EXCHANGE WITHIN NARES STRAIT to measure carbon fl uxes concluded that the studied ponds are Burgers, Tonya1 ([email protected]), B. Else1, net carbon sources. However, the carbon fl ux values obtained M. Pind1, L. Miller2, H. Th omas3, and T. Papakyriakou1 from each method diff ered. Th e depth and location of the pond was also shown to infl uence carbon source strength. 1 Centre for Earth Observation Science, University of Manitoba, Th is study demonstrates the importance of small water bodies Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2 in high latitude carbon cycling and their need to be included 2 Institute of Ocean Sciences, Sydney, British Columbia, V8L in landscape-scale carbon budgets. Th e relationship between 4B2 temperature and carbon emissions from the studied ponds also 3 Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University, Halifax, suggests that warming Arctic temperatures have the potential to Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2 increase carbon emissions from ponds in the future. Anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) represent the single largest contribution to climate change today. Th e Earth’s oceans are responsible for off setting ~30% of OCEAN NETWORKS CANADA’S CAMBRIDGE BAY all CO emissions, representing the planet’s largest CO sink. OBSERVATORY: A YEAR OF DATA 2 2 Currently the scientifi c community remains without a good Bui, Alice Olga Victoria ([email protected]) and S. K. Juniper understanding of the air-sea exchange of CO2 in Arctic waters. Th e infl uence of signifi cant freshwater inputs to the Arctic Ocean Networks Canada, University of Victoria, Victoria, Ocean (e.g riverine inputs, melting sea ice, and calving glacier British-Columbia, V8W 2Y2 ice) further complicate the carbon budget in this region. Recent In the current context of climate change and the pressure research has shown that the quality of freshwater and its timing that global warming imposes on the environment, especially in can have a dramatic eff ect on carbon transport. Th e various the Arctic, continuous monitoring and collection of time series sources of this freshwater make it diffi cult to establish a universal data are crucial to understand and manage the Arctic Ocean. In description of its aff ect on the carbon budget. Further, we lack late September 2012, Ocean Networks Canada installed its fi rst observations of these inputs, which are required to understand cabled observatory in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. Th e observatory their aff ects on the carbonate system. consists of an instrument platform on the seafl oor at 6 m Proposed research aims to quantify the impact of melting depth that hosts a Wetlabs Water Quality Monitor (WQM), a glacial ice on the air-sea exchange of CO2 within Arctic waters. shallow water ice profi ler and an underwater camera. On shore, Data collection for this project was carried out onboard the a seaward looking camera and a weather station complete the CCGS Amundsen during its latest scientifi c cruise from July observatory. Data have been successfully collected for a year – Sept, 2013. During this cruise the Amundsen ventured now. All data and imagery are freely available through the ONC into Nares Strait, a water body heavily infl uenced by calving website. For the WQM and ice draft data, both raw data and glacial ice. Measurements of atmospheric CO2 were taken data processed for Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) via a meteorological tower located on the bow of the ship. are available online. Additionally, an underway system continuously measured the

A full cycle of ice formation and decay has been observed sea surface partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2). Th ese measurements along with the impacts of freezing and melting on water provide us with a complete picture of the CO2 gradient across properties. On October 18, 2012 the surface water in the bay the air-sea interface. Ancillary data such as dissolved inorganic began to freeze. Ice draft progressively grew, at a rate of around carbon (DIC) and alkalinity will aid in describing the overall 1 cm per day, to maximum thickness of 1.9 m. Salt expelled carbonate system within these surface waters. from sea ice formation raised salinity from 26.7 up to 29.5 Th e results of this study will provide the scientifi c psu in the bottom waters of the bay. In spring, as daily solar community with an improved understanding of the impacts radiation intensifi ed, phytoplankton biomass (and presumably of glacial meltwater on the air-sea exchange of CO2 within photosynthetic activity) increased in the water column as shown Arctic waters. As climate change continues to alter the Arctic 129 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

ecosystem, understanding the infl uence of this mechanism on by species-specifi c physiology, e.g. egg laying and grazing. the air-sea exchange of CO2 is becoming increasingly important. Predator zooplankton species (TLs ~3) further biomagnify THg, particularly in its methylated form, while refl ecting seasonal trends observed in their prey (here depicted by C. hyperboreus). MERCURY IN THE ALGAE AND ZOOPLANKTON OF In press. THE BEAUFORT SEA

Pućko, Monika1,2, A. Burt1,2 ([email protected]), MICROCLIMATES OF LARGE ICE ISLANDS IN THE W. Walkusz2,3, F. Wang1, R. W. Macdonald1,4, S. Rysgaard1,5,6,7, EASTERN ARCTIC D. G. Barber1, J.-É. Tremblay8 and G. A. Stern1,2

1 Candlish, Lauren ([email protected]) and Centre for Earth Observation Science, University of Manitoba, D. Barber 460 Wallace Building, 125 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, R3T 2N2, Canada Centre for Earth Observation Science, University of Manitoba, 2 Freshwater Institute, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, 501 R3T 2N2 University Crescent, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N6, Canada 3 Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences (IOPAS), A Radiometrics microwave profi ling radiometer (MWRP) Powstańców Warszawy 55, 81-712 Sopot, Poland was mounted on board of the CCGS Amundsen during the 4 Institute of Ocean Sciences, Department of Fisheries and summer of 2013. Th e MWRP captured the transition of the Oceans, 9860 West Saanich Road, Sidney, British Columbia, temperature, absolute humidity and liquid water from over the V8L 4B2, Canada icebergs to the open ocean. Th e high temporal resolution of the 5 Department of Geological Sciences, University of Manitoba, MWRP was capable of capturing the changing moisture plumes 240 Wallace Building, 125 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, R3T 2N2, and temperature gradients, using the off -zenith profi les over the Canada port side, the zenith profi les over the ship and the off -zenith 6 Greenland Climate Research Centre, Greenland Institute of profi les over the starboard side, while the ship circled the large Natural Resources, Kivioq 2, 3900 Nuuk, Greenland ice islands. Th is presentation shows case studies from July and 7 Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Building 1110, C. August 2013, giving a fi rst glimpse of the infl uence large ice F. Møllers Alle 8, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark 8 Québec-Océan, Département de biologie, Université Laval , islands have on the Arctic atmospheric boundary layer. Pavillon Alexandre-Vachon, 1045 av. de la Médecine, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada IDENTIFYING THE DIET AND PHYSICAL We show 2008 seasonal trends of total and mono- CONDITION OF THE BEAUFORT SEA BELUGAS methyl mercury (THg and MeHg) in herbivorous (Calanus USING FATTY ACID SIGNATURES hyperboreus) and predatory (Chaetognaths, Paraeuchaeta Choy, Emily S.1 ([email protected]), L.L Loseto2 and glacialis and Th emisto abyssorum) zooplankton species from J.D. Roth1 the Canadian High Arctic (Amundsen Gulf and the Canadian Beaufort Sea) in relation to their exposure routes. Recently, it 1 Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, has been postulated that the Arctic marine environment may Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2 2 be exceptionally vulnerable to toxic MeHg contamination Freshwater Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, through a number of post-depositional process that could Manitoba, R3T 2N6 lead to mercury transformation and methylation. Here, we Beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) are potential show that C. hyperboreus may be an under-researched hotspot indicator species for Arctic climate change. Th e Beaufort for transformation and methylation of Hg. Even though Sea beluga population is one of the world’s largest and is an C. hyperboreus do not have higher levels of THg compared to important traditional food to the people from the Inuvialuit its prey (pelagic POM), they do shift proportions of Hg forms Settlement Region. During the summer, belugas migrate from mainly inorganic in pelagic POM (> 99.5%) or ambient from the Bering to the Beaufort Sea and segregate by sex, seawater (> 90%) to primarily organic (> 50%) in their tissue. reproductive status, and size into diff erent habitats based on We calculate that annual dietary intake of MeHg could only sea ice concentration. Th e diff erences in habitat use are defi ned supply 30% of the MeHg body burden in C. hyperboreus, and largely by beluga length and predict their diets and exposure thus, other routes of transformation are likely to play a role to to mercury. Comparison of fatty acid profi les have revealed support this phenomenon, e.g. additional bioconcentration from Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida), a sea ice associated fi sh, to be an seawater or microbial mercury methylation in their gut. Seasonal important prey, but the contribution of other prey to the diet of THg trends in C. hyperboreus are rather variable and controlled Beaufort Sea belugas remains unknown. 130 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Changes in sea ice due to climate change may have ecosystems, representing the principal tundra vegetation types. indirect eff ects on the primary production of Arctic food webs Th is provides us with a unique opportunity to investigate the and aff ect the availability of important energy-rich prey, such spatial variation in permafrost biogeochemistry and microbial as Arctic cod, to belugas. Th e resilience of Beaufort Sea beluga community composition and relate it to diff erences in whales to climate change will depend on their ability to adapt aboveground vegetation and climate. Here, we present the fi rst to changes in prey dynamics. In this study, we established a ADAPT biogeochemical data from a 164 cm long permafrost baseline for health and physical condition of Beaufort Sea core obtained at a non-disturbed catchment at Cape Bounty, belugas and investigated dietary linkages using fatty acid Melville Island, NU, in June 2012. Th e maximum extent of signatures. Indicators of physical condition, such as blubber the soil active layer at this site is around 80 cm, meaning that thickness, girth measurements, and hematocrit readings were approximately 50% of our core is permafrost. We characterize measured from harvested whales at Kendall Island, Hendrickson microbial community composition using 16S pyrosequencing Island, Paulatuk, and East White fi sh during summer of DNA extracted from organisms of the domains Bacteria subsistence hunts in 2011, 2012, and 2013. Beluga tissues were and Archaea. We then relate these to particulate and dissolved also collected for fatty acid and stable isotope analysis. Fatty pools of organic carbon, and certain soluble anions and cations, acids in beluga blubber were stratifi ed with blubber depth. Th e including inorganic and organic forms of essential plant percentages of monounsaturated fatty acids were lowest in the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus, sampled at every ~10 cm inner blubber layers and highest in the outer layers. On the interval. Last, we compare the overall microbial community other hand, polyunsaturated fatty acids increased with increasing composition found in this core to that of other permafrost blubber depth, and were found predominately in the inner environments on Melville Island. Th is permafrost dataset is blubber layers. My overall objective will be to provide a better the result of a joint eff ort by several ADAPT PIs and their lab description of body condition and diet for future comparisons to groups. It represents the fi rst of many Canadian permafrost cores assess the impacts of climate change on the Beaufort Sea beluga to be analyzed by ADAPT as we continue to study microbial population and marine ecosystem. community composition and biogeochemistry with focus on soil depth specifi c variability within each core, between areas within and adjacent to permafrost disturbances, and in contrasting WHAT DOES THE PERMAFROST CONTAIN? A vegetation types. Ultimately, a better understanding of microbial SOIL DEPTH-SPECIFIC CHARACTERIZATION OF communities and biogeochemical pools in permafrost soils will MICROBIAL COMMUNITY COMPOSITION AND BIOGEOCHEMISTRY IN A PERMAFROST CORE help us better predict how thawing permafrost may impact FROM CAPE BOUNTY, MELVILLE ISLAND, NU tundra soil biogeochemistry in a changing climate.

Christiansen, Casper1 (christiansen.c@queensu. 2 ca), D. Lamhonwah (daniel.lamhonwah@queensu. THE NITROGEN BALANCE OF SEA ICE IN THE 3 1 1 1,4 ca), S. Montross , C. Ingles , K. Moniz , V. Walker , CANADIAN ARCTIC ARCHIPELAGO M. Lafreniere2, S. Lamoureux2 and P. Grogan1 Côté, Jean-Sébastien1 ([email protected]), J.- 1 Department of Biology, Queen’s University, Kingston, E. Tremblay1, J. Gagnon1 and C. Michel2 K7L 3N6 2 Department of Geography, Queen’s University, Kingston, 1 Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, K7L 3N6 G1V 0A6 3 Department of Earth Sciences, Montana State University, 2 Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Marine Productivity Laboratory, Bozeman, MT 59715 Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N6 4 School of Environmental Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, K7L 3N6 Nitrogen (N) supply is the main control on primary production in seasonally ice-covered waters of the Arctic Ocean. Th awing permafrost soils may have severe consequences Th e biogeochemical cycle of N is complex and involves diverse for tundra ecosystem carbon and nutrient transport and cycling, steps mediated by a variety of organisms ranging from microbes with far-reaching feedbacks to global climate change. Yet, our (bacteria and archea) and phytoplankton to microzooplankton knowledge of permafrost soils and its biogeochemical contents and larger animals. Some of these steps lead to a net loss or is still very limited. A key initiative in the Arctic Development gain of available N from the ecosystem while others recirculate and Adaptation to Permafrost in Transition (ADAPT) N under diff erent forms. Most of the current knowledge on N program is to obtain and characterize permafrost cores from cycling comes from water column studies. Yet sea ice provides the 16 ADAPT sites spread out across the Canadian Arctic. a unique habitat for abundant ice algae, microbes and small Th ese cores will be obtained from a wide range of terrestrial grazers. Th e contribution of sea ice to total annual production 131 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

is highly variable, but can be substantial in some regions. With document palaeo-sea level, and can add to the baseline history of the rapid environmental changes now occurring in the Arctic, sea level trends for the region. there is renewed interest in understanding how sea ice aff ects Successive single-beam profi les of the shallow water biogeochemistry and the cycling of key elements. While previous zone, running perpendicular to the shoreline and crossing the studies typically focused on one or two processes, this study aims submerged boulder barricade, were taken along with underwater to assess the overall N balance in bottom sea ice by quantifying video in order to obtain a better characterization of the the rates of and relationships between fi ve crucial N cycling submerged feature. From this dataset it is clear that there is no steps. In this study, we collected bottom ice sections at 22 discrete ridge, but a concentration of boulders with an average stations near Cornwallis Island during spring 2013, under the diameter of 70 cm, found at a depth range of 14-17 m. Th ese BIOTA (Biological Impacts of Trends in the Arctic) program. boulders are covered in seaweed, and are found upon a sandy Th e ice samples were melted in fi ltered sea water and incubated substrate, which includes shell hash and scattered cobbles. Th e with a suite of stable isotopic tracers to estimate N assimilation, boulders are found on a slight change in the slope gradient, regeneration, nitrifi cation, denitrifi cation and fi xation. Here but not at a distinct break like the other documented features. we present preliminary results that open new perspectives on N Along with the submerged dataset, Real Time Kinematic cycling in the Arctic Ocean. (RTK) profi les and grain size analysis were acquired from the modern beaches within Broughton Channel and it’s vicinity to characterize the modern coastal system of the region. Cobble COASTAL DYNAMICS OF AN ARCTIC SHORELINE and boulder beaches are common within the region, interspersed BELOW SEA LEVEL, BROUGHTON CHANNEL, with pockets of sand and gravel beaches. Th e primary source NUNAVUT of the boulders and sediment are interpreted to be from the Cowan, Beth ([email protected]), T. Bell, and D.L. Forbes washed glacial till and moraines along the adjacent hillsides of Broughton Channel. From this dataset, the slopes and grain size Department of Geography, Memorial University, St. John’s, profi les of the modern coastline will be analyzed and compared Newfoundland, A1B 3X9 with those of the submerged boulder barricade to interpret In October 2012, the MV Nuliajuk undertook a its formation, preservation and capacity as a palaeo-sea level multibeam bathymetry survey of the shallow off shore seabed of indicator. Broughton Channel, between Baffi n Island and Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut. From this survey a high-relief ridge running parallel to the shoreline was observed at a depth of 15.9 m below sea level, FIRST ‘IN SITU’ MEASUREMENT OF BULK and was interpreted as a submerged boulder barricade. Th is GAS CONCENTRATION (O2, N2, AR) AND GAS DIFFUSIVITY ( DO2, DAR AND DN2 ) IN NATURAL is signifi cant due to three observations: a) no similar features SEA ICE were found along the seabed of Broughton Channel; b) there is no corresponding modern analogue found locally; and c) this Crabeck, Odile1 ([email protected]), B. Delille2, feature has been preserved and did not migrate shoreward with D. Th omas3, N-X. Geilfus1, B. Else1, S. Rysgaard.S1,4 and sea level rise. Th e research undertaken during the summer of J-L. Tison5 2013 addressed these observations by characterizing the boulder 1 Centre for Earth Observation Science, University of Manitoba, barricade further through the use of a single-beam echosounder Winnipeg, Manitoba, MB R3T 2N2 along with underwater video transects of the submerged feature. 2 Unite d’Oceanographie Chimique, Interfacultary Centre for A modern boulder barricade is a geomorphic feature that Marine Research, Universite de Liege, Allee du 6 Aout, 17, 4000 is visible from mid to low tide, running parallel to the shoreline Liège, Belgium along coasts within arctic and subarctic regions. Th ese features 3 School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, are separated from the shore by a low gradient intertidal zone, Anglesey LL59 5AB, Wales, United Kingdom 4 and are formed by the grounding of boulder laden ice rafts at a Greenland Climate Research Centre, Greenland Institute of distinct break in the nearshore intertidal slope during spring ice Natural Resources, Kivioq 2, 3900 Nuuk, Greenland 5 Glaciology Unit, Department of Earth and Environmental breakup. Th ese features have been documented at the modern Sciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles, CP 160/03, 50 Ave. F. shoreline in many locations within the arctic and subarctic, and D. Roosevelt, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium one has even been found preserved above sea level in northern Labrador, however there is no documentation of a submerged We report the bulk gas concentration of permanent boulder barricade. Due to their placement along the slope naturel gases: O2, N2 and Ar, as well as their transport break at the low water line, boulder barricades can be used to coeffi cients, D in natural landfast sea ice. Th e survey took place 132 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

in March 2010 in Kapisillit Kangerluaq fj ord (Greenland). Th e A COUPLED ELASTIC-FLUORESCENCE observed bulk ice gas composition was 27,5 % of O2, 71,4% of REFLECTANCE MODEL TO RETRIEVE CHLOROPHYLL-A CONCENTRATION IN TURBID N2 and 1,09% Ar. Most previous studies suggest that convective transport is the main driver of gas displacement in sea ice and WATERS IN THE BEAUFORT SEA have neglected diff usion processes. According to our data, brines Yang, Chaoyu ([email protected]), E. Devred and were stratifi ed within the ice, so that no convective transport M. Babin took place within the brine system. Th erefore, diff usive transport was the main driver of gas migration. By analysing the temporal Takuvik, Université Laval-CNRS, Université Laval, Québec, evolution of an internal gas peak within the ice, we deduced the Québec, G1V 0A6 bulk gas transport coeffi cients, for oxygen (DO2), argon (DAr) With the improvement of fl uorescence theory, sun and nitrogen (DN2). Th e values fi t to the few previous estimates induced chlorophyll-a fl uorescence has become an important from experimental work, and are close to diff usivity values in technique for estimating primary production and assessing water (10-5 cm2 s-1). We suggest that gas bubbles escaping the physiological status of phytoplankton (Kiefer et al. 1999; from the brine medium towards the atmosphere, as the ice gets Olson et al. 1999). In satellite ocean color, the limited number more permeable during melt, could be responsible for previous of wavelengths available (i.e., 3 in the near-infrared, 665, reported abnormally higher transport coeffi cients. Th ese results 681 and 709 nm) to derive information on the magnitude of underline that when there is no convective transport within chlorophyll-a fl uorescence has lead to the development of the the sea ice the transport of gas by diff usion through the brines, baseline method (Gower et al., 1999). In this method, the signal either in the liquid or gaseous phases, is controlling the ocean– from the elastic scattering is removed assuming a linear function atmosphere exchange. Finally, we report that supersaturated between the 665 and 709 nm. However, the elastic contribution brines are able to release O2, N2 and Ar in the atmosphere. is not always well represented by this simple straight line as pointed out by Gower et al. (1999) and Huot et al. (2005) for TRENDS IN THE PHYTOPLANKTON COMMUNITY high chlorophyll-a concentrations or very turbid waters. In STRUCTURE OF THE CANADIAN ARCTIC BASIN: A our approach, a semi-analytical model (Gordon et al. 1988) SATELLITE APPROACH was used to infer the elastic refl ectance, while the fl uorescence component was calculated by an analytical function (Babin Devred, Emmanuel ([email protected]), et al. 1996). Our model was coupled to an existing model M. Babin, A. Matsuoka, P. Coupel and M. Benoît-Gagné (Maritorena et al. 2002, GSM) such that the refl ectance was Takuvik, Université Laval-CNRS, Universté Laval, Québec, expressed over the entire visible spectrum. An optimization Québec, G1V 0A6 function was used to retrieve chlorophyll-a concentration (and other parameters) while decreasing the quadratic diff erence Decrease in Summer sea-ice extent coupled with a longer between observed and simulated remote-sensing refl ectances. ice-free season in the Arctic basin impacts the community Th e performance of the algorithm was tested by comparison structure of phytoplankton (Li et al., 2009). Several studies with in situ chlorophyll-a concentration collected in various (Pabi et al. 2008, Arrigo et al. 2011, Tremblay et al. 2012) based coastal waters of the world, including the Beaufort Sea ad on ocean-color remote sensing data suggest that the overall the Canadian Archipelago. Best results were obtained when ocean arctic is becoming more productive as sea-ice is receding. using the coupled visible-near infrared model rather than any In the present study, we have used satellite ocean-colour individual model, and specifi cally in the Arctic Waters. Our remote sensing data to infer information on phytoplankton novel method appeared to be adapted for application in the community structure in the Canadian Arctic Basin. Based on turbid waters of the Arctic Shelf. in situ measurements of phytoplankton pigment composition, we have developed simple robust criteria to relate chlorophyll-a concentrations to the dominant phytoplankton groups. Using DEVELOPMENT OF A FULLY-AUTOMATED ARCTIC satellite-derived chlorophyll-a concentration from SeaWiFS and LAKE MONITORING SYSTEM FOR HYDRO- MODIS sensors, we have recorded the occurrence of low (chl ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH APPLICATIONS < 0.2 mg m-3), medium (0.2 < chl < 0.5 mg m-3) and high di Cenzo, Peter1 ([email protected]), B. Paquette-Struger1, (chl > 0.5 mg m-3) chlorophyll-a concentration in the Arctic F.J. Wrona1, T.D. Prowse1, L. de Rham1, J. Garies2, E. Hille2, Basin between 1998 and 2013. Th e results showed that high D. Ross2 and J. Guay1 chlorophyll-a concentration values, indicators of dominance by diatoms as revealed by the pigment signature, happened more 1 Water and Climate Impacts Research Centre, University of frequently in the recent years. Victoria, Victoria, BC 133 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

2 Aurora Research Institute, Western Arctic Research Center, THE CIRCUMPOLAR BIODIVERSITY MONITORING Inuvik, NT PROGRAM TERRESTRIAL PLAN

1 2 3 Th e Arctic has been identifi ed as the region in the Christensen, Tolstrup , J. Payne , M. Doyle (marlene.doyle@ ec.gc.ca), G. Ibarguchi4, J. Taylor5, N.M. Schmidt1, M. Northern Hemisphere that is most susceptible to the eff ects 6 6 7 8 9 of climate variability and change. It is expected to display a Gill , M. Svoboda , M. Aronsson , C. Behe , C. Buddle , C. Cuyler10, A.M. Fosaa11, A.D Fox1, S. Heiðmarsson12, P. H. warming that is more than twice the global average, show Krogh1, J. Madsen1, D. McLennan13, J. Nymand10, C. Rosa14, decreases in snowcover and sea-ice extent, display further J. Salmela15, R. Shuchman16, M. Soloviev17 and M. Wedege18 retreat of permafrost, glaciers and ice-caps, and have increased interannual variability in weather conditions. Such signifi cant 1 Aarhus University, Denmark changes/shifts in climatic regimes are expected to have far 2 North Slope Science Initiative and Michigan Tech Research reaching fi rst- and second-order impacts on the hydrology and Institute, USA 3 ecology of small Arctic tundra lakes by impacting their ability to Environment Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0H3 4 maintain adequate water levels and water quality for ecosystem Department of Biology and School of Environmental Studies, sustainability. Furthermore, a warming climate is expected to Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6 5 National Park Service, USA directly impact the magnitude and timing of freshwater and 6 Environment Canada, Whitehorse, Y1A 5B77 nutrient fl uxes to and from lakes and aff ect a range of physical, 7 Swedish Species Information Centre, Sweden chemical and biological processes. It is diffi cult to project the 8 Inuit Circumpolar Council eff ects changing climate and environmental factors will have 9 McGill University, Department of Natural Resource Sciences, on Arctic tundra lakes, partly related to a poor understanding McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, H9X 3V9 of their interrelationships, and also partly related to a paucity 10 Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Greenland of long-term monitoring sites and integrated hydro-ecological 11 Botanical Department at Natural History Museum Faroe research programs in the Arctic. Islands A major diffi culty in monitoring hydro-ecology of lakes 12 Icelandic Institute of Natural History, Iceland 13 in the Arctic is that many locations are remote, often only Aboriginal Aff airs & Northern Development Canada, accessible by helicopter or fl oat plane. Th is makes visiting Gatineau, Québec, K1A 0H4 14 these sites frequently for monitoring purposes a huge logistical U.S. Arctic Research Commission, USA 15 Natural Heritage Services, Finland problem due to the high cost of conducting research in 16 Robert Shuchman, Michigan Tech Research Institute, USA the North. Also, bad weather in summer and harsh winter 17 Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russia conditions often interfere with planned fi eld trips to research 18 Norwegian Environment Directorate, Norway sites. In light of this, under the ArcticNet project “Hydro- ecological Responses of Arctic Tundra Lakes to Climate Change Th e Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF), the and Landscape Perturbation”, we have developed and tested a biodiversity working group of the Arctic Council, established prototype Arctic Lake Monitoring System (ALMS) comprising the Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program (CBMP) to a fully-automated ice buoy and subsurface mooring system for address the need for coordinated and standardized monitoring of continuous year-round monitoring (in real-time) of weather Arctic environments in terrestrial, marine, freshwater and coastal conditions, lake ice cover (initiation, growth over winter, environments. Th e CBMP Terrestrial Plan is a framework to breakup in spring), light penetration into the lake (through focus and coordinate monitoring of terrestrial biodiversity across ice in winter), and lake water quality (chemistry, temperature, the Arctic. Th e goal of the plan is to improve the collective ability of Arctic traditional knowledge (TK) holders, northern oxygen levels). Application of the ALMS system is being communities, and scientists to detect, understand and report considered for a pan-Canadian / pan-Arctic platform for long- on long-term change in Arctic terrestrial ecosystems and term Arctic observing networks such as the Canadian High biodiversity, and to identify knowledge gaps and priorities. Th is Arctic Research Station (CHARS) and the pan-Arctic initiative poster will outline the key management questions the plan Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks (SAON). aims to address and the proposed nested, multi-scaled approach Th is poster presentation provides an overview of the linking targeted, research based monitoring with survey-based ALMS, steps taken and challenges overcome to develop the monitoring and remotely sensed data. Th e CBMP Terrestrial ALMS prototype, and how use of the ALMS contributes to our Plan intends to build upon and expand existing monitoring overall research program. networks, engaging participants across a range of capacity and interests. Th e poster will also summarize the recommended focal ecosystem components and attributes to monitor in the plan related to the core biotic groups: birds, mammals, vegetation and invertebrates. 134 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

ARCTIC POPULATIONS AND CARDIOVASCULAR stable pattern for CD. In Canada (1989-2008), RR between MORTALITY: CEREBROVASCULAR AND HEART Inuit and Canadian population were < or >1 for IHD and DISEASES. A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF DATA FROM >1 for CD. Over a period of 20 years, Inuit rates had a little CANADA, USA AND EUROPE decreasing tendency for CD and a stable pattern for IHD. In Dupont, Claire1 ([email protected]), Greenland (1965-1998), RR between Greenlanders (Inuit) and TY. Adamou1, P. Bjerregaard2, TK. Young3, PA. Peters4 and population from Denmark were ≤1 for IDH and >1 for CD. E. Dewailly1 Over a period of 34 years, Inuit rates had a decreasing tendency for IHD and a stable pattern for CD. In Scandinavia (1961- 1 Axe santé publique et pratiques optimales en santé, CRCHUQ 2002), Standardized Mortality Ratios (SMR) between Sami Université Laval. Département Médecine Sociale et Préventive, and Norwegian non-Sami population were ≥1 for IHD and >1 Canada for CD with the highest SMR among women. SMR between 2 National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark Sami and Swedish non-Sami population were ≥1 for IHD or MI 3 School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, among women, =1 for CD and >1 for SAH in both sex. Canada In conclusion, data reviewed appeared limited because 4 Health Analysis Division, Statistics Canada, Ottawa, Canada of diffi culties to obtain accurate data about specifi c causes of mortality from CVD among native populations. However our Questions about mortality levels of cardiovascular diseases results seemed to be in accordance with previous descriptions. (CVD) among native populations living in Arctic Region Further attention should also be given to data comparability still persist. Native communities from Arctic were historically over time and between countries, temporal tendencies need considered less aff ected by CVD than westernized populations historical perspective. because of a protective eff ect of traditional nutrition and lifestyle. Moreover, some authors describe the last decades as a period of rapid epidemiologic transition associated with MEASURING THE IMPACT OF SCIENCE ACTIVITIES signifi cant changes in disease patterns with an increase of risk AND PRODUCTS IN THE CANADIAN ARCTIC factors of CVD. For a long time, vital statistics reported a lower mortality by ischemic heart diseases (IHD) and a higher Furgal, Chris1,2 ([email protected]), A. Durkalec2, 3 4 5 6 mortality by cerebrovascular diseases (CD) among Natives L. Braithwaite , D. Hik , S. Meakin , S. Nickels , P. Moss 5 2 living in Artic Regions compared to the general population Davies and M. Buckham from the States corresponded. However both types of diseases 1 Indigenous Environmental Studies Program, Trent University, can be caused by similar inherent chronic pathology such as Peterborough, ON K9J 7B8 atherosclerosis. Th e objective of our review was to clarify this 2 Health, Environment and Indigenous Communities Research paradox. Group, Trent University, Peterbrough, ON Th e ‘Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and 3 Environment Canada, Ottawa, ON Meta-Analyses’ (PRISMA) methodology, previously published, 4 Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, was adopted. A Population Intervention Comparison group Edmonton, AB Outcomes Study design (PICOS) approach and an exhaustive 5 Inuit Circumpolar Council, Ottawa, ON search strategy were developed for each database. 6 Inuit Knowledge Centre, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Ottawa, ON We systematically reviewed the published litterature Th e activities and products of scientifi c research have in Pubmed, Embase and Circumpolar Health bibliographic databases at the beginning of july 2013 and completed with impacts that go far beyond the distribution of peer reviewed national statistics from each States concerned. In total our scientifi c papers and the training of highly qualifi ed personnel. search strategy identifi ed more than 4000 articles but fi nally we Th e scientifi c research process and production of dissemination included only 9 of them in our review: 4 articles from Alaska, materials is part of a larger process of knowledge creation or 2 from Greenland, 3 from Scandinavia and we added 1 table innovation in any society. Some countries, including Canada of data from Statistics Canada. Our synthesis was based on 8 to some extent, have spent signifi cant resources in attempting causes of death: CVD, Heart diseases (HD), IHD, Myocardial to assess and understand the impacts (predominantly benefi ts) Infarction (MI), CD, Ischemic Stroke (IS), Haemorrhagic that the investment in scientifi c activities and and their Stoke (HS) and Subarachnoid Haemorrhage (SAH). In Alaska resulting outcomes have in society. In an era of enhanced focus (1979-2003), the mortality Rate Ratios (RR) between Natives and scrutiny on maximizing benefi ts of public investment in (Inuit, Aleut and Indians together) and US white population research an increased understanding of the positive impacts were ≤1 for HD or IHD and ≥1 for CD. Over a period of 25 such investment has in society can be valuable. Further, such years, Native rates had a decreasing tendency for HD and a exploration helps us understand elements of the science-policy 135 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

interface as it looks for emperical evidence of benefi t to society extent is decreasing at an alarming rate causing changes in light of the engagement in and outcomes of the research process. exposure in the water column. Due to adaptations of eukaryotic Preoccupation with this topic has increased in the algal species to live in this extreme environment, even the Canadian Arctic considerably in recent years, in part in relation slightest changes in the Arctic may have signifi cant eff ects on to the signifi cant investment by the federal government in the their capacity to thrive in such environments. International Polar Year Program and the organization of the To understand the eff ects that changing salinity, light scientifi c community around signifi cant large network research levels, and varying nutrients may have on the eukaryotic microbes currently sustaining the Arctic food web, a comparative programs, representing signifi cant investments of resources, transcriptomics study was completed. Five phylogenetically both human and fi nancial, such as ArcticNet. However, despite diverse Arctic microalgae were selected and grown in culture. the increased attention to and public discourse surrounding the Each species was grown in fi ve diff erent growth conditions: a question of the benefi ts of enhanced scientifi c activity in the control, dissolved inorganic nitrate, dissolved organic nitrate, Arctic, the issue of how to eff ectively ‘capture’ or measure the and either both high and low salinity or high and low light. true extent of the impacts of such activities, enagagement and Transcriptomes were then generated for each species by the Joint their outcomes is still poorly understood. Th e issue of ‘legacy’ Genome Institute (for the controls) and the National Center for is often discussed in the context of large program investments, Genome Resources (for each additional growth condition). but what that legacy is and how to measure it is lacking. Surely, A diff erential expression analysis was completed on each it is much more than simply the number of peer reviewed species’ set of transcriptomes. Signifi cantly over-expressed publications and graduate theses produced, yet these traditional and under-expressed genes were identifi ed for each growth academic metrics are what often continue to garner the attention condition in comparison to its respective control. Each set of of funding agencies when looking at assessments of ‘success’. signifi cantly expressed genes was then mapped back the Kyoto Th is sub-project, an initiative of the larger ArcticNet Encyclopedia for Genes and Genomes (KEGG) to identify the science-policy project, has been examining the literature in this metabolic pathways utilized by each species to survive under the area and assessing the applicability of several recognized metrics various conditions. Based on these mappings, we were able to to evaluate science impacts in society to the Arctic context. explore and better understand the varying genes used by polar Th is poster provides a summary of the literature reviewed and microalgae to withstand the shift in specifi c environmental conditions. Th is knowledge will allow us to focus on genes of proposes potential metrics to be considered for Canadian Arctic interest related to changing conditions in the Arctic Ocean while science investments. gaining an understanding of the specialized adaptations in Arctic microbial eukaryotes. EXPLORING DIFFERENTIAL GENE EXPRESSION OF FIVE ARCTIC MICROBIAL EUKARYOTES A STUDY OF THE SEASONAL AND SPATIAL Edgar, Robyn1,2,3,4 ([email protected]) , VARIATIONS OF NDVI AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO 1,2,4 1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4 R. Terrado , A. Monier and C. Lovejoy ECOSYSTEM CO2 FLUX DATA AT DARING LAKE, NWT 1 Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6 Elliott, Claire ([email protected]), and E. Humphreys 2 Québec-Océan, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, G1V0A6 Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Carleton 3 Takuvik, Joint UL – CNRS Laboratory, Université Laval, University, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6 Québec, Québec, G1V0A6 4 Institut de biologie intégrative et des systems, Université Laval, A changing Arctic environment with warmer temperatures Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6 and lengthening growing seasons will likely alter plant Th e Arctic is a unique environment due to its strong phenology, local rates of photosynthesis and net ecosystem haloclines, consistently cold waters, physical isolation, exchange of carbon dioxide (NEE). Normalized Diff erence and extreme light cycles. Th ese extreme conditions lead to Vegetation Index (NDVI) may be used as an indicator of plant highly specialized species adapted specifi cally to the Arctic productivity and greenness over many temporal and spatial environment. Among the most prevalent organisms in the Arctic scales. Th e goal of this study will be to verify satellite-based are photosynthetic protists that provide the base of the food web NDVI with ground-based sensors and determine whether as primary producers. seasonal trends in NDVI within a variety of tundra ecosystems Th e Arctic is currently undergoing rapid changes due to may be related to trends in carbon dioxide fl ux data. Th e global climate change. Th e infl ux of freshwater from rivers is Daring Lake region, NWT (64°52 N, 111°35 W) has four increasing aff ecting salinity and the summer ice coverage and eddy covariance fl ux towers for the continuous measurement 136 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

of growing season NEE established in sedge fen, tall shrub, low high fl uxes. Momentum fl uxes showed interesting correlations shrub, and mixed upland tundra. In 2013, NDVI was measured with ice growth/melt, but were generally higher than expected. by hand at the plot-scale with concurrent measurements of We concluded that the eddy covariance system worked well leaf area index and biomass in sub-plots. Tower-scale NDVI (with the exception of the conductivity sensor), and that was also measured every 30 min for the full summer. Th ese useful information about turbulent exchanges can be obtained preliminary results will be used to verify the spatial and temporal from an experimental sea ice facility of this size. However, variations in satellite-based NDVI during the summer. In 2014, fi rm conclusions about the processes we observed will require measurements will begin in early spring in each ecosystem in corroboration from future experiments. order to link phenology from green-up through senescence with changes in NEE. Th ese results aim to improve the interpretation of satellite-based NDVI in terms of tundra vegetation and its SURFACE ENERGY BUDGET OF LANDFAST SEA ICE productivity. DURING THE WINTER-TO-SPRING TRANSITION Else, Brent1 ([email protected]), T. Papakyriakou1, R. Galley1, R. Raddatz1, C.J. Mundy1, D. Barber1, and UNDER-ICE EDDY COVARIANCE FLUX S. Rysgaard1,2,3,4 MEASUREMENTS OF HEAT, SALT, MOMENTUM, AND DISSOLVED OXYGEN IN AN ARTIFICIAL SEA ICE 1 Centre for Earth Observation Science, Department of POOL Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 2N2 1 1 Else, Brent ([email protected]), R. Galley and 2 Department of Geological Sciences, University of Manitoba, 1,2,3,4 S. Rysgaard Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2 3 1 Greenland Climate Research Centre, Greenland Institute of Centre for Earth Observation Science, Department of Natural Resources, Nuuk, Greenland Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, 4 Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2 2 Department of Geological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Recent evidence has shown convincing trends towards Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2 earlier onset of sea ice melt in the Arctic. Earlier melt onset 3 Greenland Climate Research Centre, Greenland Institute of dates lead to longer melt seasons and greater absorption of Natural Resources, Nuuk, Greenland solar radiation, creating an important climate change feedback. 4 Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark Unfortunately, direct observations of the surface energy budget Turbulent exchanges under sea ice play a controlling of sea ice during this time period are extremely sparse, and role in ice mass balance, ice drift, biogeochemistry, and mixed thus the processes that trigger melt onset remain diffi cult to layer modifi cation. In this study, we examined the potential understand and model. In this study, we present a surface energy to measure under-ice turbulent exchanges of heat, salt, budget for landfast sea ice near Resolute Bay, Nunavut, collected momentum, and dissolved oxygen using eddy covariance in from May to June, 2010. Most of the important energy budget an artifi cial sea ice facility. Over a 15-day period in January, terms (net shortwave radiation, Knet, net longwave radiation, 2013, an underwater eddy covariance system was deployed Lnet, sensible heat fl ux, QH, and latent heat fl ux, QL) were directly measured, while the conductive heat fl ux (Qc) was in a large (500 m3) in-ground concrete pool, which was fi lled estimated from snow and ice temperature profi les. Th e dataset with artifi cial seawater and exposed to the cold (-5 to -30°C) is unique because the data retrieval rate was extremely high, atmosphere. Turbulent exchanges were measured continuously and because it perfectly captures the transition from winter as ice grew from 5 to 25 cm thick and then was melted by conditions through snowmelt and melt pond onset. heating the seawater. Heat, momentum, and dissolved oxygen fl uxes were all successfully calculated, but calculation of salt fl uxes was unsuccessful due to noise contamination of the conductivity sensor. Heat fl uxes during initial ice growth were directed upwards at 10 to 25 W m-2 suggesting interesting double-diff usion eff ects, but were paradoxically directed downwards for a short time during ice melt. Dissolved oxygen fl uxes were directed downwards at rates of 5 to 50 mmol m-2 d-1 throughout the experiment, at times exceeding the expected amount of oxygen rejected during ice growth. Bubble formation and dissolution was identifi ed as one possible cause of the 137 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

ASSESSING BERRIES TO MONITOR ECOLOGICAL why berry productivity is so heterogeneous across the landscape, CHANGE: A COLLABORATION WITH NUNAVUT and so variable among sites and years. ARCTIC COLLEGE’S ENVIRONMENTAL Th is poster is summarizing the data students have been TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM collecting over a 5-year period, including berry productivity data, some climatic variables as well as quotes and pictures from Environmental Technology Program students1, J. Shirley1,2, J. Carpenter1,2, R. Churchill1, J. Gérin-Lajoie3 (Jose.Gerin- local Inuit elders/berry pickers regarding environmental changes [email protected]) and E. Lévesque3 they have observed in recent years.

1 Nunavut Arctic College 2 Nunavut Research Institute TEN YEARS OF MONITORING LEMMING 3 Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières and Centre d’études DEMOGRAPHY IN THE CANADIAN HIGH ARCTIC nordiques Fauteux, Dominique1 ([email protected]), Nunavut Arctic College’s Environmental Technology G. Gauthier1 and D. Berteaux2 Program (ETP) is graduating ‘ Made in Nunavut ‘environmental 1 practitioners since 1987. Th e ETP is a two-year diploma Centre for Northern Studies and department of biology, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6 program that incorporates classroom and practical lab and fi eld 2 Centre for Northern Studies, Université du Québec à experiences to develop student skills. Students of this program Rimouski, Rimouski (QC), Canada, G5L 3A1 have been contributing to a multidisciplinary study looking at vegetation response in a warming Arctic context, with a focus Lemmings are well known for their large amplitude, multi- on berry ecology and productivity. For fi ve years (2009-2013), annual cyclic fl uctuations of abundance, a feature that is central they have been collecting berries following a scientifi c protocol to the arctic tundra ecosystem. Annual lemming abundance has in a permanent monitoring plot they have set near their fall fi eld a direct eff ect on the reproductive success of predators, such as camp location. Th is protocol has been designed by researchers the long-tailed jaeger (Stercorarius longicaudus) and the Arctic from Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières in collaboration fox (Vulpes lagopus), and an indirect eff ect on other herbivores with colleagues from other universities. Th e study includes open such as the greater snow goose (Anser caerulescens atlanticus) top chambers (OTCs) the students installed at the four corners via an apparent competition. Recent studies conducted in of the monitoring plot to simulate climate warming and study Northeast Greenland and Fennoscandia have reported lemming its impact on vegetation. Students annually retrieve data from cycles of reduced amplitudes and, in some cases, their complete the dataloggers that are recording soil surface temperature all disappearance. As a result, highly specialised lemming predators year long, relaunching them after downloading the data. Th e such as the ermine (Mustela erminea) and snowy owl (Bubo soil surface temperature data also allows us to estimate dates of scandiacus) have declined dramatically in these areas. Although meteorological events such as fi rst snow on the ground, thawing climate change has been invoked as a potential factor in those period and snow cover duration. Some variables like thawing declines, clear evidence indicating that warming temperatures degree-days (TDD) and number of days with temperature above may aff ect the population dynamic of lemmings are still lacking. zero can also be calculated from these data. Th e broader study Th us, it is critical to better understand the factors driving the includes a compilation of Inuit perception of environmental population dynamic of lemmings to predict when and where changes among eight Canadian Inuit communities in Nunavik, cyclicity may disappear. We will present preliminary results Nunavut and Nunatsiavut, emphasizing vegetation change from 10 years of monitoring (2004-2013) of the demography and more particularly changes in berry growth, productivity, of brown lemmings (Lemmus trimucronatus) on Bylot Island, and variety. ETP Instructors and students have decided to Nunavut (73°N, 80°W), and examine possible relationships with further contribute to this aspect of the research by conducting meteorological parameters. We used capture-recapture analyses their own interviews with local elders/berry pickers regarding of live-trapping data obtained during the summer months changes they have observed in berry productivity in recent (June, July, and August) to compare the annual demographic years. Th ey are doing this as part of their Inuktitut class. Th is profi le of the brown lemming population at diff erent points project contributes to ETP student’s training as they learn to in time. Th e survival probability, the recruitment rate into the follow scientifi c protocols, to use diff erent technological tools population (i.e. ratio of young per adult) and the reproductive and instruments (e.g. GPS, dataloggers), to take vegetation activity (i.e. ratio of reproductive vs non-reproductive adults) measurements (e.g. species diversity, height, % cover) and to were estimated during the diff erent phases of their population conduct traditional ecological knowledge interviews. Moreover, cycle. Our results indicate that the brown lemming population these data are very valuable as they are part of a wide inter-site of Bylot Island is cyclic with a 3-4-year periodicity and we found comparison across the Canadian Arctic to better understand no evidence of a dampening in the amplitude of its fl uctuations 138 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

in recent years. During years of peak abundance, we found that Th e sediment budget was used to identify storage and release lemming survival probability was positively associated with dynamics through an analysis of the spatially and temporally their population density. Furthermore, density and survival variable source and sink areas of the river, along with daily and were reduced during summers of peak abundance with high event-scale hysteresis analysis. Results indicate that a sediment precipitation. Th e reproductive activity of adults was higher in slug resulting from 2007 permafrost disturbance has impacted July than in June or August. In contrast, the ratio of young per the West River. Analysis of diurnal hysteresis relationships for adult was higher during June and August compared to July. It the years 2004-2012 signal a shift in daily sediment-discharge thus appears that the reproductive activity of adults starts under hysteresis from primarily clockwise to counter-clockwise the snow, is interrupted during spring thaw, and resumes in July. following an episode of permafrost disturbance and enhanced Th is breeding interruption probably occurs because lemmings erosion in 2007, suggesting sediment sourced from the have to seek new shelters to avoid fl ooding caused by melting upper catchment is increasingly important in the river. Th ese snow, which suggests that this is a critical period for them. results suggest that the river is responding to disturbance by Similarly, reduced density during summers of high rainfall may increasingly storing suspended sediment as a slow-moving slug be due to fl ooding of their burrows, which may negatively aff ect that has dampened the release of sediment but will prolong the survival of newborns. impact. Th is study provides insights into the fl uvial and geomorphological responses to perturbations aff ecting the DOWNSTREAM PATTERNS OF SUSPENDED Arctic rivers, as results from this study are broadly applicable to SEDIMENT TRANSPORT IN A HIGH ARCTIC RIVER other High Arctic rivers. In particular, this study contributes to understanding the processes of sediment transport in response Favaro, Elena A. ([email protected]) and S.F. Lamoureux to warming Arctic temperatures, which is expected to increase as the century progresses, but has had limited study due to the Department of Geography, Queen’s University, Kingston, emphasis on snow melt processes and hydrological fl uxes in this Ontario, K7L 3N6 region. Projected climate change is expected to have substantial impacts for Arctic ecosystems, especially altering the stability of the landscape and hydrological regime. Changes to the CLIMATE VARIABILITY AND APPARENT SURVIVAL established patterns suspended sediment transport can impact OF ADULT SABINE’S GULLS BREEDING IN THE downstream aquatic and coastal marine ecosystems, given that CANADIAN HIGH ARCTIC sediment acts as a substrate for both nutrients and contaminants Fife, Danielle1 (danielle.t.fi [email protected]), M.L. Mallory1, alike. Furthermore, changes to sediment storage and release G.J. Robertson2 and D. Shutler1 patterns in this region can signal climatically-induced alterations 1 to the fl uvial system. Th is study seeks to characterize the Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova short term sediment transport dynamics through the West Scotia, B4P 2R6 2 River (unoffi cial name) at the Cape Bounty Arctic Watershed Wildlife Research Division, Environment Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, Newfoundland, A1N 4T3 Observatory (CBAWO) on Melville Island, Nunavut (74.91° N, 109.44° W), a river with nearly a decade of hydrological For many long-lived seabirds with low reproductive and sediment transport research that is unique in the Canadian rates, adult survival is thought to be relatively robust to annual Arctic. Specifi cally, this study investigates the linkages between variability in climate, because individuals may reduce investment channel snowpack, morphology and major sediment sources in other aspects of their life history, such as reproductive eff ort, outside of the channel on erosion and the downstream transport to increase their chance of staying alive in less favourable years. of suspended sediment. However, extreme shifts in climate can negatively aff ect survival During the nival melt period of the 2012 season, a bed- directly (through extreme physiological demands) and indirectly contact survey was undertaken along the West River to map (through changes in prey availability), which can have signifi cant areas of the bed that had made contact with the fl ow. Results consequences for a population with low reproductive output. highlight the importance of channel snowpack in isolating Recent concerns over population declines in a variety of bird channel sediment from erosion and the need for downstream species have prompted analyses of capture-mark-recapture hydrological connectivity for effi cient sediment transport. (CMR) data to assess whether declines may be attributable Following the nival melt, suspended sediment datasets were to reduced adult survival. Furthermore, several studies have collected from a primary outlet station and six upstream linked fl uctuations in annual survival to variations in the North locations to generate an inferred sediment budget to identify the Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), and Southern Oscillation Index sources and sinks of sediment in the reaches of the West River. (SOI); both proxies for climatic variability. 139 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

We performed survival analyses on CMR data, collected Churchill’s subarctic environment. Expanding on the Schools between 2007 and 2013, for Sabine’s Gulls (Xema sabini) on Board objectives, the Schools on Tundra program pilot breeding on Nasaruvaalik Island (75.8 °N, 96.3 °W), one of brought nine students and two teachers from across Canada several islands found within the Penny Strait, Nunavut. Sabine’s to the subarctic tundra for a week-long, terrestrial subarctic Gull is a Holarctic seabird that breeds along the Arctic coast fi eld program. Participants were exposed to the objectives and of North America, Greenland, and Russia, primarily on small methods of six diff erent science research programs from several coastal islands and in coastal wetland areas. Demographics of research disciplines and institutions across Canada. Interactions this species are poorly known, because of the remote location of with scientists and hands-on experience in the fi eld, classroom its breeding range. However, there have been studies reporting and laboratory, fostered a unique learning environment for all declines in parts of its range. We used Program MARK to participants. Th e Schools on Tundra program will be held again estimate apparent survival and recapture probabilities for adult in the winter of 2015 in partnership between Schools on Board Sabine’s Gulls on Nasaruvaalik Island. Because Sabine’s Gulls and the CNSC. Th is successful model presents opportunities may migrate to either the Pacifi c, or Atlantic Ocean, we also for similar partnerships and programs to develop with other tested for a relationship between apparent survival estimates and northern fi eld stations. NAO, or SOI. Preliminary apparent survival estimates from this study are similar to those reported for a low Arctic colony on Southampton Island, while analyses testing for relationships CHARACTERIZATION OF TUNDRA POND with climate indices gave mixed results. Th is study provides the WETLANDS AND NUTRIENT SOURCES FROM fi rst survival analysis for Sabine’s Gulls breeding in the Canadian SPRING TO AUTUMN IN THE SUBARCTIC high Arctic, where knowledge on population trends for marine Winegardner, Amanda1, L.A. Fishback2 (fi shback@ birds is fragmented and unclear. Seabirds are often viewed as churchillscience.ca), and M. Macrae3 indicators of marine ecosystem health and could provide clues as to what may be aff ecting survival of other marine species, 1 Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, particularly those that are rare or at risk. Th erefore, long-term H3A 1B1 monitoring of seabird populations is critical to understanding 2 Churchill Northern Studies Centre, Churchill, Manitoba, R0B impacts of environmental change on entire ecosystems. 0E0 3 Department of Geography and Environmental Management, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1 SCHOOLS ON TUNDRA: TERRESTRIAL-BASED Understanding variability in aquatic habitats of the SCIENCE OUTREACH PROGRAM Hudson Bay Lowlands (HBL) has gained prominence in recent Fishback, LeeAnn1 (fi [email protected]), M. Watts2, literature, particularly as climate change alters typical season L. Barber2 and D.G. Barber2 and weather patterns in the subarctic. With tundra ponds covering approximately 25% of the landscape in this area, there 1 Churchill Northern Studies Centre, Churchill, MB, R0B 0E0 is considerable interest in how environmental change will aff ect 2 Centre for Earth Observation Science, University of Manitoba, biogeochemical cycling in freshwater aquatic systems. Previous Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2 studies have examined trends in abiotic and biotic variables Since 2004, ArcticNet’s Schools on Board program, based as a result of climatic change in ponds of the HBL and have out of the University of Manitoba, has been an integral outreach identifi ed key trajectories for the water chemistry of these ponds. opportunity for high school students and teachers from across However, these studies are often based on a low number of Canada to be engaged in arctic climate change research on board sampling events due to logistics and the high-cost of fi eldwork. the CCGS Amundsen. Building on the continued success of the Few studies on subarctic or arctic systems include the entire Schools on Board program, a new initiative called Schools on ice-free season, or have increased samples collected surrounding Tundra in collaboration with the Churchill Northern Studies rainfall events, despite the fact that storm events have been Centre (CNSC) and Parks Canada was launched in 2013. shown to be important periods for nutrient mobility in a range Th e Schools on Board program objective is to bridge arctic of diff erent ecosystems. Th is study examined small tundra research with science education in high schools across Canada; ponds, asking questions about spatial variability and the eff ects to increase awareness of issues related to climate change in of landscape position on nutrient concentrations and water Canada, and to educate young Canadians about the challenges chemistry. We hypothesize that features unique to individual and career opportunities of arctic research. Th is program merges tundra ponds will infl uence the nutrient levels and composition well with the CNSC mandate ‘to understand and sustain the of that pond more strongly than seasonal changes, i.e. it will North’ through research and educational programming in matter more where a pond was in the spatial landscape than at 140 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

what point it is sampled in a season. As climate change alters soluble ions is ca. 2-5 times higher in the transient layer than typical season and weather patterns, we need to understand the overlying, contemporary active layer, but concentrations how much variability to expect in this landscape, both spatially are 10-100 times higher in the permafrost below the early and temporally. We monitored fi ve tundra ponds in Churchill, Holocene thaw unconformity (typically found 150-200cm Manitoba, Canada from June to October 2011 (inclusive). below the surface). A similar dramatic gradient is observed in

Pond water samples were collected biweekly from ponds and the concentration of S (mainly present as FeS2 and CaSO4), their associated infl ows and outfl ows and pond water levels where [S] is absent from the active layer, but reaches its highest were recorded using Hobo U20 level loggers. We also collected concentration of ca. 2% below the early Holocene thaw additional samples from these tundra ponds before, during unconformity. Th e concentration of Corg and N is highest in and after signifi cant rainfall events. A subset of the samples the active layer, reaching values of 20 and 1%, respectively, and was analyzed for dissolved nutrients (NH4, NO3), cations lowest below the thaw unconformity (<2%). Th ese data provide (Li, Na, K, Mg, Ca), anions (Fl, Cl, SO4), total phosphorus, the necessary context for assessing potential biogeochemical total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) and alkalinity. To explore our impacts of permafrost thaw on terrestrial and aquatic objectives, we will use PCA, RDA and Bray-Curtis measures of ecosystems. For example, these preliminary results suggest dissimilarity to see if spatial location and characteristics unique non-linear geochemical responses to active layer deepening and to a pond, such as catchment size or infl ow type aff ect the ponds intensifi cation of thermokarst activity. more than seasonality. Th is study will make use of fi eld data collected biweekly over a six month period; a sampling eff ort not often achieved in northern fi eld work. CO-DESIGN OF COASTAL RISK ASSESSMENT FOR SUBSISTENCE INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE INUVIALUIT SETTLEMENT REGION, WESTERN ARCTIC CANADA BIOGEOCHEMICAL VARIATIONS IN PLEISTOCENE AND HOLOCENE-AGE PERMAFROST ACROSS Forbes, Donald L.1,2 ([email protected]), D.J.R. Whalen1, VARIOUS ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPES, WESTERN B. Jacobson3, P. Fraser1, G.K. Manson1, N.J. Couture1,4 and CANADIAN ARCTIC R. Simpson5

1 1 Fontaine, Marielle ([email protected]), M. Taylor , 1 Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, 1 2 D. Lacelle and S. Kokelj Dartmouth, NS, B2Y 4A2 2 1 Department of Geography, Memorial University, St. John’s, Department of Geography, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, NL, A1B 3X9 ON, Canada, K1N 6N5 3 2 Inuvialuit Land Administration, Tuktoyaktuk, NT, X0E 1C0 Aboriginal Aff airs and Northern Development Canada, 4 Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Yellowknife, NWT, Canada, X1A 2R3 Ottawa, K1A 0E8 5 Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Inuvik, NT, X0E 0T0 Th e western Canadian Arctic is one of the most rapidly warming regions on Earth. In this region, the uppermost 3-5m Th e coast of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (ISR) in of permafrost is predicted to thaw within the next century. Such the Mackenzie-Beaufort region of the western Canadian Arctic a change in permafrost conditions is expected to have signifi cant is characterized by rapid erosion of ice-bonded sediments biogeochemical impacts on local and regional terrestrial with abundant excess ice, resulting in widespread landward and aquatic ecosystems. To assess the potential geochemical retreat of shorelines. Many of the hunting and fi shing camps implications of anticipated permafrost thaw, we undertook a belonging to ISR residents are located along the coast, as are study across glaciated terrain from the westward margin of ice whaling camps and cultural resource sites such as Kittigazuit, extent in the Richardson Mountains to tundra areas near the Hendrickson Island, Shingle Point and Herschel Island. People Beaufort Sea coast in the Tuktoyaktuk Coastlands. In the Peel in Tuktoyaktuk are familiar with the coastal erosion problems Plateau, adjacent to the Richardson Mountains, active layer faced by that community and the several decades of research and permafrost exposed in the headwall of 12 thaw slumps by the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) to document were collected to depth of 5-20m. Permafrost cores were also shoreline retreat, protection measures, impacts of erosion, and collected to depth of 3-5m using a SIPRE corer in upland implications for further loss of land in the hamlet. Under the terrain east of the Mackenzie Delta. Th e water extracted from Beaufort Regional Environmental Assessment (BREA) program the samples at 5cm vertical resolution was analyzed for major (Aboriginal Aff airs and Northern Development Canada) and soluble ions and trace metals; while the sediments were analyzed the Climate Change Geoscience Program (Natural Resources δ13 δ34 for concentration of Corg-N-S and Corg and SSO4. Canada), the GSC is leading a coastal geoscience project to Preliminary results show that the concentration of major synthesize existing knowledge of coastal erosion rates and 141 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

processes in the region and to partner with ISR organizations in in the Peruvian Amazon, Ugandan Impenetrable Forest, and the distribution of resulting map products. Th rough a number Canadian Arctic to examine vulnerabilities to the health of meetings between GSC staff and the Inuvialuit Game eff ects of climate change and develop an evidentiary base for Council, Joint Secretariat, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, adaptation. Work in Canada is being conducted in partnership and Inuvialuit Land Administration (ILA) over the past couple with the communities of Rigolet, Nunatsiavut, and Iqaluit, of years, we have developed a partnership to produce and Nunavut, and is focusing on water security and food security. deliver map products to inform ISR residents about coastal Th is poster will: (i) profi le fi ndings from the fi rst 2 years erosion and fl ood risks to existing subsistence infrastructure. of research during which 7 cross-sectional retrospective A pilot project was initiated in 2013 to map rates of coastal community-led surveys (n=2,657) and 60 in-depth interviews erosion in relation to camp locations and distance from the captured data on the prevalence and risk factors for acute shore in Kugmallit Bay. Th is will enable a risk assessment gastrointestinal illness and food security; (ii) document the involving scenarios of future climate and coastal erosion rates community based participatory research process guiding the and provide a tool to assist in selection of safe sites for future work; and (iii) compare the fi ndings with research in the other camp development. Th e erosion rates are derived from analysis two regions. of shoreline change from historical air photographs and more recent satellite imagery and are plotted on an up-to-date high- resolution shoreline. Subsistence infrastructure is mapped on TRACKING PARTICLE FLUXES AND THE the basis of ILA data, fi eld observations, and interpretation of BIOLOGICAL PUMP IN CANADIAN ARCTIC WATERS high-resolution satellite imagery. Th e maps are produced in USING AN UNDERWATER VIDEO PROFILER ESRI ArcGIS, hosted in Dartmouth and Tuktoyaktuk, and plotted as wall-size posters and in pamphlet format for hard- Forest, Alexandre1 ([email protected]), copy distribution, the preferred medium in the community. G. Bécu1, C. Marec1, M. Picheral2, L. Stemmann2 and Future enhancement should include storm-surge fl ood risk in M. Babin1 addition to coastal retreat, but this will require high-resolution 1 Takuvik Joint International Laboratory, Université Laval digital topography derived from airborne LiDAR or stereo- (Canada) - CNRS (France), Département de Biologie and imagery. At present, LiDAR coverage for coastal regions of the Québec-Océan, Université Laval, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada ISR is limited to the vicinity of Tuktoyaktuk, northern Richards 2 Laboratoire d’Océanographie de Villefranche-sur-Mer (LOV), Island, parts of the outer Mackenzie Delta, and Shingle Point. Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris VI, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Mapping of prominent driftwood lines on high-resolution 06230, France imagery provides an alternative means of estimating the level of historic extreme surge events, in particular from the September Particulate matter fl uxes in aquatic environments are key 1970 storm, when the peak water level was approximately 2.5 indices of biological activity and sediment transport. Particulate m above mean sea level in this area. Horizontal distance from organic matter derived from local marine production and the upper driftwood may serve as a qualitative proxy for fl ood sinking across the mixed-layer depth support the biological risk in extreme events. Th is collaboration between research and pumping of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the surface ocean to land management agencies has identifi ed and responded to depth. When deposited on the seafl oor, these particles serve as information requirements and delivery mechanisms that meet the primary food source for benthic organisms and eventually northern stakeholder needs. permit CO2 sequestration if the organic carbon contained in particles is buried in sediments. Investigating the biological pump through particle fl uxes dynamics in Canadian Arctic THE INDIGENOUS HEALTH ADAPTATION TO waters is not simple. Th ere, marine material can aggregate with CLIMATE CHANGE (IHACC) PROJECT: FINDINGS sediments delivered by rivers and coastal erosion or with detrital FROM THE FIRST TWO YEARS OF RESEARCH IN THE matter of mixed origin resuspended from the seabed. Suspension CANADIAN ARCTIC mechanisms and lateral advection processes that transport and Ford, James D.1 ([email protected]), Sherilee Harper2 and modify organic-inorganic fl ocs are prominent features of Arctic Victoria Edge2,3 coastal systems. Given that the size of such fl ocs ranges typically from a few hundreds of microns (μm) to a few millimeters 1 Dept. of Geography, McGill University (mm), the resulting particle fl uxes are extremely patchy along 2 Dept. of Population Medicine, University of Guelph 3 Public Health Agency of Canada both the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the ocean. Nevertheless, resolving the nature, magnitude and variability IHACC is a multi-year, trans-disciplinary, community- of these fl uxes is a critical prerequisite for understanding: (1) based initiative working with remote Indigenous populations the fate of organic matter initially produced within the upper 142 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

portion of the ocean; and (2) quantifying the cross-shelf and extraction. Consequently, the environmental, social, and sediment fl uxes that develop sporadically within thin nepheloid economic impacts on regional and local Arctic communities that layers (<10 m) along water density gradients and near the shelf are created by commercial exploration, are not fully understood. bottom. Th e opportunity to research such impacts exists in the case of Here, we present the fi rst results on particle fl ux dynamics the Mary River project, a proposed iron ore mine located on obtained from an Underwater Video Profi ler 5 (UVP5) deployed North Baffi n Island in the Qikqtani Region of Nunavut that is in the southeastern Beaufort Sea (Malina Program 2009) and reportedly one of the largest and richest undeveloped iron ore in the eastern Canadian Arctic (ArcticNet Expedition 2013 and projects in the world. Exploration began in 1963 and continued Tara Oceans 2013). Th e UVP5 is a compact and autonomous to 2013. underwater imaging system designed to be a component of With this poster, our goal is to create an overview of any CTD-rosette profi ler intended to be deployed on a routine the historical and contemporary impacts of the geological basis throughout any given oceanographic campaign. During surveying and iron ore exploration activities of the Mary River deployment, the UVP5 records and measures all objects >100 Project on indigenous people in the Canadian Arctic. Th rough μm in real time (i.e. both marine aggregates and plankton) archival documents that include transcripts of public hearings, and averages the data at 5-m intervals. Th e size and grey level government and media reports, and secondary sources, we are of every particle >100 μm in size are calculated in situ, but examining the various changes that have occurred in northern only images of large objects >600 μm are stored within the Baffi n Island during the protracted exploration stage. In instrument for later analysis. Th is enables the discrimination particular, we are attempting to understand the reasons why between detrital fl ocs and zooplankton in order to compute the pre-production phase has been ongoing for fi fty-one years the particle size distribution of “true” marine aggregates. and how the exploration processes have aff ected the northern Classifi cation of marine aggregates is further possible through indigenous communities surrounding the Mary River site. Th e image analyses of shapes and grey level. Based on the Malina research has contemporary relevance because the iron ore mine 2009 dataset, we developed a regional algorithm linking is scheduled to go into full production with months. Th is the particle size distribution of aggregates recorded by the historical analysis will contribute to our body of knowledge UVP5 (0.08-4.2 mm) to total mass and organic carbon fl uxes regarding the role of mineral exploration in the Arctic and estimated by sediment traps at overlapping sampling locations illuminate challenges of large-scale Arctic mineral exploration and periods. Th is algorithm was applied to the ArcticNet and projects.. Tara 2013 datasets in order to compare the spatial variability and size-spectra of particulate matter fl uxes between these two contrasting environments. Results from all campaigns are NEWS FROM THE POLAR DATA CATALOGUE: discussed with the aim of identifying methodological gaps and NEW MAPS, DATA, AND IMPROVED ACCESS FOR promising analytical avenues related to the study of organic NORTHERN COMMUNITIES carbon fl uxes and sediment transport processes in Canadian Friddell, Julie1 ([email protected]), E. LeDrew1, Arctic waters. W.F. Vincent2 and J. Michaud2,3

1 Polar Data Catalogue/Canadian Cryospheric Information FIFTY YEARS IN THE MAKING: MARY RIVER, BAFFIN Network, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, N2V 1Z3 ISLAND, IRON ORE EXPLORATION PROJECT 2 Centre d’études nordiques (CEN), Université Laval, Québec,

1 1 2 Québec, G1V 0A6 Fox, Rose ([email protected]), J. Sandlos and A. Keeling 3 ArcticNet, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6 1 Department of History, Memorial University, St. John’s, Th e Polar Data Catalogue (PDC, http://polardata.ca) at Newfoundland A1C 5S7 the Canadian Cryospheric Information Network is the chosen 2 Department of Geography, Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland A1C 5S7 long-term repository and public access portal for ArcticNet data and metadata. Th e PDC currently holds over 600 ArcticNet In the twenty-fi rst century, large-scale mining development metadata records which describe project datasets, and data projects in the Canadian Arctic have attracted considerable fi les are being added on a regular basis. During the past year, attention from academics who focus on the historical impacts signifi cant enhancements have been made at the PDC to of mineral extraction on northern communities and the legacy improve access to data and increase the utility of the PDC for of abandoned mines. By contrast, less scholarship has been ArcticNet researchers and northern community members. applied to understanding the eff ects of geological surveying In response to user requests and in consultation with and other exploration stages that precede mine development ArcticNet members, we have built and released an online PDC 143 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Lite Search application (http://polardata.ca/pdclite) for use REPRESENTING INUIT KNOWLEDGE OF LANDS by northern community members who have limited Internet AND RESOURCES IN NUNATSIAVUT USING speeds. Th is new tool, which accesses the full PDC database of CONCEPT VISUALIZATION AND WEB MAPPING metadata, works up to ten times more quickly than the full- Pulsifer, Peter L.1 ([email protected]), C. Furgal2, T. Sheldon3, featured PDC Search (http://polardata.ca/pdcsearch) and has a J. Wilkes2, R. Devillers4 and S. Nickels5 map-based interface which allows the user to search in ever- 1 widening circles around selected northern communities. We Inuit Quajisarvingat: Th e Inuit Knowledge Centre; National are working with users to identify additional refi nements and Snow and Ice Data Center, University of Colorado at Boulder 2 Indigenous Environmental Studies Program and the Health, improvements for PDC Lite. Environment and Indigenous Communities Research Group, Th e second advance involves implementation, at the Trent University request of users and partners, of OGC-compliant (Open 3 Environment Division, Nunatsiavut Government Geospatial Consortium) web services for enhanced sharing of 4 Department of Geography, Memorial University data and metadata. PDC data fi les are available for download 5 Inuit Quajisarvingat: Th e Inuit Knowledge Centre, Inuit in their original formats, usually spreadsheets or text fi les, Tapiriit Kanatami but new functionality has been added to display geospatial Space and place play an important role in the datasets in an integrated map viewer. Th is new GIS Viewer Nunatsiavimmiut knowledge system and way of life. Similarly, allows querying and simple interaction with PDC metadata geographic information and the use of maps and Geographic and selected geospatial datasets. Th e underlying technology, Information Systems (GIS) are important in land and resource GeoServer, provides open access to external web or data planning in Nunatsiavut. In this project, we use geography portals for incorporating PDC data into their online services and geographic concepts as a starting point in linking Inuit or search engines. Th is signifi cant enhancement also facilitates knowledge (Nunatsiavut) with local decision makers, younger the metadata interoperability network that we are building generations, and members of the scientifi c community. within Canada and internationally. We welcome inquiries and Mainstream GIS databases can have a rigid structure which suggestions of additional datasets for inclusion in the catalogue makes the representation of complex and nuanced Inuit as well as new opportunities for interoperability partnerships. knowledge and the sharing of information between knowledge Th e third major improvement at the PDC involves systems diffi cult. To address this challenge we have adopted expansion of the RADARSAT catalogue to over 27,000 satellite a Geo-spatial ontology (knowledge mapping and related images of Canadian waters and ice. RADARSAT images have technologies) approach to visually and logically represent and previously been available only as a GEOTIFF download, but communicate Inuit knowledge, including concepts, terms and improvements have been made to the delivery mechanism relationships. which allow download of the original CEOS-formatted data In the fi rst phase of the project, a content analysis of text fi les, giving the researcher more fl exibility to use and process in Our Footprints are Everywhere (OFAE 1977) has provided the imagery. Also, functions have been added which allow the team with a foundational understanding of local knowledge users to download the images in low-resolution formats such as of caribou and other key subsistence species up to the 1970s. jpeg, png, gif, and pdf, as well as to mosaic multiple images for Th e results of the content analysis were used to generate a viewing and downloading. Feedback on these new functions is detailed concept map about caribou, which in turn has been welcome so that we can continue to improve our services and transformed into a preliminary formal ontology that was used utility to our expanding community of users. to develop a prototype web-based visualization tool (reference Finally, great eff orts have been made to archive the many to 2012 poster). Here we present results on the continued years of Amundsen ship data that have been collected since development of an integrated visualization and mapping tool the beginning of ArcticNet. Several terabytes of data have that allows land use planners, community members, and other been sent to the PDC and have been copied on to our servers interested parties to learn more about the Nunatsiavimmiut for redundant backup. It is anticipated that this signifi cant knowledge of caribou and the environment. collection of data will be available for online access in the near Th e complex caribou knowledge model comprising future. hundreds of concepts and relationships, are visualized using several graphic strategies including nested hierarchy and radial tree visualizations. Simply visualizing concepts, though, does not fully address the requirements of the land use planning process where decisions about particular places or regions must be made using location specifi c knowledge. Th us, the concept 144 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

visualization tool is integrated with a web-based mapping system CSI HUSKY LAKES: EVALUATION OF HYDRO- to support the visualization of specifi c, mapped instances of CLIMATIC DRIVERS OF CONTAMINANT TRANSFER geographic features (e.g. caribou feeding grounds, estimated IN AQUATIC FOOD WEBS IN THE HUSKY LAKES range areas). Th e mapping system can also link to multimedia WATERSHED, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES, CANADA representations of concept examples and feature instances. Gantner, Nikolaus1 ([email protected]), J. Gareis2, To promote interoperability with other information J. Knopp3, B. Kissinger4, D. Ross2, C. Furgal3, H. Hintelmann1, systems involved in the land use planning process, Web G. Anderson4, J. Reist5 , B. Laird6 and the local experts in the Services and Application Programming Interfaces have been ISR7 implemented. A schematic depicting the process of sharing 1 Department of Chemistry, Trent University, Peterborough, information between the Web-based system and institutional ON, Canada, K9J 7B8 Geographic Information Systems and other planning 2 Aurora Research Institute, Inuvik, NT, Canada environments is provided. 3 Indigenous Environmental Studies Program, Trent University, We conclude with a discussion of the technical and Peterborough, ON, Canada, K9J 7B8 representational challenges faced when visualizing and 4 Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, representing a complex knowledge model combined with Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3T 2N2 real world instances of concepts. Specifi cally, we outline the 5 Freshwater Institute Winnipeg, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, challenges of establishing a system that presents information as Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3T 2N6 6 openly and holistically as possible, while considering complex School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of ethical and cultural issues related to research involving humans Waterloo, Waterloo Ontario, Canada, N2L 3G1 7 Community members of Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk, NT, and information representation. Canada REFERENCES: OFAE, 1977. Our Footprints Are Everywhere: Inuit Land Use and Occupancy in Labrador. Carol Climate change in the Arctic has the potential to aff ect Brice-Bennett ed. Labrador Inuit Association. 380 p. / Pulsifer, mercury concentrations ([Hg]) in freshwater fi shes. Land- P.L., Wilkes, J., Furgal, C., Sheldon, T., Devillers, R., Nickels, S. use changes as a result of development can further infl uence (2012). Th e Use of Visualization and Hypermedia to Represent mercury inputs to lakes. Mercury can accumulate in apex- Inuit Knowledge of Lands and Resources in Nunatsiavut. Poster predator fi sh muscle to concentrations exceeding those presented at the ArcticNet Annual Scientifi c Meeting 2012, 10- considered safe for subsistence consumption by humans. Fish 14 December, Vancouver, BC. species such as Lake trout are typical apex-predators of Arctic lakes and can be a signifi cant source of food for local indigenous peoples. Th e infl uence of abiotic factors, which are climate WHAT’S THE STORY? A LOOK INTO THE ARCTICNET infl uenced, and biological parameters on Hg accumulation in IRIS 1 REGIONAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT apex-predators are not well understood. Our study aimed to investigate the interactions of water column, food webs and Hg Gaden, Ashley ([email protected]) and G. Stern transfer in four freshwater systems in the Inuvialuit Settlement Department of Environment and Geography, University of Region (Canada). We investigate how those characteristics aff ect Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2 Hg transfer in Husky Lakes, Yaya Lake and Noell Lake. All lakes are frequented by the Inuvialuit communities Inuvik and Th e objective of the ArcticNet Regional Impact Tuktoyaktuk for subsistence fi shing. Our sampling locations Assessments (RIAs) is to make current knowledge of climate and target species will be determined by local people during change and other stressors understandable and accessible for TK interviews. A majority of Lake Trout samples used in everyone, particularly for resource managers and decision- this study were donated to the scientists by local fi shermen. makers at all political levels. In the Integrated Regional Impact Sampling includes tissues from harvested fi shes, newly collected Study (IRIS) of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region and Kitikmeot non-target fi shes, and food web compartments (periphyton, region in Nunavut (collectively referred to as “IRIS 1”), the zooplankton, and benthos). Biological parameters of fi shes (age, process of developing the RIA relies on discussions and feedback length, weight, diet) are recorded and invertebrates separated with regional decision-makers to ensure the assessment is by species. Th e possible movements of fi shes within and among relevant to their needs and priorities. Th e content of the RIA, lakes will be investigated using otolith microchemistry. Sample as illustrated in our poster with a description of the assessment’s analysis included total Hg (THg), monomethylHg (MeHg), outline, has been shaped by priorities addressed through and stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C), nitrogen (δ15N), and meetings, workshops and presentations with various groups in Hg (δxHg), and otolith microchemistry. [THg] detected the Kitikmeot region, Inuvialuit Settlement Region and Yukon. in harvested fi shes (Geomean [THg]=0.13 ±0.06microg/g, 145 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

n=62) were be compared to previous studies and consumption were observed between denning areas and non-denning areas at guidelines using monte carlo exposure scenarios resulting in low a variety of scales. Coastlines adjacent to denning areas were also risk from Lake Trout consumption to date. Th e eff ect of Lake signifi cantly more complex than non-denning areas. Trout movement on mercury concentrations was evaluated. In- Our research demonstrates how TEK can be used lake food web transfer of MeHg was be evaluated against intra with mapping technologies to describe, quantify and model and inter-lake abiotic conditions. We will present an update important habitat features for polar bears. Mapping known and on this multidisciplinary study and discuss our preliminary potential polar bear denning habitat is important for long term fi ndings with particular focus on implications on the Inuvialuit conservation of polar bear populations. Polar bears are versatile Settlement Region in a changing Arctic environment. in their use of the landscape for denning, however, our results suggest that certain features are important but further research is needed to fully characterize denning habitat. Th is information DETERMINING IMPORTANT HABITAT FEATURES will contribute to protecting denning habitat from the impacts FOR DENNING POLAR BEARS USING TRADITIONAL of industrial development activities that are increasing in the ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE, FOXE BASIN, Canadian Arctic. NUNAVUT

Ghazal, Maha1 ([email protected]), V. Sahanatien2,3, A. E. Derocher3 and S. D. Petersen4 BIOMONITORING OF ARCTIC POPULATIONS IN CANADA: A RETROSPECTIVE OF AMAP TRENDS 1 Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS MB, R2R 2P4 Gibson,Jennifer C.1 ([email protected]), B. Adlard1, 2 WWF-Canada, Canadian Arctic Program, Iqaluit, Nunavut, N. Kolas1, S. Donaldson1, T. Leech1, J. Van Oostdam1, X0A 0H0 C. Tikhonov1, A. Rautio2, J. Berner3, E. Bonefeld-Jørgensen4, 3 Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, E. Kruemmel5, L. Ellsworth5, A. Regine Lager6, J. Øyvind Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9 Odland7, P. Weihe8, A. Dudarev9 and A. Gilman10 4 International Polar Bear Conservation Centre, Assiniboine Park Zoo, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3R 0B8 1 Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1A 0K9 2 Centre for Arctic Medicine, Th ule Institute, University of In northern Canada, Traditional Ecological Knowledge Oulu, Finland (TEK) plays an increasing role in the co-management of wildlife 3 Division of Community Health, Alaska Native Tribal Health by providing information on distribution, behaviour, and Consortium, Alaska, USA habitat characteristics of harvested species. Managers continue 4 Department of Public Health – Centre for Arctic Health, to be challenged with how best to integrate TEK into wildlife Aarhus University, Denmark management strategies, including those for polar bears. Our 5 Inuit Circumpolar Council, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1P 5E7 research used geographic information systems (GIS) to quantify 6 University Hospital of Northern Norway, Tromsø, Norway 7 and model habitat characteristics of polar bear denning areas Centre for International Health/Institute of Community identifi ed by Inuit hunters and elders. Th e polar bear denning Medicine, University of Tromsø, Norway 8 areas were hand drawn on maps during semi-directed interviews Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, Th e Faroese Hospital System, Faroe Islands with Inuit from seven communities in the Foxe Basin polar bear 9 Hygiene Department, Northwest Public Health Research management unit. Th e recorded information was georeferenced Centre, St. Petersburg, Russia in ArcGIS (ESRI Canada). To model den habitat features 10 Sustainable Solutions International, Ottawa, ON, Canada we compared use and availability. Use polygons were created where denning was identifi ed and available polygons where Th e Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme participants had travelled and hunted but did not observe (AMAP) is one of six working groups (WG) established under denning. Habitat features hypothesized to be important for the Arctic Council. AMAP is tasked with monitoring the denning were described for random points within the polygons. levels of contaminants present in the Arctic environment and Th e features described were topographic relief and coastline people as well as assessing the eff ects of those contaminants on complexity, which were considered proxies for the ability of a continuous basis, and reports these results regularly. Health the landscape to collect and retain snow cover for dens and Canada represents Canada on the Human Health Assessment the local ringed seal pup productivity, respectively. Snow cover Group (HHAG, an expert group) of AMAP and is leading or and ringed seal accessibility have been identifi ed as important participating in the development of the biomonitoring, health habitat characteristics for females to successfully raise cubs in eff ects and risk communications chapters for the forthcoming their fi rst year. Signifi cant diff erences in topographical relief AMAP report update. Th is presentation provides a review of 146 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

the data reported in previous AMAP Reports and gathering by INTRASPECIFIC PLANT VARIATION MAY PROMOTE the Canadian Northern Contaminants Program (NCP), as well DIET MIXING IN AN ARCTIC SPECIALIST INSECT as the vision for the next update. Data are summarized from HERBIVORE the AMAP Reports and NCP to provide a fuller comparison Greyson-Gaito, Christopher J.1 ([email protected]) and of trends over time of contaminant levels from Canada and G.H.R. Henry2 other circumpolar countries. Most of these data have been collected over the last ten to twenty years and are representative 1 Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, of all 8 circumpolar countries. Th is comparison allows a better Vancouver, B.C., V6T 1Z4 assessment of the spatial/regional/ethnic variation in the levels 2 Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, of metals and other contaminants. Full citations of all data Vancouver, B.C., V6T 1Z2 discussed in this presentation can be found in the AMAP Acquiring a high quantity and quality of food is integral Assessment Reports and the NCP. to the fi tness, fecundity and development of all organisms. Diet- mixing or the utilization of several plant individuals of the same SEA ICE AND MELT PONDS AS SOURCES OF DMS IN species (specialist herbivore) or of diff erent species (generalist THE ARCTIC herbivore) is one strategy employed by herbivores to optimize quantity and quality. Diet-mixing may be promoted by variation 1 Gourdal, Margaux ([email protected]), in food quality or toxic plant secondary metabolite levels within 1 1 2 3 M. Levasseur , V. Galindo , M. Scarratt , C.J. Mundy , or between plant species. It is relatively unknown, however, M. Gosselin4, M. Babin1 and M. Lizotte1 whether within plant species (intraspecifi c) variation is suffi cient 1 Département de biologie, Takuvik, Québec-Océan, Université to promote diet-mixing strategies in specialist insect herbivores, Laval, Québec, G1V0A6 especially in the High Arctic. Using Gynaephora groenlandica 2 Institut Maurice-Lamontagne, Mont Joli, Québec, G5H 3Z4, (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), an Arctic specialist insect 3 Department of Environment and Geography, University of herbivore, and Salix arctica as a model system we investigated Manitoba, Winnipeg, R3T 2N2, diet-mixing, predicting that intraspecifi c plant variation is 4 Institut des sciences de la mer à Rimouski (ISMER), Université suffi cient to promote diet-mixing in Arctic specialist herbivores. du Québec à Rimouski, Québec, G5L 3A1 At Alexandra Fiord, Nunavut, late instar larvae were either In the Arctic, dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) allowed access to several individuals of S. arctica or just one is produced by ice algae and phytoplankton. DMSP is the individual to test the eff ect on development rate. Preliminary precursor of DMS, a climate active gas. DMS oxidation results suggest that development rate is positively aff ected by products in the atmosphere contribute to the formation of high- feeding on several S. arctica individuals; hence intraspecifi c albedo clouds that participate to the radiative balance of the variation in forage quality of S. arctica may promote diet-mixing Earth. Th is is a crucial process, especially in the Arctic, where ice in G. groenlandica. Using this model system can provide new loss causes a decrease in the average regional albedo. insights into present hypotheses of plant-herbivore interactions. Here, we discuss a temporal series of DMS(P) concentration in sea ice, water column and melt ponds off shore Resolute, Nunavut between the 19th May and 21st June 2012. INVESTIGATING THE STRATOSPHERE OF Snow cover decreased rapidly until complete disappearance, THE HIGH ARCTIC USING THREE FOURIER leading to melt ponds formation around the 11th June. TRANSFORM SPECTROMETERS: INSTRUMENT Maximum concentrations of DMSP (>1100 nmol.l-1) and INTERCOMPARISON AND VALIDATION BETWEEN DMS (>1500 nmol.l-1) were measured in the last 10 cm of sea 2011 AND 2013 ice. Average DMS concentrations in surface water reached 8.5 Griffi n, Debora1 (dgriffi [email protected]. nmo.l-1 and 14 nmol.l-1 in melt ponds. Th ese results confi rm ca), D. Weaver1, K. Walker1,2, K. Strong1, F. Kolonjari1, the presence of high DMS quantities in Arctic sea ice. We also R. Lindenmaier1,3, L. Dan1, G. Manney3,4, C. Boone2, suggest that, in a context of advanced and increased ice thaw, P. Bernath5,6,7 and J. R. Drummond8 melt ponds could become a non-negligible source of DMS in 1 the Arctic during the melting period. Department of Physics, University of Toronto, Toronto, On- tario, Canada 2 Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada 3 Now at Los Alamos National Research Laboratory, Los Alam- os, New Mexico, USA 147 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

4 NorthWest Research Associates, Socorro, New Mexico, USA SEASONAL LIFE HISTORY STRATEGIES OF THE 5 New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, CHAETOGNATH PARASAGITTA ELEGANS IN THE New Mexico, USA CANADIAN ARCTIC 6 Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA 1,2,3 3 7 Grigor, Jordan ([email protected]), A. Marais and Department of Chemistry, University of York, York, UK 1,2,3 8 Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science, Dalhousie L. Fortier University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada 1 Takuvik Joint International Laboratory, Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada, G1V 0A6 As part of the Canadian Arctic ACE (Atmospheric 2 Québec Océan, Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Chemistry Experiment) Validation Campaigns, ground- Québec, Québec, Canada, G1V 0A6 based measurements have been carried out during the polar 3 Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, sunrise period (from mid-February to mid-April) at Eureka, Canada, G1V 0A6 Nunavut (80.05°N, 86.42°W) since 2004. Th ese measurements have been taken at the Polar Environment Atmospheric Organisms residing in seasonal environments schedule Research Laboratory (PEARL) in collaboration with the their activities to annual cycles in prey availability and Canadian Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Change predation risk. Th ese cycles may be particularly pronounced in (CANDAC). During the 2011, 2012 and 2013 campaigns, pelagic ecosystems of the high-Arctic, where the seasonality in two ground-based Fourier Transform Spectrometers (FTSs); the irradiance and thus primary production is strong. Whilst the Portable Atmospheric Research Interferometric Spectrometer life histories of several pelagic herbivores have been relatively for the Infrared (PARIS-IR) and the CANDAC Bruker 125HR well-documented, fewer information is available on the were operated simultaneously to measure total as well as partial responses of carnivorous zooplankton such as chaetognaths columns of trace gases relevant to O3 depletion. During the (arrow worms), which also form high densities in Arctic waters. same time period, the satellite-based Atmospheric Chemistry Here we report on the seasonal ecologies of three chaetognath Experiment Fourier Transform Spectrometer (ACE-FTS) made species; Parasagitta elegans, Eukrohnia hamata, and Pseudosagitta measurements over Eureka and has provided profi les of the same maxima in the Amundsen Gulf (70ºN), focusing on age trace gases. structure, seasonal vertical distributions, growth and timing of A comparison of the retrieved total columns of O , HCl, 3 reproduction. Th e chaetognath community was dominated by HNO , and HF from the ground-based FTSs and a validation 3 the cosmopolitan species E. hamata throughout the study year of the retrieved profi les of the space-borne ACE-FTS has been (2007-2008), whereas the larger P. maxima always occurred in carried out including measurements recorded between 2011 low numbers in our samples. Important life history events (e.g. and 2013. Th e results from the diff erent instruments are in reproduction, growth and migration) in the various species were good agreement, using smoothed total columns for the ground- closely linked to the timing of the Arctic primary and secondary based and a partial column methodology for the ground-based production period. Along with data on the feeding regimes of to space-borne intercomparison, respectively. Furthermore, we Arctic chaetognaths, these results will be used to build carbon have investigated the springtime Arctic O loss in each year 3 fl ux models, and improve our understanding of the role of and determine whether the loss of O3 was caused primarily by chemical or dynamical processes. Th e observations from the carnivorous zooplankton in Arctic pelagic ecosystems.

FTSs show a more signifi cant O3 decrease in 2011, where the polar vortex was consistently strong and cold over a long time APPLYING THE RESULTS OF ARCTIC RESEARCH period, compared to the other years. To distinguish O decrease 3 COLLABORATIONS caused by dynamics from those arising from chemical loss, we have applied a HF normalization and tracer-tracer (O3-HCl) Reed, George and J.R. Hawkins (jim.r.hawkins@exxonmobil. correlation method. Th e results confi rmed that the signifi cant com) decrease in O3 in 2011 arose primarily from chemical loss due to chlorine activation. Imperial Oil Resources Ventures Ltd., Beaufort Sea Exploration Joint Venture, Calgary, Alberta, T3H 3B8

Imperial Oil Resources Ventures Limited (Imperial) is the operator to two exploration licenses (EL 476-Ajurak and EL 477 – Pokak) located in the Beaufort Sea about 150 km north of Tuktoyaktuk. Th e other interest holders in the exploration licenses are BP Exploration Canada (BP) and ExxonMobil Canada (EMC). Imperial is considering an exploration drilling 148 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

program for these exploration licenses and one of the many such as photoinhibition. Th ese compounds often exhibit important design challenges is the selection of an appropriate benefi cial bioactivity upon human physiology. Rhodiola rosea site on the seabed on which to begin a drilling operation. (Crassulaceae) is a circumpolar arctic plant with considerable Location and design considerations include understanding the value in both traditional medical practices as well as the relevant operating conditions (e.g. wind, currents, water column commercial natural products industry. Due to its wide properties, ice conditions and pelagic activity); the geotechnical distribution, the biology and phytochemistry of rhodiola aspects of the immediate area (e.g. susceptibility to slumping, populations growing in these widely varying arctic habitats may seabed biota, mechanical obstructions and seismicity) along with also be highly variable. In particular, there is a lack of knowledge the characteristics of the shallow and near seabed sediments and with respect to the growth and phytochemistry of rhodiola in rocks (e.g. soil strengths, shallow gas pockets, and geological coastal Labrador. Interviews with Inuit elders in Nunatsiavut faults). have documented the traditional knowledge and use of rhodiola, To collect the information and data required to prepare or tulligunak, as well as an interest in the development of safe and environmentally responsible well designs and a community-based enterprise which would market locally operations plans, Imperial has participated in number of sourced material for medicinal uses. However, understanding research collaborations and supported and provided input to the geographic variability in growth and phytochemistry of several other research eff orts during the period 2007 to 2013. rhodiola populations must fi rst be addressed in order to inform Examples include: Imperial designed and operated studies, the sustainable development of a small fair trade nutraceutical ArcticNet programs, research programs with federal ministries enterprise. ( e.g. GSC and DFO), studies funded by government and We investigated the eff ects of latitude, substrate, and sex industry conducted under programs such as PERD, BREA on growth, health, and phytochemistry of Labrador populations and ESRF, Traditional Knowledge studies with the Inuvialuit, of rhodiola. Th e growth, morphology, and reproductive stages academic research programs (e.g. University of Manitoba, of female and male plants sampled from wild northern (Nain) Cornell University, University of New Brunswick), Beaufort Sea and southern (Rigolet) populations growing in sand, organic, engineering database project with the NRC. Some examples of the investigation methods and or rock substrates were compared. Latitude and substrate information have included: 3-D seismic and hi-resolution sub were found to have a signifi cant eff ect on overall growth and bottom seismic profi ling (subsea fl oor sedimentary mapping biomass, while the diff erences between males and females were and identifi cation of potential shallow drilling concerns), not signifi cant. Specimens gathered from southern populations multi-beam sonar information (seabed mapping, feature had greater biomass than northern populations, and specimens identifi cation), Traditional Knowledge gathering workshops, gathered from sandy and organic substrates had greater biomass legacy data compilation from previous phases of activity, then those growing in rocky substrates. Variability in growth and shallow sediment coring (sediment characterization, analysis biomass of coastal rhodiola populations is infl uenced by both and testing), biological surveying, current and water column latitude and substrate but not sex of the plants. information and samples, and seafl oor video to document in situ Known medicinal and anti-oxidant constituents extracted conditions and examine seabed features. from rhodiola’s rhizome are phenylpropanoids (rosarin, All of this information is amalgamated, analyzed and then rosavin and rosin) and phenylethanol derivatives (tyrosol and added to the geological prognosis. In this way, the prospecting, salidroside). Phytochemical analyses compared the relative environmental protection, social and engineering aspects are amounts of these constituents across latitude, substrate and all considered to select candidate seabed sites for a potential sex. Substrate had a signifi cant eff ect on the presence of the exploration well. phytochemicals salidroside, rosavin, and tyrosol (less tyrosol and salidroside in rocky substrates, and less rosavin and rosarin in sandy soil); while sex did not have a signifi cant eff ect upon MEDICINAL PLANT RHODIOLA (RHODIOLA phytochemistry. In contrast to the rhizomes, little previous ROSEA) VARIES ACROSS COASTAL NUNATSIAVUT, analysis has been conducted on the leaf’s phytoconstituents LABRADOR as the rhizome is generally the part of commercial interest. However, interviews with Inuit elders indicate common usage of 1 1 Mardones, Vanessa , L. Hermanutz ([email protected]) and the leaves as food. Phytochemical analysis reveals the presence of 2 A. Cuerrier a number of mono-saccharides in the leaves which merit further 1 Department of Biology, Memorial University, St. John’s, investigation through bioassays. Newfoundland and Labrador, A1B 3X9 Th e weevil, Dryocoetes krivolutzkajae, which had not 2 Montreal Botanical Garden, Montreal, Quebec previously been documented in North America, was found in the rhizomes of several rhodiola specimens; however beetle Arctic plants are known to produce a range of secondary infestation did not compromise growth or negatively aff ect metabolites to protect against environmental stressors phytochemistry of the plants. 149 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Our research indicates that rhodiola specimens from more and non-state Arctic actors in the fetishisation of indigenous southern latitudes grown in sandy substrates will be the best visual culture. Th is subsidiary question also focuses on the candidates for community cultivation, yielding greater biomass representation of technology, both native and non-native, in and potency. legitimizing or delegitimizing indigenous agency in the region. Th e research uses a triangulation of empirical research design methodology, which includes statistical analysis, archival ART, TECHNOLOGY, AND POLITICAL AGENCY IN work, and descriptive analysis including semi-structured ARCTIC GOVERNANCE AND DEVELOPMENT: FROM interviewing. BIPOLAR COMPETITION TO INTERNATIONAL Just as Arctic engravings and sketches played a major COOPERATION role in the fascination of Victorian-era exploration, so too will visual imagery today help to construct national realities and Herrmann, Victoria1,2 ([email protected]) justify actions in a land that still rests out of reach for most 1 Norman Paterson School of International Aff airs, Ottawa, political actors and their supporters. As images of ice loss and ON, K1S 5B6 politicized photography of Korean icebreakers are employed to 2 Fulbright Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1R 1A4 evoke desired emotional and political outcomes, it is important to understand the history of the Arctic visual narrative and Th is research aims to demonstrate how images and its validity as an active factor in aff ecting politic orders in the aesthetic codes have created and sustained contested visions of circumpolar region. development and governance in the Arctic post World War II. Th e project primarily examines the extent to which the visual narrative constructed by states and increasingly non-state actors MODELLING THE CARBON AND MERCURY have conditioned domestic and international perceptions of the CYCLES IN THE BEAUFORT SEA – SIMULATING THE region’s legitimate power structure. POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE Th e scholastic intersection of political perception and art 1 2 is taken from the fusion of several post-structuralist postulations Hickie, Brendan ([email protected]), M.A. Cadieux , 2,3 4 5 6 on the utility of aesthetics, chief among them born from the G.A. Stern , R.W. Macdonald , D. Lavoie and F. Wang disciplines of sociology, psychology, political science, and the 1 Environment and Resource Studies, Trent University, history of art itself. Each fi eld provides a layer of understanding Peterborough, Ontario, Canada on how visual narratives and images govern the seeing and 2 Department of Environment and Geography, University of believing of both the individual and society. At it’s core, the Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada theoretical foundation rests on the assertion that art supplies 3 Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Freshwater Institute, Winnipeg, the images that construct the world in which we act, and that Manitoba, Canada those images, subliminally or evidently, create the perceptual 4 Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Institute of Ocean Sciences, and conceptual frames of decisions, at the individual psyche Sidney, British Columbia, Canada and societal levels. Reality, then, is a social construct, with visual 5 Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Institut Maurice Lamontagne, narratives providing the medium from which new meanings Mont-Joli, Québec, Canada emerge. 6 Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Th is research project contributes to the theoretical Manitoba, Canada literature on the political importance imbued in visual imagery High mono-methylmercury (MMHg) concentrations to post-structuralism in international relations theory, by refi ning the hypothesis that aesthetic codes create and sustain have been reported in Arctic Marine mammals creating concern disputed values and identities within the global structure. in northern communities that rely on these animals as a food It does so by asking how diff erent actors have used visual source. Budgets indicate that the vast pool of mercury (Hg) representations of technology in diff erent historic periods to in the Arctic Ocean cannot respond quickly to changes in construct and sustain contested visions of development and anthropogenic Hg emissions and that rapid changes in mercury governance in the Arctic, and how did these visuals engender concentrations observed in food webs cannot be explained by political decision-making? atmospheric Hg dynamics alone. Furthermore, recent advances As a subsidiary fi eld of research, the project evaluates have pointed to the water column as an important source of the eff ects this narrative has had on the political agency of methylmercury and its production is likely seasonal. It has thus those peoples native to the Arctic in issues of governance and been hypothesized that physical, biogeochemical and ecological development of their lands. Th e thesis explores both the self- factors infl uence Hg cycling within the Arctic Ocean and change representation of indigenous groups through media like prints the change the bioavailability of Hg and MMHg to food webs. and navigation imagery and the representation by other state However, the role and relative infl uence of many of these factors 150 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

in relationship to the Hg cycle remains poorly understood and Several hindcast simulations have been completed for the period may be infl uenced by changes in Arctic climate. 2002-2009, with atmospheric forcing taken from the Canadian In this study, we have adapted a 1D carbon-balance GDPS Reforecasts. In situ and satellite observations of the ocean particle-fl ux model for a column of water in the Beaufort Sea and sea ice have been collected in order to develop a validation to provide the platform for a Hg fate model. Th e carbon fl ux package that can be used to assess the performance of the models model is seasonal, and calculates nutrient, phytoplankton, and the impact of model improvements. Ocean observations zooplankton, and suspended particulate concentrations for include temperature, salinity and current measurements from 22 water layers with a combined depth of 120m. Th e model long term moorings and temperature-salinity profi les from relies on atmospheric forcing to calculate sea ice cover. Total ship surveys and drifting profi lers. We will show some of Hg and total methylmercury are partitioned into particulate, the key aspects of the model validation, with a focus on the phytoplankton, zooplankton, and chloride-associated pools TS properties of water masses in the Arctic and volume and and the transformation and transfer of Hg between pools is freshwater transports from the Arctic to the North Atlantic. based on speciation rate constants and partition coeffi cients Results show that there is generally good agreement between the previously measured in the Arctic Ocean and elsewhere. Th e model and the observations, but several biases are identifi ed. model considers photolytic, chemical, physical and organic transformations of Hg, as well as uptake by zooplankton via phytoplankton grazing. Exchange of Hg with the surface of HOW DOES ARCTICNET RESEARCH CONNECT the ocean and the atmosphere including atmospheric depletion WITH DECISION-MAKERS? WEAK EVIDENCE FOR events (AMDEs) is evaluated using output from Th e Global/ STRONG CONNECTIONS Regional Atmospheric Heavy Metals (GRAHM) model. Hik, David ([email protected]), K. Morris and M. Bieber Predicted water column MMHg production rates were back-calculated and compared with previously published Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, MMHg methylation rates. Initial results indicate good Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9 agreement between Hg concentrations in seawater, zooplankton How is Arctic science presented, processed, and and measured concentrations from the Beaufort Sea. Model incorporated into public policy? What sort of evidence is needed simulations indicate Hg is drawn down from subsurface waters to draw connections between the generation of new knowledge with settling particles shortly after the phytoplankton bloom and its infl uence on decision-making? We conducted an analysis but the majority of this Hg is released back into the water to examine the level of recognition of Canadian Arctic science column above 50m. Th e model also highlights the need for in the media and in the deliberative bodies of the federal and seasonally adjusted rates of Hg methylation and demethylation. territorial governments compared with the publication of Preliminary climate change modeling scenarios with less ice scientifi c results in peer-reviewed formats. Using the terms cover and a modest increase in nutrient supply will result in ‘International Polar Year’ and ‘ArcticNet’ to search various relatively subtle changes in mercury cycling in surface and publication databases, there is clearly a wealth of information subsurface waters. on the Canadian Arctic being generated by Canadian scientists. Similarly, searches of the media databases LexisNexis-Academic and Canadian Newsstand Major Dailies indicate that Arctic VALIDATION OF THE CONCEPTS 1/12 DEGREE issues are widely covered. ArcticNet’s own media archive ARCTIC-ATLANTIC ICE-OCEAN MODEL illustrates that ArcticNet science is reported widely in both Higginson, Simon1 ([email protected]), French and English, domestically and overseas. Consequently, F. Davidson2, F. Dupont3, Y. Lu1, G. Smith3 and F. Roy3 anyone interested in either International Polar Year and ArcticNet Arctic science should have no problems fi nding ample 1 Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Fisheries & Oceans information, although not all of it is accessible in archives that Canada, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, B2Y 4A2 are available at no cost to the public. By contrast, analysis of the 2 Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre, Fisheries & Oceans Hansard databases and the Government of Canada press releases Canada, St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador, A1C 5X1 3 Canadian Meteorological Centre, Environment Canada, during this same period does not show any sustained discussion Dorval, Quebec, H9P 1J3 of Arctic science. While the Arctic and its inhabitants are referenced in the Senate, House of Commons, and legislatures High-resolution ocean and sea-ice forecast models for the of Nunavut, NWT and Yukon, it is not obvious that science or Arctic and North Atlantic have been developed by the Canadian research is one of the central themes. How can these outcomes inter-departmental CONCEPTS program. Th e models are based be interpreted? From the vantage point of this study, it is on the Nucleus of European Modelling of the Ocean (NEMO). diffi cult to identify direct connections between the knowledge 151 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

generators (ArcticNet and IPY scientists) and knowledge shown to be useful indicators of water balance variations in consumers at the level of government decision-making. Th e remote permafrost regions of Canada where hydroclimatic exchange of information likely take place ‘out-of-sight’ and only information is very limited. In particular, information on the outcomes are visible after the fact. Further investigation, evaporation: infl ow (E/I) ratios and residence times would involving the consumers or synthesizers of specifi c Arctic science provide useful information for estimating sustainable water knowledge will be necessary to understand how to ensure that withdrawals from lakes within the proposed development area. pathways between creators of knowledge and users of this same Th e objective of this poster is to present water balance fi ndings information are strengthened (see abstract by Furgal et al.). Th e from fi ve years of hydroclimatic monitoring and seasonal water role of science advisors within government agencies in mediating surveys in a pair of representative lake catchments (impacted vs. this transfer of knowledge may also be critical. control) located near Inuvik.

HYDROLOGY OF ARCTIC TUNDRA LAKES MUD EJECTIONS: CHARACTERIZING SUBSURFACE IN A REGION IMPACTED BY PERMAFROST FLOW PATHWAYS FROM THE DEEP ACTIVE LAYER DISTURBANCE TO THE SURFACE IN THE CANADIAN HIGH ARCTIC

Peters, Daniel L.1 ([email protected]), E. Hille2, Holloway, Jean E.1 ([email protected]), S.F. Lamoureux1, F.J. Wrona1 and S.V. Kokelj3 S.N. Montross2 and M. Lafrenière1

1 Environment Canada @ Water & Climate Impacts; Research 1 Department of Geography, Queen’s University, Kingston, Centre, POB 3060 STN CSC, University of Victoria, BC, V8W Ontario, K7L 3N6 3R4 2 Department of Earth Sciences, Montana State University, 2 Department of Geography, University of Victoria, Victoria, Bozeman, MT, United States BC, V8W 3R4 3 Water Resources Division, Aboriginal Aff airs and Northern Climate change in the Canadian High Arctic over the Development Canada, Yellowknife, NT, X1A 2R3 past decade has resulted in considerable transformations in permafrost dynamics, particularly in the transient layer A projected “hot spot” of climate warming and between the seasonally thawed active layer and the underlying development is the Mackenzie River Delta region, Northwest permafrost. As the active layer thaws to greater depths during Territories, Canada. Th e upland tundra areas north of Inuvik warmer years, water from the solute-rich transient layer is contain thousands of small lakes and ponds with poorly defi ned liberated more frequently while the permafrost acts as an ephemeral drainage that are underlain by thick permafrost and impermeable layer that prevents drainage and results in high ice-rich sediments for which the basic water balance controls are pore water pressures. If these pressures cannot be relieved, not fully understood. Natural retrogressive thaw slumps occur material is forced up to the surface, carrying a slurry of along lakeshores and the rapid drainage of ice-rich permafrost- sediment, solute-rich water, and gas, forming local deposits on dammed lakes has been occurring. Oil and gas exploration land and in water. Mud ejections, which are observed when activities and infrastructure construction may result in terrain the active layer is at maximum thaw depth, also diff er greatly disturbance and localized degradation of permafrost, while from frost boils, which are typically interpreted as features climate change may increase the magnitude and frequency of related to cryoturbation during the freeze-up period. A better thermokarst processes. Th ese disturbed lakes are believed to act understanding of the characteristics and spatial distribution of as historical analogues for the future eff ects of climate change mud ejection features is needed, particularly because they are on the hydrology, geochemistry, and aquatic ecology of small often associated with or are precursors to slope failures. tundra lake catchments in the continuous permafrost zone of Th e primary study site for this project is the Cape Bounty northwestern Canada. An integrated fi eld-based study was Arctic Watershed Observatory (CBAWO) on Melville Island, carried out to improve our understanding of hydro-ecological Nunavut. Additional sampling was undertaken on the Sabine processes in freshwater aquatic ecosystems aff ected by shoreline Peninsula, Melville Island, and the Foshiem Peninsula, Ellesmere slumping versus pristine lakes. Island, which are underlain by diff erent geological materials and Limited catchment studies have utilized a combined provide an opportunity to compare mud ejection features in hydrometric, geochemical and stable isotopic approach to diff erent settings. examine the water-balance (e.g., precipitation, evaporation, Systematic mapping of the mud ejections and sampling storage, and surface fl ows) for tundra lakes in the development for sediment, water, and trace gases was undertaken in the 2012 area. For instance, enrichment of oxygen-18 (18O) and fi eld season at Cape Bounty. Active features were sampled in deuterium (2H) stable isotopes in surface waters have been late July, and additional samples were collected from inactive 152 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

relic deposits. Mud ejections occur across the study area in in relation to sea ice, aerial surveys were completed over the clustered fi elds, as well as individual features, and show a Mackenzie Estuary each June in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Th e distinct association with high elevation, low sloping, polar objective of this multi-year study was to examine the arrival desert vegetation landscapes. Characterization based on the of beluga whales as it relates to timing and location of sea ice geotechnical, mineralogical, and biogeochemical properties break-up in the Mackenzie Estuary. Using this information of the sediment found in these features were compared to we address how beluga arrival dates have changed over the samples of undisturbed control areas containing no visible mud past 30 years and factors contributing to these changes. In ejections. addition, the aerial survey data are being used to assess habitat Th e average temperatures during the thaw season were preference for belugas and help to increase our understanding considerably higher in 2012 compared to 2013, resulting in no of habitat selection. Th is research will be useful to managers and observed active mud ejection features during the 2013 season Inuit communities to allow for better assessments of industry and further suggesting that mud ejections are a result of deep proposals and to help set policies and manage the location active layer thaw during recent warm years. Preliminary results of activity in the region related to belugas and their habitats. from the geotechnical properties indicate that the mud ejections As belugas are valued as both a food resource and because of are comprised of low plasticity clayey-silt. Results from clay their cultural signifi cance, the results of this study will assist mineralogy indicate that the source of the mud ejection material stakeholders in protecting important habitats, maintaining is not diff erent than the overburden, suggesting that the material ecosystem services, and advancing our understanding of beluga is generated in situ. Preliminary results indicate that the mud in this important Arctic ecosystem. ejection features represent a mechanism that delivers fi ne- grained material rich in dissolved metals and nutrients to the surface, where they become available to terrestrial and aquatic THE HUDSON BAY INTEGRATED REGIONAL ecosystems. Results from the comparative study are needed in IMPACT STUDY (IRIS3): AN OVERVIEW AND order to better understand the behavior, properties and origins PROGRESS REPORT FOR THE IRIS3 REGIONAL of these materials, and to identify the potential impacts on the IMPACT ASSESSMENT surface ecosystem and water quality. Barber, David G. and B. Horton ([email protected]. ca)

ARRIVAL AND HABITAT USE OF BELUGA IN THE Centre for Earth Observation Science, Clayton H. Riddell MACKENZIE ESTUARY Faculty of Earth, Environment and Resources, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2 Hornby, Claire1,2 ([email protected]), C. Hoover1, J. Iacozza2, D. Barber2 and L. Loseto1,2 Th e ArcticNet Integrated Regional Impact Study (IRIS) for the Hudson Bay Region is in the process of developing a 1 Freshwater Institute/Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg Manitoba, R3T 2N6 regional impact assessment (RIA) of climate change and other 2 Department of Environment & Geography, University of stressors (e.g. natural resource development, transportation). Manitoba, Winnipeg Manitoba R3T 2N2 Th e RIA is fully informed by consultation with partners with cultural and socioeconomic interests in the region Th e eastern Beaufort Sea population of beluga whales including the Town of Churchill, Manitoba Infrastructure and (Delphinapterus leucas) forms one of the largest summering Transportation, Churchill Gateway Development Corporation, aggregations each June in the Mackenzie Estuary. Each year, an Manitoba Hydro, the Hudson Bay Inland Sea Initiative, and estimated 40,000 belugas arrive to the Canadian Beaufort Sea the Hudson Bay Regional Round Table (a Mayor’s forum from their Bering Sea wintering areas. Th e whales concentrate meeting approximately biannually). Emerging regional priorities at the seaward edge of a narrow bridge of fast ice, that is the last from our interactions with partners include the advancement to break up off shore of the estuary in late-spring. Th e belugas will then quickly move into the estuary as soon as the ice breaks, of knowledge needed to support ecotourism development; where local communities of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region safe, economic transportation by rail, sea, and a proposed (ISR) harvest the whales as part of a traditional hunt. Changes all weather road; cultural facilities for healthy, active living; in climate and ice conditions have likely altered both the timing waste management; and industrial development (resource and of beluga arrivals into the estuary, and start dates for harvest. hydroelectric). Th e RIA is informed by Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, Although past aerial surveys have been completed (1977-1985, the Nucleus of European Modelling of the Ocean (NEMO) 1992), these data are outdated. In order to improve on past ocean/ice model, a regional climate model and expertise of survey data and enhance our knowledge of beluga habitat use regional decision makers from a diversity of backgrounds. Th is 153 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

update will provide details regarding our current knowledge, eff orts, especially for the purpose of community education and emerging priority themes, ongoing studies and their anticipated interaction with external scientists. To accomplish these goals we outcomes, and gaps in our knowledge and project planning. focused on one user group, the Aleut Community of St. Paul- Tribal Government-Ecosystem Conservation Offi ce (ECO). Having met these goals, we are now re-implementing the system ONLINE COMMUNITY BASED ECOLOGICAL in the Aleutian communities of King Cove, Cold Bay, and MONITORING IN THE BERING SEA Akutan while working on additional operational improvements in St. Paul. We are concurrently looking at implementing the Insley, Stephen1 ([email protected]), P. Lentenkof2, P. Zavadil2 and program for the fi rst time in several additional communities. B. Robson3

1 Wildlife Conservation Society Canada, Arctic Beringia Program, 2B-508 Hanson St., Whitehorse YT Canada Y1A 1Z1 THE FORMATION, TRANSPORT, AND FATE OF 2 Aleut Community of St. Paul Island Tribal Government, BEAUFORT SHELF WINTER WATER IN THE Ecosystem Conservation Offi ce, 2050 Venia Minor Road, St. CANADIAN BEAUFORT SEA, 2009 - 2011 Paul Is land, Alaska 99660 1 2 3 Community and Ecology Resources, Box 761, 2442 NW Jackson, Jennifer M. ([email protected]), J.L. Lukovich , 3 2 1 1 4 Market St., Seattle, Washington 98107 C. Lique , A. Khonarov , K. Borg , D.B. Fissel , H. Melling , I.A. Dmitrenko2 and D.G. Barber2 Community-based ecological monitoring is a valuable 1 tool if conducted in a reliable manner. BeringWatch is an ASL Environmental Sciences Inc, Victoria, British Columbia, V8M 1Z5 online database/website tool for non-scientists to record and 2 Centre for Earth Observations Sciences, University of Manito- communicate environmental and ecological events in remote ba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2 Bering Sea native villages. Our approach has been to combine 3 Department of Earth Sciencs, University of Oxford, Oxford, existing environmental data with an internet accessible database 0X1 3AN, UK for recording local environmental and ecological events 4 Institute of Ocean Sciences, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, (data and images) and to develop a functional website for Sidney, British Columbia, V8L 4B2 communicating this information. Being internet-based solves a number of equipment-related problems (i.e. compatibility Ice formation results in the formation of dense water of data entry and storage programs) and allows for widespread on the Canadian Beaufort shelf during winter, designated as networking. Th e network model is well suited to incorporating Beaufort Shelf winter water (BSWW) Similar to Pacifi c Winter rigorous data quality standards through continuous interaction Water (PWW), BSWW is characterized by a temperature between local observers, regional coordinators, data managers minimum near the salinity 33.1 but BSWW has lower nutrient and scientifi c advisors. Th ere are two basic categories of concentrations so production of BSWW likely has a role in environmental data: wide ranging descriptive data and detailed infl uencing primary production in the Canadian Beaufort Sea. observations of specifi c species. Th e fi rst category, Citizen Th e analysis of BSWW is derived using water property Sentinel data, can be entered by anyone in a community with (temperature and salinity) and current (ADCP) data from minimal training and is primarily narrative with supplementary 8 highly instrumented sub-surface moorings located on the photographs or video. Examples include environmental continental slope (5 moorings) and outer shelf (3 moorings) anomalies or local and traditional knowledge. Th e second (collected from the Industry/ Arcticnet collaboration program) category, Sentinel data, involves specifi c protocol-driven data and from 3 shelf-based moorings, all operating simultaneously on target species (e.g. local marine mammals). Th is level of data in the western and central portions of the Canadian Beaufort collection involves training and setting up a protocol for the Sea from 2009 -2011. From these extensive data sets, the target species and is usually carried out by dedicated and often episodic presence of BSWW was identifi ed and characterized. paid observers such as the Sentinel Programs on the Aleutian Th e location of the diff erent moorings allows us to examine and Pribilof Islands. Th e aim of our last set of developments has the advection of BSWW from the shelf to the slope. Using been to assess and upgrade three key areas of the BeringWatch sea ice data collected from upward looking sonars and satellite program: 1) to integrate quality control mechanisms directly AMSR-E and surface fl ux data from the NARR NCEP into the online system and protocols, including a formalized reanalysis, we identify the times and areas of rapid ice growth external expert panel; 2) to facilitate usage by a broader user where the BSWW could be formed. Analyses of the extensive group within each community through the creation of a ocean current data are used to determine the regional advection “Citizen Sentinel” program; and 3) to refi ne our data output patterns of BSWW within the mooring array area. Using the mechanism to allow maximal exposure of data collection DRAKKAR ORCA025 global 3-D coupled ocean/sea-ice 154 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

model, we further examine potential pathways of BSWW from ETHNOBIOLOGY AND INUIT HEALTH IN A the continental shelf to the continental slope. Finally, the model CHANGING CLIMATE will be used to estimate where BSWW is advected once it leaves Jasiuk, Linnaea1 ([email protected]) and T. Pearce1,2 the continental slope of the Canadian Beaufort Sea. 1 Department of Geography, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1 FLAME RETARDANTS, PLASTICIZERS AND 2 Sustainability Research Centre, University of the Sunshine PESTICIDES IN THE CANADIAN ARCTIC Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, 4557

Jantunen, Liisa1 ([email protected]), A. Gawor2, F. Wong3, Ethnobiology is the scientifi c study of dynamic 4 5 1 T. Bidleman , G. Stern and H. Hung relationships among people, biota and environments. Traditionally Inuit depended on plants and animals to meet 1 Environment Canada, ON 2 University of Toronto, Toronto, ON medicinal, nutritional and material needs; however, climate 3 ITM, Stockholm University, Sweden change and acculturation are resulting in the erosion of this 4 Umea University, Umea Sweden body of knowledge simultaneous to the emergence of new health 5 University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB. concerns and the passing of key knowledge holders, Elders. Inventories have been amassed documenting Inuit knowledge Persistent organic pollutants have been found in remote of plants and animals of ethnobiological signifi cance; less is regions, including the Canadian arctic for decades. Th is poster known about if, and how, this knowledge is being generated and reports on the levels of banned legacy pesticides, current transmitted in a contemporary Inuit community. use pesticides and in use fl ame retardants and plasticizers in Th e proposed research will work with community Canadian arctic air and water taken as part of ArcticNet between members in the Inuit hamlet of Ulukhaktok, Northwest 2007-2011. Th e legacy pesticides have been banned in Canada Territories to examine the transmission of traditional knowledge and internationally by the Stockholm convention on persistent of plant and animal uses for medicine and nutrition. Th e organic pollutants. Trends of pesticides in the Canadian objectives are: (1) document the use of plants and animals for archipelago between 1992-2011 will also be reported. Most medicine and nutrition among Ulukhaktomuit; (2) identify banned pesticides are declining in arctic air and water where key knowledge holders, how this knowledge was/is generated, current use pesticides are remaining constant or increasing in and how/if this knowledge is being transmitted; (3) identify concentration. factors which aid or impede knowledge transmission; and Flame retardants (FRs) are used in a wide variety of (4) identify ways to promote ethnobiological knowledge in products and applications. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers the community. Data will be collected using ethnographic (BDEs) have been the most studied FRs over the past research techniques including, free-listing, semi-structured two decades. Th e phase out of PentaBDE and OctaBDE and structured interviews, and participant observation. Th e formulations in North America and Europe has led to the research will be undertaken in collaboration with community increased use of alternate FRs (non-BDEs) to meet fl ammability partners and follow established protocols and guidelines for standards for diff erent products. Organophosphate compounds research in the community and region. It is hypothesized, based (OPCs), in particular triesters, are high-production-volume on the fi ndings of ethnobotany research conducted elsewhere in the Canadian Arctic, that knowledge of the material uses of chemicals used as FRs but also as plasticizers to protect or to plants and animals will be more prevalent among community enhance the properties of plastics, textiles, furniture and many members than knowledge of their medicinal or nutritional uses. other materials. Occurrences of BDEs, non-BDEs and OPCs in It is expected that this knowledge will be exclusive to only a few the biota and environmental media in remote regions suggest community members, likely Elders, and that the transmission that FRs are persistent and are subject to long-range transport. of this knowledge will be incomplete. It is surmised that this Th e levels of non-BDE compounds are very low in arctic air, knowledge still plays an important role in Inuit health and that <1pg/m3 but in contrast the levels of OPCs are in air are very knowledge transmission is crucial so that future generations can high, 100s of pg/m3. Th is is the same trend found in Great benefi t from the use of these resources. Lakes and urban air; levels of OPCs are orders of magnitude Th e research is part of the CIHR-funded project IK- higher than BDEs and non-BDEs. Analysis of archived air ADAPT (Inuit traditional knowledge for adaptation to the samples show the levels of OPCs in arctic air remained constant health eff ects of climate change) [www.ikadapt.ca] and is between 2007-2011. additionally supported by the Nasivvik Centre for Inuit Health and Changing Environments. 155 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

SEA ICE BREAK UP AFFECTS BREEDING ESTABLISHING SEDIMENTATION RATES USING PARAMETERS OF COMMON EIDER (SOMATERIA 210PB AND 137CS FOR LAKE MELVILLE, A SUBARCTIC MOLLISSIMA) NESTING IN THE CANADIAN ARCTIC ESTUARY IN LABRADOR CANADA

Jean-Gagnon, Frankie1,2 ([email protected]), Kamula, Michelle1 ([email protected]) and Z. Kuzyk2 J. Bêty1,2, S. Bélanger1,2 and G. Gilchrist3 1 Department of Environment and Geography, University of 1 Département de Biologie, Chimie et Géographie, Université Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2 du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, Québec, G5L 3A1 2 Department of Geological Sciences, University of Manitoba, 2 Centre d’études nordiques, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2 G1V 0A6 3 National Wildlife Research Centre, Environment Canada, Estuaries contribute largely to the global biogeochemical Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6 cycle through the exchange of continental nutrients to the ocean. Th e combination of terrestrial organic matter and Environmental factors can strongly infl uence the annual nutrients from rivers and the adjacent marine shelf create cycle of Arctic bird populations by aff ecting the timing of uniquely productive environments within estuaries. However, migration and reproduction, and ultimately the breeding success reservoirs created as a result of hydroelectric projects are known and survival of birds. Given evidence of an accelerated warming to disrupt sediment and nutrient transport, in addition to for northern regions, the phenology of reproduction for many freshwater fl ows, consequently altering the biogeochemical seabird species breeding in the Arctic may be infl uenced by cycle and ecosystem structure in downstream estuaries. Lake changes in sea ice cover at the nesting site. We investigated the Melville, an ecologically productive fj ord type estuary used for impact of early season sea ice conditions on the reproduction travel and hunting and fi shing of traditional foods by local Inuit of common eiders (Somateria mollissima) breeding at East Bay, residents, is located downstream from the future Muskrat falls hydroelectric dam on the Churchill River in Labrador, Canada. Southampton Island, Nunavut. Breeding parameters were Th e dam is expected to be completed by 2017 and inundate determined by visual observations of the females and nest 41km2 of land creating a reservoir with a total surface area of visits at the eider breeding colony. Using Radarsat-1 and 2 101km2. Th e Muskrat falls hydroelectric project follows a larger- images from 2002 to 2012, we found that sea ice conditions scale damming of the Upper Churchill River in the 1970’s, surrounding the eider colony vary greatly (24-days range for the which diverted many small rivers and inundated hundreds of break up date) between years, with the earliest break up at the square kilometers of muskeg and bog. Lake Melville was not th river mouths in 2006 (June 25 ) and the latest in 2004 (July included in the recent environmental assessment process for th 17 ). Our results indicated that late ice break up at the river the Muskrat Falls dam, nor were the downstream eff ects of the mouths at East Bay was associated with later arrival dates of Upper Churchill River development ever fully assessed. eiders at the breeding site and hence to later laying and hatching To elucidate how controlled fl ow and reservoir dates. Th is indicates that eiders can adjust the timing of development infl uences downstream sedimentation rates, migration and breeding to track local sea ice conditions in early organic carbon inputs and outputs, and carbon burial in Lake summer. When ice break up was relatively late, however, female Melville, sediment cores and water samples were collected from eiders delayed breeding but nonetheless laid their eggs when ice Lake Melville, Goose Bay, the Narrows, and Groswater Bay on cover was relatively high compared to years of early ice break up. board the RV Nuliajuk in June 2013. Th e sediment cores were Th is suggests that eiders face poorer feeding conditions during interpreted using radioisotopes 210Pb and 137Cs to determine the pre-laying and laying periods when the ice melt is relatively the sedimentation rate and using organic carbon (OC) content late, which could aff ect the population breeding productivity. and the stable isotope 13C to quantify the accumulation rates In the context of climate change, a better understanding of terrestrial and marine OC. Th is data will be used to produce of breeding fl exibility in response to intra and inter-annual a budget of the sources and sinks of sediment and organic variations in sea ice conditions is crucial to understand the carbon within Lake Melville with emphasis on freshwater and potential impacts of such variations on seabird species. nutrient contributions from the Churchill River. Th is research is one component of the Avativut,Kanuittailinnivut (Our Environment,Our Health) community based research and monitoring program initiated by the Nunatsiavut Government to study the eff ects of the Muskrat Falls Hydroelectric Project on Inuit health and well being in the Lake Melville region. 156 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

IS HELICOBACTER PYLORI PRESENT IN SURFACE live H. pylori was confi rmed by using serial dilutions of 24-96 h AND TREATED WATER SAMPLES IN AKLAVIK, NWT? cultures of the H. pylori 26695 reference strain. Results: Th e mRNA test using H. pylori 26695 was able to Beesoon, Yashna1,5, J. Li15, S. Carraher2,5, B. Archie3,5, B. Buckle3,5, K. J Goodman4,5, M. Keelan1,5 (mkeelan@ detect 90 ng of vacA mRNA which represented 10000 colonies. ualberta.ca) and the CANHelp Working Group5 For a 100 mL water sample, this corresponds to 100 colonies per ml water. All culture, DNA and RNA tests of treated 1 Dept of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of and untreated water samples were negative for H. pylori; no Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1C9 organisms grew from tested water fi lters and no H. pylori DNA 2 Dept of Anthropology, University of Alaska Anchorage, or RNA was found on the fi lters. Anchorage, Alaska, USA 99508 3 Aklavik Health Committee Member, Aklavik, NT Conclusion: Th e test results do not provide evidence that 4 Depts of Medicine & Public Health Sciences, University of Aklavik water sources contain H. pylori. It is possible that the Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E1 limitations of the methods used in this investigation prevented 5 Th e Canadian North Helicobacter (CANHelp) Working its detection. In particular, these methods require a suffi cient Group number of organisms in the tested sample volume. Larger samples volumes may be required to detect the bacteria. It is not Background: Th e community of Aklavik, NWT has a high known what concentration of H. pylori organisms is required for prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection, which is associated water to be an important source of infection in the community. with stomach infl ammation, peptic ulcer disease and stomach cancer. Since 2007, this community has participated in the Aklavik H. pylori Project carried out by the Canadian North THIRTY YEARS OF HYDROLOGICAL AND WATER Helicobacter pylori (CANHelp) Working Group. Community SOURCE CHANGES IN THE APEX RIVER, IQALUIT, members expressed concern that drinking water may be a source BAFFIN ISLAND of H. pylori. Scientifi c evidence has not clearly shown that 1 1 H. pylori can remain alive and infectious in water. Kjikjerkovska, Elizabeta ([email protected]), S.F. Lamoureux , M.J. Lafrenière1 and J. Shirley2 Objective: To test Aklavik water sources for the presence of living H. pylori organisms. 1 Department of Geography, Queen’s University, Kingston, Methods: Environmental surface water samples and Ontario, K7L 3N6 domestic treated water samples were collected around Aklavik in 2 Nunavut Research Institute, Iqaluit, Nunavut, X0A 0H0 summer 2013. Aklavik residents and members of the H. pylori Changes in fl uxes of moisture and energy at the land project planning committee guided researchers on locations surface will directly aff ect fl ow, sources and pathways of water for water sampling. Water samples (200 mL) were collected in south Baffi n rivers resulting in changes in river hydroecology in triplicate in sterile polyethylene bottles containing sodium and the quality and availability of freshwater for communities. thiosulphate: 10 from treated water from indoor taps and Th e goal of this research project is to initiate an integrated 10 from untreated surface water (by the hand-dip method) watershed research program at the Apex River, near Iqaluit, around the community. Samples were stored at 4°C overnight Nunavut. A key element of this program is engaging local water before air shipment to the laboratory for analysis. Each set of managers to align scientifi c research objectives and questions triplicate treated water samples were fi ltered through one 0.4 μm with the community needs, as well as to establish a sustainable membrane. Each of the triplicate untreated water samples were long term monitoring program that builds local capacity in divided into two 100 mL aliquots and individually fi ltered hydrology research methods and maximizes the use of local to perform duplicate cultures, DNA extraction and RNA research expertise and facilities of the Nunavut Arctic College. extraction. To grow H. pylori organisms, fi lters were cultured in In this study, we report climate data analysis from 1946-2012 brain heart infusion-yeast extract broth or on agar containing for the Iqaluit Airport weather station, and river discharge data 5% horse serum and antibiotics under microaerobic conditions for Apex River from the Water Survey of Canada for 1973- at 37°C. To detect H. pylori genetic material, it was fi rst 2012. Additionally, fi eld sampling from the Apex River provided extracted from the fi lters by the phenol:chloroform method for the means to compare water stable isotope composition in 2013 DNA, and by the TRIzol® method for RNA. Extracted DNA with a study carried out in 1983, and determine changes in were tested for the presence of the H. pylori 16S rRNA gene to water sources. detect living and dead bacteria. Extracted RNA was tested for Mean annual temperatures at Iqaluit, NU have the presence of vacA mRNA by reverse transcriptase PCR to increased approximately 4°C since the 1990s. Th e increase detect living H. pylori organisms. Th e protocol for detecting in temperatures is most prominent during the fall and 157 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

winter seasons. After the 1990s there is a shift from snow to understand how a changing environment may aff ect Arctic Char predominantly rain dominated precipitation. Th is study found and to create a community-based monitoring (CBM) plan for rain makes an important contribution to annual precipitation the species in Sachs Harbour NT. and late summer and fall runoff , especially since the early 1990s. Th is presentation overviews the outcomes of a fi ve-year Discharge data demonstrates that the length of the fl ow season collaborative mixed methods research project integrating local has increased by approximately 50 days with progressive shift expert knowledge, ecological and environmental knowledge. from early June to late October in the 1980s, to late May to Th rough this approach, we learned: 1) landlocked lake mid-November in the last decade. Even though the Apex River parameters that aff ect Arctic Char growth and health; 2) local is a nival dominated system, late season discharge remains highly environmental parameters that aff ect Arctic Char growth; 3) dependent on rainfall, which has increased in volume. indicators that pertain to the local area for use in Arctic Char Samples for stable water isotopes were collected daily community-based monitoring; and, 4) community needs to from 18th July to 8th August and weekly from May-August carry out eff ective CBM. 2013. Snow had depleted δD values in comparison to river, Th e mixed methods research design used in this project stream and rain samples. Rain had most enriched δD values. involved a range of data collection and analysis methods. River and stream samples were isotopically more similar to Scoping sessions and semi-directed interviews were conducted snow in the early season, and became increasingly enriched with local fi sh and environment experts. Local experts provided as the season progressed. Compared to the study performed a detailed understanding of changes in local climate and in 1983, samples in 2013 were slightly isotopically enriched environmental conditions and how these changes aff ected both 18 for δ O, which coincides with the increases in temperatures char and char habitat. Th ree local landlocked fi shing lakes were and shift towards a greater proportion of rainfall. Th is project sampled for water quality, depth and temperature profi les, ice aims to answer fundamental questions about the hydrologic thickness, ice on-off dates, and zooplankton abundance and responses of small Arctic rivers to changes in climate and to size. Arctic Char were sampled for length, weight, sex, maturity, provide information to facilitate sound management of an stomach contents, parasite loads and otolith (ear bone) age important local water resource. Addressing some of these and annual growth analyses. Local expert fi shers were directly questions will contribute to the scientifi c, local community and involved in the research design, determination of study locations decision makers of Iqaluit to whom understanding the lasting and environmental and ecological parameters for scientifi c climatic and hydrological eff ects on this particular system are of sampling, and results analyses. imperative value. We learned that Capron Lake had 1/20th the volume, 5X higher zooplankton productivity, and ice on dates 10-20 days earlier (resulting in a shorter growing season) than the ENHANCING COMMUNITY-BASED MONITORING OF ARCTIC CHAR BY INTEGRATING LOCAL EXPERT other two study lakes. Th e oldest chars captured in Capron AND ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE Lake were signifi cantly shorter than the oldest chars captured in Middle and Kuptan lakes (p<<0.001), however, Capron Lake 1 2 Knopp, Jennie A. ([email protected]), C. Furgal , contained the longest char captured of all three lakes. Despite 3 4 J.D. Reist , Sachs Harbour Hunters and Trappers Committee these diff erences between the three lakes, otolith annual growth 1 Environmental and Life Sciences Program, and the Human analyses on char from all lakes revealed a large increase in growth Environment and Indigenous Communities Research Group, a decade prior to capture, across a range of age classes. Local Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8 experts also observed and reported noticeable changes in Arctic 2 Indigenous Environmental Studies Program and the Human Char size within the same timeframe coupled with observations Environment and Indigenous Communities Research Group, of low sea-ice coverage and warmer ambient temperatures within Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8 the same years. 3 Freshwater Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, Integrating local expert and environmental knowledge to Manitoba, R3T 2N6 determine similarities and diff erences in fi sh growth, condition 4 Sachs Harbour Hunters and Trappers Committee, Sachs and habitat among the study lakes and interpretation of the Harbour, Northwest Territories, X0E 0Z0 resulting patterns, supported either lake-specifi c or regional Increases in climate variability in the Inuvialuit Settlement climate-driven changes in Arctic Char growth. Th is resulted Region, and the resulting eff ects on local environment, fl ora, in the identifi cation of indicators useful in CBM. Regional and fauna, have lead to impacts on local freshwater fi sh. sea-ice coverage is an indicator relevant for consideration in Inuvialuit who rely on fi sh as sources of food will have to adapt Arctic Char community-based monitoring along with ambient these including: altered access to fi shing locations and changes air temperatures, number of days of lake ice coverage and to size and quality of fi sh. Th e purpose of this research was to zooplankton abundance. 158 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

ACCLIMATION TO LIGHT AND TEMPERATURE OF BIOACCUMULATION OF MERCURY IN ARCTIC AN ARCTIC DIATOM CHAR IN EAST AND WEST LAKE, CAPE BOUNTY ARCTIC WATERSHED OBSERVATORY, MELVILLE Lacour, Th omas (Th [email protected]), J. Ferland, ISLAND, NUNAVUT J. Larivière and M. Babin Muir, Derek C.G.1,2 ([email protected]), J.L. Kirk2, Unité Mixte Takuvik, UMI3376, Université Laval (Canada) − A. Gleason2, X. Wang2, A. Sett2, D. Iqaluk3, S.F. Lamoureux4 CNRS (France), Département de Biologie et Québec-Océan, and M.J. Lafrenière4 Université Laval, Québec, G1V 0A6 1 University of Guelph, School of Environmental Sciences, In the Arctic, phytoplankton growth and primary Guelph ON N1G 2W1 2 production is controlled by light, inorganic nitrogen Aquatic Contaminants Research Div., Environment Canada, concentration and temperature. Th ese physico-chemical Burlington ON L7R4A6 3 Resolute Bay, NU XOA OVO conditions determine the spatio-temporal distribution as well 4 Department of Geography, Queen’s University, Kingston ON as the composition of the phytoplankton community. Th e K7L 3N6 objective of this study is to understand the adaptation of an Arctic diatom to its environment by studying its ability to Th e Cape Bounty Arctic Watershed Observatory acclimate to changes in light and temperature. (CBAWO) utilizes two adjacent, geologically similar watersheds, We acclimated the diatom Chaetoceros neogracile to seven West and East, which are currently undergoing climate-driven light intensities and two diff erent temperatures and studied its changes. Climate since 2007 has been unusually warm during growth and photosynthesis properties using semi-continuous summer months and has resulted in changing hydrology cultures. Many physiological parameters were measured (growth and permafrost degradation across the area. In addition, the rate, pigment composition, absorption spectrum, NPQ, West catchment has experienced numerous large active layer detachments during the past 5 years while the East catchment PE curve for 14C and O , quantifi cation of photosynthetic 2 has experienced relatively minor disturbances. Th ese alterations proteins). to runoff patterns and permafrost degradation may also drive Chaetoceros neogracile is able to maintain high growth changes in the biogeochemical cycling of mercury (Hg). rates (μ = 0.55 d-1) at very low illumination (20 μE.m-2.s-1) We are investigating whether these changes are also seen in and low temperature (0°C) revealing a strong light/temperature mercury bioaccumulation in arctic char and the food webs of acclimation. Th e maximum photosynthetic activity per cell West and East Lakes. We hypothesize that increased Hg inputs (P max) decreases with light intensity (even when growth is Cell into West Lake will result in higher concentrations of Hg in still light limited) as well as the maximum quantum yield of char. To investigate this landlocked Arctic char (Salvelinus photosynthesis (Φmax) and the quantum yield for growth alpinus), and invertebrates were collected for analysis of total (Φμ). Th ese decreases cannot be explained by a decrease of the Hg (THg) and methyl Hg (MeHg) annually from 2008 to maximum photochemical effi ciency of photosystem II (PSII). 2013 along with lake water and sediment samples. THg and Change in chlorophyll a quota (Chla/C) is the most important MeHg were determined in all food web, water and sediment physiological change that allows the cells to acclimate to change samples at Environment Canada labs in Burlington (ON) using in light intensity as well as the ability to dissipate energy as standard U.S. Environmental Protection Agency analytical heat at PSII (NPQ), changes in chlorophyll specifi c absorption protocols. Carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stable isotope analysis coeffi cient and the channelling of reducing power to non growth confi rmed that the fi sh are insectivorous with no evidence for related products. multiple morphotypes observed in some larger lakes. Char have Th is study helps to understand the acclimation strategy of signifi cantly more depleted δ13C in East vs West Lake (mean ± an Arctic diatom well adapted to low light and low temperature. 95%CI; -27.20±0.17 ‰ (N=78) vs -25.07±0.36‰ (N=60)) It will also help to improve model parameterization of indicative of greater terrestrial carbon inputs to West Lake. 15 primary production by characterizing the relationship between Also δ N is signifi cantly lower in West Lake char (10.02±0.20 phytoplankton photosynthetic parameters and physico-chemical ‰ vs 11.22±0.12‰) suggesting diff erences in food sources. conditions of the environment in which they operate. Th e combined results from 2008 to 2013 collections show that the West Lake adult char have signifi cantly higher Hg concentrations (0.159 ± 0.017 μg/g) compared to East Lake (0.102 ± 0.012 μg/g) and this diff erence is even greater if results are adjusted for δ15N using analysis of covariance. Condition factors (g*100/cm3) for char in West Lake have declined since 159 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

2008 and over the period 2011-2013 have been signifi cantly glaciation. Preliminary results from a detailed analysis of the lower than those in East Lake (0.64±0.02 versus 0.69±0.03) seabed geology in western Parry Channel include evidence for indicating they are thinner than fi sh of the same length in East westward ice stream fl ow from the north end of M’Clintock Lake. Th is may be due to diffi culty feeding in West Lake’s turbid Channel, indications of northward ice-fl ow across eastern waters, particularly after 2008. However, no signifi cant trends in Viscount Melville Sound, very limited thicknesses of postglacial Hg concentrations in the char were found over the period 2008 sediment in Viscount Melville Sound and eastern M’Clure to 2013 in either lake. Th e higher mean Hg concentrations in Strait, and support for a grounded ice stream on the continental West Lake char were consistent with higher unfi ltered THg shelf west of M’Clure Strait. concentrations in the West River and in West Lake, extensive Th ese results help clarify the history of sedimentation permafrost disturbance in the West watershed and seasonal on the Beaufort Shelf and slope by improving the regional anoxia in that lake. However, lake MeHg concentrations geological framework for the assessment of the distribution were slightly higher in East Lake suggesting that direct MeHg and origin of seafl oor geohazards. As well, this study is helping exposure of the fi sh does not explain the diff erences. Our to resolve longstanding questions regarding the dynamical preliminary conclusion is that increased total Hg inputs into interaction of the Innuitian and Laurentide ice sheets in Parry West Lake have resulted in higher concentrations of Hg in char Channel, and the glacial history of the islands constituting the western part of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. For example, in that lake. new seabed mapping may help explain the occurrence of far-travelled glacial erratics (granite boulders from the Arctic Mainland) on Banks, Melville, and Prince Patrick islands. FORMER GLACIERS AND ICE SHEETS IN WESTERN PARRY CHANNEL, CANADIAN ARCTIC ARCHIPELAGO PERCEPTIONS OF LEARNING SUCCESS AMONG Lakeman, Th omas R.1 (Th [email protected]), S. Blasco2, YOUNGER GENERATION INUIT IN ULUKHAKTOK, B. MacLean2, F.C. Nixon3, R.D. Coulthard4, J.E. Hughes NWT, CANADA Clarke5, B. Covill6 and E. Patton2 Lalonde, Geneviève1 ([email protected]) and T. Pearce1,2 1 Department of Earth Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, 1 NS Department of Geography, University of Guelph, Guelph, 2 Ontario, N1G 2W1 Geological Survey of Canada-Atlantic, Bedford Institute of 2 Oceanography, Dartmouth, NS Sustainability Research Centre, University of the Sunshine 3 Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, Halifax, NS Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, 4557 4 Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Th is poster describes research that will examine Alberta, Edmonton, AB perceptions of learning success among younger generation 5 Department of Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering, Inuit in a case study of Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB Canada. Th e objectives are: (1) characterize the education 6 Tekmap Consulting, Fall River, NS system in Ulukhaktok in terms of learning paradigm and Seabed mapping in the Beaufort Sea and the Canadian goals; (2) document and describe the perceptions of younger Arctic Archipelago over the last decade by ArcticNet aboard generation Inuit on learning success; and (3) identify and the CCGS Amundsen records widespread evidence for former describe opportunities to enhance education in Ulukhaktok and glaciogenic sedimentary processes, including the formation of elsewhere in the Arctic. Th is will be accomplished by conducting surveys and semi-structured interviews with educators and Inuit mega-scale glacial lineations by former ice streams that existed students (grades 9-12) at Helen Kalvak Elihakvik (school) in during the last glaciation (~30,000 to 10,000 years ago). Th ese Ulukhaktok. Th e research responds to a knowledge gap on the ice streams constituted important dynamical components of relevance and eff ectiveness of a western-based education system the Laurentide and Innuitian ice sheets that together inundated in the Arctic. Many agree that the formalization of education Arctic Canada. As well, they were a primary control on ice has displaced Inuit cultural identity and has contributed to the age sedimentation on the adjacent continental shelf and slope breakdown of traditional modes of learning, observation and and the Arctic Ocean basin. A new compilation of multibeam apprenticeship. Education scores of young Inuit are among echosounder and sub-bottom profi ler data acquired using the the lowest in the nation. Th is phenomenon may be caused CCGS Amundsen and the USCGC Healy reveals complex by the constant infl ux of incoming new teachers or the fact patterns of past ice stream fl ow in western Parry Channel. that the curriculum and teaching styles are not adequately Th ese data also characterize the nature and thickness of adapted to suit Inuit ways of learning. Meanwhile subsistence seafl oor sediments that were deposited during and after the last hunting and fi shing remain a valued part of Inuit culture, but 160 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

there is concern that some younger generation Inuit may not water values along the catchment outfl ow channel (increase of be as well equipped to participate in subsistence, particularly 180 ppm and 70‰ respectively). Th ese results suggest a shift under changing conditions with negative implications for food from snowmelt being the dominant contributor to channel fl ow security, health and well-being, and economy. If education in to suprapermafrost soil water (thawed ground ice and pore ice) the Arctic is to serve the interests of students and contribute to being the main contributing source in the absence of rainfall. the development of healthy communities it must embody Inuit Results also provide evidence for a high water storage capacity perceptions of learning success and values. Th is research aims to in the soil and the movement of event soil water (infi ltrated contribute to this renegotiation of education in the Arctic. rainfall) to the surface. A sharp rise in Cl- concentrations along Th e research is part of ArcticNet Project 1.1 Community the channel suggests that soil water from a high intensity rainfall Adaptation and IK-ADAPT (Inuit Traditional Knowledge for in early July was displaced by a subsequent, lower intensity Adaptation to the Health Eff ects of Climate Change) supported rainfall one week later. by CIHR. Th is research has shown that there is high potential for source water separation using chloride and stable isotope as hydrological tracers and the EMMA framework. Th e seasonal AN END MEMBER MIXING ANALYSIS (EMMA) timing and relative contribution of water sources are important APPROACH TO PARTITIONING WATER SOURCES controls for fl ow volumes and downstream water quality. IN A HIGH ARCTIC HILLSLOPE CATCHMENT, CAPE BOUNTY, MELVILLE ISLAND, NUNAVUT Th e potential for longer growing seasons, and changes to precipitation rates, snow cover and ground ice content associated Lamhonwah, Daniel1 ([email protected]), with climate change is expected to have implications for nutrient 1 1 1 M.J. Lafrenière , S.F. Lamoureux , S.N. Montross and and sediment retention, mobilization, and transport processes as 2 B.B. Wolfe well as ecosystem health. Work was undertaken in 2013 and will 1 Department of Geography, Queen’s University, Kingston, continue into 2014 to further constrain the initial chemical and Ontario, K7L 3N6 physicochemical properties of the end members with particular 2 Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Wilfrid focus on suprapermafrost soil water. Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3C5

Our relatively limited understanding of permafrost A SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURE FRONTS hydrology has led to basic assumptions being made about CLIMATOLOGY OF BAFFIN BAY hillslope runoff , particularly the role of permafrost in 1 2 determining subsurface fl ow paths. Th ese assumptions are Cyr, Frédéric and P. Larouche (pierre.larouche@dfo-mpo. increasingly being challenged as observations indicate both gc.ca) changing permafrost conditions and more complex fl ow 1 Institut des Sciences de la Mer, Université du Québec à pathways and water sources. Th is research aims to answer the Rimouski, Québec, G5L 3A1 basic question: how do water sources evolve as the thaw season 2 Institut Maurice-Lamontagne, 850 route de la Mer, Mont-Joli, progresses in an Arctic watershed? It is hypothesized that each Québec, G5H 3Z4 main water source (snowmelt, soil water and rainfall) possesses a distinguishable set of initial chemical and physicochemical Oceanic fronts are often areas of exceptional biological properties. If individual sources can be identifi ed, then changes habitats. Using 25 years of satellite-derived daily sea surface in the relative contributions of each source can be tracked over temperature maps, we detected the locations where thermal time and space over the thaw season using end-member mixing gradients are the most often observed for the entire Baffi n Bay analysis (EMMA). during the ice-free period. Results show that an important Ion concentration and stable isotope analyses of water frontal area is located in Melville Bay. Another area where samples collected over an 8 week period in 2012 from the fronts are often detected is at the entrance of Lancaster Sound. undisturbed Goose subcatchment, Cape Bounty, Melville Island, Some higher frontal probabilities regions are also found in the NU, indicate a clear separation of the proposed end-members NorthWater polynya in particular near the Carey Islands and based on Cl- concentrations (ppm) and δD values (‰). Results at the entrance of Jones Sound. Fronts associated with known indicate that Cl- concentration of each water source is separated water currents (the West Greenland current on the Eastern by an order of magnitude diff erence: rain (<1 ppm), snow (1 to side of Baffi n Bay and the Baffi n Bay current on the Western 10 ppm) and soil water (100 to 1000 ppm). Rain and soil water side) will also be described. Th e presentation will discuss the show a similar δD signature (-100 to -150‰), however snow is generation mechanisms for Baffi n Bay fronts (convergence vs more depleted in D (-200 to -275‰). Th ere is a trend over the mixing) and their importance for phytoplankton biomass as season of sharply increasing Cl- concentrations and δD surface estimated with SeaWiFS satellite remote sensing data. Fronts 161 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

will also be linked with known bird colonies and marine BRINGING THE COMMUNITY INTO COMMUNITY- mammals sightings. BASED MONITORING: BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS TO ENGAGE YOUTH IN THE LONG-TERM MONITORING OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN SPATIAL PATTERN OF THE SHRUB LAYER ACROSS KUGLUKTUK, NUNAVUT THE TUNDRA LANDSCAPE OF CHURCHILL Desrosiers, Sarah1 ([email protected]), L-M. Leclerc2, MANITOBA Kugluktuk High School Participants3 and G. Henry1 1 2 Lavallee, Amanda ([email protected]), K. Harper , 1 Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, and P. Dodonov Vancouver, V6T 1Z2 2 1 Department of Environmental Science, Dalhousie University, Department of Environment, Government of Nunavut, Kugluktuk, Nunavut, X0B 0E0 Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2 3 2 School of Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie Kugluktuk High School, Kugluktuk, Nunavut, X0B 0E0 University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2 Communities in the Canadian Arctic are experiencing Th e shrub layer provides important habitat for wildlife the eff ects of climate change.To gain a better understanding of such as terrestrial birds, waterfowl, and mammals throughout the changing Arctic environment and assess adaptive capacity the harsh environment of the arctic tundra landscape. Studies of Northern communities, communities must be included in have shown that the shrub layer is expanding in tundra monitoring programs. A partnership between the Kugluktuk landscapes and changing habitat conditions due to climate High School, the Government of Nunavut Department warming. Our research question was to determine the spatial of Environment, researchers from the University of British pattern of the shrub layer across the tundra and forest-tundra Columbia as well as a number of Elders and community- ecotone landscapes in relation to distance to edges and members has fostered the opportunity to engage youth in other distinct landscape features. We conducted our study Kugluktuk, Nunavut in the long-term monitoring of annual berry productivity and small-mammal population cycles. in Churchill, Manitoba where the landscape ranges from During a weeklong Career and Technologies Studies open tundra to dense boreal forest. Th e shrub layer is found (CTS) course, high school students have the opportunity to throughout many habitat types and ranges from dwarf or go out on the land and expand their knowledge regarding prostrate shrubs to tall dense bushes. Data were collected in scientifi c methodology, ecological processes such as berry 1x1 m contiguous quadrats along two 400 m long transects, productivity and small mammal population cycles as well as the fi rst in the open tundra and the second across a forest- Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit through the interaction with Elder and tundra ecotone. We identifi ed the shrub species, recorded their community participants. Students are not only participating in percent cover and height classes, and also sampled explanatory the fi eldwork, but also contribute to data analysis and discuss variables such as pH, microtopography, and elevation. We used their observations in the classroom. Th e program intends to spatial pattern analysis including wavelet analysis to determine empower youth to take leadership roles in monitoring their any signifi cant patterns in the patches and gaps of the shrub changing ecosystem. Th is collaboration also provides a way to layer. Preliminary results indicate that at natural edges, such as address the increasingly need for the northern communities to lakeshore edges, there were zones of diff erent types of shrubs. work with scientists, inspire Inuit youth to a scientifi c career, In comparison, created edges, which border roads, had abrupt and engage in community capacity-building for future science simple transitions between the tundra vegetation found on programs. both sides of the road. Two species, sweet gale (Myrica gale) and silver willow (Salix candida), were only present at lakeshore edges. Th roughout both habitat types shrub height and diversity SEABED MAPPING OF LAKE MELVILLE, IN increased from tundra to the lakeshore edge. Th e pattern of the SUPPORT OF LAKE MELVILLE: AVATIVUT, shrub layer in tundra showed gradual changes with relatively KANUITTAILINNIVUT (OUR ENVIRONMENT, OUR uniform distributions of a few berry and prostrate shrub species. HEALTH) Th e ecotone displayed a diff erent pattern of abrupt changes in shrub habitat with fi ne-scale variation in shrub diversity Legere, Christine L. ([email protected]) and T. Bell and height. Th ese abrupt changes in the tundra-forest ecotone Department of Geography, Memorial University, St. John’s, may have positive or negative aff ects on the animal ecology Newfounldand, A1B 3X9 throughout Churchill. Climate change eff ects may enhance shrub heterogeneity in Churchill as warming leads to forest Lake Melville is a salt-water tidal extension of the expansion into tundra landscapes. Hamilton Inlet on the Labrador coast, extending 130 km 162 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

inland. Th e Hamilton Inlet system is the largest marine inlet 2 Département de Géographie & Centre d’études nordiques in Labrador and includes Groswater Bay, the Narrows, Lake (CEN), Université Laval, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6 Melville and Goose Bay. Groswater Bay is opened to the ocean, 3 Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Wilfrid constricting 55 km inland into a shallow sill, Th e Narrows, Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3C5 4 which restricts water fl ow into the lake with sill of a minimum Department of Geography and Environmental Management, depth of 30 m. Lake Melville is a fj ord, forming a subarctic University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1 estuary as a result of the lake’s deep basins exceeding 250 m in Northern water-rich landscapes play an important depth and the sill at the Th e Narrows. Located a further 25 km role in the global carbon budget, by acting as sources, sinks, inland is Goose Bay, an estuary and southwestern extension of and transformers of carbon but it is uncertain how climate- Lake Melville. Connecting the two water bodies is the Goose mediated variations in hydrology will aff ect these processes. Bay Narrows, a 2.5 km wide, 6 m deep dredged shipping We explore this theme in Wapusk National Park (WNP), channel. located in the western Hudson Bay Lowlands, which contains Lake Melville: Avativut, Kanuittailinnivut, is a multi- tens of thousands of shallow ponds that can experience strong disciplinary collaborative research project in its second year fl uctuations in hydrological conditions. WNP spans boundaries of research. Th e two main goals of the project are to establish between discontinuous and continuous permafrost and baseline conditions for Inuit health, community wellbeing vegetation zones (coastal fen (CF), interior peat plateau palsa and the marine environment, and to develop the science bog (IPP), and boreal spruce forest (BF)). Here, we focus on for monitoring the downstream eff ects of industrial activity identifying hydrological and other controls on carbon pathways on a subarctic estuary and coastal Inuit communities. Th e in ponds at a landscape-scale. To meet this objective, we projects include seabed and habitat mapping, oceanography, repeatedly measured carbon isotope composition of dissolved contaminants cycling, and community well-being. In the spring inorganic carbon (δ13C ), as well as a range of limnological of 2013 research projects continued to address these goals. DIC parameters and water isotope compositions in 36 ponds from In collaboration with the Ocean Mapping Group at the the diff erent vegetation zones over three years (2010-2012). University of New Brunswick aboard the Nunavut owned Overall, the ponds possessed a very broad range of δ13C research vessel, MV Nuliajuk, the seabed mapping portion DIC values, spanning -29.5‰ to +1.8‰, suggesting that this is a of the project collected multibeam bathymetry, acoustic sensitive index of pond carbon balance. Spatial variability was backscatter and sub-bottom profi les to support seabed sampling, substantial, and exceeded seasonal variability of individual oceanographic monitoring, and biological observations for ponds. CF ponds had the highest δ13C values (range: -12.0 benthic habitat mapping. Th e 2013 survey was conducted in DIC to +1.8‰; mean: -3.4‰), followed by the BF ponds (range: the central area of Lake Melville. -18.5 to -2.4‰; mean: -10.8‰) and the IPP ponds which Th is poster presentation will illustrate some of the features had the lowest mean δ13C value (-13.3‰) but spanned a identifi ed from this summer’s mapping project using multi-beam DIC considerable range (-29.5 to -0.6‰). We attribute the high bathymetry, backscatter and 3.5 kHz seismic sub-bottom. Th e δ13C values in the CF ponds to atmospheric CO exchange, poster will present the 475 km2 of area mapped during the Lake DIC 2 which provides a 13C-enriched source of carbon to the Melville 2013 fi eld season in combination with the coverage ponds. Supporting this interpretation are water isotope data, from the 2012 fi eld season data. Th e geomorphic limnology which indicate that these ponds tend to receive low amounts features identifi ed include post-glacial slope failure and modern of snowmelt runoff and likely low supplies of soil-derived sedimentary processes such as debris fl ows, eroded gullies and 13C-depleted DIC, due to catchments with sparse tundra areas of pockmarks. δ13 vegetation. Water isotope data and mid-range CDIC values suggest that BF ponds receive greater snowmelt runoff and soil- 13 ISOTOPE-INFERRED CONTROLS ON CARBON derived C-depleted DIC from their more densely vegetated PATHWAYS IN PONDS ALONG A BOREAL FOREST catchments but are also likely infl uenced by productivity-driven 13 δ13 – COASTAL TUNDRA TRANSECT IN WAPUSK C-enrichment. Th e broad range of CDIC values for the NATIONAL PARK (WESTERN HUDSON BAY IPP ponds appears to be associated with variation in pond δ13 LOWLANDS, MANITOBA) size. Th e large IPP ponds had high CDIC values (range: -8.1 to -0.6‰; mean: -4.2‰), which were similar to CF ponds 1 2 MacDonald, Lauren ([email protected]), F. Bouchard , and may also suggest that atmospheric CO2 exchange is the H. White3, N. Farquharson3, R.I. Hall1, B.B. Wolfe3 and dominant pathway that supplies carbon to these ponds. In M.L. Macrae4 δ13 contrast, the small IPP ponds had low CDIC values (range: 1 Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, -29.5 to -20.0‰; mean: -24.0‰), which we attribute to the Ontario, N2L 3G1 input of soil-derived 13C-depleted DIC and possibly high rates 163 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

of organic matter respiration in the pond water column. Th ese GEOTECHNICAL ZONATION OF SEABED preliminary fi ndings suggest that external and internal factors SEDIMENTS: CANADIAN BEAUFORT OUTER SHELF (e.g., catchment vegetation, hydrology, productivity, respiration) AND UPPER SLOPE are drivers of carbon balance in ponds of WNP. How these MacKillop, Kevin1 ([email protected]), factors respond to ongoing climate warming will have a strong N. Loewen2, K. Jarrett1 and S. Blasco1 infl uence on pond carbon balance. 1 Geological Survey of Canada-Atlantic, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, NS, B2Y 4A2 2 Mitchelmore Engineering Co. Limited, Dartmouth, NS, B2W COMPARING SOIL RESPIRATION RATES ACROSS 6L4 COLD REGIONS Th e Canadian Beaufort Sea was the center of extensive MacIntyre, Chris1 ([email protected]), D. Risk1, L. Graham1 off shore hydrocarbon exploration in the 1970s and 1980s and S. Natali2 when drilling activity was confi ned to the Beaufort Shelf in 1 Department of Earth Science, St. Francis Xavier University, water depths of less than 70 m. Interest in exploration drilling Antigonish, Nova Scotia, B2G 2W5 was renewed in 2009 but extended from the outer shelf 2 Woods Hole Research Center, Falmouth, Massachusetts, USA to upper slope in water depths beyond 70 to 1500 m. Th e Geological Survey of Canada in partnership with ArcticNet Th e cold regions of our planet are experiencing signifi cant and in collaboration with the oil industry and private sector warming due to an increase in atmopsheric CO2 levels. Th is has undertaken a comprehensive and integrated geoscience warming will have an impact on the exchange of CO2 between program to understand geologic processes and potential seabed the soil and atmosphere by altering the growth season, aff ecting geohazards in deeper waters of the outer shelf and upper slope. soil organic matter (SOM) and microbial regimes, precipitation A component of these studies is a geotechnical zonation distripution, and snow depth. Understanding how soils in these of seabed sediments (<10 m below seabed). Sediment cores regions respond to a changing climate is crucial to predicitng collected as part of the CCGS Amundsen fi eld programs in 2009 and 10 and industry borehole data have been analysed the future atmospheric concentration of CO2 and its cycling between the soil and atmospheric reservoirs. Using Forced and compiled to generate a geotechnical model of surfi cial Diff usion (FD) autochambers, we have collected multiple years sediment properties and distribution for this geographic area. of soil reparation data in various parts of the world, including Th e model includes geotechnical characterization, sediment the Dry Valleys of Antarctica (77˚S), Healy, Alaska (63˚N), the classifi cation and stress history data. As part of this synthesis a Cape Breton Highlands National Park Boreal forest, Nova Scotia comprehensive laboratory testing program was completed on (46˚N), and others. Most of these deployments include cold- 10 Amundsen cores. Th e testing included: 1) MultiSensory season CO fl uxes, which are diffi cult to measure. Th is poster Core Logger (MSCL) bulk density, resistivity and acoustic 2 velocity measurements at 1 cm intervals, 2) laboratory mini- compares and contrasts observed soil fl uxes of CO2 from these sites, with specifi c focus on cold-season temporal variability, vane undrained shear strength measurements at 10 cm intervals, and 3) 12 consolidation and triaxial tests. Analyses indicate in order to better understand the carbon dynamics of these that surfi cial sediments are generally soft Clays (CH) with high sites. Th e Alaskan and Cape Breton sites had soil CO fl uxes 2 plasticity and a strength ratio (Su/Po’) of 0.25. Mohr-Coulomb ranging from 0-5 μmol/m2/s, and were broadly comparable strength parameters ranged from 0.0 to 6.2 for c’ and 15.9 to despite their diff erence in latitude. Both are characteristic of 27.2o for ϕ’. organic-rich terrestrial environments with high potential for Th e geotechnical model of surfi cial sediments provides biological activity, and a microbial community capable of the basis for correlation with the geological model and processes sustaining decomposition throughout the cold winter season. to understand and predict the behaviour of these sediments as During the winter, we do observe sustained fl uxes from these geohazards aff ecting hydrocarbon exploration. For example, environments, at rates of perhaps one-quarter of summer values, slope instability may be a potential geohazard. Th e geotechnical even in permafrost areas. Th e Antarctic Dry Valleys had hyper- model in association with possible failure mechanisms and 2 low fl uxes ranging from 0.1 to 0.4 μmol/m /s, and apparent triggering sources will allow for the determination of the biological activity was restricted to a short season. In contrast likelihood, extent and severity of slope failures. Th e stability to the northern hemispheric sites, biological-source fl uxes were of the surfi cial sediments was evaluated using the infi nite absent during the Austral winter. Overall these three sites off er slope method of analysis. Laboratory shear vane strength data great insight into CO2 cycling within diff erent cold regions of and bulk density measurements were compiled to determine our planet. minimum safety factor (FS) and critical slope angles (FS=1). 164 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Th is slope stability analysis showed that surfi cial sediments are References: 1Tarnocai et al. 2009. Global Biogeochemical stable (FS>1) under drained and undrained static conditions. Cycles, 2Kvillner & Sonesson 1980. Ecological Bulletins, 3Beilman & Robinson 2003. Proceedings of the Eighth International Conference on Permafrost, 4Turetsky et al. ABIOTIC AND BIOTIC CONTROLS ON THE 2007. Global Change Biology, 5Olefeldt & Roulet. 2012. CARBON FLUXES OF A PEATLAND UNDERGOING Journal of Geophysical Research, 6Svensson et al. 1999. PERMAFROST THAW Oikos, 7Christensen et al. 2004. Geophysical Research Malhotra, Avni ([email protected]) and N. Roulet Letters,8Johansson et al. 2006. Global Change Biology, 9Bäckstrand et al. 2010. Biogeosciences. Department of Geography, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 2K6

Soils of the northern circumpolar region store NOVEL GENETIC TOOLS TO MONITOR CARIBOU approximately 33% of the world’s organic carbon and 13% POPULATIONS ACROSS THE NORTH – A PROPOSAL (67.3 Pg) of this soil carbon is found in the discontinuous FOR AN OPEN ACCESS NATIONAL REPOSITORY AND permafrost zone1. Peatlands cover 431,000 km2 of this DATABASE discontinuous permafrost zone and often occur as a mosaic Manseau, Micheline1,2 ([email protected]) and of varying wetland types, with components ranging from P.J. Wilson3 permanently frozen (eg. palsa) to permafrost-free habitats1,2. Permafrost peatlands are currently experiencing increased 1 Parks Canada, Winnipeg, MB 3 rates of thaw and related changes to ecosystem structure and 2 Natural Resources Institute, University of Manitoba, 4,5 function . We study changes in biotic and abiotic variables, Winnipeg, MB and their links to carbon fl uxes, in a sub-arctic peatland 3 Biology Department, Trent University, Peterborough, ON experiencing permafrost thaw. At the Stordalen mire in northern Sweden, permafrost loss It has been 10 years since we collected the fi rst fecal sample and related vegetation and carbon function changes have been from caribou and were able to successfully extract good quality recorded6,7. Between the years 1970 and 2000, an 11% shift and quantity of DNA. During that time, in collaboration with of dry palsa vegetation towards wetter gramminoid dominated provincial and federal governments, Aboriginal communities, communities has resulted in increases of 16% of the CO2 sink wildlife management boards and industry, we have analysed and 22% in the CH source capacity, respectively8 , resulting 4 more than 10,000 samples, developed a suite of fi eld, laboratory in an overall 21% increase in the unit area fl ux of greenhouse and analytical methods and have shown how genetic data can gases9 . Th e structural and functional heterogeneity found in be used to generate information needed for management. Th e discontinuous permafrost peatlands is also well represented project collaborators have been proactive in recognizing the at Stordalen, wherein 3 communities (palsa, Sphagnum- and wet gramminoid-dominated) associated with the three major potential of this research and have made signifi cant investment permafrost thaw stages (intact, intermediate, completely thawed) to develop and implement these methods. As a result, we will be have a respective net carbon balance of 30.2, -29.1 and 3.1 introducing the idea of establishing an Open Access National g C m-2 9. Despite the recognition of spatial heterogeneity Repository and Database. A National Repository would allow at Stordalen, the key drivers of carbon fl uxes are not well for greater collaboration and synergies between individual understood across the various thaw stages. Furthermore, while projects as well as a framework for large-scale and long-term the main thaw stages have been characterized for community studies to support regional, territorial and national conservation structure and carbon function, it is unclear whether the programs (e.g. Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program, intermediates to these main stages are important from a Species at Risk, Environmental Assessment). Such an initiative biogeochemical perspective. Our research aims to quantify could also trigger the development of fi eld ready equipment to the key drivers of the carbon fl uxes across the thaw gradient initiate sample processing and provide basic genetic testing for at Stordalen and identify the functionally distinct thaw stages. internal use and storage and initiating the seamless transfer of Data presented will address the following questions 1) What are sample metadata and tissue into the large-scale Database and the strongest abiotic and biotic drivers of carbon dioxide and methane fl uxes present across all habitats at the Stordalen mire? Repository. Th e vision is to make genetic data and analyses 2) Among these drivers, which are the ones that undergo the accessible to more user groups. most critical changes due to permafrost thaw? Th is research is a signifi cant step towards quantifying carbon budgets of spatially heterogeneous permafrost peatlands after thaw. 165 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

VARIABILITY OF CHLOROPHYLL-A BLOOM TIMING and lack of glacial erosional or depositional features, they have IN NOW POLYNYA: A PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS traditionally been interpreted to have escaped ice sheet coverage, serving instead as refugia for fl ora and fauna. However, the Marchese, Christian1, S. Bélanger1, C. Albouy1, S. Vissault1 and J-É. Tremblay2 sparse occurrence of terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide (TCN) exposure dated erratic blocks deposited on the same regolith 1 Département de biologie, chimie et géographie, Université du and the asymmetric streamlining of tor outcrops allude to Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, Québec, G5L 3A1 past coverage. Complex cosmic ray exposure histories of ice 2 Département de biologie, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, cover episodes have also been deciphered using two radiogenic G1V 0A6 nuclides with dissimilar decay rates. Th e ratio of two isotopes, 10 26 Th e North Water (NOW) located between Greenland and such as Be and Al, decreases below its surface production Ellesmere Island (Canadian Arctic), is one of the largest and value if the bedrock is shielded by weakly erosive cold-based most productive polynyas in the Northern Hemisphere. Recent ice, which protects the regolith and the pre-glacial TCN record sea ice and oceanic observations reveal that major changes are within. Th e ratio of 26Al to 10Be yield minimum burial durations happening in the NOW. Th e impact of those changes on the of ice cover, though the number and timing of individual ice marine productivity is still not well understood. A satellite-based cover events cannot be resolved. Th erefore, decreased 26Al/10Be primary production (PP) model was recently used to estimate only confi rms that there was ice cover; however, it cannot PP in the NOW for the period 1998-2010. PP time series indicate when the last ice cover occurred. revealed that productivity dropped dramatically after 2002. We have developed a novel approach to interpret TCN More precisely, for the whole study area and period a decrease of data in the context of complex exposure histories accounting 25% in PP was observed. Th is decrease in PP is likely due to a for recurring burial by cold-based ice, and addressing the decrease of the biomass, as mostly observed along the Ellesmere problem of episodic erosion events (i.e., glacial plucking of Island. In this regard, the seasonal-to-inter-annual variability highly-weathered tor blocks). First, we establish the average of chlorophyll-a, obtained from the GlobColour project, was exposure to cover ratio for the tor sites we visited. Assuming monitored for the same period through the use of a Gaussian orbital pacing of glacial-interglacial cycles, we model plausible function from which a baseline of phenological characteristics exposure histories of periodic exposure and burial intervals. Th e was extracted. Th e preliminary analysis indicated that the majority of the 26 samples collected from highly-weathered tors timing, amplitude and duration of the phytoplankton bloom on Cumberland Peninsula interfj ord plateaus indicate average diff ered among the four defi ned regions of this large polynya, relative exposure durations of 20% within a glacial-interglacial i.e. North (>77.5°N), East (>75°W), West (<75°W), and South cycle (i.e., 20 ka of exposure and 80 ka of ice coverage). Th ree (<76°N). Results suggest that major environmental changes can samples located along narrow, highly-weathered coastal ridges locally have a crucial infl uence on phytoplankton dynamics with indicate ice-free conditions throughout their entire exposure unknown consequences on the whole marine food web. In this history. Minimum total exposure durations range from 320 ka connection, a future step will consist to relate the infl uence of up to 1.8 Ma, which are approximately twice as long as previous environmental conditions in NOW, such as mixed-layer depth estimates of total exposure histories. and wind, to the variability in the annual cycle of phytoplankton Second, we determine when the last plucking event biomass. occurred. Due to the exponential decrease of production of TCN with depth, a deglaciated bedrock surface that was recently plucked has a signifi cant lower isotope concentration than an DECIPHERING COMPLEX COLD-BASED ICE adjacent non-plucked surface (exhibiting signifi cantly greater COVERAGE HISTORIES OF TOR ON CUMBERLAND indications of weathering). By sampling the two surfaces with PENINSULA, BAFFIN ISLAND, USING TERRESTRIAL dissimilar weathering degrees at the same tor outcrop, we are COSMOGENIC NUCLIDE EXPOSURE DATING able to constrain the timing of last plucking of the fresher Margreth, Annina1 ([email protected]), J.C. Gosse1 and appearing surface. Th is can be achieved with four diff erent A.S. Dyke2 approaches using the variation in TCN ratio or concentrations with depth and time. Based on pairs of surfaces from three 1 Department of Earth Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, tor outcrops on southwestern Cumberland Peninsula, the last Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2 2 Geological Survey of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0E8 plucking of a bedrock block had to occur sometimes during the last four glacial-interglacial cycles (400 ka) for two sites and Highly-weathered rock outcrops, tors, occur on many eight glacial-interglacial cycles (800 ka) for the third site. Th is regolith-covered, low-relief upland plateaus in formerly glaciated timing can further be constrained if the thickness of the plucked polar landscapes. Owing to their advanced weathering degree bedrock block can be determined independently. 166 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

EFFECT OF INCREASED SOLAR EXPOSURE ON and Trichinella infection? Communities were fi rst visited to ARCTIC SPECIES’ HEALTH, DRAWING UPON introduce and organize the project in winter and summer 2013. BOTH SCIENTIFIC METHODS AND TRADITIONAL Ten to fi fteen key experts, selected for their knowledge and ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE walrus hunting status, were interviewed during the second trip to communities. During the interviews, questions were asked Martinez-Levasseur, Laura1,2 ([email protected]), C. Furgal2, about changes in walrus’ health including sunburn lesions, M. Simard3, B.Doidge3, K. Acevedo-Whitehouse4, M. Birch- Machin5,M. Hammill6 and G. Burness1 eye cataracts or changes in skin pigmentation. Walrus skin samples were collected from walrus hunted for subsistence by 1 Department of Biology, Trent University,Peterborough, Quaqtaqmiut in summer 2013 and skin sections were prepared Ontario, K9J 7B8 for future analyses. Th is study is the fi rst to look at the eff ect of 2 Department of Indigenous andEnvironmental studies, Trent solar exposure on Arctic species’ health, opening a new fi eld of University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 7B8 research in the Arctic, by drawing upon both scientifi c methods 3 Nunavik Research Centre, Makivik Corporation, Kuujjuaq, and Inuit knowledge. Quebec, J0M 1C0 4 Unit for Basic and Applied Microbiology,School of Natural Sciences, Autonomous University of Querétaro, LIGHT ABSORPTION CHARACTERISTICS IN THE Querétaro,76230, México 5 Dermatological Sciences, Institute ofCellular Medicine, PAN-ARCTIC OCEAN: APPLICATION TO SEMI- Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE2 4HH, UK ANALYTICAL ESTIMATES OF DISSOLVED ORGANIC 6 Maurice Lamontagne Institute,Fisheries and Oceans Canada, CARBON CONCENTRATIONS FROM SPACE Mont-Joli, Quebec, G5H 3Z4 Matsuoka, Atsushi1 ([email protected]), M. Babin1, D. Doxaran2, S. B. Hooker3, B. Greg Mitchell4, Walrus face various environmental threats. Although S. Belanger5 and A. Bricaud2 the best known of these is the recent loss of Arctic sea ice, an underappreciated threat results from the ozone loss recorded 1 Takuvik Joint International Laboratory, Université Laval over the Arctic in recent years, resulting in increased penetration (Canada) - CNRS (France), Département de biologie and of solar ultraviolet radiation (UV). UV has been shown Québec-Océan, Université Laval, 1045, Ave. de la Médecine, to negatively aff ect whales, resulting in lesions commonly local 2078, G1V 0A6, Canada associated with severe sunburn in humans. Like whales, walrus’ 2 Laboratoire d’Océanographie de Villefranche (LOV)/ Centre skin is unprotected by fur. However, walrus are restricted to National de la Recherche Scientifi que (CNRS), Université land during breeding and resting, resulting in sun exposure Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris 6), Quai de la Darse, B. P. 8, 06238, far exceeding that of other marine mammals. Studies of Villefranche-sur-Mer Cedex, France humans and laboratory animals have shown that UV results 3 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/ in suppression of the immune system. If immunosuppression Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), Code 616.2, Bldg. 28 occurs in walrus, it could have consequences for walrus Rm. W120D, Greenbelt, MD 20771, USA 4 populations, potentially resulting in increased rates of pathogen Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California infection, such as Trichinella, which is regularly detected San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0238, USA 5 in walrus hunted by Inuit communities in Nunavik (Arctic Département de biologie, chimie et géographie, Université Quebec). Th e decreased resistance to Trichinella infection du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR), 300 allée des Ursulines, associated with increased UV exposure has already been Rimouski, G5L 3A1, Canada reported in laboratory animals, but to date, has never been Th e light absorption properties of particulate and dissolved studied in wildlife. To understand the eff ects of UV on walrus materials strongly infl uence the propagation of visible light in health and explore the correlation between UV exposure and oceanic waters. While these absorption properties have recently Trichinella in walrus, we propose to combine the collection been documented by several studies for the Arctic Ocean, the of knowledge from expert indigenous hunters (Traditional Ecological Knowledge-TEK) using semi-directive interviews in datasets used in the literature were sparse and individually the Nunavik communities of Quaqtaq, Inukjuak, Ivujivik and insuffi cient to draw a general view of the basin-wide spatial Kangiqsualujjuaq, as well as with laboratory analyses including and temporal variations in absorption. To achieve such a task, histological procedures, DNA damage tests and epidemiology we built a large absorption database at the pan-Arctic scale by genetics. By doing so, we aim to answer the following questions: pooling most of the published datasets. Our results showed 1) What is the extent of damage on walrus caused by UV that the total non-water absorption coeffi cient of the Eastern exposure? 2) How do individual variations in skin pigmentation, Arctic Ocean (EAO; Siberian side) is signifi cantly higher (p < sex, and age infl uence sensitivity to UV-induced damage? 3) 0.001) than that of the Western Arctic Ocean (WAO; North Is there an association between the prevalence of UV lesions American side). Th is high absorption is explained by higher 167 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in watersheds on the analyzed to identify trends in the key concepts and components Siberian side, which contain a large amount of dissolved organic underpinning the research, and developments in study design carbon (DOC) compared to waters off North America. In over the last century. Th ese trends were compiled into a timeline contrast, the relationship between the phytoplankton absorption which makes it possible to recognize when new themes emerged (aφ(λ)) and chlorophyll a (chl a) concentration in the EAO was and track how each theme has changed over time. not signifi cantly diff erent from that in the WAO. Because our Preliminary results from the literature review allow semi-analytical CDOM absorption algorithm is based on chl us to identify important developments key components of a-specifi c aφ(λ) [Matsuoka et al., 2013], this result indirectly scientifi c research. Advancements in research methods over the suggests that CDOM absorption can be appropriately derived previous century have responded to various challenges faced for all Arctic waters using ocean color data. By combining this by researchers, such as habitat use and weather restrictions. algorithm with empirical DOC versus CDOM relationships, a Advancements in methods have expanded opportunities for semi-analytical algorithm for estimating DOC concentrations research in the Arctic throughout the seasons when changing for coastal waters at a Pan-Arctic scale is presented and applied weather conditions prevent certain methods from being used. to satellite ocean color data. In addition, the broad and specifi c drivers of Arctic marine mammal research have shifted throughout the last century, from a time when long-term studies of species was just beginning and TRENDS IN THE HISTORY OF ARCTIC MARINE many studies were focused primarily on establishing a baseline MAMMAL RESEARCH IN NORTH AMERICA of ecological knowledge; to the present, where new methods and more readily accessible data are available to make long-term McCarney, Paul1 ([email protected]), G.W. Th iemann1 and monitoring of species a possibility, contributing knowledge to C. Furgal2 conservation and management eff orts. Tracking these trends 1 Faculty of Environmental Studies, York University, Toronto, through an organized framework provides a more systematic Ontario, M3J 1P3 understanding of how Arctic marine mammal research has 2 Department of Indigenous Studies/Department of Environ- developed and changed, allowing gaps to be identifi ed and mental & Resource Studies/Sciences, Trent University, Peterbor- addressed, as well as providing insight into potential future ough, Ontario, K9J 7B8 drivers of change this fi eld. Gaps identifi ed through the review Scientifi c research in any fi eld constantly evolves to refl ect include regional gaps, areas of species ecology that have not yet broader disciplinary advancements and emerging knowledge been fully explored, and questions for future research identifi ed priorities. Changes in the process and focus of research may in specifi c studies that need to be addressed. also respond to social, political, and economic conditions. Environmental concerns such as climate change, and political BALANCING TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE WITH and economic factors including wildlife harvest and industrial SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE: MULTI-STAKEHOLDER development, generate a need for ongoing research in the Arctic. CONSIDERATION OF HEALTH IMPACTS IN THE CO- Researchers in the fi eld of Arctic marine mammals have faced MANAGEMENT SETTING numerous challenges related to working in a region defi ned by an ice dominated landscape, requiring adaptive research McGetrick, Jennifer Ann1 ([email protected]), T. Bubela1 methods, high costs, and restrictions in the time available to and D. Hik1,2 conduct research. 1 School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, To date, a systematic study of long-term trends in Arctic Alberta, T6G 1C9 marine mammal research represents a gap in the literature. 2 Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, To address this gap, we conducted a review of the existing Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9 academic literature beginning in 1900, to identify and track trends in the history of marine mammal research in the North Accelerating natural resource development in northern American Arctic. Th is review has created a more comprehensive Canada and the circumpolar arctic presents ecological and understanding and representation of the progress of scientifi c socio-economic challenges for the health of indigenous peoples. research design and implementation in the North American In the Northwest Territories, co-management legislation Arctic. Th e literature review focused on four species of whales, has established the equivalent profi ciency of traditional eight species of seals, walrus (Odobenus rosmarus), and polar knowledge and scientifi c evidence for decision-making during bear (Ursus maritimus). A combination of search terms in the environmental assessment of proposed projects. Whether three categories were used to conduct 24 searches for each and how either profi ciency is employed to mitigate the health species in fi ve academic databases. Literature was reviewed and impacts of projects on Canadian aboriginal communities is 168 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

little understood. However, as many circumpolar jurisdictions minimize the risks and maximize the benefi ts of natural resource establish health impact assessment initiatives, research development in northern Canada. to articulate the consideration of health impacts in a co- management setting can inform an emerging literature on best practices for minimizing the risks and maximizing the benefi ts EVALUATION OF INUIT COMMUNITY-LED FOOD of natural resource development. ASSESSMENTS AND INITIATIVES: ASSESSING We examined the multi-stakeholder dialogue from EFFORTS TO ADDRESS FOOD INSECURITY IN INUIT the offi cial public record for two environmental assessments COMMUNITIES conducted under the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management McTavish, Kristeen1,2 ([email protected]), C. Furgal1,2 Act as case studies, the Prairie Creek and Nico mines. Prairie and K. Jameson3 Creek is a zinc, lead, and silver mine proposed by Canadian Zinc in the Deh Cho region, and Nico is a gold, copper, cobalt, 1 Trent University, Peterborough, Canada and bismuth mine proposed by Fortune Minerals in the Tlicho 2 Nasivvik Centre for Inuit Health and Changing Environments, region. Natural language processing using a combination of Peterborough and Quebec, Canada; 3 software (NVivo and Wordstat) and programming (Python Food Security Network of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. NLTK) techniques was performed on transcripts from the John’s, Canada public hearings for both mines. Th e testimony of environmental Food insecurity rates in Inuit households throughout the assessment participants was identifi ed and assigned to a north range from 24-70%. Food insecurity has been recognized stakeholder category, including the proponent, federal and as a critical and far reaching public health issue in many territorial governments, regulators, aboriginal organizations, communities. Despite the importance of this issue, there is little and community members. While these stakeholders served as documentation of food security intervention implementation the primary unit of analysis, secondary analysis of the individual eff orts or their associated impacts in communities. In participant testimony was undertaken to refi ne understanding of Nunatsiavut, Inuit Community Governments and the Regional the primary results. Government have partnered with the Food Security Network of Analysis was designed to examine similarities and diff erences between stakeholders in frequency of testimony Newfoundland and Labrador, Trent University and the Nasivvik and citation of profi ciency on the issue of health impacts. It Centre for Inuit health and changing environments to address consisted of a series of automated procedures to identify key community level food issues through the conduct and evaluation terms and concepts (inverse document frequency analysis, case of community-led and directed food assessments, food strategy occurrence evaluation, Jaccard’s coeffi cient proximity rating, and development and implementation and evaluation of community lexical diversity ranking) and to evaluate their use in the context interventions. of traditional knowledge or scientifi c evidence (similarity Central to this community directed project, now operating indexing, correspondence analysis, and lexical dispersion in three Nunatsiavut communities, is the development, use and plotting). Results indicated that the Nico environmental adaptation of a transferable and culturally appropriate model for assessment placed greater emphasis on traditional knowledge engaging vulnerable and disadvantaged populations in designing relative to Prairie Creek. In both cases, health determinants were community-driven interventions to address issues related to more frequently the concern of aboriginal organizations and access to healthy foods. In 2010, the community of Hopedale, community members, who referred extensively to traditional Nunatsiavut successfully completed a community-led food knowledge in their assertions. Overall, proponents and the assessment (CLFA) project entitled NiKigijavut Hopedalimi federal and territorial governments presented the greatest lexical (“Our Food in Hopedale”), using the BC Provincial Health diversity of the stakeholders, while referring almost exclusively Services Authority’s “Community Food Assessment Guide” to scientifi c evidence. Lexical dispersion demonstrated some (2008). Using the NiKigijavut Hopedalimi case as an example uptake and assimilation of concepts between stakeholders as from which to learn, the project evaluated and adapted this environmental assessments progressed temporally. Community Led Food Assessment (CLFA) model, originally Th e uptake for consideration of health impacts as developed in British Columbia, for its use and applicability in the result of traditional knowledge testimony presents an other Inuit communities. An Inuit specifi c CLFA guide and opportunity for environmental assessment in Canada. In the resource materials are now available for Arctic communities, and co-management setting, environmental impacts are considered being used by two additional Nunatsiavut communities, Rigolet in light of both traditional knowledge and scientifi c evidence. and Nain, to conduct a Community-Led Food Assessment. Similarly, health impacts must refer to both profi ciencies, such In addition to this planning and assessment tool, the that explication of community baselines, targets, and thresholds project team, in cooperation with participating communities, is support the narratives of traditional knowledge in seeking to developing a community “tool box” of food security intervention 169 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

planning and evaluating tools and methods to support APECS CANADA: AN ORGANIZATION FOR EARLY- communities in addressing the food issues with which they are CAREER CANADIAN POLAR RESEARCHERS challenged. Th is project represents one of the fi rst coordinated Moore, Jean-Sébastien1 ([email protected]), eff orts to support communities in the North in directing their K. Peck2, J. Provencher3 and J. Tondu4 own food system assessments, development and implementation of action strategies. Th e evaluation of community experiences 1 Institut de biologie intégrative et des systèmes, Université and intervention outcomes promises to provide much needed Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6 information to advance our understanding of what is, and is not 2 Département de biologie, Université du Québec à Rimouski, working in addressing Inuit food insecurity in the Arctic. Rimouski, QC, G5L 3A1 3 Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6 4 Summit Environmental Consultants, Vernon, BC, V1T 9P9 MODELING THE IMPACTS OF WARMING ON THE LONG-TERM TRENDS IN ECOSYSTEM Th e Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) PRODUCTIVITY IN ARCTIC REGIONS OF NORTH is an international and interdisciplinary organization with over AMERICA 4,000 members in more than 79 countries. APECS members are Mekonnen, Zelalem ([email protected]) and R. Grant undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, early faculty members, educators and others with interests in Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Polar Regions and the wider cryosphere. In 2012, the APECS Edmonton, Alberta, T6G2E3 Canada national committee was created as a way to increase Rises in average air temperatures for the Arctic region in networking opportunities for the over 450 APECS members particular have been twice as rapid as the global average during working and living in Canada. Th e APECS Canada National the last century. Despite a general warming in most arctic Committee has an active leadership board that serves to organize regions, there is large spatial and temporal variation in this events, meetings, and working groups to carry out projects that warming that aff ects the productivity of diff erent ecosystems. are of national interest. In this study, we investigated long-term (1979 – 2010) spatial Th e main contact point for APECS Canada is the website and temporal trends of air temperature change in northern which allows members to receive Polar news, learn about job, higher latitudes (North of 600N) using climate data from the school and grant opportunities or fi nd out about polar events. North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) with 3-hourly Th e webpage also has a fi eld calendar that allows members to time step at spatial resolution of 0.25 degrees. Trend analysis communicate their fi eld plans with each other in order to create of temperatures in diff erent regions of the arctic shows a opportunities for collaborations. In addition to the website contrasting pattern along latitudinal and longitudinal gradients. APECS Canada also runs a series of webinars on a regular Th e highest warming trend was observed in the northeast arctic basis on topics of interests to young Canadian Arctic scientists. with a trend of +0.72 0C/ decade, demonstrating amplifi ed Finally, APECS Canada is a great way for young researchers to warming in the Arctic in the recent decades. Th e NARR network with each other and with more established scientists climate data were used to drive a comprehensive mathematical acting as mentors. We do this through the organization of events ecosystem model ecosys which simulated land-atmosphere at conference, and by creating opportunities for our members to energy and carbon exchange. Gross primary productivity (GPP), participate in the activities of our partner organizations. net primary productivity (NPP) and leaf area index (LAI) increased in most parts of the higher latitudes of North America supporting the hypothesis that higher latitudes and cooler MODELING AIR-SEA CARBON EXCHANGE AT SEA- regions tend to have greater gains in GPP and net ecosystem ICE INTERFACE primary productivity (NEP) attributed to warming over the last three decades. However, negative feedbacks were also observed Mortenson, Eric ([email protected]) in parts of Alaska. Maps showing spatial and temporal trends of School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Victoria, active layer depth (ALD) over the North American arctic during Victoria, British Columbia, V8W 3V6 the past 3 decades will also be presented. Model results will be supported with site-specifi c tests of modelled productivity and Recent studies have found that sea ice is quite permeable ALD from eddy covariance and other measurements, and with to air sea exchange of CO2. In addition to exchange due to regional tests of LAI vs. MODIS NDVI. biological activity in sea ice, the formation and melting of sea ice involve complex processes which can aff ect the rate of exchange

of CO2 between the atmosphere and ocean. Recent decades have seen marked changes in sea ice cover in the Arctic Ocean in both 170 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

depth and area. Th ese changes may have a signifi cant impact OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES IN on the rate of exchange of gases, including carbon uptake by COORDINATING AN ARCTIC OBSERVING SYSTEM the ocean. Th is is a proposed study to compare measurements 1 2 of carbon fl ux in the Arctic with a 1D global ocean turbulence Murray, Maribeth S. ([email protected]), H. Eicken , 3 4 5 6 model. Th e goal of this study is to better understand and J.C. Gascard , M. Jakobsson , C.M. Lee , P. Schlosser , S. Van der Watt7 and J. Zhao8 represent the relationship between CO2 exchange in the Arctic and sea ice dynamics. 1 Arctic Institute of North America, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4 2 Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska-Fairbanks, DEVELOPMENT OF A NAVIGATION MODEL FOR Fairbanks, AK, USA, 99775 AUVS UNDER ICE AT HIGH LATITUDES 3 Université Pierre et Marie Curie, 4 place Jussieu 75005 Paris,

1 1 2 2 France Stevens, Callum , A.L. Forrest , A.K. Hamilton , B.E. Laval 4 3 Department of Geological Sciences, Stockholm University, 106 and D.R. Mueller ([email protected]) 91 Stockholm, Sweden 5 University of Washington, Applied Physics Laboratory, 1013 1 Australian Maritime College, University of Tasmania, NE 40th St. Seattle, WA 98105-6698 Newnham TAS, Australia 6 Th e Earth Institute, Columbia University , 405 Low Library, 2 Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver MC 4335 535 West 116th Street , New York, NY 10027 BC, Canada 7 International Study of Arctic Change, Swedish Polar 3 Geography and Environmental Studies, Carleton University, Research Secretariat, Box 50003 , SE-104 05 Stockholm , Ottawa ON, Canada Sweden 8 Th rough continued reduction in sea-ice extent, high College of Physical and Environmental Oceanography, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, 266003, Qingdao, China latitude areas that were previously inaccessible have become open to exploration by sea. Understanding the behaviour of very To understand rapid Arctic System change and to design extensive tabular icebergs, known as ice islands, is paramount options for responding to this change, a system-scale, cross- to prevent vessel collisions with these hazards and the fragments disciplinary observing system is required. Th is system must be they shed as they deteriorate. To do this, data must be collected capable of capturing the essential changes in a quasi-real time from beneath and around such ice islands; to date, Autonomous mode and deployed and sustained for many decades. Eff orts Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) have been the only platform towards building to such a system or network of systems are now targeted at collecting this data. underway however, much work is necessary to optimize system Interpretation of the data collected beneath ice islands design and to coordinate international eff orts in deployment and is hindered by the diffi culty in accurately estimating AUV sustainability. position. As such, the ability of AUVs to navigate accurately Th e arctic environmental change research community under ice islands is an area of active development. Th is work has initiated a biennial Arctic Observing Summit (AOS) led by develops a navigation model for an AUV operating under-ice, the International Study of Arctic Change (ISAC) to address the using real-world data taken from four runs collected under challenges of observing system design and operation. Th e AOS the Petermann Ice Island (PII) in the Canadian High Arctic in is a task of the Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks, the latter 2011. Th e need to develop a navigation model for this particular being an initiative of the Arctic Council and the International dataset is especially pertinent as equipment availability and high Arctic Science Committee. Th e AOS engages a wide stakeholder latitude operation prevented the use of an Inertial Navigation community including researchers, northern and aboriginal System (INS) and a reliable compass, respectively. Th e model peoples, the private sector, and non-governmental and implements Kalman fi ltering to combine all relevant data governmental agencies. collected by both the AUV and the support ship into an AUV Th e fi rst AOS was held in Vancouver, BC, Canada in navigation model. Data sources include dead reckoning through 2013 and addressed some of the most critical issues including: use of a velocity-RPM curve, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), assessing arctic observing needs, observing system design, acoustic Doppler current profi lers (ADCP), accelerometers the implementation and evolution of an international arctic and sidescan sonar. Th e refi ned navigation model developed observing system. Th e AOS 2013 contributed to defi ning future will allow the collected under-ice oceanographic data to be directions for observing system development, including support reprocessed and placed more accurately in the context of the ice for implementation, infrastructure and longevity. island. Improved placement of this data will facilitate its study, In this contribution we describe our working defi nition of expanding humanity’s understanding of Arctic oceans and the an Arctic Observing System and assess the status of the current behaviour of ice islands. observing system, its’ design and coordination, funding and the 171 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

role of stakeholder participation. We further sketch out ways to discontinuous permafrost terrain to the north. Lakes overlying address key issues arising from the AOS 2013, including access mineral-rich soil (lithalsa) with scarce vegetation are also more to data, integration of local and traditional knowledge, and isotopically enriched due to evaporation than lakes overlying public-private observation partnerships. organic-rich soil (palsas) surrounded by forested vegetation. Th is may suggest that there is greater snow accumulation and meltwater input to lakes in the forested study areas. Lakes MULTI-YEAR LANDSCAPE-GRADIENT ASSESSMENT in close proximity to rivers are isotopically depleted possibly OF THERMOKARST LAKE HYDROLOGY IN NUNAVIK indicating the infl uence of river fl ooding. (QUEBEC, CANADA) USING WATER ISOTOPE Ongoing analysis of data will include employing an TRACERS isotope-mass balance model to 1) infer lake-specifi c input Narancic, Biljana1 ([email protected]), R. Pienitz1 water isotopic compositions that will be used to diff erentiate and B.B. Wolfe2 the relative roles of primary source waters (e.g., rainfall and snowmelt), and 2) calculate lake-specifi c evaporation-to-infl ow 1 Laboratoire de Paléoécologie Aquatique (LPA), Département de Géographie, Centre d’Études Nordiques, 2405 rue de la ratios to evaluate the infl uence of vapor loss. Ultimately, Terrasse, Laval University, Quebec, Canada G1V 0A6 results will provide a better understanding of thermokarst 2 Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Wilfrid lake hydrological processes in this region and the potential Laurier University, 75 University Avenue West, Waterloo, hydrological responses of these aquatic systems to climate Ontario, Canada N2L 3C5 warming.

Th e impact of climate warming on thermokarst landscapes in circumpolar regions has received considerable attention in PALEOGEOGRAPHY AND PALEOENVIRONMENTS recent years, as numerous shallow lakes develop as a result of OF SOUTHWESTERN BAFFIN ISLAND (NUNAVUT, rapid permafrost degradation. Climate-driven changes in these CANADA): POST-GLACIAL ISOSTATIC UPLIFT AND aquatic systems across vast regions of the Canadian Arctic and ISOLATION OF NETTILLING LAKE FROM MARINE Subarctic have major impacts on regional landscape hydrology. INFLUENCE For example, thermokarst lakes may evaporate and desiccate due 1 1 to longer ice-free seasons, or coalesce with other waterbodies to Narancic, Biljana ([email protected]), R. Pienitz , 2 3 form larger basins and then drain directly into rivers as a result P. Francus and J.-P. Guilbault of lake expansion caused by permafrost thaw. Such profound 1 Laboratoire de Paléoécologie Aquatique (LPA), Département changes in surface water conditions and overall distribution of de Géographie, Centre d’Études Nordiques (CEN), Université lakes bring about ecological consequences as they provide vital Laval, Québec, G1V 0A6 habitat for northern wildlife. 2 Institut National de la Recherche, Eau-Terre-Environnement, Th ermokarst lakes are a common feature east of Hudson Québec, G1K 9A9 Bay in Nunavik, Quebec, but knowledge of the hydrological 3 Musée de paléontologie et de l’évolution, Montréal, Québec processes that control their water balances is lacking, and thus H3K 2J1 it is diffi cult to predict how these aquatic systems will respond Although signs of recent climate change are more to climate warming. Here we begin to address this knowledge compelling in circumpolar regions, we have limited knowledge gap by presenting results from a multi-year water isotope study of Arctic climates and environments and their past variability. In of thermokarst lakes in this region. Study sites are distributed across a vast latitudinal, vegetational, climatic and permafrost order to better understand and anticipate the extent and nature gradient between Kuujjuaruapik-Whapmagoostui and Umiujaq. of future changes in the Arctic, it is necessary to increase our Th e southern portion of the study area is located in boreal- capacity to model past environmental changes. Instrumental subarctic within spruce-lichen overlying sporadic permafrost. monitoring using high technology in circumpolar regions Th e northern portion is located within shrubby arctic tundra has been implemented only over recent decades. Hence, vegetation overlying discontinuous permafrost. Our aim is to extend the climate record in time, we use a multi-proxy to assess the infl uence of permafrost degradation, vegetation paleolimnological approach to study the sedimentary records and climate on lake hydrology. Preliminary examination of preserved in Nettilling Lake located on Baffi n Island the largest water isotope data reveals the roles of a variety of hydrological lake in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Th e main objective processes on lakes. For example, lakes situated in the sporadic is to reconstruct the postglacial environmental history of the permafrost terrain to the south are more isotopically enriched, Nettilling Lake basin region using biological and geochemical and thus experience greater evaporation, than those from proxies. 172 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Nettilling Lake has a surface area of 5,541 km2 and a Th e study area is Herschel Island, which is situated in the maximum depth of 65 m. Its basin has undergone postglacial northern part of Yukon Coast. Its coasts are characterized by marine invasion following the last deglaciation due to isostatic very high ground ice contents and are thus subjected to rapid subsidence exerted by the Laurentide Ice Sheet. Th e glacio- coastal erosion and thermokarst processes. Great amounts of isostatic uplift of the region resulted in the establishment of a sediments, including carbon and nitrogen, are transported to freshwater lake between ca. 6000-6500 B.P. as established by the near-shore zone each year by coastal erosion, retrogressive radiocarbon dating. Biostratigraphic and geochemical analyses thaw slump activity and fl uvial action. Th e goal of this study is were completed on two sediment cores, one from a lagoonal to produce maps of soil organic carbon and nitrogen to provide system in the northwestern part and another from the eastern baseline numbers on the pools available to mobilization in part of the Lake. Th e sediment records clearly document the the coastal zone. Th irteen permafrost cores up to two meters marine-lacustrine transition through shifts in paleosalinity depth were drilled from diff erent ecological units on Herschel inferred from the composition of fossil diatom and foraminifer Island during summer fi eld work in 2013. Th e samples are being analysed for CNS and TOC contents with combustion assemblages. Remains of fossil chironomid larvae fi rst appeared method. Additionally, gravimetric contents and bulk density in the record after basin isolation and the establishment of were measured for the entire cores in order to provide reliable freshwater conditions. Precise radiocarbon dating of the isolation organic carbon and nitrogen volumetric contents (in kg m-2). contacts helps refi ne regional glacio-isostatic rebound and the Th e core data will be extrapolated to the whole island, based duration and extent of the postglacial marine phase. Post-glacial on the assumption that contents are homogenous within marine regression and the associated changes in paleosalinity predefi ned ecological units. Eight of the latter were created on are also refl ected in the sediment core sedimentology and the basis of terrain features, soil properties and vegetation types geochemistry analyzed using a Multi Sensor Core Logger and and were mapped based on high resolution satellite imagery. a microfl uorescence scanner. Shifts in Ca/Ti, Si/Ti, and Cl Training areas for supervised classifi cation were selected based profi les, indicating paleosalinity and paleoproductivity changes, on vegetation and physiographic surveys conducted at multiple refl ect the end of marine infl uence and the establishment of the locations on Herschel Island, as well as ancillary information brackish-freshwater conditions. Furthermore, high Mn/Fe ratios retrieved at each core location A series of classifi cations methods indicate strong anoxic conditions in the lower water column were then tested against test areas and the maximum-likehood during the saline to freshwater transition. method was found to provide the best results on RapidEye Nettilling Lake remains a scientifi c frontier for Arctic multispectral imagery. Th e soil organic carbon and nitrogen researchers, mainly due to the inaccessibility of the area and the maps were created using both fi eld data and remote sensing lack of available data. Our research aims at providing deeper imagery to provide a fi rst detailed insight into the subsurface insights into the paleoenvironmental changes that occurred in carbon and nitrogen pools in the area and will eventually this remote region of the eastern Canadian Arctic. contribute to better regional and global estimates of carbon and nitrogen storage.

TOWARDS A SOIL AND PERMAFROST CARBON AND NITROGEN CONTENT MAP OF THE YUKON ASSESSING THE RISK OF MERCURY EXPOSURE FOR COASTAL PLAIN BELUGA WHALES (DELPHINAPTERUS LEUCAS) HARVESTED IN THE MACKENZIE DELTA ESTUARY Obu, Jaroslav ([email protected]), H. Lantuit, M. Fritz, L. Schirrmeister and B. Heim Ostertag, Sonja1 ([email protected]) and H.M. Chan2,3

Alfred Wegener Institute, Research unit Potsdam, Telegrafenberg 1 Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, University of A43, D-14473 Potsdam Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, V2N 4Z9 Organic carbon and nitrogen are two of the basic nutrients 2 Community Health, University of Northern British that control primary production and organism growth in Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, V2N 4Z9 Arctic Seas. Th ey control geochemical and biological processes 3 Center for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, including potential release of carbon dioxide, methane, and University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5 nitrous oxide, both in the terrestrial and marine environments. Th ey are delivered to the sea primarily by coastal erosion and Beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) in the Canadian river discharge. Knowing the exact amounts of carbon and Arctic are an important element of Inuit and ecosystem health. nitrogen that are available for transport is therefore crucial for Th e brain is the target organ for methylmercury (MeHg) and estimating nutrient and gas fl uxes. biochemical changes may be an indicator of early-stage eff ects 173 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

before the manifestation of disease. Methylmercury exposure has expressions of periglacial conditions. Th eories and models been associated with neurochemical disruption in wildlife from on their development have been discussed for more than feral populations as well as captive feeding studies. Th erefore, a century, but their role and signifi cance in the landscape beluga whales may be at risk of neurochemcial disruption due remain to be well understood. Th is study focused on the to environmental exposure to MeHg. Th e toxicokinetics of role of patterned ground and their sloping transition in the mercury (Hg) in key species of Arctic ecosystem are poorly hydrologic organisation of a watershed in a polar desert. It understood. Th is project focused on whether exposure to MeHg addressed the hypothesis that patterned ground forms sub- was of neurotoxicological concern for beluga whales from the catchments at the local (microtopographic) scale, and thereby eastern Beaufort Sea beluga population. Five brain regions controls the fl ow pathways of meltwater runoff . Th e evolution (frontal lobe, temporal lobe, cerebellum, brain stem and spinal cord) were sampled from 85 hunter-harvested beluga whales. of patterned ground along a slope was examined on Ward Th ree methods were used to assess neurotoxicological risk Hunt Island in Nunavut (83.1°N, 74.2°W), with detailed of MeHg exposure: threshold levels associated with toxicity, measurements of surface and subsurface morphology. Water biomarkers of neurochemical and molecular disruption, and was carried preferentially along the striped patterns, and we behavioural observations. Total mercury (HgT) concentrations recorded discharge and suspended sediment concentrations in a (median, mg/kg wet weight) were 2.34 (0.06 to 22.6, 81) representative « patterned ground stream ». We made the same (range, n) in temporal lobe, 1.84 (0.12 to 21.9, 77) in frontal measurements in a typical snowdrift stream in order to compare lobe 1.84 (0.05 to 16.9, 83) in cerebellum, 1.25 (0.02 to 11.1, the erosion and denudation potential of these two fl owing water 77) in spinal cord and 1.32 (0.13 to 15.2, 39) in brain stem. systems. Finally, to determine how water travels to and from the Th e concentration of MeHg (range: 0.03 to 1.05 mg/kg wet streams, we monitored soil moisture content and water table weight) was positively associated with HgT concentration, and depth along a transect extending from a hydrologically active the percent MeHg (4 to 109%) decreased exponentially with stripe. increasing HgT concentration in all brain regions. Furthermore, Th e occurrence of patterned ground appeared to be the molar concentrations of total selenium (SeT) and HgT were positively associated in all brain regions (p < 0.05), which directly related to the presence of snowdrifts in the highest suggests that Se may play a role in the detoxifi cation of Hg part of the slope section. At a small break in slope, the stripes in the brain. Mercury-associated variation of neurochemical coalesced and surface fl ow occurred, creating a non-incised and molecular components of the cholinergic, dopaminergic, channel (water track). Th is channel was partly vegetated and also GABAergic and glutamatergic signalling pathways were observed linked to many vegetated sub-channels, which became active in the cerebellar and temporal cortex. Harvesters’ observations when the water level rose in the unvegetated water track. Th is suggested that beluga whales’ use of evasive strategies diff ered network thereby acted as a « secondary network », preventing with Hg exposure. Th e implications of MeHg-exposure for overfl owing in the channel and spreading the moisture away beluga whales from the eastern Beaufort Sea population at both from the original water track and its hyporheic zone. Th e physiological and population levels are still unclear. In the long network of sorted stripes also aff ected the timing and magnitude term, combining traditional ecological knowledge and scientifi c of sediment delivery, as concentrations of suspended solids were knowledge may provide greater insight into how environmental almost an order of magnitude higher than in the the snowdrift change may impact the beluga population. stream (mean of 7.8 times higher). Overall, our results imply that, in this particular slope section, the hydrological routing of meltwater through soils and THE GEOMORPHIC AND HYDROLOGIC RELATION BETWEEN WATER TRACK DEVELOPMENT AND in surface channels is strongly infl uenced by microtopographic PATTERNED GROUND ON A HIGH ARCTIC SLOPE landforms generated by particle sorting processes. As channeling occurs, it is amplifi ed by the leaching of fi nes during sub-surface 1 1 Paquette, Michel ([email protected]), D. Fortier and fl ow. Th is research underscores the importance of local scale 2 W.F. Vincent geomorphologic processes on hydrologic organisation of the 1 Centre d’études nordiques (CEN) & Département de watershed, on soil moisture regimes and on sediment transfers in géographie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3C the extreme High Arctic environment. 3J7 2 Centre d’études nordiques (CEN) & Département de biologie, Université Laval, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6

Patterned grounds in cryo-conditioned landscapes have long been a subject of research as one of the true 174 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

COASTAL CLIMATE CHANGE IN CANADA’S NORTH: VULNERABILITY OF INUIT FOOD SYSTEMS TO A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW CLIMATE AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHANGES

Parewick, Kathleen1 ([email protected]), T. Bell1 and J. Ford2 Parker, Colleen1 ([email protected]) and T. Pearce1,2

1 Department of Geography, University of Guelph, Guelph, 1 Department of Geography, Memorial University, St. John’s, ON, N1G 2W1 Newfoundland and Labrador, A1B 3X9 2 Sustainability Research Centre, University of the Sunshine 2 Department of Geography, McGill University, Montréal, Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, 4557 Québec, H3A 0B9 Food security exists when individuals and households have In 2012, the Canadian Coastal Climate Change reliable access to safe, nutritionally adequate, and culturally Assessment (C4A) was launched by the Climate Change Impacts acceptable foods in a manner that maintains human dignity and Adaptation Division of Natural Resources Canada in order (Van Esterik 1999). Food security and health are closely linked to scientifi cally assess the existing body of research respecting with those who are food insecure more likely to suff er from climate change sensitivity, risks and adaptation along Canada’s compromised health status. Th e highest incidence of food marine coasts. In addition to summarizing how the changing insecurity in Canada has been reported in Nunavut where 56% climate is aff ecting coastal communities, infrastructure, and of the Inuit population is classed as food-insecure (Ledrou and ecosystems, the C4A report will include syntheses of regional Gervais 2005). information and experience relevant to adaptation decision- Inuit food systems combine store foods and country making on each of the nation’s East, West and North coasts. foods derived from subsistence hunting and fi shing. Th ere is an Over the last two decades, climate change impacts have emerging body of research identifying the relationships between been pronounced in the Arctic and have received intensive, climate change and food security, including among Inuit in the international scholarly attention. Th e Northern Coasts chapter Canadian Arctic. Th e high reliance of some Inuit households on of the C4A benefi ts from the recent insights provided by Th e country foods makes Inuit food systems sensitive to changes in State of the Arctic Coast 2010 (Forbes, ed. 2011), a Canadian- the weather, sea ice, land, and wildlife associated with climate led synthesis of circumpolar coastal science. Th e national-scale change, which aff ects access (e.g. travel to hunting grounds), assessment, however, requires a still-fi ner resolution of data availability (e.g. location of wildlife), and quality (e.g. health of respecting the changes observed along Canadian arctic and wildlife) of some species of wildlife important for subsistence. subarctic coasts and the lessons learned there to date. Th ese challenges are further compounded by other stresses to Recent Canadian Arctic assessments (e.g. Ford and Pearce the food system including access to income to purchase hunting 2010, Bolton et al. 2011) have adopted semi-automated, equipment and supplies or to purchase store bought foods, access to cold storage, confl icts between wage employment and bibliometric methods of parsing large numbers of references hunting opportunities, and the erosion of some traditional to support gap analyses and inform future research planning. knowledge and skills important for safe and successful hunting Systematic Literature Review (SLRev) methods diff er from more among some younger generation Inuit. Less is known about how commonly employed literature searching in their emphasis on climate and non-climate stressors interact to aff ect food security an explicit and replicable approach. Th e practice originates in and the capacity of individuals and households to adapt. the health sciences where it has become the disciplinary standard Th e proposed research will work with community for rigorous reviews of treatment and drug trial reporting. members in the Inuit hamlet of Ulukhaktok, Northwest Th e approach is increasingly used in other research domains, Territories to examine the vulnerability of an Inuit food particularly where public policy applications are anticipated. system to climate and socio-economic changes and adaptation Th is poster reports the fi ndings of the systematic review options. Th e objectives are: (1) characterize key elements of the undertaken as background for the Northern Coasts chapter. community food system with particular attention to traditional Diverse climate change content was examined in peer- food attributes (e.g. food preference); (2) apply a framework reviewed and grey literature addressing physical, social and life for vulnerability assessment to examine how multiple stresses, science fi ndings and including works treating traditional and climate and non-climate related, aff ect access, availability, quality practitioner knowledge. Given the broad geographic and topical and storage of food; and (3) identify and describe opportunities scope of this eff ort, the survey was designed to both complement and barriers to enhancing food security. Data will be collected and expand on previous related reviews. using ethnographic research techniques including food system surveys, semi-structured interviews, and participant observation. Th is data will be analyzed together with existing knowledge of the biophysical processes of climate change relevant to food 175 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

security in the region. Th e research is expected to contribute 3 Department of Geography, McGill University, Montreal, to the growing body of knowledge examining the relationships Quebec, H3A 0G4 between food security and climate change, and provide new 4 Ulukhaktok Community Corporation, Ulukhaktok, insights into the socio-cultural dimensions of Inuit food security. Northwest Territories, X0E 0S0 Th e research is part of ArcticNet Project 1.1 Community Th e Inuvialuit Final Agreement (IFA) states that “to Adaptation and IK-ADAPT (Inuit Traditional Knowledge for preserve Inuvialuit cultural identity and values within a Adaptation to the Health Eff ects of Climate Change) supported changing northern society,” Inuvialuit traditional knowledge and by CIHR. skills need to be passed down from generation to generation. Th is includes instructions on how to hunt, fi sh, travel, and survive on the land, and on how to prepare and sew hides. THE CANADIAN RANGERS: ARCTIC SCIENCE AND C.R.O.W. Many Inuit under the age of fi fty, however, are spending less time on the land and there is concern that some traditional Patterson, Mitchell ([email protected]) knowledge and skills are being lost with severe implications for health and wellbeing (Condon 1995; Pearce et al. 2011). In Department of geography, Queen’s University, Kingston, particular, knowledge and skills for hunting and traveling safely Ontario, K7L 3N6 in the winter, and for sewing appropriate winter clothing are Th e Canadian Rangers, a Canadian Forces part-time being lost. Th is is also the time of the year when the food banks reservist group, have been instrumental in the development in several communities are most heavily used, in part due to of Arctic science. For decades they have been pathfi nders for limited access to country foods. scientists, using local knowledge to navigate and negotiate the Inspired by the Piqqusilirivvik Inuit Cultural School in harsh northern expanses of the Canadian Arctic. Past operations Clyde River Inuit in Ulukhaktok launched Nunamin Illihakvia: like Nunalivut 2008, during the International Polar Year, learning from the land, with support from Health Canada. opened the door for joint operations between scientists and the Nunamin Illihakvia is a step towards a new Inuit-led cultural Canadian Rangers. Th ese operations have also solidifi ed the education in Ulukhaktok that is dedicated to enabling the link between scientifi c knowledge and Canadian sovereignty. transfer of traditional knowledge, skill sets and values, based on Today, the Rangers are using their local knowledge in programs Inuit knowledge and guiding principles. Specifi cally, this pilot such as the Canadian Rangers Ocean Watch (CROW) to project will bring together young Inuit, male and female, with extend the range and time-frame in which scientifi c data can be experienced hunters and sewers, and Elders to learn how to collected. CROW, a Oceans and Fishery and Canadian Forces travel on the sea ice and hunt seals in the winter, how to prepare undertaking, has helped to create a synthesis of local knowledge seal skins for sewing, and how to sew traditional seal skin and science as well as science and sovereignty. While many clothing. Multimedia research and learning tools will be created academics and Northerns have criticized the lack of participation by Inuit and shared in Ulukhaktok and elsewhere in the Arctic. of northerners and Aboriginal peoples within science, CROW Having such knowledge and skills provides young Inuit with may have the potential to bridge this gap. My poster will the opportunity to engage in productive activities that continue outline the participation of the Canadian Rangers in scientifi c to have value economically and socially, and Ulukhaktomuit operations as well as their contribution to the expansion of hope revived participation in winter seal hunting and traditional scientifi c data. Further, it will show the precariousness of their sewing skills will strengthen the health of community members work, as seen in the recent loss of Canadian Ranger Cpl. Donald during a time of rapid climatic and societal change. Some key Anguyoak from Gjoa Haven, Nunavut. research questions being asked during the course of the project include: (1) what implications, if any, does the formalization of traditional skills teaching have for traditional learning processes? NUNAMIN ILLIHAKVIA: LEARNING FROM THE (2) what are the perceptions of learning success among younger LAND generation Inuit and how do these compare with Inuit and southern educators? and (3) what is the role and importance of 1,2 3 Pearce, Tristan ([email protected]), E. Stephenson , seal in the lives of Ulukhaktomuit? 4 4 4 3 S. Kaodlak , D. Akhiatak , A. Kudlak , L. Nakoneczny and Condon, R. G., Collings, P., and Wenzel, G. (1995). Th e J.D. Ford3 Best Part of Life: Subsistence Hunting, Ethnicity, and Economic 1 Department of Geography, University of Guelph, Guelph, Development among Young Adult Inuit Males. Arctic 48(1): Ontario, N1G 2W1 31–46. 2 Sustainability Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Pearce, T., Wright, H., Notaina, R., Kudlak, A., Smit, B., Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia, 4557 Ford, J.D., Furgal, C. (2011). Transmission of environmental 176 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

knowledge and land skills among Inuit men in Ulukhaktok, thickness from electromagnetic-induction (EM) data. In the Northwest Territories, Canada. Human Ecology 39, 271-288. Mackenzie Delta, low-salinity water is found beneath the sea ice because of river runoff . In summer, low-salinity water may be found beneath sea ice in both inshore and off shore regions in the THE BIOGEOCHEMICAL PROCESSES AND form of melt-water from the ice. INORGANIC CARBON CYCLING OF HUDSON BAY In April 2010, EM and GPR data were collected in the Mackenzie delta with helicopter-borne sensors, and ocean Pengelly, Leah ([email protected]), H. Th omas and W. Burt temperature and salinity data beneath the ice were collected with a CTD profi ler. Ice-plus-freshwater thickness inferred from the Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University, Halifax, EM data using several inversion models were compared, and Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2 were in good agreement with the CTD data. Th e thickness of the ice itself could be inferred from the GPR data (1000 MHz) Coastal seas, like Hudson Bay, are biogeochemically for smooth ice with near-zero salinity water underlying the active areas with high primary productivity. In general, the high ice, and was in good agreement with drill-hole ice-thickness productivity can be expected to lead to fractionation of 13C/12C measurements. creating depletion of 12C isotope of Dissolved Inorganic Carbon In the summer of 2011, EM profi les were collected in (DI12C) in the surface and enrichment of DI12C in deeper the Beaufort Sea over a giant fl oe consisting of thick multiyear waters. Th e increase of anthropogenic CO concentration can 2 ice, thinner fi rst- or second- year ice, and melt-ponds. have drastic impacts on the biogeochemical properties of the Comparison of MODIS data with EM-measured apparent ice ocean. Since the Arctic and coastal seas are primarily sensitive thickness indicated that high refl ectance in the MODIS data to these changes, assessing the carbon cycle of this area is very corresponded to high ice thicknesses. However low refl ectance important for future studies. We present the carbon cycle and areas corresponded to moderate, relatively uniform apparent ice related data from the ArcticNet 2010 Cruise. We investigate thicknesses. Th is suggests that a freshwater layer underlay the ice and assess the processes governing the carbon cycle over the and melt-ponds in areas with high melt-pond concentrations. entire water column of Hudson Bay. We compare the depth profi les of the 13C and related parameters to assess diff erences in across Hudson Bay System. We fi nd that the deep waters of Hudson Bay are Pacifi cally derived and do not interact with EFFECTS OF TIDAL MIXING PATTERNS ON SEDIMENT DYNAMICS AND WATER COLUMN Atlantic waters beyond the mouth of the Bay. River input and TURBIDITY DURING SUMMER-FALL IN THE brine formation greatly aff ect the waters of Hudson Bay. Also, NELSON RIVER ESTUARY the longer residence time of the deep Hudson Bay waters allows the accumulation of products due to various biochemical and Petrusevich, Vladislav1 ([email protected]), physical processes. Th ese include respiration of organic matter, J. Ehn1, I. Dmitrenko1, G. McCullough1 D. Barber1 and which causes greater DIC and lower 13C values, and brine K. Sydor2 formation, which increases salinity, DIC and alkalinity. 1 Centre for Earth Observation Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, R3T 2N2 2 Water Resources Engineering Department, Manitoba Hydro, OBSERVATIONS OF LOW-SALINITY WATER BENEATH Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3T 5L2 ARCTIC SEA ICE Nelson River estuary is located on the south west shore Peterson, Ingrid1 ([email protected]), S.J. Prinsenberg1,2, J.S. Holladay3 and L. Lalumiere4 of Hudson Bay. In this transitional zone the river freshwater is mixed with seawater causing signifi cant resuspension from 1 Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Fisheries and Oceans the bottom and from mud fl ats. Th e Nelson estuary is one of a Canada, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B2Y 4A2 kind since hydrodynamics and sediment transport processes are 2 CEOS, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T signifi cantly infl uenced by tides, post-glacial isostatic rebound 2N2 and seasonal sea ice due to bathymetry with well-defi ned 3 Geosensors, Inc., 66 Mann Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4S central channel. Also due to existing hydro dams the river has a 2Y3 variable regulated discharge. In this paper we analyze a dataset 4 Sensors by Design, Ltd., 217 Lorne Avenue, Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 4K5 from moorings installed along the Nelson River estuary central channel in 2006 by Manitoba Hydro, in collaboration with Fresh or brackish water is often found beneath sea ice, University of Manitoba.Th e moorings were equipped with and is an important factor aff ecting the interpretation of sea-ice CTDs (conductivity, temperature, depth) and turbidity sensors 177 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

along with some acoustic doppler current profi lers (ADCP). We Ground Penetrating Radar (500 MHz) to map the near-surface show that spring and neap tide changes in tidal amplitudes and details of ice-wedges and active layer. Vegetation was measured currents caused changes in diurnal mixing patterns between the using quadrat sampling for species richness and abundance. intruding salt wedge and the river plume, which caused varied Soil measures consisted of temperature at depth, moisture responses in sediment resuspension and water column turbidity. content, and bioavailable nutrients, all augmented with hourly Th e acquired data has signifi cant value for understanding microclimate data. NMDS ordination was performed as an the freshwater-ocean water tidal mixing and nutrient and exploratory analysis of clustering between disturbed/undisturbed sediment exchange in the estuary and their variability due to microsite diff erences. Further statistical analysis showed that various factors such as river discharge, stratifi cation, and tidal disturbed polygon tops have an active layer 30% deeper than amplitudes. other microsites (p < .001) despite having no greater vegetation cover than undisturbed polygon tops. Conversely, disturbed ice- wedge troughs show no diff erence in active layer, but their soils CASE STUDY: HIGH ARCTIC ANTHROPOGENIC have double the water content of other microsites (p < .001), DISTURBANCE TO POLAR DESERT ICE-WEDGES likely accounting for a signifi cantly greater, but less-diverse, AND THEIR ECOSYSTEMS biomass that may be buff ering the active layer from further thickening. Our results suggest that a disturbance to the thermal Becker, Michael S. ([email protected]), and regime of high Arctic ice-wedge polygon systems results in long- W.H. Pollard lasting and signifi cant eff ects on the polar desert landscape. Department of Geography, McGill University, Montreal, Understanding how the polar desert responds to Quebec, H3A 2K6 disturbance after 60 years of ‘recovery’ will provide useful information for applying conceptual thermal models of One of the indirect impacts of climate change on Arctic landscape disturbance in the high Arctic, as well as information ecosystems is the expected increase of industrial development to governments and industries hoping to plan and minimize in high latitudes. Th e potential range of terrestrial impacts their impacts. is diffi cult to project, particularly due to a lack of long- term impact studies in this region. With one of the slowest community recovery rates of any ecosystem, the high Artic THE ROLE OF GROUND ICE IN CHANGING ARCTIC biome will be under a considerable threat that is exacerbated by LANDSCAPES – A COMPARISON OF TWO ICE-RICH the permafrost thermal balance’s high susceptibility to change. PERMAFROST SYSTEMS One such area that provides a suitable location for study is an old airstrip near Eureka, Ellesmere Island, Nunavut Pollard, Wayne ([email protected]) (80.0175°N, 85.7340°W). While primarily used as an ice- Department of Geography, McGill University, Montreal, runway for winter transport, the airstrip endured a yearly Quebec, H3A 0B9 summer removal of vegetation that continued from 1947 until its abandonment in 1951. Since then, signifi cant vegetative and Ground ice plays a major role in the evolution of geomorphic diff erences between disturbed and undisturbed landscapes underlain by continuous permafrost. Th awing areas have been noted in the literature throughout the decades permafrost, terrain instability, coastal erosion and infrastructure (Bruggemann, 1953; Beschel, 1963; Couture and Pollard, problems are often cited as serious problems facing Polar 2007), but no system wide assessment of both the ecosystem and Regions. Even though information about ice content and near-surface permafrost has been conducted. Key to our study distribution is extremely variable across the Arctic several studies is that the greatest apparent geomorphic and vegetative changes have alluded to increased thermokarst and terrain instability as have occurred and persisted in areas where underlying ice- inevitable outcomes of climate change. Little is known about wedges have been disturbed. Th is suggests that the colonizing the potential pattern and magnitude of thermokarst because communities rapidly fi lled new available thermokarst niches of the patchy nature of information on near surface ground and have produced an alternative ice-wedge stable state to the ice and active layer depth. Both are essential for a realistic surrounding polar desert. We hypothesize that disturbed areas prediction about thaw subsidence can be made. Th is poster will currently have greater depths of thaw (deeper active layers) compares landscape change related to thawing ground ice and degraded ice-wedges, with decreased vegetation diversity but on Herschel Island, northern Yukon with the Eureka Sound higher abundance due to a changed hydrological balance. Lowlands, Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg Islands. Th ere are To test this a comprehensive set of near-surface active signifi cant diff erences related to both climate and ecosystem, yet layer and ecosystem measurements were conducted. Permafrost the both landscapes share similar patterns in changes related to dynamics were characterized using probing and high-frequency thermokarst and ice wedge degradation. Information on ground 178 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

ice occurrence in both areas has been the focus of ongoing Th is study will determine the leading causes of death using age- research; a 20 year database provides unique insights not only standardized mortality rate with 95% confi dence intervals. It into the nature of landscape change but also how these systems will also examine the leading causes of potential years of life lost evolve over time. and compare subpopulation rates using rate ratios. At both sites long-term observations include data on Results: Th e leading causes of death in Labrador are cryostratigraphy, ground ice content, active layer depth and circulatory system diseases, neoplasms and injuries. Suicide potential thaw subsidence. For example in the Eureka area 2011 is the leading cause of death among male youth, and and 2012 there was a dramatic increase in the frequency and accounts for approximately 25% of all mortality in northern magnitude of thermokarst, including increased thaw related communities. Compared to the island portion of the province to ice wedges. In 2012 A total of 205 active retrogressive that (Newfoundland), Labrador experiences an elevated mortality slumps ice were mapped, representing a 27% increase from rate from external injuries including suicide, and a higher rate of 2010. However on Herschel Island the 2004-2006 period potential years of life lost. was marked by high levels of headwall retreat in retrogressive Conclusion: Overall, Labrador has elevated rates of all- thaw slumps and increased thaw slump frequency (by 15%). cause mortality compared to Newfoundland, with especially Repeated surveys of headwall positions have provided both large disparities in rates of death from suicide and other injuries. short and long-term retreat rates in both regions. Retreat varies across the headwall of every slump; maximum retreat at a point Within Labrador, there is geographic and subpopulation along the headwall can be misleading so we took the average of variation in the leading causes of death. the most active 20m section. Over 20 years of observation the average retreat for all sites in the Eureka Sound area is 6.9 m/yr, with the highest annual retreat rates in 1991, 1998, 2011 and PERIGLACIAL ORIGINS (PALSA-LITHALSA) OF 2012. On Herschel Island the average retreat rate since 1988 NUNAVIK THERMOKARST LAKES AND THEIR is 9.2 m/yr, with 1988, 1998, 2000 and 2006 much higher ECOSYSTEMIC IMPLICATIONS: ANALYSIS OF MODERN AND PAST DIATOM COMMUNITIES than normal. Observations on ice wedge troughs also display interesting contrasts. Ice wedge troughs on Herschel Island have Proult, Valentin ([email protected]), R.Pienitz and been slowly subsiding for most of the observation period, but in W.F. Vincent the the high Arctic sites began to exhibit thaw degradation and deepening of ice wedge troughs in 2005 resulting in numerous Centre d’études nordiques, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, new thaw ponds at trough intersections. Active layer depths on G1V 0A6 Herschel Island range between 40 and 110 cm, but average 64 Th e rapid warming of the Arctic increases the degradation cm based on annual measurements. High Arctic active layers and melting of permafrost in northern Canada and accelerates range between 30 and 70 cm and average 49 cm. the formation of thermokarst (thaw) lakes. Within the ADAPT Project (Arctic Development and Adaptation to Permafrost MORTALITY IN LABRADOR AND NEWFOUNDLAND, in Transition), our main research objectives will be to analyze 1993-2009 in the thermokarst lakes of Nunavik the siliceous algal communities (diatoms and chrysophytes). Both planktonic 1,2 Pollock, Nathaniel ([email protected]) and periphytic species will be the focus of our analyses. We 1 Division of Community Health and Humanities, Faculty of will analyze the present-day composition of these communities Medicine, Memorial University for each type of substratum and habitat from four diff erent 2 Labrador Institute, Memorial University sites distributed along a south to north gradient, in order to establish and quantify the relationships between species and Background: Northern and aboriginal communities in environmental parameters. Finally, we will apply the transfer Canada often have elevated rates of all-cause mortality, with functions on the fossil diatoms preserved in the sedimentary high rates from suicides, injuries, and other non-communicable sequences of some select sites. Th is we will allow as to infer diseases in particular. Th e purpose of this study is to examine the evolution of limnological conditions through time, and to trends in mortality, and to determine the leading causes of predict the response of these ecosystems to global warming. death and potential years of life lost in Labrador by age, sex, and geographic region, and compare these rates to Newfoundland. Methods: Th is study uses an observational design to examine data from the Statistics Canada Annual Mortality fi le for the period of 1993 to 2009 in Labrador and Newfoundland. 179 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

PARASITES AND POLLUTION: WHY BOTH TO from wave attack for nine months of the year, arctic coasts ARCTIC MARINE BIRDS made of unconsolidated sediments erode very rapidly due to the

1 combined eff ects of mechanical and thermal erosion processes. Provencher, Jennifer ([email protected]), In particular, coasts characterized by ice-rich permafrost, like H.G. Gilchrist 2 and M.R. Forbes1 the western Canadian Arctic are especially vulnerable to climate 1 Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, change. Recent estimates indicate carbon stored in permafrost K1A 0H3 soils exceeds the atmospheric carbon pool by factor two. With 2 Environment Canada, Science and Technology Program, the potential for positive feedback to ongoing climate change, National Wildlfe Reserach Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0H3 processes leading to the release and sequestration of the carbon have received much scientifi c attention. Th ese processes include Both derived traits and environmental factors can coastal erosion and burial in the marine realm. shape the schedules of survivorship and reproduction of wild Carbon input from the Mackenzie River and deposition organisms. In migratory animals these traits can be especially on the Beaufort continental shelf has been quantifi ed by important as they balance the costs and benefi ts of undertaking previous studies; however depositional settings in the nearshore long range migrations to breeding areas to take advantage of zone have not been thoroughly investigated. Th is is due to seasonal resources. In ecosystems that are undergoing rapid logistical diffi culties, but also because in many cases, erosional change, such as the Canadian Arctic, it is increasingly important processes dominate on the arctic shoreface. Shallow seismic to understand how external factors infl uence reproduction; profi les were obtained along transects in three areas of the particularly in terms of how environmental changes might roughly rectangular island. Areas of deposition were identifi ed impact populations. Contaminants such as mercury are of in the SE region of the island. Th is area is protected from growing concern in the Arctic because they are known to aff ect prevailing winds from the NE by the island itself. To a degree, the island also shields this area from ice movement on the open animal health, and levels are increasing in some Arctic regions. sea and associated ice-gouging. In comparison with transects Concurrently, changing climatic conditions are predicted to around the island, it was found that exposure, not depth, increase the number and diversity of parasites found in wildlife controls the depositional regime. Exposure to ice processes is within northern ecosystems. In addition to changes in both indicated by highly disturbed stratigraphy, interpreted as ice-keel mercury and parasites, these two factors may interact in complex turbate. ways. For example, parasites are known to mitigate the eff ects of some contaminants in wildlife, while exacerbating them in others. Th us, understanding how contaminants and parasites EVALUATION OF DATASETS FOR CLIMATE ANALYSIS may infl uence reproduction is important to conserving and AND CLIMATE MODEL EVALUATION OVER THE managing arctic wildlife species. My PhD reserach investigates CANADIAN ARCTIC questions regarding how both mercury and parasites, separately 1 2 and together, infl uence adult body condition and reproduction Rapaic, Maja ([email protected]), R. Brown , 1 1 in an arctic seabird (the northern common eider duck; M. Markovic and D. Chaumont Somateria molissima). I will present some early results from 1 Ouranos Consortium, 550 Sherbrooke St. West, 19th Floor, suties carried out in 2012 and 2013. Montréal QC H3A 1B9 2 Environment Canada, Climate Processes Section @ Ouranos, 550 Sherbrooke St. West, 19th Floor, Montréal QC H3A 1B9 DEPOSITIONAL SETTINGS OF AN ARCTIC COAST: A SHALLOW SEISMIC INVESTIGATION Th e Canadian Arctic is characterized by sparse observing networks and complex local meteorology with signifi cant 1 1 Radosavljevic, Boris ([email protected]), H. Lantuit , infl uences of sea ice (and open water) on climate variables. 1 1 2 M. Fritz , P. Overduin and M. Krautblatter Characterization of climate variability and change over this domain typically relies on well-known temperature and 1 Alfred Wegener Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, 14473 Potsdam, Germany precipitation data-sets based on surface observations, satellite 2 Technische Universität München, 80333 Munich, Germany data or reanalyses. However, there can be signifi cant diff erences between these “observational” data-sets that vary in space A shallow seismic investigation of the possibility of and time especially for precipitation and snow cover. Th ese sediment and carbon deposition was conducted in nearshore diff erences can arise from a number of sources including areas of Herschel Island, Yukon Territory, Canada. Permafrost measurement and instrument errors, geographic bias in the coasts are known to erode rapidly, despite being protected from distribution of observations (e.g. coastal and low elevation erosion by ice from October to June. Even though protected biases for surface observations) and biases introduced from 180 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

assimilation and interpolation procedures. Th e aim of this work including earlier and longer opening of the various waterways is to document the biases and uncertainties in air temperature, such as the Canadian Northwest Passage, the occurrence of large precipitation and snow cover from a suite of frequently used fractures in the middle of the winter sea ice pack and formation observational and reanalysis data-sets over the Canadian Arctic. of polynyas where previously there had been solid ice. Uncertainty is evaluated from the between-dataset agreement. In recognition of the potential for signifi cant increases in Th is information will also be used in the evaluation of climate Arctic shipping and therefore an increase in the likelihood of models over the Canadian Arctic. shipping accidents that can put human lives and the integrity of the Arctic marine environment at risk, the International Marine Organization (IMO) has established fi ve new meteorological SOME RADIO TRANSMITTERS ARE A HEAVY areas (METAREAs) covering the Arctic Ocean and adjacent BURDEN ON MIGRATORY CARIBOU northern waters to provide the marine meteorological services required to meet the needs of mariners. Rasiulis, Alexandre L.1,2 ([email protected]), M. Festa- In summer 2010, Environment Canada’s Meteorological Bianchet2,3, S. Couturier4 and S. Côté1,2 Service received $26 million dollars over a fi ve year period from 1 Département de biologie, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Treasury Board to develop and implement “Th e METAREA G1V 0A6 Initiative”. 2 Centre d’études nordiques, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Th is talk will describe the METAREA Initiative and G1V 0A6 the progress made so far including the summer 2013 service 3 Département de biologie, Université de Sherbrooke, Sher- expansion. brooke, Québec, J1K 2R1 4 Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune, Direction de la faune terrestre et de l’avifaune, Québec, Québec, G1S 4X4 MULTI-SCALE INFLUENCE OF SMALL MAMMAL Radio transmitters embedded in collars, backpacks or ear SUMMER DENSITIES ON SNOWY OWL WINTER tags are widely used in animal ecology and management to study IRRUPTIONS IN NORTH AMERICA habitat use, behaviour and survival and are an essential tool for Robillard, Audrey1 ([email protected]), JF. Th errien2, many aspects of wildlife management. It is therefore important G. Gauthier1 and J. Bêty3 to assess any eff ects that they may have on survival. A crucial assumption often made but rarely tested is that the transmitter 1 Département de biologie & Centre d’études nordiques, Uni- does not alter the behaviour or the vital rates of the subject. versité Laval, QC 2 We compared the survival of 465 migratory caribou (Rangifer Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Pennsylvanie, États-Unis 3 tarandus) fi tted with either light VHF or heavy ARGOS satellite Département de biologie & Centre d’études nordiques, Uni- versité du Québec à Rimouski, QC collars between 1990 and 2000. Heavy collars reduced survival of caribou in a declining population with poor body condition, Snowy owls are top predators of the tundra that feed but not in a growing population. Estimates of survival are primarily on lemmings during the summer. Th is species exhibits crucial for management decisions and it is essential to consider irruptive movements as individuals are periodically present in possible eff ects of collars on those estimates. high numbers in southern Canada during winter, often every 3 to 4 years. Th is periodicity is similar to that of their prey populations in the Arctic, which fl uctuate cyclically on a 3-5 THE METAREA INITIATIVE – A GOVERNMENTAL years basis in many areas. However, we do not know if these FOCUS ON THE ARCTIC prey and predator fl uctuations are truly linked and, if they are, Parker, John1, H. Ritchie2 ([email protected]), S. Desjardins1, at what scale. We address this issue by examining the infl uence J. Mclean1 and M.F. Gauthier3 of summer small mammal densities on the abundance of wintering snowy owls in temperate North America at multiple 1 Meteorological Service of Canada, Environment Canada, scales. We hypothesize that owls enjoy a high reproductive Halifax, Nova Scotia, B2Y 2N6 success in years of high prey density on the summer nesting 2 Recherche en Prévision Numérique, Environment Canada, grounds, which in turn leads to high numbers of migrants Dorval, Québec, H9P 1J3 during the winter, mostly young of the year. To assess this, we 3 Meteorological Service of Canada, Environment Canada, Gatineau, Québec, K1A 0H3 evaluated the infl uence of small mammal summer abundance (i.e. June to August) monitored at two arctic sites, Bylot Island Th e Arctic Ocean is undergoing a signifi cant physical (73oN, 80oW, northeastern High Arctic) and Daring Lake transformation as a result of changing environmental conditions (65°N 111°W, central Low Arctic) on the snowy owl winter 181 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

abundance in two biogeographic regions of North America invertebrates, are reasonably well diff erentiated. Th e third (Great Plains/Prairies and St-Lawrence River lowlands/Great possible form is much smaller than those previously described Lakes). We evaluated these relationships at 6 spatial scales (i.e. and feeds on zooplankton as well as benthic invertebrates. radius of 200km to 1200km by 100km increments, centered Th e level of genetic diff erentiation was evaluated for 355 fi sh on each region). We used citizen data from the Christmas Bird representing all three possible forms by genotyping twenty-one Count (CBC) census conducted annually in late December microsatellite loci (which are relatively neutral markers). Samples to estimate owl abundance in winter between 1994 and 2011. were also genotyped at the MH Class IIB locus, which is under We selected sites where owls showed irruptive patterns (i.e. at selection by pathogens in the environment to evaluate selection least 3 peaks of ≥3 owls in 18 years; N = 85) and calculated an for immune function and local adaptation of each possible form. index of abundance to correct for a variable observation eff ort. Our results support the presence of two distinct forms with the Small mammal summer density data were obtained from our proposed third form likely representing a life-history transition long-term research site on Bylot, and from the Government of of the small form. Th ese results increase our understanding the Northwest Territories fi eld station at Daring Lake where of evolutionary processes, functional diff erences between trapping was conducted annually. Our analysis revealed a groups and the processes through which adaptive potential is signifi cant positive relationship between summer lemming maintained within and between populations of this adaptable abundance on Bylot Island and the winter abundance of snowy fi sh species. owls at large scales in both regions (> 700km in the Prairies; >500km in the Great Lakes ), but not with the Daring Lake data. Th ese results suggest that the summer abundance of small SECULAR VARIATIONS OF THE LAKES WATER mammals on Bylot Island may be representative of a large LEVEL, JAMÉSIE, NORTHERN QUÉBEC portion of the High Arctic and aff ect the winter abundance of Robitaille, Marie-Janick1 ([email protected]), snowy owl at a continental scale. Furthermore, data from the Y. Bégin1 and É. Boucher2 EPOQ (Étude des populations d’Oiseaux du Québec) database showed that 1.6 times more juvenile snowy owls than adults 1 Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Institut National de la were observed during irruptive winters in southern Quebec Recherche Scientifi que, Québec, Québec, G1K 9A9 2 between 1975 and 2011. Th ese fi ndings support the hypothesis Department of Geography, Université du Québec à Montréal, that high summer prey availability leads to a high production of Montréal, Québec, H2X 1L7 young that move to southern Canada during their fi rst winter. Instrumental records used to evaluate water supply to Th is is the fi rst study confi rming a link between summer food hydroelectric reservoirs in Quebec are relatively short (less than availability and the irruptive migration of snowy owls in North 40 years), and the few recording stations are scattered on a vast America. territory. A comprehensive review of hydrographs shows that high water levels were predominant between 1963 and 1982, while the low water levels recorded between 1983 and 2005 GENETIC ASSESSMENT OF POSSIBLE ECOLOGICAL were a concern for energy producers. As these large variations are FORMS OF ARCTIC CHARR (SALVELINUS ALPINUS) IN LAKE HAZEN, ELLESMERE ISLAND, NUNAVUT, consistent in time and space, they certainly result from natural CANADA conditions that we must seek to understand. Do they correspond to positive or negative variations around a secular trend or Robinson, Terin N.1 ([email protected]), J.D. Reist2, to a real hydrological regime change? To be able to answer 2 1 1 R. Bajno , M. Power and B. Dixon this question, we must extend back in time the instrumental period using indirect data from natural archives. Th is is the 1 Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1. purpose of a large project initiated by the Centre for Northern 2 Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N6 Studies and directed by the Institut national de la recherche scientifi que. Th e project seeks to better understand the historical Ecological evidence obtained from morphological and context of instrumental records by using dendrochronology trophic studies suggests the possible presence of three forms of and limnology. Th e objective of my Master’s thesis is to use Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) in Lake Hazen on Ellesmere dendrochronological and geomorphological indicators of Island, Nunavut. It is not well understood, however, if the forms water level variations in three lakes of the High-Boreal region simply represent diff erent life-history strategies or if they are of Quebec to evaluate the trend in water supply for the past representative of distinct populations or groups with some level centuries. I thus seek to determine whether instrumental records of reproductive isolation. Two forms, a larger piscivore that show a trend or fl uctuations in water supply, a variable which feeds pelagically and a smaller one that tends to feed on benthic has major economic importance. Objectives: Th e main objective 182 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

of the research is to determine the historical trends in water panmictic system, if local populations contribute unevenly level changes for Mirabelli, Miron and Ouescapis lakes located to the next generation. In complex, hierarchically arranged in the James Bay region. Th e response time of these lakes to dendritic environments, however, the predicted meta- Ne can be hydro-climatic variations has enabled the formation of riparian greater than the sum of the local Ne’s. Dendritic watersheds, for landforms and dendrochronological markers indicative of past example, have a hierarchical arrangement of local populations water levels. Th e specifi c objectives are: (1) To reconstruct that usually leads to asymmetrical gene fl ow. Our goal in fl oods and low water levels using riparian indicators; (2) To this project is thus to reduce the gap between theory and establish an envelope curve of the tidal history for at least empirical data. We are examining the relationship between two centuries; (3) To calibrate reconstructed records using subpopulation size and diversity, gene fl ow (asymmetry) and standardized water supply records produced by Hydro-Québec metaNe in a freshwater community of three fi sh species diff ering for the region; (4) To evaluate the magnitude of water supply in life histories: Lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush), longnose predicted between now and 2050 using outputs of regional sucker (Catostomus catostomus), white roundfi sh (Prosopium climate models produced by the Ouranos Consortium on cylyndraceum) and coexisting sympatrically in the Kogaluk Climate Change. Methodology: (1) From previous studies in the river drainage in northern Labrador. Th is drainage comprises a region, indicators of water levels changes are fairly well known number of hierarchically or dendritically interconnected shallow (eroded or buried tree root systems, ice scars, fl ooded trees, etc.). lakes on the barren grounds that drain onto a deep fj ord lake. A typology of indicators and a stratifi ed sampling design based Our research using molecular markers will allow us to predict on the geomorphology and riparian ecological formations will which components of the metapopulations are more likely to be developed. (2) Th e collected material will be analysed in the aff ect metaNe if aff ected and which should thus receive highest laboratory by thematic mapping, counting and measurements of conservation priority when likely faced with climate induced tree rings, and densitometric analysis. (3) Data processing will changes in landscape. include the construction of century-long dendrochronological series with annual resolution, calibration of theses series using instrumental records, and quantitative reconstruction of ARCTIC COOPERATION BETWEEN THE UNITED water levels. (4) Finally, the analysis of the outputs of regional STATES AND CANADA. WHY IS IT DIFFICULT? A REALIST ANALYSIS climate models will enable us to verify if the trends identifi ed are consistent with the historical reconstructions provided by Sachse, Marcel ([email protected]) dendrochronology. Department of Political Science, FernUniversitaet Hagen

Due to rapid changes in the Arctic, the northern polar GENETIC DIVERSITY AND METAPOPULATION region has become the focus of scientifi c, economic and political EFFECTIVE SIZE IN A SPATIALLY STRATIFIED SYSTEM, THE KOGALUK RIVER DRAINAGE IN interests. NORTHERN LABRADOR Both countries, Canada and the United States, challenge each other’s possessions in the Northwest Passage and Beaufort Ruzzante, Daniel E.1 ([email protected]), R. Perry2, Sea. Whereas Canada is concerned about environmental G.R. McCracken1, D. Keefe2 and O.E. Gaggiotti3 protection and security along its Arctic border, the United States are motivated to reserve off shore mineral resources in the 1 Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Beaufort Sea. Th is analysis takes an in-depth view of the interest Canada 2 Department of Environment and Conservation, both countries take in this part of the Arctic and why disputes Newfoundland and Labrador, Corner Brook, NL, Canada have not been resolved.Both countries still agree to disagree 3 Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, UK about the status of the passage and the maritime boundary dispute in the Beaufort Sea is not resolved. Applying the realist A fundamental question in evolutionary and conservation theory to this topic, a balance between two nations can only be biology is how changes in habitat fragmentation (i.e., number, achieved by balancing both powers. size, spatial arrangement and connectivity among habitat Joint military operations such as Operation Nanook in fragments) aff ect the maintenance of genetic diversity and 2010, have shown that cooperation between both countries the eff ective size of a metapopulation (metaNe). Th is is an is possible. Looking at the few ice capable patrol ships both issue that despite its importance for biodiversity conservation countries have, more cooperation might even be needed. In has largely been explored only from a theoretical perspective. any case, why should the two countries come to an agreement For meta-populations, theory predicts that the meta-Ne of a over their disputes? Th e rise in resource development in the fragmented system will be smaller than that of a similar-sized Beaufort Sea and the need to control marine traffi c through 183 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

the Northwest Passage are two aspects in the US – Canadian ECOPHYSIOLOGY AND NITROGEN UPTAKE relations that could see interdependence between the two KINETICS OF CHAETOCEROS SOCIALIS nations. Schiff rine, Nicolas (nicolas.schiff [email protected]) and J-É. Tremblay

TREE GROWTH RESPONSE TO CLIMATE Joint International ULaval-CNRS Laboratory Takuvik, Québec- VARIATIONS SURVEYED BY AN AUTOMATED Océan, Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, DENDROMETER NETWORK IN SUBARCTIC QUEBEC Québec G1V 0A6, Canada

Sarrazin, Denis1 ([email protected]) and Y. Bégin1,2 Warming induces sea ice melt and an increase in river discharge in the Arctic Ocean. Th is freshwater strengthens 1 Centre d’études nordiques (CEN), Université Laval, Québec, the vertical stratifi cation of the upper ocean, which impacts Québec G1V 0A6 nitrogen availability and thus primary production (PP). Because 2 Institut national de la recherche scientifi que (INRS), Québec, nitrogen (N) generally limits PP during summer in the Arctic Québec G1K 9A9 Ocean, it is crucial to understand: (i) estimate phytoplankton - + uptakes according to diff erent N sources (i.e. NO3 , NH4 , Over the past decade, high resolution automated band urea) and understand (ii) how physical variables infl uence the dendrometers have been installed and maintained in black N uptake (i.e. light, temperature…), and (iii) the interaction spruce (Picea mariana Mill. BSP) populations at 5 remote between diff erent sources of N (affi nity, inhibition). In order sites in northern Quebec over a 1100 km transect covering 10 to circumvent the complexity imparted by the great number degrees of latitude. Th ese dendrometers measure continuous of species co-existing in natural samples, we used a simplifi ed tree growth through the linear displacement of a stainless steel laboratory approach to document the eff ect of diff erent environmental conditions on the physiology and nutrition of band wrapped around a tree stem. Th ese bands are connected two phytoplankton species that occupy diff erent functional to a rotating potentiometer which in turn is automated through niches in the environment. In this study, in vitro experiences a Campbell scientifi c station. Other climate variables such as on the diatom Chaetoceros socialis, a cosmopolitan diatom air temperature, wind speed and direction, ground temperature commonly associated with subsurface chlorophyll maxima and snow height are also measured and collected. Stem radius (SCM) in Arctic waters, were conducted by proceeding cultures growth using automated band dendrometer is an effi cient in batch and semi-continuous mode. Diff erent treatments were methodology for tree-ring/climate dynamics. Sensitive events tested: two light conditions (i.e. surface and at 3-10% of the can be measured such as the onset, duration, and cessation of surface irradiance corresponding to SCM depth) and diff erent inorganic/organic N ratios (i.e NO -/NH + and NO -/urea). the growing season in regards to latitudinal distribution. Data 3 4 3 Th ese fi ndings permit us to evaluate the physiology capacity tends to suggest that much of the variations in stem radius are of this crucial phytoplankton specie to varying environmental independent of wood formation. Th is is particularly noticeable conditions of growth, which remains diffi cult to determine in northern boreal forests where daily swelling and shrinkage of directly in natural environments. the stem are relatively important factors compared to radial stem increase caused by cell division and enlargement. Th is research is aimed on data acquisition, using high time resolution and long- CAN FILM BE USED TO COMMUNICATE THE VALUE term results, of stem radius or circumference development in a AND IMPORTANCE OF SUBSISTENCE HUNTING growth monitoring network over a large area. Th is automated FOR INUIT IN THE CANADIAN ARCTIC TO NON- network of dendrometers is part of the CEN Network of INDIGENOUS POPULATIONS? Arctic observing stations, which in turn is a component of the Schindler, Rowan1 ([email protected]), T. Pearce1,2 INTERACT circumpolar network of terrestrial fi eld stations and A. Kudlak3 (www.eu-interact.org). Th ese data as well as all of our ArcticNet 1 monitoring records will be available eventually through a Sustainability Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia / Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556 new data publication series, Nordicana D (www.cen.ulaval. 2 Department of Geography, University of Guelph / Guelph, ca/nordicanad/) which is cross-referenced via the Polar Data Ontario N1G 2W1 Catalogue. 3 Community of Ulukhaktok / Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories X0E 0S0

Th is poster describes research that examines how fi lm may be used to communicate the value and importance of subsistence 184 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

hunting for Inuit to non-Indigenous populations in a case fl owing through the device. Here we provide preliminary study of seal hunting among Inuit in Ulukhaktok, Northwest insight into data from the 2013 ArcticNet cruise onboard the Territories, Canada. Subsistence hunting is the basis for food CCGS Amundsen. Furthermore we will give an outlook on the production among Inuit and has strong economic, dietary and next steps of the project that will include the development of cultural importance. Th e value and importance of subsistence extensive databases for the automatic taxonomic classifi cation of hunting for Inuit, however, is sometimes not refl ected in the Arctic zooplankton using machine learning algorithms, a spatial decisions of non-Indigenous populations such as the ban on the comparison of high resolution vertical distribution patterns of importation of seal products to several countries with negative zooplankton throughout the Canadian Arctic and the analyses impacts for Inuit communities. Th e objectives of the research of datasets for the study of diel vertical migration (DVM) are to use fi lm to: (1) document and explain the value and behaviours, a component of zooplankton life histories which are importance of subsistence seal hunting for Inuit; (2) portray poorly understood. subsistence seal hunting through the eyes of Inuit hunters and their families; and (3) preserve and promote the value and importance of subsistence seal hunting to younger generation SOMMER SPA – SNOW PACK ANALYSER Inuit and non-Indigenous populations. A short documentary- Sommer, Wolfram ([email protected]) style fi lm will be created in partnership with Inuit in the hamlet of Ulukhaktok. Th is will involve conducting fi lmed interviews SOMMER Messtechnik GmbH, Strassenhaeuser 27, 6842 with community members about the importance of seal to Koblach, Austria their diet and culture and through participant observation and fi lming of seal hunting, fur and meat preparation, food sharing, Th e Snow Pack Analysing System (SPA) constitutes a and sewing. Th e project responds to the anti-sealing protests revolutionary innovation in snow measurement. It is a world of some non-Indigenous peoples and seeks to communicate an unique system for automatic and continuous measurement of honest and accurate presentation of the value and importance of all the relevant snow parameters like snow depth, snow density, seal hunting for Inuit. Th e research is part of the CIHR-funded snow water equivalent and contents of liquid water and ice. Th e IK-ADAPT (Inuit traditional knowledge for adaptation to SPA off ers a modern and highly time delayed data gathering and the health eff ects of climate change) [www.ikadapt.ca] and the helps to reduce dangerous and expensive adoption of human Health Canada funded project ‘Nunamin Illihakvia: Learning resources in the wintry area. from the land.’ Snow consists out of the three components ice, water and air. Referring to diff erent measurement frequencies, these components show diff erent dielectric constants. Measuring the IN-SITU IMAGING OF ARCTIC PLANKTON: complex impedance along fl at ribbon sensors (SPA-sensors) at AUTOMATED TAXONOMIC CLASSIFICATION USING diff erent frequencies allows to estimate the volume contents of MACHINE LEARNING ALGORITHMS the individual components. Th ese equate the liquid water, ice and air content in the snow pack, which consequently results in Schmid, Moritz ([email protected]), C. Aubry, the snow density. J. Grigor and L. Fortier Th e SPA system can operate with up to four SPA-sensors Département de Biologie, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, with a standard length of 5 m. Th e sensors are installed on G1V 0A6 a framework with suspensions to ensure a tight and upright position. Th e sensors are either spanned sloping through the Zooplankton are a key element in Arctic marine food complete expected snow cover to determine the integral snow webs. Linking the primary producers with higher trophic levels parameters. Or they are installed horizontally to determine the (fi sh, marine mammals, seabirds). Traditional methods used parameters in specifi c snow layers. An ultrasonic snow depth to capture zooplankton (i.e. nets) integrate or roughly stratify sensor supplies the information to calculate the SWE. Th e the water column, and do not provide the necessary spatial measurements and the calculations of the snow parameters resolution for studying the fi ne-scale vertical distribution of are performed in a single control unit. Th e resulting data is zooplankton taxa. Th e lack of resolution from traditional transferred via a RS-232 interface. zooplankton samplers can be overcome with devices such Th e precise monitoring of water resources on catchment as the recently-developed “Lightframe On-sight Key species scales is indispensable for the prognosis of snowmelt run-off , Investigation” (LOKI) system, capable of in situ optical which in return is relevant for fl ood prevention and hydropower imaging of zooplankton species. Th is camera system allows reservoir management. In agriculture and mining estimations of us to determine the exact vertical distribution of organisms the infi ltration of melting water into the soil or underground are in the water column by taking photographs of every particle of basic interest. 185 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Th e continuous determination of the liquid water content ATMOSPHERIC AND OCEANIC FORCING AND SEA is unique. It enables the estimation and even the forecast of ICE ARCHES THAT INFLUENCE THE FORMATION the point in time of saturation and snowmelt run-off . Th ereby OF THE NORTH WATER POLYNYA the system can off er an important upgrading information for Stark, Heather ([email protected]) and D. Barber hydrological and snowmelt models. Centre for Earth Observation Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2 DISTRIBUTION AND ANNUAL MOVEMENTS OF Th e North Water (NOW) Polynya typically forms in the THE IVORY GULL (PAGOPHILA EBURNEA) IN THE winter months in northern Baffi n Bay and dissolves early-to- CANADIAN ARCTIC mid summer. A key feature in the formation of the polynya is Spencer, Nora1 ([email protected]), G.Gilchrist2 and the development of ice aches in Nares Strait. Ice originating M. Mallory1 from the Lincoln Sea becomes trapped in the narrow channel, consolidating during the early winter months and forming ice 1 Biology Department, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova arches. In this investigation, we explore the atmospheric forcing Scotia, B4P 2R6 and sea ice drift dynamics that infl uence the formation of the 2 Environment Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, NOW polynya in recent years. A catalogue of RADARSAT Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0H3 imagery, in combination with ice beacon drift patterns, is Th e ivory gull (Pagophila eburnea) is an endangered investigated to further understand the ice fl uxes of Nares Strait. seabird which spends its entire year in the Canadian Arctic Th is ice fl ux, which includes sea ice and ice bergs, infl uences the formation of the NOW polynya during optimal atmospheric environment. Breeding range is estimated to span the Canadian conditions. Atmospheric forcing, which includes temperature Arctic in the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, where ivory and winds, is linked to the consolidation of ice in Nares gulls require specialized but simple nesting habitat. Th reats Strait. Strong north winds and multiple freezing degree-days from various sources including illegal shooting and exposure are essential to the formation of the ice bridge and thus the to contaminants are thought to have contributed to a decline formation of the NOW polynya. in numbers (80%) since the 1980s. Th is led to the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada’s (COSEWIC) uplisting of the ivory gull from threatened to endangered in PELAGIC FOOD WEB STRUCTURE OF THE 2006 and the federal government’s uplisting to endangered CANADIAN BEAUFORT SEA: A SNEAK-PEAK AT in 2009. Due to the remote habitats of these birds and the COMPLEXITY FROM SHELF-BREAK OUT corresponding challenges of observing and tracking them, we Stasko, Ashley D.1 ([email protected]), J.D. Reist2, know little of their migration patterns and behaviour. Moreover, H.K. Swanson1 and M. Power1 no multi-year research on movement and habitat use has been 1 Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University conducted in Canada. Ave. W., Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1 As outlined in the Canadian ivory gull recovery strategy, 2 Freshwater Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 501 information on annual movements is critical to obtain University Cres, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N6 information of where and when they move as well as how they use these sites during breeding and non-breeding seasons. In Studies investigating trophic interactions amongst 2010, satellite transmitters were attached to 12 ivory gulls on off shore marine fi shes and invertebrates beyond the Canadian Seymour Island, NU (76.8° N, 101.3° W). To date, up to four Shelf in the Beaufort Sea (deeper than 150 m) are scarce, leaving large knowledge gaps with respect to marine ecosystem breeding seasons of tracking data have been collected on these structure and function in the face of anticipated resource individuals, providing 50 277 useable, georeferenced locations development. Recent reductions in sea ice cover, however, have for analysis. Using maps produced with Geographic Information provided an opportunity to study the deep pelagic zone in more Systems (GIS), we present the fi rst evidence describing the detail than was previously possible. Th e Beaufort Regional annual movements and distribution of a subpopulation of the Environmental Assessment (BREA) was undertaken to increase Canadian ivory gulls. Our results are consistent with predictions knowledge of habitat associations and the structural and based on earlier banding or observational work, while some functional relationships between benthic and pelagic biota in the results of the current study markedly change our perception of Beaufort Sea. Th e program aims to establish pre-development ivory gull behaviour and migration. environmental baselines and provide a benchmark to assess 186 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

future impacts of climate change. Here, we present a preliminary Under these conditions, more formalized programs comparison of food web relationships amongst marine fi shes to teach/transmit local and traditional knowledge are being and invertebrates, as inferred from stable isotope analyses among initiated across the Canadian Arctic. Such programs range from depth zones and geographic regions in the Canadian Beaufort the purpose-built Piqqusilirvvik Inuit Cultural School in Clyde Sea. Comparisons focus on capturing the range of infl uence of River, to the Junior Canadian Rangers program funded by the water masses that originate from the Pacifi c Ocean, Atlantic Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces, to Ocean, and Mackenzie River. Zooplankton, epifauna, and programs created and delivered by community groups. Many fi sh were collected in summer 2012 along transects from the programs are also interlinked with and supported by academic shelf (40 m) to deeper waters beyond the shelf-break (750 m). research activities. Th is trend raises a number of questions: How Samples were collected aboard the F/V Frosti using zooplankton does formalization change the knowledge system and social hauls through the water column, mid-water fi shing trawls, relationships that underpin it? Can formalized programs remain and benthic trawls. Although the results are preliminary, they in line with local values for education? Who benefi ts from this provide a fi rst preview of the Beaufort pelagic food web in type of program? Can land skills and values be taught this way? greater detail than has previously been available. Ultimately, this How do research and funding agency needs, such as evaluation, study will aim to understand how food web structure varies with scheduling, and priority areas, aff ect the local implementation habitat complexity and depth within the Beaufort Sea. and continuity of programs? In association with one such program in Ulukhaktok, NWT, the Nunamin Illihakvia: Learning from the Land project LOCAL PERSPECTIVES OF THE FORMALIZATION funded by Health Canada, we seek to better understand OF KNOWLEDGE TRANSMISSION: THE NUNAMIN community members’ perspectives on the formalization of ILLIHAKVIA/ LEARNING FROM THE LAND PROJECT, knowledge transmission and answer the above questions. ULUKHAKTOK, NWT Working closely with Ulukhaktokmiut researchers and

1 interpreters, we employ in-depth key informant interviews with Stephenson, Eleanor ([email protected]), T. Pearce Elders and skills teachers both involved in and outside of the 2,3, A. Cunsolo Willox4 and J. Ford1 Nunamin Illihakvia, and conduct semi-structured interviews 1 Department of Geography, McGill University, Montreal, QC with program participants. Expected contributions of this study H3A 0B9 include a critical analysis on the impacts of formalization on 2 Department of Geography, University of Guelph, Guelph, knowledge systems, key considerations for researchers involved ON. N1G 2W1 in framing or advancing knowledge transmission and land skills 3 Sustainability Research Centre, University of the Sunshine programming, and an avenue for greater inclusion of local voices Coast, Australia. 4557 within the knowledge transmission scholarship. 4 School of Professional Studies, Cape Breton University, Sydney, NS. B1P 6L2 THE DISTRIBUTION OF BERRY SHRUB COVER Across the Canadian Arctic there are concerns that local AND FRUIT PRODUCTION ACROSS THE FOREST- and traditional knowledge is not being passed on to younger TUNDRA ECOTONE IN CHURCHILL, MANITOBA generations. Th is is attributed to disruptions to traditional education systems including resettlement of communities, St.Louis, Danielle ([email protected]), and K. Harper residential schooling and displacement, technological changes School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie in transportation and navigation, economic change and time University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2 constraints of waged employment, environmental change, and reduced interest from youth who occupy a very diff erent cultural A growing number of studies have reported that trees space from that of their Elders. However, access to and skills for and tall shrubs in arctic and subarctic regions have been land-based activities is important for both physical and mental responding positively to climatic warming by increasing in health, and may be especially crucial under conditions of rapid abundance and distribution. Increasing dominance of trees and climatic change, as loss of land skills may compromise safe and tall shrubs could change the distribution of berry plants and eff ective hunting and travel. Ensuring that local and traditional the quantity and quality of berries produced, as berry plants knowledge is successfully shared and exchanged with younger are generally intolerant to shading. Th is is a concern given the generations has become a priority for many Arctic communities. importance of berries as food source to northerners and wildlife Research and funding institutions also now seek to promote and the traditional role that berry harvesting, preparation, and traditional ecological knowledge for priorities such as cultural consumption play in indigenous cultures. Th e main objectives preservation, health promotion, and adaptive capacity. of this project were: (1) to determine how berry abundance and 187 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

berry production change across the forest-tundra ecotone; (2) within the political and diplomatic settings of northern off shore to determine the spatial pattern of berry abundance and berry development. Th e Arctic is amongst the most expensive and production across the forest-tundra ecotone; and (3)to relate technically demanding drilling environments on the planet. Th e the pattern of berry abundance and berry production to forest western “supermajors” currently pursuing Arctic development structure. (ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and Total Tree, tall shrub, and berry cover were visually estimated in SA) are highly sensitive to public scrutiny and the potential contiguous 25 x 25 cm quadrats along100 m transects located backlash of a signifi cant oil spill in Arctic waters. Th ere is in forest, ecotone and tundra sections across the forest-tundra therefore impetus for both Arctic States and private companies transition at three diff erent sites in Churchill, Manitoba during to jointly develop standards for safety and environmental July and August 2013. At the end of the growing season, berries regulation, thus facilitating increased diplomatic cooperation were counted in each quadrat to estimate fruit production. To between Arctic nations. analyze spatial pattern, new local variance was used to measure Research into the role of non-state private companies patch size, wavelet analysiswas used to determine scale, and operating in the Arctic off shore shows that far from there being bivariate wavelet analysis to assess the negative or positive a resource race stoking diplomatic tensions between Arctic correlation between berries and tall shrubs or trees. States, joint scientifi c and technological developments continues Preliminary fi ndings indicate that berry percent cover to foster cooperative relations between northern nations. In fact, decreased from the forest to the tundra except for bearberry this relationship between scientifi c development and multilateral (Acrtostaphylos rubra) which was greatest in abundance in the aff airs can be traced back to the late 1960s, when the resource ecotone. Berry plants located in the forest and ecotone sections potential of the Arctic off shore was fi rst speculated. Today, tended to produce more fruit compared to open tundra areas. this is evidenced by recent resolutions of maritime boundary Patches of berries appear to be larger in the forest. Th ere is some disputes, the establishment of joint research initiatives, and evidence of tall shrubs reducing berry abundance and fruit the articulation of pollution standards and spill response production under dense cover. Correlation between berries and mechanisms. tall shrub and/or tree cover seem to occur at a variety of scales Our poster illustrates the off shore interests of each of the depending on the species and site. In the context of climate fi ve Arctic littoral states (Canada, USA, Greenland, Russia, and change, the expansion of trees and shrubs into open tundra Norway). We show how jointly developed subsea technology, habitats may increase berry production in the Churchill region. oil spill clean-up mechanisms, submarine pipelines, and However, results will be dependent on tree cover and other liquefi ed natural gas (LNG) technologies continue to harmonize characteristics that are site-dependent. Arctic relations, and how shared interests and concerns for off shore development have been incorporated into the political infrastructure of the Far North. COOPERATIVE SCIENCE: OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS IN ARCTIC INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Byers, Michael1 and M. Stoller2 ([email protected]) MAGNITUDE OF SHORELINE CHANGES (1979 TO 2009) ALONG BYLOT AND NORTH BAFFIN ISLANDS, 1 Department of Political Science, University of British INCLUDING THE COMMUNITY OF POND INLET, Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4 NUNAVUT 2 Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate Program, University of 1 British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4 Taylor, Robert B. ([email protected]) and D. St.-Hilaire- Gravel2 Th e opening of the Arctic to off shore resource exploration 1 Emeritus, Geological Survey of Canada, Atlantic, Dartmouth, and development is amongst the most pressing issues facing Nova Scotia, B2Y 4A2 multilateral governance of the circumpolar north today. Th e 2 School of Ocean Technology, Fisheries and Marine Institute of region is know to hold vast quantities of oil and gas, and for Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, decades has been eyed by Arctic States and private energy A1B 3X9 companies as a potential supplier of oil and gas to southern markets. As Arctic ice recedes and conventional energy reserves Awareness of coastal hazards intensifi es when large are depleted around the globe, there is renewed interest by storms strike coastal communities, such as Pond Inlet in governments and international oil companies to expand August 1991. Storms can also impact coastal infrastructure, development in the continental shelves of Arctic littoral states. archaeological resources and biological habitat along shores far Climatic, geographical, and socio-economic conditions of from settlements. To better understand the impact of storms and the Arctic present unique opportunities for scientifi c research monitor trends in physical shoreline change, permanent survey 188 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

markers were established by the Geological Survey of Canada 2 Département de biologie, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, in the 1970s and 1980s at 87 sites across the Canadian Arctic G1V 0A6 Archipelago (Nunavut). Presented are beach changes observed 3 Department of Biology, Queen’s University, Kingston, between 1979 and 1985, in 2005 and 2007 at sites located Ontario, K7L 3N6 along the high energy wave environment of western Baffi n Bay 4 Centre d’études nordiques, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, and to 2009 at the community of Pond Inlet. G1V 0A6 Along the outer Baffi n Bay coast most beaches had Modifi cations in vegetation structure in northern migrated landward or were eroded over the last three decades. Older backshore beach ridges, with abundant whale bone and ecosystems due to climate change may result in feedbacks potentially other archaeological resources were being buried to warming by various processes including alteration of the and only remained exposed in a few locations. Despite the surface energy balance, modifi cation of precipitation regimes, occurrence of extensive wave washover features, crest retreat permafrost degradation and increased nutrient availability. along barrier beaches was generally less than 5 m but locally Soil nutrients are expected to become more available to plants greater. Th e largest shift in beach crest position was observed under warmer climatic conditions. How arctic plants are in Bathurst Bay, Bylot Island where the north end of a barrier going to respond to higher nutrient availability remains a beach, retreated 14 m and the south end prograded 20 m. In central question only partially answered to date. Shrub cover Guys Bight, Baffi n Island, shores had built 7 m seaward between increase has been reported from sub-arctic areas underlain by 1981 and 2007 because of abundant sediment supply. discontinuous permafrost in Nunavik, as well as across much Along the inner coast, e.g. near the community of Pond of the Low Arctic. However the response is very heterogeneous Inlet, sand barrier beaches were building seaward during the at the landscape scale with some areas showing a great increase 1970s but had retreated as much as 8 m landward between while others have hardly changed. Nutrient availability is 1981 and 2005. Low bluff s retreated an average of 4.1 m and mainly controlled by micro-environmental conditions (e.g. soil a maximum of 6.8 m between 1981 and 2005, resulting in the temperature, litter quality, soil moisture) which infl uence the relocation of graves to higher ground. Th e beach fronting the activity of soil microorganisms. It is important to understand community has maintained a similar width compared with the that these conditions may diff er locally in any given area. Our 1970s. Since 2005, larger fl uctuations in beach morphology main objective was to evaluate the growth of Betula glandulosa were observed along the eastern portion of the community Michx. in relation to the nutrient availability in sites near beach than the western portion. Similar magnitude storms Umiujaq (Nunavik) where shrub cover has greatly increased and struck the community in the early 1970s and in August 1991. others that had only slightly changed in the last 20 years. Th is Waves were more threatening in 1991 because of increased region is highly aff ected by permafrost degradation and sites building of residences along the backshore. were selected to refl ect a gradient of moisture availability going All shores investigated experienced greater change between from water-saturated to xeric sites. 1985 to 2005 than between 1979 and 1985, yet there was little To assess how variations in soil conditions aff ect shrub signifi cant diff erence in the magnitude of biennial beach changes growth, we evaluated the growth rate of Betula glandulosa using between 1979 - 1981 and 2005 - 2007. At least one major two complementary measurements: annual stem elongation per storm struck these shores after 2005 when the beach and lagoon unit of ground area and the relative growth rate. To evaluate the were partially frozen or snow covered which may refl ect impacts nutrient availability we used ion exchange membranes that were of a longer open water season. Waves rework a much wider buried into the soil to estimate the quantity of soluble inorganic swath of modern beach (40 to 60 m) along western Baffi n Bay, and organic nitrogen available in the ground. Furthermore, than along shores of the central (20-35 m) and western (5-15 m) prior to senescence, Betula leaves were collected for chemical arctic archipelago. analysis to have another measure of nutrient availability. Finally, soil moisture was measured using a hand-held probe and soil IS LANDSCAPE-SCALE HETEROGENEITY IN temperature was recorded hourly with dataloggers. TUNDRA BIRCH SHRUB GROWTH RATES Preliminary results indicate that birch growth rate varies CORRELATED WITH VARIATION IN SOIL NUTRIENT signifi cantly among sites, and ongoing analyses will determine AVAILABILITY? whether this variation is correlated with soil nutrient availability.

Trudel, Marilie1,4 ([email protected]), S. Boudreau2,4, P. Grogan3 and E. Lévesque1,4

1 Département de sciences de l’environnement, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, G9A 5H7 189 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

THE ARCTICNET PUBLICATIONS DATABASE: in Canada that add meaning to raw data: research projects MAKING ARCTICNET PUBLICATIONS SEARCHABLE and publications. Containing over 78000 records, the ASTIS AND ACCESSIBLE database describes 16500 research projects undertaken in Vossepoel, Shannon ([email protected]) Canada’s three territories and 62000 publications about northern Canada and the circumpolar Arctic. In operation since Arctic Institute of North America, University of Calgary, 1978, the database covers all subjects and is available for free Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4 from a bilingual website at www.aina.ucalgary.ca/astis. ASTIS records contain abstracts, detailed subject and geographic In 2011, ArcticNet partnered with the Arctic Science and Technology Information System (ASTIS) to create a searchable indexing terms, and links to 21000 online publications. ASTIS database of ArcticNet publications. Th e ArcticNet Publications also maintains sixteen subset databases that cover specifi c Database includes publications from ArcticNet and from its regions, subjects or projects including the ArcticNet Publications two predecessor marine research projects, the Canadian Arctic Database, the NCP Publications Database, and the Canadian Shelf Exchange Study (CASES) and the International North IPY Publications Database. A full list of the subset databases, Water Polynya Study (NOW). Th e database provides complete with links, is available from the Arctic Institute of North coverage of the more than 1800 refereed publications and theses America website (www.arctic.ucalgary.ca/databases). As the that have so far been produced by the three research projects, Arctic Institute of North America enters a new phase, we discuss as well as partial coverage of other non-refereed publications the future of ASTIS and the possibilities for linking the various (currently about 690 are listed). Publications can be found by types of information categories in Canada to create a truly searching many diff erent fi elds including title, author, abstract, holistic view of the Canadian Arctic. subject and geographic categories, community, project, and publication type, and the results can be sorted by year or fi rst author. Database records contain citations, abstracts, detailed THE SEA-ICE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH subject and geographic terms from the ASTIS thesauri, and in FACILITY (SERF) AND RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS most cases, links to PDF fi les of the publications. Th e ArcticNet Publications Database is available for free from a bilingual Wang, Feiyue ([email protected]), D. Barber, website at www.aina.ucalgary.ca/arcticnet and can also be T. Papakyriakou, and S. Rysgaard accessed from the ArcticNet website. Th e Arctic Science and Centre for Earth Observation Science, University of Manitoba, Technology Information System (ASTIS), Canada’s national Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2 northern database, describes 78000 publications and research projects about northern Canada. All records in the ArcticNet Th e Sea-ice Environmental Research Facility (SERF) Publications Database are also available in the main ASTIS is the fi rst experimental sea-ice facility in Canada. Located database, and relevant records are included in three ASTIS in Winnipeg on the campus of the University of Manitoba, regional databases: the Inuvialuit Settlement Region Database, the main feature of SERF is an outdoor seawater pool with a the Nunavut Database, and the Nunavik Bibliography. movable roof, numerous in situ sensors and instruments, and an on site trailer laboratory. Sea ice can be created at the pool under various controlled conditions (e.g., seawater chemistry, BEYOND DATA: POLAR INFORMATION snow cover, heating) with the additions of chemical, isotopic MANAGEMENT IN CONTEXT and/or microbiological tracers. During the fi rst two years Vossepoel, Shannon ([email protected]) of operation (2011-2013), several types of sea ice including pancake ice and frost fl owers were successfully created at the Arctic Institute of North America, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4 SERF pool. Real-time monitoring was carried out on surface Polar information falls into at least six categories: and optical properties and on the evolution of temperature, information about researchers, organizations, research facilities, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, alkalinity, pCO2, and mercury research projects, research datasets, and publications. Th e in and across the sea ice environment. Th e results demonstrate management of polar research datasets has been the focus of that SERF could provide a unique research platform for signifi cant attention in recent years, but it is only one part of hypothesis-driven, mesocosm-scale studies to examine the polar information world. Th e other information types are geophysical properties and biogeochemical processes in the sea needed to provide context to, and extract knowledge from, ice environment. A few case studies including remote sensing of the raw data. Th e Arctic Science and Technology Information frost fl owers, pH evolution of sea ice, and the dynamics of ikaite

System (ASTIS) covers two of the types of polar information and CO2 fl ux will be highlighted in this presentation. 190 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

USING REMOTE SENSING FOR THE MONITORING MODELING AND EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF NET AND MODELING OF PERMAFROST DECLINE IN ECOSYSTEM CARBON BALANCE CHANGE WITH NORTHERN QUÉBEC PERMAFROST THAWING IN NORTHERN PEATLAND

1 Wang, Lingxiao ([email protected]), Wang, Zheng1,2 ([email protected]) and Nigel 2 1 M. Bernier and R. Ludwig Roulet1,2 1 Department of Geography, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet 1 Department of Geography, McGill University, 805 Sherbrooke Muenchen, 80333 Munich, Germany 2 Street West, Montreal, QC, H3A 0B9 Institut national de la recherche scientifi que Centre Eau, Terre, 2 Th e Global Environment and Climate Change Centre, McGill Environnement, Québec, Québec, G1K 9A9 University, Montreal, QC, H3A 0B9 Permafrost is one of the main components of the With the ongoing climate change, permafrost thawing cryosphere in northern regions, influencing hydrological is expected to make northern peatlands a major contributor of processes, energy exchanges, natural hazards and carbon budgets. changes in atmospheric greenhouse gases and hence positive Th e degradation of permafrost will cause major ecological and socio-economic impacts. Th e presented project is intended feedbacks to climate change. However, as northern peatland to study the degradation of permafrost under conditions of carbon biogeochemistry processes are intimately coupled to climate change by means of remote sensing and environmental environmental conditions and have complex interactions with modeling methods. Th e test site is located around the Inuit environmental change, the relationship between permafrost village of Umiujaq (56°33’ N, 76°33’ W), near the eastern shore thaw, environmental changes it causes, and the resultant change of Hudson Bay in Nunavik, Northern Quebec, Canada. It is in the carbon fl uxes are not clear. My research objective is to dominated by discontinuous permafrost where high climate assess the changes in the components of the net ecosystem change sensitivity and accompanied severe eff ects are expected. carbon balance (NECB) with permafrost thaw in northern Th e inner- and inter-annual changes of active layer thickness peatlands, and in particular how changes in the carbon (ALT) above permafrost is a crucial indicator to monitor biogeochemistry (e.g. exudates with vegetation change, liability permafrost degradation. Diff erential interferometry (D-InSAR) of DOC, and organic matter availability) infl uence NECB. technique allows to estimate relative deformations of the land I will conduct fi eld research in permafrost thawing peatland surface in the order of several centimeters, which could be to measure the exchange of CO2 and CH4, the structure used to describe heaving and subsiding dynamics caused by of vegetation, the carbon biogeochemistry associated with freezing and thawing processes. Th e ability to form long-term vegetation groups, and the physical and chemical variables displacement using radar data stacks from RADARSAT-1/-2 across a transect from an intact palsa, through peatland lawn of and TerraSAR-X over discontinuous permafrost will be studied. various wetness, to several thermokarst ponds to investigate how Once the longtime-series surface deformation is achieved, long- the NECB and biogeochemistry are infl uence by permafrost term trends and evolutions could be evaluated under current thaw. Based on my fi eld research, I will parameterize, modify climate situation. Mapping permafrost’s thermal state, and its and adapt two peatland carbon model (McGill Wetland Model changes under ongoing climate change conditions, remains a challenging problem due to sparse and limited observed and the Holocene Peatland Model) to establish of a process- data. We propose to use numerical modeling, which allows to based model that focus on the biogeochemistry processes and reveal spatial and temporal dynamics of permafrost’s thermal ecosystem carbon dynamics in the permafrost peatland. Th e state with high spatial resolution. One hydrological model major adaptations are the addition of appropriate vegetation (WasiM) with its “temperature and heat transport module” dynamics and associated liable carbon release, functions to is under our consideration. Th e input parameters of the land establish the liability and turnover of DOC, and the CH4 use and soil conditions are largely provided by remote sensing emission process. My NECB fi eld research and some long- methods. Climate forcing will be provided from the Canadian term fi eld records will be used to evaluate how this new model Regional Climate Model (CRCM, driven by CGCM and/ performs with changing environmental conditions. or re-analysis data). Th e model will be calibrated according to one borehole temperature measurement inside the test site. Th e modeled active-layer thickness will also be compared with field observations, degradation trends driven by D-InSAR technique, and other studies to demonstrate its performance. Th e calibrated model will be used to explore the possible dynamics of permafrost in the second half of the 21st century. 191 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

THE GEOMORPHOLOGY OF TWO HYPER-SALINE the interactions between this geology and permafrost will be SPRINGS IN THE CANADIAN HIGH ARCTIC useful for monitoring future permafrost changes driven by climate. Ward, Melissa K.1 ([email protected]), W. Pollard1 and C. Omelon2

1 Department of Geography, McGill University, Montreal, SCHOOLS ON BOARD - ARCTICNET’S PLATFORM Quebec, H3A 2K6 FOR ARCTIC SYSTEMS SCIENCE OUTREACH 2 Department of Geological Sciences, Th e University of Texas at TARGETING HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ACROSS Austin, Austin, Texas, 78712 CANADA

Permafrost, ground material that remains below 0°C Watts, Michelle1,2 ([email protected]), L. Barber1 for at least two consecutive years, impacts both biotic and and D. Barber1 abiotic processes that are distinctive to Polar Regions. Th e 1 thermal patterns of permafrost are directly linked to climate; Centre for Earth Observation Science, Univeristy of Manitoba, this produces its zonal pattern in nature and further controls Winnipeg, MB; Canada 2 ArcticNet, Universite Laval, Quebec, QC; Canada physical processes. Th e depth of permafrost and the active layer are controlled not only by climate but also by the materials Schools on Board is a scientifi c outreach program of present within the ground (sediment, ice and various rock types ArcticNet, based out of the Centre for Earth Observation with diff ering thermal conductivities). Th e interaction between Science, at the University of Manitoba. Th e program provides permafrost, geologic material, water and climate create surface expressions like frost mounds, icings, and ice wedges that both authentic and simulated science experiences to high shape the landscape in which they occur in. On Axel Heiberg school students and teachers from across Canada. Th e goal of Island, in the Canadian High Arctic, various geologic structures the program is to communicate ArcticNet’s eff orts in arctic and surface features suggest potentially anomalous conditions climate change research, increase awareness and knowledge of within the permafrost. Th ese anomalies occur despite being the changes in the Arctic, and to inspire the next generation of subjected to a cold polar desert climate with a mean annual researchers and scientists. temperature of -18°C. Th e geology of the island is characterized Highlights of the program include both an Arctic Field by numerous piercement structures known as diapirs associated Program, which takes place on board the CCGS Amundsen with thick evaporate deposits in the Otto Fiord Formation that and a new Subarctic Field Program, Schools on Tundra, hosted are Carboniferous in age. It is hypothesized that the presence by the Churchill Northern Studies Centre in Churchill, MB. of the salt and saline groundwater not only modify permafrost In both fi eld programs scientists deliver presentations and temperatures but also lead to unusual perennial spring activity demonstrations, facilitate group discussions, oversee science by depressing the freezing temperatures. Th is poster will focus experiments, and facilitate hands-on fi eldwork experiences. In on two sets of perennial springs characterized by hyper-saline waters that refl ect complex interaction between deep source addition to the fi eld programs, Schools on Board co-hosts an waters, evaporate deposits, diapir formation and permafrost. Arctic Climate Change Youth Forum (ACCYF) with a high During the winter the extreme cold winter air temperatures school in conjunction with a national or international meeting. cools water temperatures triggering rapid precipitation of Th is event is organized by a student planning committee and various salt minerals (mainly hydrohalite, NaCl*2H2O) that is held every two years. Th e ACCYF provides a mechanism create large surface deposits. Th e fi rst spring is located at Wolf for high school students to learn and voice their thoughts and Diapir near Strand Fiord at 79°07’23”N; 90°14’39”W and the opinions about Arctic issues. Schools on Board also promotes deposit at this site resembles a large conical mound (2.5m tall x scientifi c outreach within the ArcticNet science community 3m diameter). Th e second spring is located at Stolz Diapir near by providing guidance and information to graduate students the head of Whitsunday Bay at 79°04’30”N; 87°04’30”W. In to conduct their own outreach initiatives and facilitating this case a series of pool and barrage structures staircase down connections between them and schools. a narrow valley for approximately 300m (several pools are 10 Schools on Board’s ten years of successful programming meters wide x 3 meters deep). Th is research characterises the geochemistry and geomorphology of the springs and the mineral is due to developing eff ective partnerships, developing unique deposits. By understand processes at the surface, this research hands-on experiences, incorporating a northern perspective and aims to link this to the processes occurring within permafrost. northern culture, and the delivery of outreach by enthusiastic Many regions of the Canadian Arctic contain evaporate and dynamic scientists. Th is poster describes some of the sequences as part of their geological history. By understanding outcomes of this experiential approach to scientifi c outreach. 192 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MICROCLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ENERGY EROSION OF A RETROGRESSIVE THAW SLUMP ON FEASIBILITY PROJECTS ASSISTED BY THE WESTERN THE YUKON COAST, CANADA ARCTIC RESEARCH CENTRE, INUVIK, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES Weege, Stefanie ([email protected]) and H.Lantuit Western Arctic Research Centre and the Aurora Research Department of Periglacial Research, Alfred Wegener Institute Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Potsdam, Germany Aurora Research Institute, Inuvik, Northwest Territories, X0E 0T0 Th e Canadian Yukon Coast is an ice-rich permafrost region and is highly vulnerable to environmental change. Rising Located in Inuvik, NWT, the Western Arctic Research Centre (WARC; previously the Inuvik Research Centre) has sea level, increasing summer temperatures, and changing sea been in operation since 1964. Located just south of the tree line ice conditions are projected to lead to accelerated permafrost and on the eastern edge of the Mackenzie Delta, Inuvik and degradation and coastal erosion. Retrogressive Th aw Slumps WARC are ideally located to support research projects based in (RTS) are a commonly occurring thermal erosion feature along the western Canadian arctic and Beaufort coastal zone. To date, the Yukon Coast and are triggered by wave erosion and thawing more than 3,000 research projects have been conducted using of exposed ice-rich permafrost. Current and predicted future the Inuvik facility as a base for fi eld operations; WARC is able environmental change may lead to an increase in slump activity to assist many research projects by providing on-the-ground and further to accelerated release of large quantities of sediment technical assistance, research logistics, and fi eld support. and nutrients to the nearshore zone. However, so far the Several on-going environmental monitoring and relationship between changing climate and slump activity is not cumulative change programs in the western arctic are assisted by greatly understood. WARC staff , including air quality, water quality, and permafrost Here we present a study of the relationship between monitoring programs. Th e WARC facility and staff also help microclimatic conditions and the discharge of a thawing to monitor many types of renewable energy systems in the headwall of one of the largest RTS in the Arctic. Research was Inuvik region; for example, solar wall and solar photovoltaic performed over the summers of 2012 and 2013 on Herschel systems located at the WARC building, and a wind energy Island situated off the Yukon Coast. Th e observed RTS is turbine located at a site north of town. Th ese projects, all run over 400 m wide, has an exposed headwall of up to 30 m, in partnership with university and government researchers, and undergoes erosion at a rate exceeding 9 m/yr. Our study gather important information on the ambient environmental utilised a weir constructed within the outfl ow channel located conditions in the region, and are critical to understanding how at the outlet of this RTS. Th e weir was equipped with a radar the local environment may change in response to a changing sensor measuring the discharge before the material entered the climate. Th ey are also critical in assessing the feasibility of nearshore zone, determining the amount of eroded volume and various renewable energy technologies in northern Canada. sediment released. Two weather stations were deployed, one In this poster, we will present information about many of situated on the undisturbed tundra and one within the slump. the on-going monitoring and energy feasibility programs assisted Th ese were measuring incoming solar radiation, temperature, by WARC, as well as some preliminary data. precipitation and wind speed determining the microclimatic eff ects on the thawing of the headwall. COASTAL STABILITY ASSESSMENT, A CASE STUDY Data collected at diff erent stages over two years show that OF 5 LOCATIONS WITHIN THE CORONATION GULF, discharge from the slump is characterized by a strong intra- NUNAVUT seasonal, as well as inter- and intra-diurnal variability. Th is can best be explained by changing microclimatic conditions, Whalen, Dustin1 ([email protected]), P. Fraser1 and 2 specifi cally temperature and precipitation. B. Salive 1 Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, PO Box 1006, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, B2Y 4A2 2 Department of Environment, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1

Coronation Gulf is located between Victoria Island and mainland Canada, and is within the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut. Th e area is home to a number of communities and 193 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

mining projects that include the development of ports and THE BULLS AND THE (POLAR) BEARS: associated mining infrastructure (processing, accommodation RESPONSIBLE CORPORATE BEHAVIOR AND THE and storage facilities) adjacent to the coast. Such activities can ARTIC’S EMERGING GOVERNANCE ECOSYSTEM aff ect and be aff ected by coastal erosion and sedimentation Whellams, Melissa1 and J. Sagebien2 ([email protected]) processes. Studies of historical coastal change at key sites provide baseline data for environmental assessment of these critical 1 Avanzar Consulting, Calgary, AB areas. Th is project examined coastal change at two communities 2 Faculty of Management, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS Kugluktuk and Cambridge Bay, two potential port sites at Grays Th e Artic region will increasingly be exposed to the Bay and Bathurst Inlet and one existing port site at Hope Bay. positive and negative impacts of intense commercial activity in Historical air photos and more recent satellite imagery were used to assess coastal change for all fi ve areas within the Coronation sectors as varied as extractives, transportation, and construction. Gulf. Aerial oblique video were used to map the physical Th e social and ecological fragility of the region, the global character of the coastline and to validate the coastal change impact of the externalities associated with these sectors, and the results from historical photos. current insuffi ciency of state, intra-state and inter-state planning In general the Coronation Gulf coastline is dominated and control mechanisms over the development of the region, by outcropping bedrock and unconsolidated glacially derived will require the formulation of innovative ‘systems’ approaches sediments and has remained relatively stable throughout the to the governance of the region. Th is presentation will explore 60 year study period. However, areas with unconsolidated the possible application of the ‘Governance Ecosystems’ (GE) material can be actively mobile at select locations. Th e coastline model of CSR, developed for the mining sector of Latin surrounding the community of Kugluktuk has experienced the America, to the CSR objectives of companies operating in the highest coastal change rate among the 5 study locations with Artic regions in the future. Th e advantage of the GE approach an average retreat rate of 0.76 m/yr. However sections of the to CSR is that it contextualizes the operations of fi rms within Kugluktuk shore to the west of town near the barge landing the political economy of a region and thus helps to clarify site are retreating more rapidly (1.2 m/yr) and are susceptible how contextual relationships and dynamics between the fi rm to drastic changes during coastal storms. Coastal change and toher actors such as states, NGOs and communities can rates within Grays Bay are much less severe. Th is is partially potentially enable or disable the balance of economic, social, and attributed to the abundance of bedrock cliff s and the reduced environmental value of a locale. Th e Governance Ecosystems impact of ocean waves on the coast line as the majority of the model allows for the reframing of the corporate decision-making area is protected by Hepburn Island. Some sections of the process regarding engaging in the Arctic around collectively Grays Bay coast have aggraded almost 50 meters since 1957. determined notions of economic, social and environmental Bathurst Inlet, Hope Bay and Cambridge Bay are geographically value, rather than by the narrow self interests of the form and protected from ocean waves and mobile ice and exhibit very low toher groups in the region. Th e presentation calls for an initial coastal change rates as a result. Th e shores along Hope Bay are academic exploration of the portability of the Governance the most stable with average change rates of 0.02 m/yr. However Ecosystems model of CSR to the Artic region, as well as the there does appear to be some localized accumulation of sediment need to make more accessible to the public at large the relevance at river mouths and adjacent to anthropogenic features like the of these issues through the use of popular media and the port facility in Hope Bay. entertainment industry. Th is study provides an interesting prospective and comparison of coastal change at 5 key locations within Coronation Gulf. Knowledge of the magnitude and spatial CHARACTERIZING THE INFLUENCE OF variability of coastal change will enable stakeholders involved HYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES AND CLIMATE in the development of Coronation Gulf ports and communities CHANGE ON SHALLOW LAKES IN WAPUSK to design appropriate infrastructure for the regional and local NATIONAL PARK, WESTERN HUDSON BAY conditions. Th is will contribute to the viability of the mineral LOWLANDS, MANITOBA and energy industries in the Arctic and the well-being of White, Hilary1 ([email protected]), N. Farquharson1, residents in Nunavut. L. MacDonald2, B. Wolfe1, T. Edwards3, and R. Hall2

1 Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3C5 2 Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1 194 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

3 Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University Th e Arctic Institute of North America (AINA, www. of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1 arctic.ucalgary.ca), University of Calgary is examining CBMP Arctic Terrestrial Biodiversity Monitoring Plan implementation Wapusk National Park (WNP), located within the feasibility at northern Canadian research stations. Th e goal is to Hudson Bay Lowlands, contains over 10,000 shallow, mainly engage station mangers, the research community, and agencies thermokarst lakes and ponds that provide important wildlife charged with monitoring terrestrial biodiversity and resource habitat. Over the past ~50 years, this area has experienced management, in a dialogue to: some of the greatest warming in the circumpolar North and is 1. Assess alignment between current station-based considered one of the most sensitive regions in northern Canada activities (research and monitoring) and proposed CBMP to permafrost thaw. Potential hydrological changes include activities; increased evaporation due to longer ice-free seasons, alteration 2. Determine opportunities for harmonization with the in seasonal precipitation, accelerated permafrost thaw, and more CBMP plan; frequent lake drainage events. 3. Identify necessary resources and capacity building We are examining present and past hydrological conditions requirements for enabling uptake of monitoring of Focal of ponds in WNP using water isotope tracers to determine how Ecosystem Components identifi ed by CBMP; they are responding to climate warming. Surface water samples 4. Assess how implementation of CBMP from ~40 ponds spanning three unique ecotypes (coastal tundra, recommendations might improve research (capacity and results), peatland, boreal forest) within WNP were collected three decision-making, and the exchange of data and information times a year (June, July, September) over a three-year period among Canadian stations, researchers, and agencies, and (2010-2012). Th ese samples were analyzed for water isotope with the international terrestrial research and monitoring composition (18O, 2H) to assess seasonal and inter-annual communities. hydrological variability. Isotope-mass balance models have In this poster we outline key elements of the CBMP Plan, been utilized to quantify the relative infl uence of hydrological describe our study methods, and present some preliminary processes (snowmelt, rainfall, evaporation) on pond-water fi ndings. balances. We identifi ed strong seasonal and spatial variability in pond hydrology related to variable meteorological conditions and ecosystem characteristics. Notably, several ponds underwent ADDRESSING THE ‘NEED’ FOR SUSTAINABLE complete desiccation during summers of 2010, 2012, and 2013. FOOD SECURITY INITIATIVES: EVALUATING THE Sediment cores were obtained in summer 2013 from several ROLE OF A COMMUNITY FREEZER PROGRAM IN of these ponds to determine if this is a recent phenomenon or SUPPORTING INUIT FOOD SECURITY if desiccation has occurred in the past. Sediment chronologies Willson, Emily1 ([email protected]), C. Furgal2 and 137 210 will be determined from radiometric techniques ( Cs, Pb). T. Sheldon3 Physical (loss-on-ignition, magnetic susceptibility), geochemical 1 (organic carbon and nitrogen elemental and stable isotope Department of Sustainability Studies, Trent University, composition, aquatic cellulose oxygen isotope composition), Peterborough, Ontario, K9J7B8 2 and biological (diatoms, pigments) techniques will be used to Department of Indigenous and Environmental Studies, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J7B8 reconstruct past hydrological and limnological changes. 3 Director of Environment, Nunatsiavut Government, Nain, Overall, the results will identify the consequences of Labrador, A0P1L0 rapid environmental change on the hydrological functioning of aquatic ecosystems of the HBL and improve predictions Northern Indigenous communities are disproportionately of hydrological consequences of future climate change on exposed to a variety of environmental and anthropogenic thermokarst lakes. pressures, which challenge the sustainability of their country food systems. In part, this accounts for the higher rates of food insecurity Northern populations, such as those in the region CBMP ARCTIC TERRESTRIAL BIODIVERSITY of Nunatsiavut (Labrador) are experiencing. To address food MONITORING PLAN IMPLEMENTATION insecurity, food support initiatives need to address individual FEASIBILITY requirements for food while supporting a sustainable and culturally preferred food system. Th is requires developing Williams, Sian and M.S. Murray ([email protected]) an understanding of both the food security needs within a Arctic Insititute of North America, University of Calgary, ES community, and the ability of local services and environment 1040, 2500 University Drive, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2N 1N4 to support them. Objective measures of the physiological 195 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

needs (nutrient and caloric intakes) for food are commonly A ~50 cm long sediment core from the deepest part of the understood, but there is limited information regarding the lake was subsampled in 0.5 cm slices and subjected to pollen, preferred social and cultural requirements that are also key grain size and biogeochemical analyses. 210Pb/137Cs dating of components of food security status. Social and cultural the top 13 cm shows high and stable sediment accumulation elements of food are recognized needs surrounding right to rates and a chronological age-depth relationship for the last food in many conceptualizations of food security, and are 70 years. Th e extrapolated age of the core is ca. 300 years. Th e also elements recognized in Land Claims agreements, such as pollen record provides absolute temperature and precipitation Nunasiavuts’. Using a method of one-on-one interviews by amplitudes, and changes in vegetation communities for trained community members with community participants, that period. Grain size analysis, isotopic composition, and and a community survey, data on the nature and diversity of geochemical parameters such as TOC and C/N ratios give household food security, food “needs” and the current place additional information on sedimentary conditions and other and use of food support programs in the community of Nain, palaeoenvironmental conditions. Nunatsiavut will be collected. Th is project will examine the Detecting subrecent climate change in thermokarst nature of household food needs from an Inuit perspective and lake sediments in the Western Canadian Arctic will be explore the relationships between household food security complemented by macrofossil analyses of peat monoliths and status, perceptions of ‘need’, and current use of existing subsequent quantitative climate reconstructions over the course food support programs. Results of the study will provide a of this project. greater understanding on the level of need for food within the community of Nain, and will be useful in informing policy and current food support initiatives on strategies to more eff ectively address the food security issues in Nunatsiavut and other northern regions.

A 300 YEAR HIGH-RESOLUTION POLLEN RECORD FROM A SUBARCTIC LAKE ON THE YUKON COAST, NW CANADIAN ARCTIC

Wolter, Juliane1 ([email protected]), H. Lantuit1, U. Herzschuh1,2 and M. Fritz1

1 Department of Periglacial Research, Alfred Wegener Institute - Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, 14473 Potsdam, Germany 2 Institute of Earth and Envorionmental Sciences, Potsdam University, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany

Short-lived climate fl uctuations along arctic coasts on decadal timescales are poorly constrained. Regional temperature and precipitation anomalies e.g. during the Medieval Warm Period or the Little Ice Age are almost unknown. Th is knowledge gap hampers the ability in predicting short-term permafrost and thermokarst behavior under current climate change scenarios. Th e aim of this study is to provide high- resolution environmental reference data for a time period exceeding instrumental records. In summer 2012 a thermokarst lake situated on a rolling moraine near Roland Bay on the Yukon Coastal Plain was investigated. Lake water chemistry and bathymetry show typical thermokarst lake features, such as steep sides, a relatively fl at bottom and a shallow overall depth (max. 3.7 m). Th e water column appears to be well mixed. Th e lake is surrounded by tundra vegetation characterized by dwarf shrubs (Betula, Salix and Ericaceae), Cyperaceae, Poaceae and a diverse moss cover. 196 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

Aitken, Alec, [email protected] Baikie, Caitlyn, [email protected] University of Saskatchewan Memorial University of Newfoundland

Allard, Michel, [email protected] Baikie, Gail, [email protected] Université Laval / CEN Memorial University

Angnatok, Joey, [email protected] Bajona, Lenore, [email protected] Nunatsiavut Government Ocean Tracking Network

Aqqaq, Peter, [email protected] Balasubramaniam, Ann, [email protected] Nunavut Arctic College University of Waterloo

Archambault, Philippe, [email protected] Barber, David, [email protected] Université du Québec à Rimouski University of Manitoba / CEOS

Archie, Billy, [email protected] Barber, Lucette, [email protected] Inuvialuit Regional Corporation University of Manitoba

Ardyna, Mathieu, [email protected] Barnard, Christine, [email protected] Université Laval / Takuvik Centre d’études nordiques

Arko, Chris, [email protected] Barrett, Michael, [email protected] Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated Kativik Regional Government

Arnaquq, Naullaq, [email protected] Barrette, Carl, [email protected] University of Prince Edward Island ArcticNet /Université Laval / CEN

Arnold, Mandy, [email protected] Baryluk, Steven, [email protected] kANGIDLUASUk Student Program Inuvialuit Game Council

Arruda, Sean, [email protected] Beardsell, Andréanne, [email protected] Trent University Université Laval

Atkinson, David, [email protected] Beattie, Sarah, [email protected] Ryerson University University of Manitoba

Auclair, Jean-Pierre, [email protected] Beaulieu, Jean-Marie, [email protected] Dalhousie University Canadian Polar Commission

Audla, Terry, [email protected] Becker, Michael, [email protected] Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami McGill University

Azetsu-Scott, Kumiko, [email protected] Bedard, Jeannette, [email protected] DFO / Bedford Institute of Oceanography University of Victoria / OTN Arctic

Babin, Marcel, [email protected] Bégin, Paschale Noël, [email protected] Takuvik Université Laval

Bagnall, Ben, [email protected] Bélanger, Simon, [email protected] Memorial University Université du Québec à Rimouski

197 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Bell, Trevor, [email protected] Breton-Honeyman, Kaitlin, [email protected] Memorial University Trent University

Benkert, Bronwyn, [email protected] Brooke, Lorraine, [email protected] Yukon College Amaujaq National Centre for Inuit Education

Bennett, Robbie, [email protected] Brookman, Amy, [email protected] Natural Resources Canada VEMCO

Benoît-Gagné, Maxime, Brown, Carissa, [email protected] [email protected] Memorial University Takuvik / Université Laval / CNRS Brown, Scott, [email protected] Bernier, Monique, [email protected] Hoskin Scientifi c Institut national de la recherche scientifi que Buckham, Meghan, [email protected] Beshai, Mary, [email protected] Trent University Canadian Institutes of Health Research Buckley, Emma, [email protected] Bety, Joel, [email protected] Queen’s University Université du Québec à Rimouski Budge, Suzanne, [email protected] Beveridge, Leah, [email protected] Dalhousie University Dalhousie University Buell, Mary-Claire, [email protected] Bevington, Alexandre, [email protected] Trent University University of Ottawa Bui, Alice Olga Victoria, [email protected] Bhiry, Najat, [email protected] Ocean Networks Canada Centre d’études nordiques Bunce, Anna, [email protected] Bilodeau, Nicole, [email protected] McGill University Trent University Burgers, Tonya, [email protected] Blais, Marjolaine, [email protected] University of Manitoba / CEOS ISMER-UQAR Burt, Alexis, [email protected] Blasco, Katie, [email protected] University of Manitoba ArcticNet Byers, Michael, [email protected] Bonnaventure, Philip, [email protected] University of British Columbia Queen’s University / University of Ottawa Campbell, Karley, [email protected] Bouchard, Frédéric, [email protected] University of Manitoba / CEOS Université Laval / CEN Campeau, Allen, [email protected] Bouchard Marmen, Mariève, [email protected] Université Laval Université du Québec à Rimouski Candlish, Lauren, [email protected] Branton, Bob, [email protected] University of Manitoba Ocean Tracking Network Carrie, Jesse, [email protected] Bremner, Robyn, [email protected] University of Manitoba / CEOS MetOcean Cassidy, Alison, [email protected] University of British Columbia

198 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Cayouette, Heather, offi [email protected] Cowan, Beth, [email protected] ACUNS Memorial University

Chan, Laurie, [email protected] Crabeck, Odile, [email protected] University of Ottawa University of Manitoba / CEOS

Chatwood, Susan, [email protected] Crump, Margaret, [email protected] Institute for Circumpolar Health Research McGill University

Chayer, Sira, [email protected] Cunsolo Willox, Ashlee, [email protected] ArcticNet Cape Breton University

Cheechoo, John, [email protected] Czyzewski, Karina, [email protected] Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami University of British Columbia

Chenier, Miguel, [email protected] Daley, Angela, [email protected] Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated Dalhousie University

Choquette, Réal, [email protected] Daley, Kiley, [email protected] ArcticNet Dalhousie University

Choy, Emily, [email protected] Darlow, Neil, [email protected] University of Manitoba Imperial Oil

Christiansen, Casper, [email protected] Davis, Brendal, [email protected] Queen’s University Ocean Tracking Network

Church, Ian, [email protected] Dean, Libby, [email protected] University of New Brunswick / OMG FemNorthNet

Clark, Karin, [email protected] Decker, Jennifer, [email protected] Government of the Northwest Territories Embassy of Canada, Germany

Cleghorn, Christine, [email protected] Demers, Christine, [email protected] Wildlife Management Advisory Council ArcticNet

Clement, Marie, [email protected] Dempson, J Brian, [email protected] Memorial University Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Cohn, Norman, [email protected] Deshpande, Bethany, [email protected] Isuma Distribution International Université Laval / CEN

Comtois, Claude, [email protected] Deslongchamps, Gabriele, [email protected] University of Montreal Université Laval

Côté, Jean-Sébastien, [email protected] Desmarais, Natalie, [email protected] Université Laval / Québec-Océan ArcticNet

Côté, Steeve, [email protected] Desrosiers, Sarah, [email protected] Université Laval University of British Columbia

Coupel, Pierre, [email protected] Devred, Emmanuel, [email protected] Université Laval Takuvik / Université Laval - CNRS

Couture, Nicole, [email protected] Dewailly, Eric, [email protected] Natural Resources Canada, Geological Survey of Canada Université Laval

199 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

deYoung, Brad, [email protected] Falardeau-Côté, Marianne, Memorial University [email protected] Université Laval Dixon, Heather, [email protected] University of Waterloo Farahbakhsh, Khosrow, [email protected] University of Guelph Dmitrenko, Igor, [email protected] University of Manitoba Fauteux, Dominique, [email protected] Université Laval Doniol-Valcroze, Th omas, [email protected] Favaro, Elena, [email protected] Fisheries and Oceans Canada Queen’s University

Ducharme, Marc-André, [email protected] Fells, Anita, [email protected] Université Laval / CEN Memorial University

Duerksen, Steven, [email protected] Fife, Danielle, danielle.t.fi [email protected] York University Acadia University

Dupont, Claire, [email protected] Fillion, Myriam, mfi [email protected] Université Laval / CRCHUQ University of Ottawa

Durkalec, Agata, [email protected] Finner, Kaitlyn, kaitlyn.fi [email protected] Trent University McGill University

Duverger-Harrison, Christine, [email protected] Finnis, Joel, jfi [email protected] CEGEP de l’Outaouais Memorial University

Edgar, Robyn, [email protected] Fishback, LeeAnn, fi [email protected] Université Laval Churchill Northern Studies Centre

Edinger, Evan, [email protected] Fisk, Aaron, afi [email protected] Memorial University University of Windsor

Eegeesiak, Nikki, [email protected] Fissel, David, dfi [email protected] Coalition of Nunavut DEAs ASL Environmental Sciences Inc.

Elden, Stuart, [email protected] Flagg, Ryan, [email protected] University of Warwick Ocean Networks Canada

Elliott, Claire, [email protected] Fontaine, Marielle, [email protected] Carleton University University of Ottawa

Ellis-Evans, Cynan, [email protected] Forbes, Donald, [email protected] UK Arctic Offi ce Memorial University

Else, Brent, [email protected] Ford, Barrie, [email protected] University of Manitoba / CEOS Makivik Corporation - Nunavik Research Centre

Evans, Jaimee, [email protected] Ford, Elizabeth, [email protected] Imperial Oil Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami

Fagan-Garcia, Katharine, Ford, James, [email protected] [email protected] McGill University University of Alberta / CANHelp

200 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Forest, Alexandre, [email protected] Gareis, Jolie, [email protected] Université Laval / Takuvik Simon Fraser University / Aurora Research Institute

Forget, Marie-Hélène, [email protected] Gariépy, Alain, [email protected] UMI Takuvik Canadian Coast Guard

Fortier, Louis, [email protected] Gauthier, Gilles, [email protected] ArcticNet Université Laval / CEN

Fortier, Martin, [email protected] Gauthier, Yves, [email protected] ArcticNet INRS - ETE

Fortin, Michelle, [email protected] Ge, Le, [email protected] Université Laval Trent University

Fortune, Sarah, s.fortune@fi sheries.ubc.ca Geikie, Peter, [email protected] University of British Columbia Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami

Foster, Karen, [email protected] Geoff roy, Maxime, maxime.geoff [email protected] University of Manitoba Université Laval

Fouché, Julien, [email protected] Gérin-Lajoie, José, [email protected] Université Laval / CEN Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières

Fox, Rose, [email protected] Ghazal, Maha, [email protected] Memorial University University of Winnipeg

Freeland Ballantyne, Erin Gibson, Jennifer, [email protected] Dechinta Centre for Research & Learning Health Canada

Friddell, Julie, [email protected] Giguère, Marie-Andrée, [email protected] Polar Data Cagalogue / University of Waterloo Université de Montréal

Furgal, Chris, [email protected] Gilbert, Gregor, [email protected] Trent University / Nasivvik Centre Makivik Corporation

Gaden, Ashley, [email protected] Gillman, Vic, [email protected] University of Manitoba Fisheries Joint Management Committee

Gagné, Jacques A, [email protected] Gjerdrum, Carina, [email protected] Pêches et Océans Canada Canadian Wildlife Service

Gagnon, Jonathan, [email protected] Goelman, Nadav, [email protected] Université Laval Canadian Polar Commission / Simon Fraser University

Gagnon, Samuel, [email protected] Goldhar, Christina, [email protected] Université Laval Nunatsiavut Government

Gallant, Daniel, [email protected] Goodman, Karen, [email protected] Université du Québec à Rimouski CanHelp Working Group

Galley, Ryan, [email protected] Goodman, Lauren, [email protected] University of Manitoba / CEOS Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami

Gantner, Nikolaus, [email protected] Goodyear, Michael, [email protected] Trent University Churchill Northern Studies Centre

201 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Gordon, Allan, [email protected] Hawkins, Jim, [email protected] University of Guelph Imperial Oil

Gosselin, Michel, [email protected] Healey, Colleen, [email protected] Université du Québec à Rimouski / ISMER Government of Nunavut

Gourdal, Margaux, [email protected] Heath, Joel, [email protected] Université Laval Arctic Eider Society

Gouthro, Jennie, [email protected] Helbert, Dario, [email protected] Hoskin Scientifi c Embassy of Argentina

Grable, Carrie, [email protected] Hendrie, Stephen, [email protected] Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami

Grant, Cindy, [email protected] Henrickson, Jeni, [email protected] Université du Québec à Rimouski University of Minnesota

Grant, Robert, [email protected] Henry, Greg, [email protected] University of Alberta University of British Columbia

Gratton, Yves, [email protected] Hermanutz, Luise, [email protected] INRS / ETE Memorial University

Green, Brandon, [email protected] Herrmann, Victoria, [email protected] Paulatuk, NT Carleton University/Fulbright Canada

Greyson-Gaito, Christopher, [email protected] Hewitt, Kevin, [email protected] University of British Columbia Chevron Canada Limited

Grigor, Jordan, [email protected] Hickie, Brendan, [email protected] Université Laval Trent University

Guéguen, Céline, [email protected] Hiebert, Brad, [email protected] Trent University Queen’s University

Guéry, Loreleï, [email protected] Higgins, Kellina, [email protected] Université du Québec à Rimouski Université de Montréal

Hamilton, Jim, [email protected] Higginson, Simon, [email protected] Fisheries and Oceans Canada Bedford Institute of Oceanography

Harper, Sherilee, [email protected] Hik, David, [email protected] University of Guelph University of Alberta

Harris, Cory, [email protected] Hille, Erika, [email protected] University of Ottawa University of Victoria

Harrison, Peter, [email protected] Hirsch, Rachel, [email protected] Queen’s University Trent University

Hatcher, Scott, [email protected] Holloway, Jean, [email protected] Memorial University Queen’s University

Hattori, Masashi, [email protected] Holzman, Sara, [email protected] Embassy of Japan Government of Nunavut

202 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Hoover, Carie, [email protected] Keeling, Arn, [email protected] University of British Columbia / DFO Memorial University

Hornby, Claire, [email protected] Kelley, Karen, [email protected] University of Manitoba Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami

Horton, Brian, [email protected] Kendrick, Anne, [email protected] University of Manitoba / CEOS Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami

Inglangasuk, Gerald, fj [email protected] Kennedy , Janelle, [email protected] Fisheries Joint Management Committee Government of Nunavut

Insley, Stephen, [email protected] Kennedy Dalseg, Sheena, [email protected] Wildlife Conservation Society Canada Carleton University

Iverson, Samuel, [email protected] Kenny, Tiff -Annie, tiff [email protected] Carleton University University of Ottawa

Iverson, Sara, [email protected] Kessel, Steven, [email protected] Ocean Tracking Network University of Windsor

Jackson, Jennifer, [email protected] Kikuchi, Takashi, [email protected] ASL Environmental Sciences Inc. JAMSTEC

James, Hannah, [email protected] Kirchhoff , Stephane, skirchhoff @mcgregor-geoscience.com Gulf Islands Secondary McGregor GeoScience

Jameson, Kristie, [email protected] Kitching, Knut, [email protected] Food Security Network of NL McGill University

Jasiuk, Linnaea, [email protected] Kivett Knight, Janet, [email protected] University of Guelph Trent University

Jean-Gagnon, Frankie, [email protected] Kjikjerkovska, Elizabeta, [email protected] Université du Québec à Rimouski Queen’s University

Johnston, Vicky, [email protected] Klassen, Chelsie, [email protected] Environment Canada Imperial Oil Limited

Joli, Nathalie, [email protected] Knopp, Jennie, [email protected] Université Laval Trent University

Joseph, Helen, [email protected] Knorr, Juergen, [email protected] Fisheries and Oceans Canada EADS Deutschland GmbH

Juillet, Cédric, [email protected] Konek, Jordan, [email protected] Trent University Iqaluit, Nunavut

Juniper, Kim, [email protected] Kouril, Diana, [email protected] Ocean Networks Canada / University of Victoria Trent University

Kamula, C. Michelle, [email protected] Kunuk, Zacharias, [email protected] University of Manitoba / CEOS Kingulliit Productions Inc.

Keelan, Monika, [email protected] Kuzyk, Zou Zou, [email protected] University of Alberta University of Manitoba

203 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Lacour, Th omas, Th [email protected] Lemieux, Réjean, [email protected] Université Laval / Takuvik Canadian Space Agency

Lafrenière, Melissa, [email protected] Lemire, Mélanie, [email protected] Queen’s University Université Laval

Laing, Rodd, [email protected] Lemus-Lauzon, Isabel, [email protected] Nunatsiavut Government Université Laval / CEN

Lalande, Catherine, [email protected] Levasseur, Maurice, [email protected] Alfred Wegener Institute Université Laval / Québec-Océan

Laliberté, Julien, [email protected] Levesque, Keith, [email protected] Université du Québec à Rimouski ArcticNet

Lalonde, Geneviève, [email protected] Lévesque, Francis, [email protected] University of Guelph Université Laval

Lam, Jennifer, [email protected] Lewis-Paley, Gregory, [email protected] Inuvialuit Game Council Carleton University

Lamhonwah, Daniel, [email protected] L’Hérault, Vincent, [email protected] Queen’s University Université du Québec à Rimouski

Landva, Jorn, [email protected] Linkowski, Th omas, [email protected] Fugro GeoSurveys ArcticNet

Lane, Jodie, [email protected] Ljubicic, Gita, [email protected] Nunatsiavut Government Carleton University

Lantuit, Hugues, [email protected] Lonsdale, Steven, [email protected] Alfred Wegener Institute Nunavut Arctic College

Lapenna, Audrey, [email protected] Loring, Eric, [email protected] Makivik Corporation Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami

Larouche, Pierre, [email protected] Lougheed, Martin, [email protected] Pêches et Océans Canada Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami

Lavallee, Amanda, [email protected] Lovejoy, Connie, [email protected] Dalhousie University Université Laval

Le Corre, Mael, [email protected] Lowings, Malcolm, [email protected] Université Laval Golder Associates Ltd.

LeBlanc, Anne-Marie, [email protected] Lucas, John, [email protected] Natural Resources Canada / Geological Survey of Canada Wildlife Management Advisory Committee

Legere, Christine, [email protected] MacDonald, Lauren, [email protected] Memorial University University of Waterloo

Lemay, Mickaël, [email protected] MacIntyre, Chris, [email protected] Université Laval / CEN St. Francis Xavier University

Lemes, Marcos, [email protected] Makkik, Romani, [email protected] University of Manitoba Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.

204 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Malhotra, Avni, [email protected] McKenzie, Kyle, [email protected] McGill University Ocean Tracking Network

Manseau, Micheline, [email protected] McLennan, Donald, [email protected] Parks Canada Aboriginal Aff airs and Northern Development Canada

Maps, Frédéric, [email protected] McTavish, Kristeen, [email protected] Université Laval Trent University / Nasivvik Centre

Marchese, Christian, [email protected] Mearns, Rebecca, [email protected] Université du Québec à Rimouski Nunavut Sivuniksavut

Marcussen, Christian, [email protected] Medeiros, Andrew, [email protected] Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) Wilfrid Laurier University

Margreth, Annina, [email protected] Mekonnen, Zelalem, [email protected] Dalhousie University University of Alberta

Markovic, Marko, [email protected] Meredyk, Shawn, [email protected] Ouranos ArcticNet

Marshall, Rachael, [email protected] Michaud, Luc, [email protected] University of Guelph ArcticNet

Martinez-Levasseur, Laura, [email protected] Mihaly, Steve , [email protected] Trent University Ocean Networks Canada

Massé, Guillaume, [email protected] Milakovic, Brian, [email protected] Université Laval / Takuvik ERM Rescan

Matsuoka, Atsushi, [email protected] Misiuk, Ben, [email protected] Université Laval / Takuvik Acadia University

Mauro, Ian, [email protected] Mohrdieck, Camilla, [email protected] Mount Allison University EADS Deutschland GmbH

McAuley, Alexander (Sandy), [email protected] Moore, Jean-Sébastien, [email protected] University of Prince Edward Island Université Laval

McCann, Alexandra, [email protected] Moorhouse, Hayley, [email protected] Nova Scotia Business Inc. Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami

McCarney, Paul, [email protected] Moquin, Paul, [email protected] York University University of Victoria

McCracken, Gregory, [email protected] Mortenson, Eric, [email protected] Dalhousie University University of Victoria

McDowell, Graham, [email protected] Morton, Kes, [email protected] McGill University Ocean Tracking Network

McGetrick, Jennifer Ann, [email protected] Moss-Davies, Pitsey, [email protected] University of Alberta School of Public Health Inuit Circumpolar Council (Canada)

McKenna, Meghan, [email protected] Mueller, Derek, [email protected] Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami Carleton University

205 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Muir, Derek, [email protected] Palko, Kathy, [email protected] University of Guelph Transport Canada

Myers, Paul, [email protected] Palmer, Molly, [email protected] University of Alberta ExxonMobil Research and Engineering

Nacke, Melissa, [email protected] Pamak, Carla, [email protected] Carleton University Nunatsiavut Government

Narancic, Biljana, [email protected] Papakyriakou, Tim, [email protected] Université Laval / CEN University of Manitoba / CEOS

Natynczyk, Walter, [email protected] Paquette, Michel, [email protected] Canadian Space Agency University of Montreal

Nickels, Scot, [email protected] Paquin, Jean-Philippe, [email protected] Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami Dalhousie University

Nightingale, John, [email protected] Parewick, Kathleen, [email protected] Vancouver Aquarium Memorial University

Nozais, Christian, [email protected] Parker, Colleen, [email protected] Université du Québec à Rimouski University of Guelph

Nudds, Shannon, [email protected] Patterson, Mitchell, [email protected] Fisheries and Oceans Canada Queen’s University

Nuesslein, Shirin, [email protected] Pearce, Tristan, [email protected] Nasivvik Centre University of Guelph / University of the Sunshine Coast

Obed, Natan, [email protected] Pedersen, Angulalik, [email protected] Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Nunavut Research Institute

Oberndorfer, Erica, [email protected] Pelland, Cédric, [email protected] Carleton University Université de Montréal

Obu, Jaroslav, [email protected] Pelletier, Maude, [email protected] Alfred Wegener Institute Université Laval / CEN

Ochalski, Heather, [email protected] Pengelly, Leah, [email protected] Amaujaq National Centre for Inuit Education / ITK Dalhousie University

O’Hara, Shannon, [email protected] Perrie, Will, [email protected] Inuvialuit Regional Corporation Bedford Institute of Oceanography

Okpakok, Simon, [email protected] Petersen, Stephen, [email protected] Independent Interpreter/Translator International Polar Bear Conservation Centre

Osborne, Phil, [email protected] Peterson, Ingrid, [email protected] Golder Associates Ltd Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Ostertag, Sonja, [email protected] Petrasek MacDonald, Joanna, University of Northern British Columbia [email protected] McGill University Outridge, Peter, [email protected] Natural Resources Canada

206 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Philibert, Aline, [email protected] Riedlsperger, Rudy, [email protected] University of Ottawa Memorial University

Pienitz, Reinhard, [email protected] Riva, Mylene, [email protected] Université Laval Université Laval

Poitevin, Jean, [email protected] Robertson, Sean, [email protected] Parks Canada University of Alberta

Pokiak, Ernest, [email protected] Robillard, Audrey, [email protected] Wildlife Management Advisory Committee Université Laval

Pokiak, Frank, [email protected] Robillard-Bergeron, Nathalie, Inuvialuit Game Council [email protected] Canadian Polar Commission Pollard, Wayne, [email protected] McGill University Robinson, Terin, [email protected] University of Waterloo Pollock, Nathaniel, [email protected] Memorial University Robitaille, Marie-Janick, [email protected] INRS / ETE Power, Michael, [email protected] University of Waterloo Rodon, Th ierry, [email protected] Université Laval Proult, Valentin, [email protected] Université Laval / CEN Roulet, Nigel, [email protected] McGill University Provencher, Jennifer, [email protected] Carleton University Roy, Denis, [email protected] Dalhousie University Provencher-Nolet, Laurence, [email protected] Ruben, Lawrence, [email protected] Institut National de la Recherche Scientifi que Inuvialuit Game Council

Puestow, Th omas, [email protected] Rudy, Ashley, [email protected] C-CORE Queen’s University

Radosavljevic, Boris, [email protected] Ruzzante, Daniel, [email protected] Alfred Wegener Institute Dalhousie University

Rapaic, Maja, [email protected] Rysgaard, Soeren, [email protected] Ouranos University of Manitoba / CEOS

Rasiulis, Alexandre, [email protected] Sagebien, Julia, [email protected] Université Laval / Caribou Ungava Dalhousie University

Rathwell, Kaitlyn, [email protected] Sandlos, John, [email protected] University of Waterloo Memorial University

Rehm, Eric, [email protected] Sansoulet, Julie, [email protected] Université Laval / Takuvik Université Laval

Riddell-Dixon, Elizabeth, [email protected] Sarrazin, Denis, [email protected] Western University Centre d’études nordiques

207 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Saucier, Valérie, [email protected] Snow, Norm, [email protected] Université Laval / Caribou Ungava Joint Secretariat

Schiff rine, Nicolas, nicolas.schiff [email protected] Solomon, Eric, [email protected] Université Laval Vancouver Aquarium

Schindler, Rowan, [email protected] Spencer, Nora, [email protected] University of the Sunshine Coast Acadia University

Schmid, Moritz, [email protected] Squires, Laura, [email protected] Université Laval / Takuvik MetOcean

Scott, David J., [email protected] St.Louis, Danielle, [email protected] Canadian Polar Commission Dalhousie University

Scott, Neal, [email protected] Staples, Lindsay, [email protected] Queen’s University Wildlife Management Advisory Council (North Slope)

Secord, Dave, [email protected] Stark, Heather, [email protected] Tides Canada Foundation University of Manitoba

Sharifi , Sima Stasko, Ashley, [email protected] S. and A. Inspiration Foundation University of Waterloo

Shearer, Russel, [email protected] Statham, Sara, [email protected] Aboriginal Aff airs and Northern Development Canada Government of Nunavut

Sheldon, Tom, [email protected] Stephenson, Eleanor, [email protected] Nunatsiavut Government McGill University

Shirley, Jamal, [email protected] Stocki, Trevor, [email protected] Nunavut Research Institute Health Canada

Shiwak, Inez, [email protected] Stoller, Mark, [email protected] Nunatsiavut Government University of British Columbia

Siegwart Collier, Laura, [email protected] Storr, Evelyn, [email protected] Memorial University Inuvialuit Regional Corporation

Simard, Alice-Anne, [email protected] Stubbing, Alexander, [email protected] Université Laval / Caribou Ungava Nunavut Parks Canada Agency

Simon, Mary, [email protected] Tagoona, Kendra, [email protected] Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami

Smith, Duane, [email protected] Tattuinee, Kerri, [email protected] Inuit Circumpolar Council (Canada) Acadia University

Smith, Jennifer, [email protected] Taylor, Bob, [email protected] Wildlife Management Advisory Council Geological Survey of Canada Atlantic

Snodgrass, Donald J., [email protected] Tester, Frank, [email protected] Campbell Scientifi c (Canada) Corp. University of British Columbia

Snow, Kathleen, [email protected] Th iemann, Gregory, [email protected] Fisheries and Oceans Canada York University

208 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Th omson, Laura, [email protected] Ward, Melissa, [email protected] University of Ottawa McGill University

Tomlinson, Scott, [email protected] Watkins, Jill, [email protected] Northern Contaminants Program - AANDC Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Tougas, Sylvain, [email protected] Watts, Michelle, [email protected] ArcticNet Schools on Board - ArcticNet / CEOS

Tremblay, Jean-Éric, [email protected] Way, Robert, [email protected] Université Laval University of Ottawa

Tremblay, Martin, [email protected] Weaver, Dan, [email protected] Aboriginal Aff airs and Northern Development Canada University of Toronto

Trudel, Marilie, [email protected] Weege, Stefanie, [email protected] Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières Alfred Wegener Institute

Tukkiapik, Alex, [email protected] Welk, Allison, [email protected] Kativik Regional Corporation Dalhousie University

Turner, Kevin, [email protected] Whalen, Dustin, [email protected] Brock University Natural Resources Canada

Turner, Rhonda, [email protected] Wheatley, Kerri, [email protected] Canadian Polar Commission University of Prince Edward Island

Tuttauk, Ed, [email protected] White, Hilary, [email protected] Nunatsiavut Government Wilfrid Laurier University

Van Bibber, Geraldine, [email protected] Whitehouse, Brian, [email protected] Yukon College OEA Technologies Inc.

VanderZwaag, David, [email protected] Whoriskey, Fred, [email protected] Dalhousie University Ocean Tracking Network

Verge, Darrin, [email protected] Wilkinson, Lori, [email protected] ROMOR Ocean Solutions Polar Continental Shelf Program

Viens, Brigit, [email protected] Williams, Sian, [email protected] Networks of Centres of Excellence of Canada Arctic Institute of North America

Vincent, Warwick, [email protected] Willson, Emily, [email protected] Centre d’études nordiques Trent University

Vossepoel, Shannon, [email protected] Wilson, Katherine, [email protected] Arctic Institute of North America Aboriginal Aff airs and Northern Development Canada

Walton, Fiona, [email protected] Winters-Abel, Martha, [email protected] University of Prince Edward Island Food Security Network of NL

Wang, Lingxiao, [email protected] Witzig, Arnold University of Munich S. and A. Inspiration Foundation

Wang, Zheng, [email protected] Wolfe, Brent, [email protected] McGill University Wilfrid Laurier University

209 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

Wolfrey, Charlotte, [email protected] Rigolet Inuit Community Government

Wolter, Juliane, [email protected] Alfred Wegener Institute

Wong, Sarah, [email protected] Acadia University

Wood, Michele, [email protected] Nunatsiavut Government

Wright, Veronika, [email protected] Queen’s University

Xenos, Nicolaos, [email protected] Aboriginal Aff airs and Northern Development Canada

Xie, Huixiang, [email protected] Université du Québec à Rimouski

Young, Robert, [email protected] Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Zhang, Yu, [email protected] Natural Resources Canada

210 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

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Gold

Aboriginal Affairs and Affaires autochtones et Northern Development Canada Développement du Nord Canada

Aboriginal Aff airs and Northern Development Canada - Northern Contaminants Program / Aff aires autochtones et Développement du Nord Canada - Programme de lutte contre les contaminants dans le Nord Th e Northern Contaminants Program (NCP) has been addressing the issue of contaminants in the Arctic for over twenty years. Results of NCP monitoring, research and human health studies are used to support national and global actions on contaminants. Th e NCP’s long-term goal is to reduce and where possible eliminate contaminants in the environment and traditional/country foods while providing Northerners with the information they need to make informed dietary choices.

Student Day

Imperial Oil Limited With the industry’s longest history of Arctic experience, unparalleled capabilities, commitment to the environment and preservation of indigenous lifestyles, Imperial Oil, ExxonMobil and BP are uniquely qualifi ed to take on future challenges in the region.

MetOcean MetOcean designs and manufactures data acquisition and telemetry systems. MetOcean is the leader in integrated systems used for real-time environment monitoring; specializing in Tracking and Locating solutions like the NOVATECH satellite and RF locator beacons, buoys for Oil Tracking, Search and Rescue, Oceanographic and Meteorological data acquisition, and solutions for remote polar monitoring.

Aboriginal Affairs and Affaires autochtones et Northern Development Canada Développement du Nord Canada Aboriginal Aff airs and Northern Development Canada - Northern Contaminants Program / Aff aires autochtones et Développement du Nord Canada - Programme de lutte contre les contaminants dans le Nord Th e Northern Contaminants Program (NCP) has been addressing the issue of contaminants in the Arctic for over twenty years. Results of NCP monitoring, research and human health studies are used to support national and global actions on contaminants. Th e NCP’s long-term goal is to reduce and where possible eliminate contaminants in the environment and traditional/country foods while providing Northerners with the information they need to make informed dietary choices. 211 ASM2013 Conference Program and Abstracts

SPONSORS

Poster Sessions

Fugro GeoSurveys Fugro GeoSurveys provides marine geoscience, survey, and engineering expertise and services to a broad client base by utilizing the latest systems for high-precision DGPS positioning, hydrographic and sub-seabed mapping, geotechnical sampling and CPTs, and acoustic subsea positioning. A full range of GIS/CAD and other custom software is used in map generation and processing for geohazard and engineering studies.

Graduate Student Poster Awards

Imperial Oil Limited With the industry’s longest history of Arctic experience, unparalleled capabilities, commitment to the environment and preservation of indigenous lifestyles, Imperial Oil, ExxonMobil and BP are uniquely qualifi ed to take on future challenges in the region.

Nasivvik Th e Nasivvik Centre for Inuit Health and Changing Environments is a multidisciplinary research and training centre funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research-Institute of Aboriginal Peoples’ Health. Th e Nasivvik Centre is focused on building capacity in Inuit environmental health research through trainee support and the provision of targeted research support and facilitation.

Welcome Reception

Kongsberg Maritime Kongsberg Maritime delivers systems for positioning, surveying, navigation and automation to merchant vessels, off shore, oil and gas installations. We are a market leader in dynamic positioning systems, automation and surveillance systems, process automation, satellite navigation and hydroacoustics. Important markets include countries with large off shore and shipyard industries.

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SPONSORS

Other Sponsors

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic As Canada’s oldest and largest museum, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic endeavours to create an awareness, appreciation and understanding of Nova Scotia’s marine heritage through collection preservation, research, interpretation and exhibition. Founded in 1948 and residing on Halifax’s beautiful waterfront since 1982, the Maritime Museum provides a diverse maritime heritage experience -- from small craft boatbuilding to World War Convoys, the Days of Sail to the Age of Steam, the Halifax connection to Titanic to the Halifax Explosion in 1917-- you’ll discover the stories, events and people that have come to defi ne Nova Scotia and its relationship with the sea.

Museum of Natural History Visit the Museum of Natural History and learn more about Nova Scotia’s natural and cultural wonders. Th e Museum features Canada’s fi rst Science on a Sphere which showcases amazing datasets including climate change and various Arctic programs. Admission is free with your delegate badge. Enjoy your visit to Halifax!

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EXHIBITORS

MetOcean MetOcean designs and manufactures data acquisition and telemetry systems. MetOcean is the leader in integrated systems used for real-time environment monitoring; specializing in Tracking and Locating solutions like the NOVATECH satellite and RF locator beacons, buoys for Oil Tracking, Search and Rescue, Oceanographic and Meteorological data acquisition, and solutions for remote polar monitoring.

Kongsberg Maritime Kongsberg Maritime delivers systems for positioning, surveying, navigation and automation to merchant vessels, off shore, oil and gas installations. We are a market leader in dynamic positioning systems, automation and surveillance systems, process automation, satellite navigation and hydroacoustics. Important markets include countries with large off shore and shipyard industries.

McGregor-Geoscience McGregor GeoScience is one of Canada’s leading marine survey and mapping companies with expertise in the design, execution and supervision of high resolution geophysical, geotechnical, environmental and hydrographic surveys. With an international reputation for excellence within the marine survey industry, McGregor continues to strive for the highest standards of safety, quality and environmental preservation while ensuring all deliverables represent the very best that can be provided to our clients

Imperial Oil Limited With the industry’s longest history of Arctic experience, unparalleled capabilities, commitment to the environment and preservation of indigenous lifestyles, Imperial Oil, ExxonMobil and BP are uniquely qualifi ed to take on future challenges in the region.

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami is Canada’s national Inuit organization. Founded in 1971, it is the national voice for the more than 55,000 Inuit who come from four regions: Nunatsiavut (Labrador), Nunavik (northern Quebec), Nunavut, and the Inuvialuit Settlement Region in the Northwest Territories. Th e President of ITK is Mr. Terry Audla.

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EXHIBITORS

ROMOR Ocean Solutions ROMOR Atlantic Limited is a Canadian owned company with 25 years of experience in the Marine Industry. ROMOR is an Oceans Solutions provider exclusively representing and distributing oceanographic and geophysical instrumentation. ROMOR provides our clients with ROMOR Ocean Application Research (ROAR); a team of experts to assist with their integration requirements. Our team has the ability to off er full systems integration, new product development needs, mooring design and deployment, fi eld service and custom training on instrumentation and technology.

VEMCO VEMCO is the world leader in the design and manufacture of underwater acoustic telemetry monitoring and tracking systems used by researchers around the world for behaviour, migration and positioning studies of aquatic animals in fresh and saltwater environments. Our products include acoustic transmitters, automated receivers for long term behavioural studies, receivers that deliver high- resolution position information, and temperature data loggers.

Takuvik Takuvik Joint International Laboratory, a partnership between Université Laval and le Centre National de la Recherche Scientifi que (CNRS - France), is dedicated to the study of the impact of ongoing climatic and anthropogenic changes on Arctic marine and terrestrial ecosystems and geosystems.

Canadian Space Agency / Agence spatiale canadienne Since its creation in 1989, the Canadian Space Agency has been driving Canada’s use and exploration of space; developing space assets, applications and services; and enabling space capacity, while meeting the nation’s strategic priorities and growing need for scientifi c knowledge, innovation and information. / Depuis sa création (1989), l’Agence spatiale canadienne gère les activités du Canada touchant l’exploitation et l’exploration de l’espace, le développement de ressources spatiales, d’applications et de services, et de capacités spatiales, pour répondre aux priorités stratégiques et aux besoins croissants du Canada en matière de connaissances scientifi ques, d’innovation et d’information.

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EXHIBITORS

Aboriginal Affairs and Affaires autochtones et Northern Development Canada Développement du Nord Canada Aboriginal Aff airs and Northern Development Canada - Northern Contaminants Program / Aff aires autochtones et Développement du Nord Canada - Programme de lutte contre les contaminants dans le Nord Th e Northern Contaminants Program (NCP) has been addressing the issue of contaminants in the Arctic for over twenty years. Results of NCP monitoring, research and human health studies are used to support national and global actions on contaminants. Th e NCP’s long-term goal is to reduce and where possible eliminate contaminants in the environment and traditional/country foods while providing Northerners with the information they need to make informed dietary choices.

Hoskin Scientifi c Limited Hoskin Scientifi c is a Canadian environmental monitoring instrumentation distributor since 1946 with offi ces in Vancouver, Burlington, Edmonton and Montreal. We carry an extensive range of products with major emphasis in the following areas: Water Quality, Limnology, Hydrology, Meteorology, Agronomy, Soil Science and Snow Science. We provide sales and service to our clients along with turn-key solutions to meet your environmental application needs. Please stop by our booth for a brochure or visit our website (www.hoskin.ca) for more information.

Makivik Corporation Makivik Corporation was created in 1978 pursuant to the signing of the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement (JBNQA). Makivik is the recognized Inuit Party to the Agreement. It is a non-profi t organization owned by the Inuit of Nunavik. Its central mandate is the protection of the integrity of the JBNQA, and focuses on the political, social, and economic development of the Nunavik region. / La Société Makivik a été créée en 1978 en vertu de la Convention de la Baie James et du Nord québécois (CBJNQ). La Société Makivik est ledit signataire Inuit de la Convention. Makivik est un organisme sans but lucratif appartenant aux Inuits du Nunavik. Son mandat principal est de protéger l’intégrité des dispositions de la CBJNQ, et d’assurer le développement politique, social et économique de la région du Nunavik.

Campbell Scientific (Canada) Corp. Campbell Scientifi c (Canada) Corp.’s extensive provision of meteorological stations in the Arctic has made us a specialist in rugged, robust systems that can last through the polar night. Our dataloggers feature wide operating ranges, dependable stand-alone operation, low power consumption from a variety of sources, many telecommunications options, and have the fl exibility to support a variety of measurement and control applications.

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EXHIBITORS

Natural Resources Ressources Naturelles Canada Canada

Natural Resources Canada - Polar Continental Shelf Program / Ressources naturelles Canada - Le Programme du plateau continental polaire Natural Resources Canada/Polar Continental Shelf Program (PCSP) coordinates support for, and off ers expert advice to Canadian government and university scientists and independent, private sector and non-Canadian researchers working in isolated areas throughout the Canadian Arctic. / Ressources naturelles Canada/ Le Programme du plateau continental polaire (PPCP) coordonne le soutien pour, et off re son expertise aux scientifi ques du gouvernement et des universités canadiennes, et aux chercheurs indépendants, privés, et non canadiens qui travaillent dans des régions isolées à travers l’Arctique canadien.

ASL Environment Sciences Inc. ASL provides physical oceanographic consulting services and instruments. Products: Ice Profi ler- measures ice-keel depths; Acoustic Zooplankton Fish Profi ler- monitors the presence and location of zooplankton, fi sh or sediments. ASL has a large lease pool of oceanographic instruments. Services: fl ow measurement, ice studies, wave measurement and analysis, numerical modeling, and remote sensing.

ATS Technology Systems ATS Services Ltd, as a leading provider in meteorological services across the Arctic, employs an extensive network of aviation weather observers/communicators, aerological observers, and meteorological instructors. ATS also specializes in meteorological instrumentation by partnering with several world-class sensor manufacturers allowing ATS to off er meteorological solutions ranging from basic monitoring to fundamental research.

Canadian Polar Commission Established in 1991, the Canadian Polar Commission (CPC) is dedicated to developing, aggregating, and disseminating polar knowledge; contributing to Canadian public awareness of the importance of polar issues; identifying emerging opportunities and challenges; enhancing Canada’s international profi le as a circumpolar nation; and fostering international cooperation in the advancement of polar knowledge. In 2013, the CPC became responsible for the administration of the Northern Scientifi c Training Program (NSTP). Th e NSTP aims to promote interest in northern studies, and provide opportunities for advanced and graduate students to obtain experience and professional training in the North.

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EXHIBITORS

RBR Ltd RBR (rbr-global.com) develops and markets submersible recorders for oceanographic and cryospheric research. Our standard instruments are available with sensors for harsh environments or unique applications like accurate measurements of salinity or temperature. Th e instruments share a common core, operating software and have ample memory and power capacity for long deployments.

Arctic Institute of North America Th e Arctic Institute of North America, located at the University of Calgary, is mandated to advance the study of the circumpolar Arctic through the natural and social sciences, the arts, and the humanities. Th e Institute publishes an interdisciplinary journal Arctic, operates the Arctic Science and Technology Information System, and maintains the Kluane Lake Research Station.

Centre d’études nordiques Le Centre d’études nordiques (CEN) est un centre d’excellence interuniversitaire depuis 1961. En partenariat avec des organisations gouvernementales, autochtones et industrielles, le CEN contribue au développement durable du Nord tout en améliorant notre compréhension des enjeux des changements environnementaux et en formant des professionnels hautement qualifi és en gestion des régions froides. / Th e Centre for Northern Studies (CEN) is an interuniversity centre of excellence for research and advanced training in cold regions science, with emphasis on terrestrial environments. Established in 1961, CEN works in partnership with government, industry and northern communities, playing a pivotal role in environmental stewardship and development of the North.

Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies (ACUNS) ACUNS is a national organization of 40 universities, colleges and research institutes whose mission is to advance and promote northern research and education, notably through scholarships, conferences and education.

Government of the Northwest Territories Th e Department of Environment and Natural Resources promotes and supports the sustainable use and development of natural resources to protect, conserve and enhance the Northwest Territories environment for the social and economic benefi t of all residents. Th is responsibility is shared with Aboriginal, federal, territorial, and municipal governments, boards, agencies and residents.

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NORTHERN CONTAMINANTS PROGRAM

Call for Proposals 2014-2015

The Northern Contaminants Program (NCP) is led by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada in partnership with other federal, territorial, provincial, academic and Aboriginal organizations.

The NCP is now accepting proposals for work to be undertaken in the 2014-2015 fiscal year in the following areas: Human Health; Environmental Monitoring and Research; Community-Based Monitoring and Research; and Communications, Capacity, and Outreach. The deadline for proposal submission is Jan 13, 2014.

For more information, stop by the NCP booth at the ASM or email us: [email protected].

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BRINGING THE MOST SUCCESSFUL COMMERCIAL AUV TOOLS TO THE WORLD’S HARSHEST ENVIRONMENT

HUGIN is the most commercially successful AUV in the world, having completed over 600,000 line kilometres of paid survey. Proven by operations in harsh open ocean conditions from Africa to South America HUGIN is the most robust AUV platform providing IHO standard data quality. Our tightly integrated solutions can bring the most capable AUV to the harshest environments providing the FULL PICTURE for Arctic exploration.

Kongsberg Maritime 261 Brownlow Ave. Dartmouth, NS Canada B3B 2B6 Tel : 902 468-2268 E-Mail : [email protected] Website : www.km.kongsberg.com

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Visit our pad. Enjoy world-class exhibits, see live animals, and experience Nova Scotia’s natural history.

1747 Summer Street, Halifax, NS Tel: 902-424-7353 0QFO
ZFBSSPVOE naturalhistory.novascotia.ca

Take a voyage of discovery. Experience life at sea with no fog, dry decks, and comfortable surroundings.

1675 Lower Water Street Halifax, NS Tel: 902-424-7490

0QFO
ZFBSSPVOE maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca

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THE 2ND ANNUAL ARCTIC INSPIRATION PRIZE CEREMONY

ONE TO FIVE TEAMS WILL BE AWARDED THE ARCTIC INSPIRATION PRIZE AND A SHARE OF THE ASSOCIATED $1 MILLION AWARD

HOSTED BY PETER MANSBRIDGE

FEATURING A PERFORMANCE BY NORTHERN ARTISTS LEELA GILDAY, SYLVIA CLOUTIER, NELSON TAGOONA, AND DAVID SERKOAK, PRESENTED IN COLLABORATION WITH THE NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE

WORLD TRADE AND CONVENTION CENTRE GRAND BALLROOM (200B)

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013 FROM 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

ALL ASM PARTICIPANTS ARE INVITED

WWW.ARCTICINSPIRATIONPRIZE.CA

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WORLD TRADE AND CONVENTION CENTRE

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WORLD TRADE AND CONVENTION CENTRE

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WORLD TRADE AND CONVENTION CENTRE

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List of Presenters and Poster Numbers

Aitken, Alec 117 Else, Brent 19 Knopp, Jennie 38 Pollard, Wayne 100 Ardyna, Mathieu 121 Else, Brent 31 Lacour, Thomas 126 Pollock, Nathaniel 89 Arruda, Sean 129 Fauteux, Dominique 63 Lakeman, Thomas 23 Proult, Valentin 68 Auclair, Jean-Pierre 25 Favaro, Elena 76 Lalonde, Geneviève 166 Provencher, Jennifer 59 Azetsu-Scott, Kumiko 7 Fife, Danielle 57 Lamhonwah, Daniel 111 Pulsifer, Peter 51 Baikie, Caitlyn 39 Fishback, LeeAnn 67 Larouche, Pierre 33 Radosavljevic, Boris 81 Baikie, Gail 50 Fishback, LeeAnn 163 Lavallee, Amanda 133 Rapaic, Maja 6 Barber, Lucette 146 Fontaine, Marielle 104 Legere, Christine 82 Rasiulis, Alexandre 62 Barrette, Carl 5 Forbes, Donald 108 MacDonald, Lauren 73 Ritchie, Hal 147 Beardsell, Andréanne 54 Ford, James 93 MacIntyre, Chris 102 Robillard, Audrey 58 Beattie, Sarah 18 Forest, Alexandre 30 MacKillop, Kevin 27 Robinson, Terin 86 Beattie, Sarah 162 Fox, Rose 43 MacLean, Brian 22 Robitaille, Marie-Janick 75 Beauchamp, Nikki 155 Friddell, Julie 144 Malhotra, Avni 103 Ruzzante, Daniel 85 Becker, Michael 98 Furgal, Chris 46 Manseau, Micheline 61 Sachse, Marcel 49 Bégin, Paschale Noël 65 Furgal, Chris 47 Marchese, Christian 122 Sagebien, Julia 42 Bennett, Robbie 24 Gaden, Ashley 139 Margreth, Annina 116 Sarrazin, Denis 131 Bevington, Alexandre 115 Gantner, Nikolaus 84 Martinez-Levasseur, Laura 161 Schiffrine, Nicolas 124 Bilodeau, Nicole 92 Gareis, Jolie 153 Matsuoka, Atsushi 21 Schindler, Rowan 167 Blais, Marjolaine 119 Ghazal, Maha 60 McCarney, Paul 157 Schmid, Moritz 125 Bonnaventure, Philip 1 Gibson, Jennifer 45 McGetrick, Jennifer Ann 52 Shirley, Jamal 135 Bouchard, Mariève 118 Gourdal, Margaux 16 McTavish, Kristeen 96 Sommer, Wolfram 148 Breton-Honeyman, Kaitlin 156 Greyson-Gaito, Christopher 64 Mekonnen, Zelalem 138 Spencer, Nora 56 Buckley, Emma 101 Griffin, Debora 4 Moore, Jean-Sébastien 145 St.Louis, Danielle 134 Buell, Mary-Claire 66 Grigor, Jordan 123 Mortenson, Eric 10 Stark, Heather 32 Bui, Alice Olga Victoria 149 Hatcher, Scott 40 Mueller, Derek 34 Stasko, Ashley 128 Burgers, Tonya 8 Hawkins, James 44 Muir, Derek 87 Stephenson, Eleanor 165 Burt, Alexis 13 Hermanutz, Luise 136 Murray, Maribeth 154 Stoller, Mark 41 Candlish, Lauren 2 Herrmann, Victoria 48 Murray, Maribeth 151 Taylor, Rober 109 Choy, Emily 158 Hickie, Brendan 9 Narancic, Bljana 71 Trudel, Marilie 132 Christiansen, Casper 105 Higginson, Simon 28 Narancic, Bljana 72 Vossepoel, Shannon 141 Côté, Jean-Sébastien 14 Hik, David 168 Obu, Jaroslav 107 Vossepoel, Shannon 142 Cowan, Beth 26 Holloway, Jean 99 Ostertag, Sonja 160 Wang, Feiyue 150 Crabeck, Odile 15 Hornby, Claire 159 Paquette, Michel 112 Wang, Lingxiao 114 Desrosiers, Sarah 36 Horton, Brian 140 Parewick, Kathleen 3 Wang, Zheng 106 Devred, Emmanuel 35 Insley, Stephen 37 Parker, Colleen 94 Ward, Melissa 80 Devred, Emmanuel 120 Jackson, Jennifer 29 Patterson, Mitchell 53 Watts, Michelle 143 di Cenzo, Peter 88 Jantunen, Liisa 17 Pearce, Tristan 164 Weege, Stefanie 113 Doyle, Marlene 152 Jasiuk, Linnaea 95 Pengelly, Leah 11 Whalen, Dustin 110 Duguay, Yannick 137 Jean-Gagnon, Frankie 55 Peters, Daniel 70 White, Hilary 74 Dupont, Claire 91 Kamula, Michelle 78 Peterson, Ingrid 20 Willson, Emily 97 Edgar, Robyn 127 Keelan, Monika 90 Petrusevich, Vladislav 79 Wolter, Juliane 69 Elliott, Claire 130 Kjikjerkovska, Elizabeta 77 Pind, Meredith 12 Wong, Andrew 83

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ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting 2013 Grand Ballroom 200A Poster Room Floor Plan

161 160 159 158 157 156 Atmospheric Processes: 1-6 150 151 152 153 154 155

Arctic Physical Oceanography: 7-21 149 148 147 146 145 144 138 139 140 141 142 143 Sea Ice, Water Transport, Glaciers & Ice Islands: 22-35 137 136 135 134 133 132 Community and Resource 126 127 128 129 130 131 Development: 36-45 Arctic Social Sciences: 46-49 125 124 123 122 121 120 165 164163 162 114 115 116 117 118 119 Local Knowledge: 50-53

113 112 111 110 109 108 Arctic Wildlife: 54-64 102 103 104 105 106 107

Arctic Lakes, Rivers & Estuaries: 65-88 166 167 168 101 100 99 98 97 96 90 91 92 93 94 95 Community Health & Food Security: 89-97

89 88 87 86 85 84 Permafrost & Ground Processes: 98-116 78 79 80 81 82 83 Arctic Marine Ecosystems, 77 76 75 74 73 72 Plankton & Fish: 117-128 66 67 68 69 70 71 Arctic Tundra & Vegetation: 129-138

65 64 63 62 61 60 Networks, Programs & Databases: 139-151 54 55 56 57 58 59

Arctic Monitoring: 152-155

Arctic Marine Mammals: 156-161

48 47 36 35 24 Education & Outreach: 162-168 49 46 37 34 25 8 7 50 45 38 33 26 23 16 15 ASA 9 6 1 51 44 39 32 27 22 17 14 5 2 52 43 40 31 28 21 18 13 10 4 3 53 42 41 30 29 20 19 12 11

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BREAKFAST OPTIONS

At the Scotia Square – 5201 Duke Street Starbucks: from 6:30 am Tim Horton’s: from 6:00 am Mama Gratti’s: from 6:00 am At the Delta Barrington – 1875 Barrington Street Tempo Grab + Go: from 7:00 am At the Delta Halifax – 1990 Barrington Street Harbour City Bar and Grill: from 7:00 am

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