Breaking the ice

With a background in the study of zooplankton and marine fish population dynamics, Dr Louis Fortier has gone on to explore the wider dynamics at play in the Canadian Arctic. His current work considers the cross-sector approaches required to address issues related to global climate change

ARCTICNET © Martin Fortier/ArcticNet

© Keith Levesque/ArcticNet

As Scientific Director, President and CEO of Centres of Excellence (NCE) funding programme stars. In 2001, several Canadian the ArcticNet programme, what does your that encourages such cross-sector research in specialists put in a proposal for the Canadian role entail? order to address strategic issues. Arctic Shelf Exchange Study to study carbon fluxes across the shelf. But, despite Among many responsibilities, the most The effects of climate warming in will much good will, the support initially important is certainly to define and implement be most severely felt in Arctic communities pledged by the for the ArcticNet’s Strategic Plan, which is the road and territories. Can you highlight the most project did not materialise due to logistical and map to achieve our vision of a future Canadian significant issues that must be faced? financial reasons. Arctic where local populations, industries and governments have collectively adapted to The effects of climate warming in the Arctic In 2002, the Canada Foundation for Innovation the tremendous changes that are unfolding are manifold and their ramifications complex. (CFI) launched its International Joint Venture as we speak. As Scientific Director, I propose Changes that are unique to the Arctic include the Fund (IJVF) to help create large national science and orchestrate strategic elements – such as spectacular reduction in sea ice and the warming infrastructures with an international mandate. the sponsoring of new research chairs, the of the tundra. Sea-ice loss impacts the marine The same year, tight budgets forced the Coast allocation of funds to logistics, collaborations ecosystem, enables species such as temperate Guard to decommission the CCGS Sir John with the private sector – that will steer fishes and the killer whale to move north, Franklin, a 98 m icebreaker that was a perfect the Network. increases storm frequency, opens new seaways fit for the needs of the scientific community. and access to resources, and affects the climate The proposal to the CFI-IJVF to refit the What makes the Network’s multidisciplinary of the entire Northern Hemisphere. decommissioned ship for research was accepted. and cross-sector approach unique? Like a phoenix, the Amundsen was reborn from The warming of the tundra destabilises the Franklin after an eight-month engineering In the Arctic, people have a close relationship permafrost and the infrastructure built on marathon that transformed the much-battered with the sea and land; whatever impacts the it (buildings, roads, airstrips), modifies the icebreaker into the best oceanographic research ecosystem will also affect their economy, landscape, affects drinking water supplies, platform in Canada. The ship’s initial pool of food, physical and mental health, and their changes the vegetation and alters the ecology equipment was doubled in 2006 thanks to an culture. For example, the availability – or of various animal species from flies to caribou. additional Leading-Edge grant from the CFI. scarcity – of traditional food (fish, seals, In Canada, the ongoing transformation of the whales, etc.) directly impacts the health of marine and terrestrial environments directly Since 2003, the Amundsen has supported the , their subsistence economy and bonding impacts the economy and health of Inuit living in marine component of ArcticNet’s research in communities. Hence, addressing issues the High Arctic. programme, the Canadian contribution to such as climate change and modernisation in the International Polar Year, the Inuit Health the North, demands an integrated approach ArcticNet’s primary marine research Surveys, and successful collaborations with that bridges the natural, human health and platform, the CCGS Amundsen, has played the oil sector collecting environmental data in social sciences. a central role in successful projects. the Beaufort Sea. The ship is the only research By what means has the ship’s research icebreaker to have overwintered twice in the Does integration pose challenges? capacity been developed? Arctic (2003-04 and 2007-08). In 2012, the acknowledged the extraordinary In most countries, bringing together specialists The Amundsen was mobilised for scientific scientific odyssey of the Amundsen by from the different sectors would be difficult. research in 2003 (before ArcticNet started featuring the icebreaker on Canada’s new $50 Canada is blessed with the unique Network of operations) thanks to a perfect alignment of the polymer banknote. 112 INTERNATIONAL INNOVATION ARCTICNET Full steam ahead

The Canadian Arctic represents a vast, biodiverse region that supports local communities and global-scale ecological dynamics alike. ArcticNet is currently celebrating its 10th year as a research network dedicated to informing national and international decision making and policy in the North

AMONG MANY IMPRESSIVE achievements, human health, marine and terrestrial sciences. of Canada – Inuvialuit, Nunavut, and – perhaps the greatest In partnership with indigenous communities, Nunatsiavut – were visited by the Amundsen expedition leader of the ‘Heroic Age of Polar government agencies and the private sector, it during two major health surveys in 2004 and Exploration’ – was fi rst to navigate the Arctic’s also fulfi ls the mandate of the Government of during the 2007-08 International Polar Year (IPY). more than 100 years ago. Canada‘s NCE by building synergy across sectors Amundsen disappeared on an Arctic rescue from its administrative base at Université Laval in To carry out these surveys, the vessel was mission in 1928, but 75 years later in 2003, the . transformed into a fl oating medical clinic with legacy of the Norwegian explorer was celebrated social scientists and health experts working by christening the Canadian research icebreaker Scientifi c Director, President and CEO Dr Louis with northern community members to CCGS Amundsen in his name. Fortier leads ArcticNet’s scientifi c programme. evaluate the health of Northerners throughout With extensive knowledge of the Canadian Arctic Canada’s 51 coastal Inuit communities. State- The Amundsen is the primary marine research and a number of international research projects of-the-art medical technology, not readily platform of ArcticNet – a Canadian Network of to his name, Fortier champions this cross-sector available in the North, was installed onboard Centres of Excellence (NCE) that brings together approach to solve the multifaceted challenges the ship to document residents’ lifestyle and scientists and managers with partners from Inuit facing the region. Accordingly, ArcticNet has diet, as well as test for indications of chronic organisations, northern communities, federal developed the Integrated Regional Impact Study and infectious diseases, and exposure to and provincial agencies, and the private sector. (IRIS) framework to achieve its goals. environmental contaminants. Co-managed by the Canadian Coast Guard and Université Laval, the Amundsen has been The study outputs have been designed to inform LOCAL RESILIENCE navigating the Canadian Arctic Ocean since 2003 the public as well as regional and national health to study marine ecosystems and geosystems. Despite a seemingly inhospitable environment, organisations in order to address current health the circumpolar Arctic is home to around 4 concerns in the North and increase quality of life Researchers have been utilising the Amundsen’s million permanent inhabitants. While scientifi c through preventative care and treatment. “The impressive range of scientifi c equipment to research, natural resources and tourism brought fi ndings of the 2004 Inuit Health Survey were monitor the dynamic nature of this largely southerners to the North from as early as disseminated in layman terms via 17 brochures, uncharted territory, from the seafl oor to the upper the 19th Century, Inuit are thought to have each providing the most up-to-date information atmosphere, viruses to whales, and the health to survived the harsh climate for 3,000-5,000 on a subject of concern for the population the education of Inuit, with the overarching goal years. Consequently, they have developed (mercury contamination, lung cancer, etc.),” of answering the multidisciplinary questions unique survival techniques and a culture heavily Fortier explains. raised by climate change and modernisation in dependent upon their environment. the Arctic. DOWNSCALING FOR BETTER RESULTS Inuit are a great source of knowledge and key to safeguarding the future of the Canadian Arctic. ArcticNet’s four IRIS reports (the fi rst of which AN INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH Climate change and modernisation are impacting was published in 2012) provide a central Interdisciplinarity is central to effectively their communities and health, but the full knowledge transfer mechanism for ArcticNet, understand and respond to global change. effects are only emerging as a result of research and in doing so have highlighted the importance As such, ArcticNet encourages and facilitates conducted by programmes such as ArcticNet. of regional-scale assessments of past and multidisciplinary research between the social, The coastal communities of the four Inuit regions future impacts for informed decision making.

© Martin Fortier/ArcticNet DATE FOR THE DIARY This year, ArcticNet’s Annual Scientifi c Meeting will be replaced by Arctic Change 2014, an even larger event that will welcome the international research community to from 8-12 December.

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©Keith Levesque/ArcticNet

Previously, global climate models (GCMs) and Arctic Council recently took inspiration from programmes with both BP and Imperial Oil circumpolar assessments were the main source ArcticNet’s IRIS framework to downscale for the collection of environmental data in of information on which to base policy and its circumpolar assessments to the regional the region. As an independent academic-led the formulation of adaptation strategies. The scale.” The Adaptation Actions for a Changing network and owner of all collected data, inclusion of the regional context to inform local Arctic (AACA) project will go on to provide ArcticNet provides a scientifically endorsed decisions and the engagement of stakeholders local, national and international stakeholders mechanism for making the same reliable data (Inuit, government and private sector) in the with the evidence needed to responsibly accessible to all stakeholders. mobilisation of knowledge for action represent conserve, or indeed develop, the region. major improvements. Under the multi-stakeholder Beaufort Regional Environmental Assessment (BREA) In observing present conditions, the IRIS programme of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern reports collate far more than datasets; Inuit Development Canada (AANDC), ArcticNet communities, governments and the private leads four projects to help gather regional sector are actively involved in determining Inuit are a great source of environmental knowledge to inform regulatory regional priorities for the studies and therefore decisions related to future management of the influence the focus of the research. The knowledge and key to safeguarding Beaufort Sea. These projects involve remote assessments and recommendations found in the future of the Canadian Arctic sensing of extreme ice features, collection these syntheses will help inform policy and of seabed data for mapping of geohazards, decision making for resource allocation and mapping of fish distributions using an SX90 provide a focused approach to more reliably fish finding and the study of ocean forecast and cope with future change including currents and water properties through THE BOUNTY OF THE BEAUFORT permafrost, extreme weather frequency, the deployment of annual oceanographic food supplies and the exploitation of natural Oil and gas interests in the Arctic are growing as moorings. This year’s Amundsen expedition will resources. Environmental, socioeconomic and the Northwest Passage becomes increasingly also support research partnerships with the health scenarios were all captured to create a ice free during the summer months. Previously Network on Climate and Aerosols (Netcare), clearer picture of a warmer, more industrialised inaccessible, it is now far easier to navigate the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science Arctic domain. and explore for resources in Arctic waters. and Technology (JAMSTEC) and the National Major research initiatives were focused on the Institute of Polar Research (NIPR), which will ArcticNet’s role is to present the best nearshore region of the Beaufort Sea in the see the vessel venture into the Chukchi Sea. evidence possible to orientate research 1970s and 1980s, due in large part to oil and towards informing adaptation strategies, gas interests, however, far less is known about GATHERING MOMENTUM but it is the responsibility of governments the offshore. As part of research conducted to act accordingly: “We provide non-binding from the Amundsen, ArcticNet monitors In April 2012, ArcticNet played a pivotal role recommendations on how to adapt to foreseen oceanographic conditions in the Beaufort in the International Polar Year (IPY2012) changes,” Fortier highlights. “Interestingly, the Sea and has recently completed collaborative conference, which brought together more 114 INTERNATIONAL INNOVATION INTELLIGENCE ArcticNet OBJECTIVES • To build synergy among Centres of Excellence in the natural, human health and social arctic sciences • To provide academic researchers and their CCGS AMUNDSEN’S national and international collaborators with stable access to the coastal Canadian Arctic VITAL STATISTICS • To collect and archive the observations needed to address the strategic issues raised 98.33 m in length by climate change and modernisation in the Arctic State-of-the-art equipment, made up of 53 • To involve Northerners, government and the systems and valued at CAD $36.5 million private sector in steering the Network and Computer-controlled dynamic positioning scientifi c process with retractable azipodal propellers ensures • To consolidate national and international precise positioning collaborations and to recruit foreign expertise for the study of the Canadian Arctic Internal access well (moon pool) enables • To train the next generation of Arctic scientists to deploy instruments from inside specialists needed to study, monitor and the ship when overwintering manage the changing Canadian Arctic • To translate the growing understanding of First research icebreaker in the world the changing Arctic into Integrated Regional to have undertaken two overwintering Impact Studies (IRISes) that inform policy and expeditions in the Arctic adaptation strategies • To infl uence Canada’s northern policy KEY COLLABORATORS ArcticNet groups together researchers and students from 30 Canadian universities. See website for further details. FUNDING than 3,000 participants from 50 countries Norway, France, Denmark, the UK, Spain, The NCE is administered by Canada’s three in Montreal. ArcticNet’s researchers and Russia, Germany and Japan, work throughout granting agencies: The Canadian Institutes of students gave more than 400 presentations the year to fulfi l the ambitious goal of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences at the conference and, during the event, ArcticNet: the reframing of development and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and ArcticNet helped launch the Arctic Inspiration models for a more prosperous and sustainable the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Prize, valued at CAD $1 million annually and Canadian Arctic. Council (SSHRC), in partnership with Industry open to multidisciplinary teams implementing Canada and Health Canada. Arctic knowledge to real-world applications Training the next generation of young CONTACT for the benefi t of the Canadian Arctic, Arctic researchers is particularly important for the Peoples and Canada at large. Network, and key to maintaining Canadian Dr Louis Fortier expertise in all fi elds of Arctic sciences. Scientifi c Director This year, ArcticNet and its national and The ArcticNet Student Association (ASA) international partners have invited the Arctic represents over 500 undergraduate and ArcticNet research community to Ottawa, for the graduate students as well as postdoctoral Pavillon Alexandre-Vachon, local 4081 international Arctic Change 2014 conference fellows. The ASA encourages and facilitates 1045, avenue de la Médecine from 8-12 December. The conference will collaborations and networking opportunities Université Laval welcome researchers, students, Northerners, between students, scientists, Northerners, Québec, Québec policy makers, and stakeholders from all and government partners, and organises Canada fi elds of Arctic research and all countries Student Day as part of ArcticNet’s annual G1V 0A6 to address the numerous environmental, conference. In addition to the several million T +1 418 656 5830 social, economical and political challenges Canadian dollars invested annually in support E [email protected] and opportunities that are emerging in the of graduate student tuition and research, Twitter @ArcticNet changing Arctic. Fortier is proud to be part of ArcticNet allocates $40,000 into a special such a monumental occasion: “With over 1,000 student mobility fund for participation in www.arcticnet.ulaval.ca participants expected to attend, Arctic Change international fi eld schools. Its Schools on 2014 will be one of the largest trans-sectoral Board outreach programme, based at the DR LOUIS FORTIER trained at Laval and McGill international Arctic research conferences ever University of Manitoba, enables high school Universities, and holds Canada’s Research Chair held in Canada,” he enthuses. students and teachers to participate in the on Arctic Marine Ecosystems. He is Project Amundsen’s annual research expedition. Leader for the Canadian Research Icebreaker Fortier notes: “In addition to these targeted Amundsen and Scientifi c Director of ArcticNet. FOSTERING YOUNG TALENT programmes, the Network fosters a unique Over 140 researchers and 1,000 students, trans-sector learning environment where technicians and other specialists from 30 students are exposed to Arctic issues relating Canadian universities, and a growing network to the natural sciences, the health sciences of international contributors from the US, and the socioeconomic sciences”. 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