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Cumberland Sound Longline Survey
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Kevin Hedges — An annual fishery independent longline survey commenced in Cumberland Sound in 2011. Bottom set longlines with 1 m gangions and #14 duratin coated circle hooks baited with squid are fished to support a stock assessment of Greenland Halibut in Cumberland Sound. Greenland Shark and Arctic Skate are caught as bycatch, occasional catches of other benthic fishes occur but are very rare. Longlines are fishes between late July and the end of September depending on ice conditions. The survey is designed as a depth-stratified random survey, with equal allocation of sets between depth strata; strata are 200-399 m, 400-599 m, 600-799 m, 800-999 m, 1000+ m.
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Sea ice inorganic carbon system
DFO
Lisa Miller — Total inorganic carbon, alkalinity, total organic carbon, and salinity measured in melted ice core sections. Full core profiles with 10-cm resolution taken weekly at Takatuk. Partial pressure of CO2 measured 2-3 times per week through peepers at three depths at each of 6 locations, 3 at Takatuk and 3 at Bruney Island. Total inorganic carbon measured coulometrically, alkalinity by potentiometric titration, organic carbon by high temperature catalytic combustion, and salinity by diffraction. pCO2 measured by gas chromatograph.
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Perinatal Organochlorine Exposure in Rats: Effects on Humoral and Cellular Immune Parameters
Université Laval
Pierre Ayotte — Inuit people are exposed to unusually high doses of several organochlorines (OC) through their traditional diet. Epidemiological studies conducted in Nunavik revealed that prenatal exposure to OC was associated with increased incidence of acute otitis media in Inuit infants. We assessed the effects of in utero and lactational exposure to an OC mixture, similar to that found in sea mammal fat consumed by the Inuit, on specific elements of the immune system in 90-days-old F1 male rats. In last year's synopsis, we reported that exposure to the mixture induced activation-like changes in surface markers of splenic dendritic cells (DC). Here we report an increase in the expression of IL-1, IL-18 and IL-10 in splenic DC from rats belonging to the medium dose group compared to controls. The C3 component of the complement system was also decreased by the OC treatment. Cytokine expression pattern is coherent with an inappropriate stimulation of DC that may lead to their premature deletion, altered survival of T cells and dysregulation of the immune system.
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Interactions between contaminants exposure and genetic polymorphisms in relation to health
Université Laval
Dewailly, Éric; Ayotte, Pierre; Muckle, Gina — The Nunavik Health Survey was conducted in fall 2004. 929 participants accepted to enter the cohort study (follow up). A food frequency questionnaire and a 24h-recall in 1000 participants have been used to calculate various macro and micro nutrients intake. Legacy and emerging POPs, CALUX (dioxin like activity), mercury Oxidative parameters (LDL-Ox), paraxonase-1 (PON1) activity and concentration Holter (HRV), carotid ultrasound (IMT), blood pressure and confounders BMI, sitting BMI and diabetes parameters (insulin and blood glucose) were assessed. Red blood cell (n=1000) and plasma (n=500) fatty acids available. All medical files have been scanned and interpreted. Statistical analyses were conducted for the influence of enotyped polymorphisms on the associations between exposure data (POPs and heavy metals) and CVD risk factors in adults. Obesity and POPs (legacy, dioxin-like and emerging) in adults: We assessed if candidate polymorphisms interact with dioxin-like PCBs and emerging POPs in relation to obesity (BMI, sitting BMI, impedance data). Blood pressure and Hg in adults: Interactions between candidate polymorphisms and mercury in relation to systolic, diastolic and pulse pressure. Heart variability and pulse and Hg in adults: Key polymorphisms have been investigated for their interaction with mercury exposure in relation to HRV indices that are derived from a 2-hour Holter monitoring in adults. Oxidation in adults and Hg or POPs: The level of plasmatic LDL oxidation has been measured during the Qanuippitaa survey, as a potential marker of oxidative stress. Oxidized LDL has been tested for their association with contaminants and polymorphisms of interest has been investigated for their modifying effects. Diabetes in adults and POPs in adults: We investigated the relationship between PCBs and diabetes markers (insulin, fasting glucose, HOMA indice) and verified if some polymorphisms may influence this relation. Lipid metabolism in adults and POPs (legacy, dioxin-like and emerging exposure): Interaction between polymorphisms involved contaminant metabolism or in lipid metabolism has been analyzed for their interaction with POPs exposure in relation to serum lipid profiles (HDL and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides). Carotid thickness (IMT) and Hg in adults: Polymorphisms mostly included in drug-metabolizing genes have been assessed for their modifying effects of the association between mercury exposure and IMT.
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Arctic Coastal Ecosystem Study (ACES): Indicators for the Beaufort Sea
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Loseto, Lisa; Gillman, Vic; Neumann, Dana — While species monitored may differ among sites, the methods will employ a standardized approach to the program by using common indicators that define trophic interactions (e.g. stable isotopes, fatty acids). This approach will 1) meet community needs/wants by collecting data on species of priority to them and most relevant to their subsistence harvesting activities; and 2) provide a baseline for numerous species within the Inuvialuit Settlement Region that will contribute to both cumulative impacts monitoring activities as well as the early detection of possible future impacts associated with oil and gas activity in the Beaufort.
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July 2016 Geochemical characterization and speciation of tailings at Tundra Mine, Northwest Territories, Canada
Geological Survey of Canada
Patterson, R.Timothy ; Miller, Clare; Galloway, Jennifer; Jamieson, Heather; Parsons, Michael — In July 2016, several cores were successfully collected from two tailing ponds on the Tundra Mine property. Subsamples from these cores have been analyzed for bulk geochemistry through ICP-MS using both aqua regia and multi acid digestions, X-Ray Adsorption Near Edge Structure (XANES), Mineral Liberation analysis and Mercury analysis with Leco AMA-254 direct mercury analyzer.
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Soils data for geospatial characterization at Alexandra Fiord
Department of Soil Science, University of Saskatchewan
Steven Siciliano; Asim Biswas; Eric Lamb; Ian Snape; Maxime Pare — Soil is collected in three parallel transects (2 m apart) that are 300 m long. Each transect has 31 samples that are irregularly spaced. Soil is collected by removing the surface vegetation and viable plants. Soil is sieved through 4.5 mm, frozen as soon as practical. Soil properties such as organic carbon, organic nitrogen, exchangeable nutrients, texture, pH are collected using standard protocols. DNA is extracted and then analyzed for the diversity and prevalence of various genotypes. Greenhouse gas flux is data is also collected.
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UV photoprotectants pigments in Arctic zooplankton, phytoplankton and algal mats
Centre d'Études Nordiques (CEN) & Dépt de biologie
Warwick Vincent; Milla Rautio; Marie-Josée Martineau; Sylvia Bonilla — We sampled 27 tundra lakes and ponds during July and August of 2002, 2003 and 2004. Five of the water bodies were located in coastal subarctic northern Quebec (in the vicinity of Whapmagoostui-Kuujjuarapik), 9 in subarctic Alaska, 4 in the subarctic Mackenzie River Delta, 5 on Cornwallis Island and 5 on Ellesmere Island in the Canadian High Arctic. Samples of the dominant crustacean zooplankton species (12 different zooplankton species representing 31 populations of adults) were obtained by horizontal trawls using a 250 μm mesh sized net attached to a long pole. Phytoplankton samples of subsurface water were taken with acid-washed, 1L Nalgene bottles and water was filtered onto GF/F fliters. Mat cores were gently taken with a 6 or 10 mm diameter sediment corer (a syringe with the end cut off) and the top 1 mm of the core was sectioned with a blade. Chlorophylls, carotenoids and scytonemin of all samples were analysed by HPLC. UV-absorbing substances with properties similar to MAAs from phytoplankton (on filters), algal mats (cores) and zooplankton were quantified in a Cary-Varian spectrophotometer within the waveband from 220 to 400 nm. Melanin was quantified in zooplankton samples.
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Trophic ecology of walleye in the southern Grand River, Ontario
Global Water Futures, University of Waterloo
Servos, Mark; Quinn-Austin, Hillary ; MacDougall, Tom; Rooney, Rebecca — The stable isotope signatures of walleye will be analyzed to compare food web structure, at different sites above and below the Dunnville dam, located in southern Grand River. The lengths and weights of walleye will be measured to compare the condition factor of walleye at different sites above and below the Dunnville dam. Walleye were caught in the southern Grand River at three sites using a boat electrofisher, and their lengths and weights were measured on shore using a ruler and a scale respectively. Muscle tissue samples for future stable isotope analysis were also collected on shore. Stable isotope signatures (that is delta15N and delta13C) will be measured using mass spectrometry at the University of Waterloo Environmental Isotope Lab.
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Homelessness, housing insecurity and human security in the Northwest Territories
IRIS - York University
Julia Christensen — June and July 2007: preliminary consultation with community groups was completed in Yellowknife and Inuvik. Involved meetings and workshops with over 50 government and NGO representatives working in the fields of homelessness and housing security, as well as representatives of local Indigenous and community governments, representatives working in the fields of homelessness and housing security, as well as representatives of local Indigenous and community governments. A community consultation feedback newsletter was distributed in early fall 2007 to report back to the individuals and groups. 
 2008: conducted fieldwork of approximately three months per study community (total of six months) in Inuvik and Yellowknife. Extensive research interviews were conducted with community members who identified themselves as homeless or 'at risk' of becoming homeless. Approximately 60 interviews were completed. Participant observation was also conducted at shelters and homeless care facilities in Yellowknife and Inuvik through work as a volunteer. Focus group discussions were also conducted at shelters in both communities and workshops were held at Aurora College campuses. Research interviews were also conducted with government and NGO representatives who work in the areas of housing, homeless advocacy and care, policy and community development in the Northwest Territories. 2009: further research interviews in both Yellowknife and Inuvik.
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Quantifying Sea Ice Dynamics in the Beaufort Sea
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Chris Derksen; Stephen Howell; Bruno Tremblay; Jean-Francois Lemieux; Matt Arkett; Mike Brady — The project will utilize the existing, and continually growing, operational image archive of RADARSAT data at the Canadian Ice Service (CIS) combined with a new ice tracking algorithm to quantify sea ice dynamics within the Beaufort Sea region. RADARSAT-1 and 2 imagery will be acquired from the CIS from 1997 to 2011 and processed using Environment Canada's algorithm to generate near daily sea ice motion and area flux estimates over the entire region. Currently, CIS's operational RADARSAT image archive stands at 14+ years, which is sufficient to provide meaningful baseline information, as well as identify the observed variability, trends, and extreme events. Sea ice motion time series are required for tuning of the model, validation of the simulation sea ice velocity fields (5km resolution), and process studies on improved parameterization of sea ice rheology for better forecasts. Improvements in modelling ice rheology will reduce the uncertainty in the simulated internal ice pressure field, which is of particular relevance for ship navigation and offshore operations. Output from the ice tracker analysis will be used to generate sea ice motion products for the Beaufort Sea region, which will establish new baseline information in support of offshore operations and regulatory decision-making for the region.
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Baseline oceanographic data from Dease Strait and western Queen Maud Gulf
Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR)
C.J. Mundy; Donald McLennan; Casey Hubert; Jean-Sébastien Moore; Les Harris; Zou Zou Kuzyk — During the cruise aboard R/V Martin Bergmann, conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) measurements were performed at 26 stations, water samples were collected at 16 stations, box cores in triplicate were collected from 8 separate stations (24 in total), and surface water pCO2 measurements were performed at 9 stations. Additionally, acoustic receiver moorings were deployed at an array of sites as part of an Ocean Tracking Network (oceantrackingnetwork.org), with the purpose of investigating the migration of arctic char in the region. Water samples are currently being analyzed for: salinity, oxygen-18, nutrient concentration, total suspended solids, dissolved organic carbon, particulate organic carbon and nitrogen, pigment and mycosporine-like amino acid concentrations, particulate spectral absorption, coloured dissolved organic matter, flow cytometry, and algal taxonomy (via visible microscopy).
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SPOT5 panchromatic and multispectral satellite imagery of south-eastern Victoria Island
Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR)
Donald McLennan; BlackBridge Geomatics; Justin Quirouette — SPOT5 panchromatic, as well as multispectral (green, red, near-infrared and shortwave infrared) satellite imagery of south-eastern Victoria Island around Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, will be used in association with geo-referenced digital photographs and their corresponding GPS waypoints for the purpose of training a model using Random Forest software aimed at predicting and delineating terrestrial ecosystems over large areas. On this satellite imagery, geo-referenced digital photographs and GPS waypoints will be overlaid in GIS software. By matching pixel colours of the satellite images with different ecosystem types in the field, a model will be developed that will allow the assessment of ecosystem types over large areas, based solely on satellite imagery.
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Delineation of Extreme Ridges in High Resolution Satellite-Based Imagery
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Ryan Phillips; Tony King; Carl Howell; Daryl Burry; Des Power; Mark Howell; Mike Lynch; Pradeep Bobby; Sue Carter — Using the data available during the timeframe of this study, correlation of keel and satellite data had limited success. In the Upward Looking Sonar (ULS) data reviewed for this study, 70% of all keels with drafts over 20 m were detected in the period of May to July. Attempting to correlate data with surface features in mixtures of loose floes and open water leads was difficult to perform with any degree of confidence. While surface features were evident in SAR imagery, they were not clearly identifiable compared to features in optical imagery. The availability of high-resolution satellite data has increased significantly in the past few years, therefore a new comparison when the more recent ULS (2010 and later) becomes available would yield more favourable results.
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Mercury concentrations and biological information on the Husky Lakes, Northwest Territories
Trent University / University of Northern BC
Nikolaus Gantner; Ben Kissinger; Chris Furgal; Donald Ross; Gary Anderson; Holger Hintelmann; Jennie Knopp; Jim Reist; Jolie Gareis — We are using a mixed methods approach and drawing upon both Traditionnal Knowledge (TK) and science to study the limnology (water) and ecology (food web) of this lake and its watershed. Our study aimed to investigate the interactions of water column, food webs and Hg transfer in four freshwater systems in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. We investigate how those characteristics affect Hg transfer in Husky Lakes, Big, Yaya Lake and Noell Lake (we utilized several other lakes for comparison or additional data). All lakes are frequented by the Inuvialuit communities Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk for subsistence fishing and the sampling locations and target species were determine by local people during TK interviews. We have and will analyze contaminants in water, sediments and the food web to help explain contaminant concentrations in fishes utilized by local fishermen (e.g., Lake Trout and Lake Whitefish). A majority of Lake Trout samples used in this study were donated to the scientists by local fishermen. Sampling includes tissues from harvested fishes, newly collected non-target fishes, and food web compartments (periphyton, zooplankton, and benthos). Biological parameters of fishes (age, length, weight, diet) are recorded and invertebrates separated by species.
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Archives of total mercury reconstructed with ice and snow from Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic
GSC North Canada
jiancheng zheng — This study reports total Hg concentration and atmospheric flux data from ice cores and snow/ice shallow pits from two Canadian Arctic and one Greenland glaciers, with the aim of reconstructing a high resolution record of THg deposition extending back into the pre-industrial period. An 88-m ice core (653 samples) from the NEEM glacier site in Northwest Greenland was retrieved in August 2010. The bottom sample was dated to 1748, resulting in a 262 year archive. Snow and ice samples (143 samples) were recovered from a 10.3-m pit dug on the Mt. Oxford Icefield, Nunavut, in May 2008, covering 30 years. Another 15.5-m short core drilled on the Agassiz Ice Cap, Nunavut, in April 2009 yielded 191 samples covering 74 years. Net rates of atmospheric THg deposition (FTHg) were calculated based on THg concentrations and snow accumulation rates. Results from NEEM site show that THg and FTHg range from sub-pg g- 1 to 120.6 pg g- 1 (mean = 1.5 pg g- 1, n = 653) and from 0.06 to 1.42 ug m- 2 year- 1 (mean = 0.25 ug m- 2 year- 1, n = 218) respectively, much lower than those found in other natural media such as sediments, peat bogs and wet precipitation. The discrepancy of FTHg found in glaciers from other natural media could mainly be due to the more severe photo-reduction and reemission of deposited oxidized Hg. This study also demonstrates that reproducible THg archives can be reconstructed with glacier ice and snow samples from Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic. The THg archive reconstructed with the short core from NEEM site is so far the longest with the highest resolution in Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic.
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BREA Toolkit - Web based Geospatial Analysis Tool For BREA
Environment Canada
Duffe, Jason; Environment Canda; Giles, Matt; Giles, Tom; Pasher, Jon; Wynja, Valerie — This web-based GIS tool-kit has been developed to include a variety of tools for the display and analysis of existing and new information to support the Beaufort Regional Environmental Assessment. It includes baseline information and research on a number of environmental factors including flora and fauna, water, air and climatic factors, ice and geo-hazards as well as cultural, sociological and infrastructure information. Datasets collected from the BREA projects will be incorporated into this toolkit to be used for viewing and analysis purposes.
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Hydrogeomorphic factors controlling the routing of shallow groundwater in the Apex River watershed, Iqaluit, Nunavut
Université de Montréal
Chiasson-Poirier, Gabriel; Lamoureux, Scott; Franssen, Jan; Lafrenière, Mélissa; Pouliot, Louis-Gabriel — The field based methodology developed to pursue this research: (i) a continuous monitoring of the flow network across the hillslope-stream toposequences with a piezometer network equipped with water level sensor-loggers; and (ii) Intrusive methods (e.g., soil cores, falling head test, depth to frost table measurements) and non-intrusive methods (e.g., electrical resistivity, topography) used to map the three-dimensional architecture of the hillslope. The permeability architecture of the subsurface and the surface micro-topography can be expected to be among the dominant controls on subsurface flow patterns. To confirm the proportion of distinct water sources (e.g., precipitation, runoff, groundwater) contributing to streamflow and the degree of hydrological connectivity observed through the thaw season, water samples from different water sources (i.e., groundwater wells, stream, lake and rain) were collected and analyzed for electrical conductivity, stable isotopes (d18O + d2H) and Dissolve Organic Carbone (DOC). Our preliminary results highlight the importance of developing an improved understanding of the role of surficial geology unit types and hydrogeomorphic unit types. An improved methodology will be used in the future to extend the scale of hydrogeomorphic characterisation in the Apex watershed.
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Phenology monitoring of 24 species, at Utsjoki, Finland
Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program - CAFF
Suominen, Otso — Among the monitoring and research projects at Kevo, the following activities are included: Monitoring: (1) Integrated monitoring at Vuoskojavri catchment, 1988-; Economic Commission for Europe's network Sirpa Kleemola , Finnish Environment Agency; plankton research, 1994- Ilkka Blomqvist; (2) Tree-line monitoring network, 1984-; measurements at about 10 year-intervals, coordinated by the Finnish Forest Research Institute (FFRI); (3) Vesa Juntunen/FFRI, Kolari Research Station; (4) Long-term biological monitoring [KEVO]: A) population dynamics of moths, 1972- (light-traps: 4 sites); Seppo Koponen, Lasse Iso-Iivari; B) population dynamics of voles, 1981- 2 sites: mountain birch forest & mountain heath; Lasse Iso-Iivari; C) population dynamics and breeding success of birds of prey, 1982-; Lasse Iso-Iivari; D) population dynamics and breeding success of hole-nesting passerines, 1982-2005 Esa Lehikoinen, Lasse Iso-Iivari; E) phenology of vascular plants (Picea abies since 1960; from 1970 onwards 24 additional species) Saini Heino; F) Aerobiological monitoring, 1976-; University of Turku, Aerobiology; G) Monitoring of pollen deposition, 1974- Sheila Hicks, University of Oulu; (5) Meteorological Station at Kevo, 1962- ; air quality and different geophysical phenomena are monitored; (6) Plant-herbivore interactions and the population dynamics of insects; (7) Pollution; (8) Forest lines and tree lines; (9) Vegetation. Full descriptions: http://www.kevo.utu.fi/en/research/
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Beaufort Regional Environmental Assessment (BREA) Marine Fishes Project - Spatial distribution of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms in the Beaufort Sea, summer 2012
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Reist, Jim; Atchison, Sheila; Majewski, Andrew; Meisterhans, Guillaume; Michel, Christine — The distribution of microorganisms, including autotrophic and heterotrophic protists and bacteria, in the Beaufort Sea was investigated in the summer of 2012, as part of the Beaufort Regional Environmental Assessment (BREA). Cell abundance and assemblages were assessed at 25 stations between 6 August and 30 August 2012. All samples were collected using the rosette onboard the F/V Frosti. At 12 stations, samples were collected at 5 m and the chlorophyll a maximum depth. At 13 stations, samples were collected at all depths to provide discrete profiles of microorganism distribution. Samples were analyzed by flow cytometry and/or epifluorescence microscopy.

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