DOCSLIB.ORG

Fisheries Research Board of Canada

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Fisheries Research Board of Canada FISHERIES RESEARCH BOARD OF CANADA MANUSCRIPT REPORT SERIES (OCEANOGRAPHIC and LIMNOLOGICAL) No. • TITLE ICE STUDIES OF THE ATLANTIC OCEANOGRAPHIC GROUP AUTHORSHIP N.J. Campbell & L.M. Lauzier Establishment ATLANTIC OCEANOGRAPHIC GROUP Dated March 4, 1960 Programmed by THE CANADIAN COMMITTEE ON OCEANOGRAPHY Preface This report contains a short summary of the ice studies carried out by the Atlantic Oceanographic Group, Fisheries Research Board of Canada over the oast five years. The purpose of the report is to table the interests,, objectives, results, and accomplishments of the Arctic and Gulf of St. Lawrence oceanographic operations of the Atlantic Oceanographic Group. General recommendations are included as to how these studies might be furthered to meet national requirements. The authors are indebted to all the member ar;encies of the Canadian Committee on Oceanography who have supported and contributed to these studies. N. J, Campbell L. M. Lauzier. Ice Studies of the Atlantic Oceanographic Group in Arctic Waters by N. J. Campbell Introduction Since the first voyage of FMCS "Labrador", now CGS "Labrador", to the Arctic in 1954, ice studies have been included in the arctic oceanographic investigations of the Atlantic Oceanographic Group. The reasons why oceanographers are concerned about sea ice problems stem from the fact that ship operations must first be successfully carried out before any oceanographic observations can be made. Once the observations are made, they can only be completely analysed and studied by taking into consideration the ice conditions for the area in question. Ice, therefore, plays a significant role in Arctic Oceanography, it affects planning, obstructs field operations, and influences oceanographic results. It is another oceanographic parameter that must be contended with in Arctic Waters. Purpose The purpose of the arctic sea ice studies undertaken by the Atlantic Oceanographic Group were principally: (a) to assure an accessible region of study (b) to gain a better understanding of oceanographic conditions. 2 (c) to determine cause and effect relationships between water characteristics and ice conditions, (d) to collect data for the ice forecast centre of the United States Navy Hydrograohic Office, Interests (a) Field operations are of definite interest to the oceanographer, since he must be acquainted with the practical problems of reaching a designated area and the problems associated with taking oceanographic observations in ice infested waters. The oceanographer, therefore, must have the following information available before, during, and after an arctic cruise: (1) Yearly long-range ice forecasts to guide initial planning, (2) Short-range forecasts while oceanographic surveys are being carried out (3) Aircraft reconnaissance on a need-to-know basis. The reasons for these requirements are numerous and can be simply summed up by stating that without adequate ice forecasts one is faced with the likelihood of an unsuccessful field venture and subsequent disappointing scientific returns. Predictions, forecasts, and reconnaissance, items (1), (2), and (3), must be checked against one another and correlated with ice observations and oceanographic and meteorological results and observations. The accuracy and dependability of the forecasts depend, to a large extent, on the oceanographic coverage and observations carried out the year before. The corollary is equally significant to oceanography because without dependable and reliable ice information a precise interpretation of the oceanographic data is exceedingly difficult. Ice studies must go further than satisfying immediate needs, it must also provide seasonal information and the history of ice conditions. (b) The distribution, concentration and movement of ice is of prime interest to oceanographers since information on currents and movement of ice by wind can be gained by studies of ice movement. It is possible, for example, to separate wind and water movements by careful studies of the size distribution of ice floes. It is also possible to learn something of the turbulence of waters by close observations of the behaviour of ice. (c) Forecasting of ice conditions has been carried out at the Atlantic Oceanographic Group for the Gulf of St. Lawrence, but for Arctic waters we co-operated with the U.S.N.H.O. in a co-ordinated,program of oceanographic research to provide data for determining ice potentials and forecasts for the following year. The program constituted one of mutual benefit and of continuing interest, and permitted exchange of field personnel with ice forecasters from U.S.N.H.O. Results (a) The oceanographic teams on "Labrador" obtained or made copies of all ice data pertinent to the cruise. This information was supplemented by particular studies of dirt concentration, types of debris strewn on the ice, water temperatures, and turbulence. The records were used extensively in the analysis of oceanographic conditions in Hudson Strait, northern Hudson Bay, Foxe Channel, Foxe Basin, Gulf of Boothia, Prince Regent Inlet, Barrow Strait, Wellington Channel, Franklin Strait, and Lancaster Sound. (b) Other aspects of ice conditions were studied mainly to gain information on water and ice movement. The methods involved the following studies: (1) Time-lapse radar photography, (2) Cine-camera records of ice behaviour in turbulent waters, (3) Dye marking of ice floes, (4) Aerial photography. All of the above techniques were employed, at times being carried out when the ship was performing other duties. Items (1) and (2) proved practical and extremely useful, (3) was attempted in various ways with a wide variety of dyes, but was still in the experimental stage when the program could no longer be continued owing to other studies, (4) was carried out and the data partially analysed, but as a result of inexperience, the experiment was poorly undertaken. A fifth method of study involving time-lapse cine-records was planned, but time did not permit undertaking the work. (c) Ice physics constituted one phase of the summer program in 1956 when AOG teamed with Dr, E. M. Little of United States Navy Electronics Laboratory, San Diego, California, to conduct measurements and studies of ice hardness, conductivity, crystal structure, shear and tensile strengths. (d) The distribution of Foxe Basin ice was a subject of study in 1955 and 1956 and involved a program of ice studies, oceanography, and submarine geology. The results indicated that the perennial "dirty" character of the ice could be attributed to the suspension freezing of bottom sediments in the ice. (e) The study of the discoloration of Foxe Basin ice is being followed up by another study related to ice growth that involves the formation of unusually cold high salinity water. (f) Studies on the distribution of the "dirty ice" were carried out in 1955 and 1956 in Hudson Bay and Hudson Strait in an attempt to trace the movements of water from Foxe Channel. The work requires the use of an aircraft and the studies, consequently, cannot be considered as complete. Recommendations There is an oceanographic need for the following-- (1) Long and short range forecasts of arctic ice conditions; aerial surveys on a need-to-know basis while an oceanographic cruise is in operation. (2) Co-operative research programs involving ice observers, meteorologists, and oceanographers ° (3) Establishment of a monitoring network of coastal and offshore oceanographic stations for studies of ice and oceanographic conditions. (4) Establishment of regular aerial observation and photographic flights to include: (i) studies of winter "open water pools" (ii) iceberg distribution and movement. (5) Aerial photographic observations of surface currents. (6) Aerial reconnaissance of the distribution of "dirty" Foxe Basin ice in Hudson Bay, Hudson Strait, and off the Labrador Coast. (7) Further experiments on ice marking techniques. (8) The printing and distribution of an Ice Atlas showing the seasonal histories of ice distribution and concentration. (9) Winter oceanographic surveys. (10) Experiments of either a mechanical or hydraulic nature to determine the feasibility of fending ice off the side of a ship while an oceanographic station is being occupied. -7 References Bailey, W. B. 1957. Oceanographic features of the Canadian Archipelago j. Fish. Res. Bd. Canada, 14(5), pp 731-769. Campbell, N. J. and A. E. Collin MS 1956.A preliminary report on some oceanographic features of Foxe Basin. Fish. Res, Bd. Canada, MS Rept. Biol. Sta. No. 613, 42 PP. Campbell, N. J. and A. E. Collin. 1958. The discoloration of Foxe Basin ice. J. Fish. Res. Bd. Canada 15(6), pp 1175-1188. Campbell, N. J. MS 1958.The Oceanography of Hudson Strait Fish. hes. Bd. Canada, MS Report No. 12, Oceanographic and Limnological Series, 6Opp. Campbell, N. J. MS 1959. Some oceanographic features of Northern Hudson Bay s Foxe Channel, and Hudson Strait. Fish. Res. Bd. Canada, MS Report No. 46, Oceanographic and Limnological Series 29 pp. Campbell, N. J. 1959. The origin of cold high salinity water in Foxe Basin and Foxe Channel. Abstract First International Symposium on Arctic Geology. Canadian Oil and Gas Industries. December. Collin, A. E. MS 1958. An oceanographic study of Prince Regent Inlet, the Gulf of Boothia, and adjacent waters. Fish. Res. Bd. Canada, MS Report No. 13, Oceanographic and Limnological Series, 46 pp. Ice Studies of the Atlantic Oceanographic Group in the. Gulf of St. Lawrence by L. M. Lauzier Introduction The full understanding of oceanographic
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Hudson Bay Ice Conditions
    Hudson Bay Ice Conditions ERIC W. DANIELSON, JR.l ABSTRACT.Monthly mean ice cover distributions for Hudson Bay have been derived, based upon an analysis of nine years of aerial reconnaissance and other data. Information is presented in map form, along with diseussian Of significant features. Ice break-up is seen to work southward from the western, northern, and eastern edges of the Bay; the pattern seems to be a result of local topography, cur- rents, and persistent winds. Final melting occurs in August. Freeze-up commences in October, along the northwestern shore, and proceeds southeastward. The entire Bay is ice-covered by early January,except for persistent shore leads. RÉSUMÉ. Conditions de la glace dans la mer d’Hudson. A partir de l’analyse de neuf années de reconnaissances aériennes et d’autres données, on a pu déduire des moyennes mensuelles de distribution de la glace pour la mer d’Hudson. L‘informa- tion est présentte sous formes de cartes et de discussion des Cléments significatifs. On y voit que la débâcle progresse vers le sud à partir des marges ouest, nord et est dela mer; cette séquence sembleêtre le résultat de la topographielocale, des courants et .des vents dominants. La fonte se termine en aofit. L’enge€wommence en octobre le long de la rive nord-ouest et progresse vers le sud-est. Sauf pow les chenaux côtiers persistants, la mer est entihrement gelée au début de janvier. INTRODUCTION In many respects, ice cover is a basic hydrometeorological variable. In Hudson Bay (Fig. 1) it might be considered the most basic of all, as it influences all other conditions so decisively.
    [Show full text]
  • In Arctic and Subarctic Seas, and the Modifying Ejfects of Hydrographic Differences in the Environment'
    The Journal of Marine Research is an online peer-reviewed journal that publishes original research on a broad array of topics in physical, biological, and chemical oceanography. In publication since 1937, it is one of the oldest journals in American marine science and occupies a unique niche within the ocean sciences, with a rich tradition and distinguished history as part of the Sears Foundation for Marine Research at Yale University. Past and current issues are available at journalofmarineresearch.org. Yale University provides access to these materials for educational and research purposes only. Copyright or other proprietary rights to content contained in this document may be held by individuals or entities other than, or in addition to, Yale University. You are solely responsible for determining the ownership of the copyright, and for obtaining permission for your intended use. Yale University makes no warranty that your distribution, reproduction, or other use of these materials will not infringe the rights of third parties. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution- NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA. Journal of Marine Research, Sears Foundation for Marine Research, Yale University PO Box 208118, New Haven, CT 06520-8118 USA (203) 432-3154 fax (203) 432-5872 [email protected] www.journalofmarineresearch.org The Life Cycle of Sagitta elegans in Arctic and Subarctic Seas, and the Modifying Ejfects of Hydrographic Differences in the Environment' M.
    [Show full text]
  • Markham Bay – Western Hudson Strait – Foxe Channel
    Written Submission No. 41 2016 Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan Proposed Amendment and Enlargement of Key Migratory Bird Site # 33: Community Area of Interest – Multiple Values: Markham Bay – Western Hudson Strait – Foxe Channel To: The Nunavut Planning Commission From: The Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board (QWB), and the Hunters and Trappers Organization (HTO) of Kimmirut and Cape Dorset Background Information: Multiple resources that are highly valued by the Inuit of Kimmirut and Cape Dorset occur on the islands and in the waters of Markham Bay, western Hudson Strait and Foxe Channel off the coast of Baffin Island (i.e., a Multiple Value Area, MVA). The important waters extend to at least 20 km from Baffin Island and the outer-most associated islands. The Key Migratory Bird Site # 33 in the draft 2016 Nunavut Land Use Plan should be changed to a Community Area of Interest as a protected area and expanded to include these waters and islands. Without protection of this area, plus others near Kimmirut and Cape Dorset, the Nunavut Land Use Plan will fail in its goal to protect and promote the well-being of all of Nunavut’s residents and communities as a primary purpose of land use planning under Article 11 of the Nunavut Agreement. This enlarged Community Area of Interest includes a significant part of Nunavut’s population of Common Eiders. Eiders occur in this area from Upingaksaaq to Aujaq, inclusive. This MVA also supports Kumlien’s Gull and Black Guillemots. Throughout the year, this MVA is an important community harvesting area for wildlife and fish, including but not limited to: Polar bears, beluga, walrus, Arctic char, common eiders and other waterfowl, ringed seals and more.
    [Show full text]
  • In Northern Foxe Basin, Nunavut
    Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat Central and Arctic Region Science Advisory Report 2014/024 ECOLOGICALLY AND BIOLOGICALLY SIGNIFICANT AREAS (EBSA) IN NORTHERN FOXE BASIN, NUNAVUT Figure 1. Northern Foxe Basin study area (red diagonal lines) with southern boundary line set at 68˚N. Context: During an arctic marine workshop held in 1994, Foxe Basin was identified as one of nine biological hotspots in the Canadian Arctic. In fall 2008 and winter 2009, the Oceans Program in Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Central and Arctic Region conducted meetings in Nunavut with the Regional Inuit Associations, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., Nunavut Wildlife Management Board and Government of Nunavut to consider areas in Nunavut that might be considered for Marine Protected Area designation. The northern Foxe Basin study area, which includes Fury and Hecla Strait, was selected as one possible area (Figure 1). Based on a request for advice from Oceans Program, a science advisory meeting was held in June 2009 to assess the available scientific knowledge, and consider published local/traditional knowledge, to determine whether one or more locations or areas within the northern Foxe Basin study area would qualify as an Ecologically and Biologically Significant Area (EBSA). Two community meetings were subsequently held to incorporate local/traditional knowledge. This Science Advisory Report is from the June 29, 2009 (Winnipeg, MB), September 10, 2009 (Igloolik, NU) and November 19, 2009 (Hall Beach, NU) meetings for the Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas selection process for northern Foxe Basin. Additional publications from this meeting will be posted on the DFO Science Advisory Schedule as they become available.
    [Show full text]
  • Seasonal Summary
    Canadian Ice Service Seasonal Summary for the Canadian Arctic Summer 2009 Produced by the Canadian Ice Service November 06th, 2009 Seasonal Summary - Canadian Arctic Waters - Summer 2009 -1- Canadian Ice Service Table of Contents Hudson and Foxe .......................................................................................................... 4 June 2009.................................................................................................................... 4 July 2009 ..................................................................................................................... 5 August 2009 ................................................................................................................ 5 September 2009 .......................................................................................................... 6 Eastern and High Arctic.............................................................................................. 12 June 2009.................................................................................................................. 12 July 2009 ................................................................................................................... 13 August 2009 .............................................................................................................. 13 September 2009 ........................................................................................................ 14 Western and Central Arctic .......................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Seasonal Outlook for North American Arctic Waters Issued by the North American Ice Service on 2 June 2015
    Seasonal Outlook North American Arctic Waters Summer 2015 By the North American Ice Service Seasonal outlook for North American Arctic Waters issued by the North American Ice Service on 2 June 2015. Hudson Bay, Davis Strait and Labrador Coast Summer temperature and ice outlook. Average air temperatures will be near normal over most locations from June to August except for slightly above normal over western Hudson Bay and southern Labrador Coast. However temperatures will be slightly below normal over eastern Hudson Bay and in Davis Strait. In general, forecast ice events are expected to be near normal for most locations this summer except earlier than normal for Hudson Strait, Ungava Bay and southwestern Hudson Bay. Southern Labrador Coast. Over the southern section bergy water. Over the northern section open drift first-year ice with a trace of old ice within 120 miles of the coast. Outlook for June…Open drift ice becoming very open drift ice during the second week. Ice melting completely during the third week. Outlook for July…Bergy water. Northern Labrador Coast. Close to very close pack first-year ice with a trace of old ice within 120 miles of the coast. A narrow zone of very open drift first-year ice along the coast. Outlook for June…Close to very close pack ice becoming open drift ice during the fourth week of June. Outlook for July…Open drift ice melting completely during the second week of July then bergy water. Outlook for August…Bergy water. Lake Melville. Close pack first-year ice except open water along the northern shore.
    [Show full text]
  • Identification of Ecological Significance, Potential
    Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat Central and Arctic Region Science Advisory Report 2020/057 IDENTIFICATION OF ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE, POTENTIAL CONSERVATION OBJECTIVES, KNOWLEDGE GAPS AND VULNERABILITIES FOR THE SOUTHAMPTON ISLAND ECOLOGICALLY AND BIOLOGICALLY SIGNIFICANT AREA Figure 1. The Southampton Island Ecologically and Biologically Significant Area (EBSA; green shading) within the Hudson Bay Complex (Hudson Bay, Hudson Strait and Foxe Basin) biogeographic region of the Canadian Arctic. Adjacent EBSAs include Repulse Bay/Frozen Strait (red shading) identified for the Northern Hudson Bay Narwhal population and the Western Hudson Bay Coastline (blue shading) for Arctic Char (DFO 2011). Context: An Area of Interest (AOI) for the waters surrounding Southampton Island, located in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut in the central Canadian Arctic, is being considered for designation as a Marine Protected Area (MPA) under the Oceans Act. The AOI was nominated based on the presence of complex oceanography, including a recurrent polynya in Roes Welcome Sound, and for large concentrations of marine mammals and seabirds within the Southampton Island Ecologically and Biologically Significant Area (SI EBSA). The AOI is supported by communities for an MPA establishment process. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Science is required to provide science advice in support of the identification and prioritization of MPAs following the selection of an AOI. This Science Advisory Report is from the DFO Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) regional advisory meeting of December 5-6, 2018. It contains advice requested by DFO Oceans Program on key ecological features within the Southampton Island EBSA that December 2020 Southampton Island AOI Ecological Central and Arctic Region Significance and potential COs warrant marine protection and recommends conservation objectives.
    [Show full text]
  • Publications in Biological Oceanography, No
    National Museums National Museum of Canada of Natural Sciences Ottawa 1971 Publications in Biological Oceanography, No. 3 The Marine Molluscs of Arctic Canada Elizabeth Macpherson CALIFORNIA OF SCIK NCCS ACADEMY |] JAH ' 7 1972 LIBRARY Publications en oceanographie biologique, no 3 Musees nationaux Musee national des du Canada Sciences naturelles 1. Belcher Islands 2. Evans Strait 3. Fisher Strait 4. Southampton Island 5. Roes Welcome Sound 6. Repulse Bay 7. Frozen Strait 8. Foxe Channel 9. Melville Peninsula 10. Frobisher Bay 11. Cumberland Sound 12. Fury and Hecia Strait 13. Boothia Peninsula 14. Prince Regent Inlet 15. Admiralty Inlet 16. Eclipse Sound 17. Lancaster Sound 18. Barrow Strait 19. Viscount Melville Sound 20. Wellington Channel 21. Penny Strait 22. Crozier Channel 23. Prince Patrick Island 24. Jones Sound 25. Borden Island 26. Wilkins Strait 27. Prince Gustaf Adolf Sea 28. Ellef Ringnes Island 29. Eureka Sound 30. Nansen Sound 31. Smith Sound 32. Kane Basin 33. Kennedy Channel 34. Hall Basin 35. Lincoln Sea 36. Chantrey Inlet 37. James Ross Strait 38. M'Clure Strait 39. Dease Strait 40. Melville Sound 41. Bathurst Inlet 42. Coronation Gulf 43. Dolphin and Union Strait 44. Darnley Bay 45. Prince of Wales Strait 46. Franklin Bay 47. Liverpool Bay 48. Mackenzie Bay 49. Herschel Island Map 1 Geographical Distribution of Recorded Specimens CANADA DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY, MINES AND RESOURCES CANADASURVEYS AND MAPPING BRANCH A. Southeast region C. North region B. Northeast region D. Northwest region Digitized by tlie Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from California Academy of Sciences Library http://www.archive.org/details/publicationsinbi31nati The Marine Molluscs of Arctic Canada Prosobranch Gastropods, Chitons and Scaphopods National Museum of Natural Sciences Musee national des sciences naturelles Publications in Biological Publications d'oceanographie Oceanography, No.
    [Show full text]
  • Table of Contents
    TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 – SEAL WATERSHED .............................................................................................................................................. 4 2 - THLEWIAZA WATERSHED ................................................................................................................................. 5 3 - GEILLINI WATERSHED ....................................................................................................................................... 7 4 - THA-ANNE WATERSHED .................................................................................................................................... 8 5 - THELON WATERSHED ........................................................................................................................................ 9 6 - DUBAWNT WATERSHED .................................................................................................................................. 11 7 - KAZAN WATERSHED ........................................................................................................................................ 13 8 - BAKER LAKE WATERSHED ............................................................................................................................. 15 9 - QUOICH WATERSHED ....................................................................................................................................... 17 10 - CHESTERFIELD INLET WATERSHED ..........................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • THE HUDSON BAY, JAMES BAY and FOXE BASIN MARINE ECOSYSTEM: a Review
    THE HUDSON BAY, JAMES BAY AND FOXE BASIN MARINE ECOSYSTEM: A Review Agata Durkalec and Kaitlin Breton Honeyman, Eds. Polynya Consulting Group Prepared for Oceans North June, 2021 The Hudson Bay, James Bay and Foxe Basin Marine Ecosystem: A Review Prepared for Oceans North by Polynya Consulting Group Editors: Agata Durkalec, Kaitlin Breton Honeyman, Jennie Knopp and Maude Durand Chapter authors: Chapter 1: Editorial team Chapter 2: Agata Durkalec, Hilary Warne Chapter 3: Kaitlin Wilson, Agata Durkalec Chapter 4: Charity Justrabo, Agata Durkalec, Hilary Warne Chapter 5: Agata Durkalec, Hilary Warne Chapter 6: Agata Durkalec, Kaitlin Wilson, Kaitlin Breton-Honeyman, Hilary Warne Cover photo: Umiujaq, Nunavik (photo credit Agata Durkalec) TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Purpose ................................................................................................................................................................ 1 1.2 Approach ............................................................................................................................................................. 1 1.3 References ........................................................................................................................................................... 5 2 GEOGRAPHICAL BOUNDARIES ...........................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • State of Canada's Arctic Seas
    State of Canada’s Arctic Seas Andrea Niemi, Steve Ferguson, Kevin Hedges, Humfrey Melling, Christine Michel, Burton Ayles, Kumiko Azetsu-Scott, Pierre Coupel, David Deslauriers, Emmanuel Devred, Thomas Doniol-Valcroze, Karen Dunmall, Jane Eert, Peter Galbraith, Maxime Geoffroy, Grant Gilchrist, Holly Hennin, Kimberly Howland, Manasie Kendall, Doreen Kohlbach, Ellen Lea, Lisa Loseto, Andrew Majewski, Marianne Marcoux, Cory Matthews, Darcy McNicholl, Arnaud Mosnier, C.J. Mundy, Wesley Ogloff, William Perrie, Clark Richards, Evan Richardson, James Reist, Virginie Roy, Chantelle Sawatzky, Kevin Scharffenberg, Ross Tallman, Jean-Éric Tremblay, Teresa Tufts, Cortney Watt, William Williams, Elizabeth Worden, David Yurkowski, Sarah Zimmerman Fisheries and Oceans Canada Freshwater Institute 501 University Crescent Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6 2019 Canadian Technical Report of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 3344 1 Canadian Technical Report of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Technical reports contain scientific and technical information that contributes to existing knowledge but which is not normally appropriate for primary literature. Technical reports are directed primarily toward a worldwide audience and have an international distribution. No restriction is placed on subject matter and the series reflects the broad interests and policies of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, namely, fisheries and aquatic sciences. Technical reports may be cited as full publications. The correct citation appears above the abstract of each report. Each report is abstracted in the data base Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Abstracts. Technical reports are produced regionally but are numbered nationally. Requests for individual reports will be filled by the issuing establishment listed on the front cover and title page. Numbers 1-456 in this series were issued as Technical Reports of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada.
    [Show full text]
  • Mapping Critical Whale Habitat in the Nunavut Settlement Area
    MAPPING CRITICAL WHALE HABITAT IN THE NUNAVUT SETTLEMENT AREA Prepared by: Jeff W. Higdon, Higdon Wildlife Consulting, Winnipeg, MB Prepared for: Brandon Laforest, Senior Specialist, Arctic Species & Ecosystems, WWF-Canada, Iqaluit, NU Date: 05 January 2017 Re: mapping critical whale habitat in the Nunavut Settlement Area Introduction The Nunavut Planning Commission (NPC) is planning the use of the land and marine environments in the Nunavut Settlement Area (NSA), through the on-going development of a Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan (DNLUP). WWF-Canada (WWF) is actively engaged in the planning process for the DNLUP and provided various inputs throughout the process including written submission and datasets. In the latest draft of the plan, released June 2016, two areas were identified by the Coral Harbour Hunters and Trappers Organization (HTO) to be critical calving grounds for beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) and shipping seasonal restrictions were applied. These types of sensitive habitats should receive special protection and/or management, and WWF therefore sought to complete the spatial information to make sure all the known calving areas are identified for submission to the NPC, along with other critical whale habitats. This report summarizes the scientific and traditional knowledge sources of spatial information on whale sensitive/critical habitat for three Arctic cetaceans - beluga whales, narwhal (Monodon monoceros), and bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus). The best available data are used to produce a GIS-based inventory of critical whale habitat spatial information within the NSA and report on the biological value of critical habitats and the support for special management of these areas. The DNLUP states that belugas are sensitive to disturbance during the summer calving season, and also identifies a need to "[d]evelop an improved understanding of whale calving, and when nursing cow whales and their young are most sensitive [s.
    [Show full text]