NUNAVUT WILDLIFE RESEARCH PERMIT
APPLICATION
APPLICANT:
Dr. Stephen Atkinson and Mr. Markus Dyck
ADDRESS:
GN Department of Environment, Wildlife Research Section, PO Box 209, Igloolik, Nunavut X0A-0L0
SPONSOR(S):
Nunavut Department of Environment, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, University of Minnesota
FUNDING SOURCES:
Nunavut Department of Environment, Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, Polar Continental Shelf
Project, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Environment Canada
ADDITIONAL LICENCES REQUIRED:
Research and Collection Permits (and landing permit) for Sirmilik and Auyuittuq National Parks –
Application submitted
PROJECT:
Baffin Bay Polar Bear Genetic Mark-Recapture
RATIONALE:
Polar bear management in the Baffin Bay management zone or subpopulation (BB) has been the subject
of intense debate in recent years centering on concerns over the state of the population, levels of
harvesting and the potential long-term effects of changing sea-ice conditions. Inuit knowledge, the
observations of hunters and increased rates of human-bear conflict have supported the strongly held
belief amongst communities in Baffin Bay that polar bears numbers are increasing and harvest levels are
sustainable. In contrast, scientific data and projections based on population viability models suggest the
population has declined and may continue to do so in future if sea-ice trends and current harvest levels
are maintained (Obbard et al. 2010).
To a large extent, the lack of recent research in Baffin Bay – the subpopulation’s last full study was
completed in the late 1990’s (Taylor et al. 2005) – has played a role in development of the management
conflict. More frequent sightings of polar bears are perceived as an indication of an increasing
population by local Inuit knowledge (Dowsley and Wenzel 2008). Accordingly, reductions in Total
Allowable Harvest (TAH) have faced strong and vocal opposition, with Inuit stating that the data are old
and population models inadequate. Most scientists, however, maintain that population increases in
Baffin Bay are unlikely due to apparent overharvest and diminishing sea ice, instead suggesting that
people are more frequently encountering polar bears because bears are being forced to spend more
time on land during an increasingly longer open water season (Stirling and Parkinson 2006). At the same
time, some scientists concede that there are reasons why projections from population viability models
may no longer be valid, including increased movement of bears into BB from neighboring populations
(Paetkau et al. 1995, Paetkau et al. 1999) or initially underestimated demographic parameters (E.
Peacock, pers. obs.). New research is required in BB to help resolve these conflicting perspectives and
improve management.
Some research methods used to study polar bears, specifically chemical immobilization and handling,
have faced criticism from Inuit organizations in Nunavut. In response, the GN has committed to the
development of alternative methods that do not require capture. For studying the BB subpopulation,
biopsy darting is being used to genetically tag bears instead of physically capturing and tagging. Biopsy
darting (otherwise referred to as genetic mark-recapture) has been used extensively in wildlife
population research including studies of marine mammals (e.g., Palsbøll et al. 1997) and some bear
species (e.g., Boersen et al. 2003, Boulanger et al. 2004). This method has not previously been used for
estimating the size and state of a polar bear population. However, recent biopsy trials on polar bears in
several areas, including Baffin Bay in 2011 and 2012, suggest the method will work (Peacock et al. 2009;
Atkinson et al. 2011; 2012).
The GN is conducting a 3-year study involving the biopsy darting of polar bears along the east coast of
Baffin Island and the west coast of Greenland during the fall time in 2011 to 2013. This is a collaborative
project led by the Government of Nunavut and the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources (GINR) with
oversight from the Canada-Nunavut-Greenland Joint commission on Polar Bears. In addition to
providing an estimate of the population size, the study will provide some information on rates of
survival and reproduction, and information of bear distribution. Methods developed in this study may
also be useful for noninvasive monitoring of other polar bear populations.
TIME PERIOD:
2011 was the first year of the study. Between September 4th and October 15th a total of 393 polar bears
were biopsy sampled in BB along Baffin Island (Atkinson et al. 2011). In 2012 (year 2 of the study), a
total of 675 bears were biopsied between August 26 to September 29th. In 2013 (the final year), biopsy
darting will be carried-out between August 22 to September 30.
LOCATION:
The Baffin Bay subpopulation boundaries extend from western Greenland to Baffin Island, covering an
area of roughly 1.0 million km2 (figure 1). Biopsy darting operations in Nunavut will take place along the
coast of Baffin Island (and associated islands) and will encompass selected inland areas and any
accessible pack-ice present during the fall. The Nunavut communities of Pond Inlet, Clyde River, and
Qikiqtarjuaq are located within this region and will serve as bases for fieldwork. The Dewline site cleanup camps at Cape Dyer and Cape Hooper will also be used as bases for short periods.
SPECIES:
Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus)
PROJECT LEADERS:
Dr. Stephen Atkinson and Mr. Markus Dyck (Government of Nunavut),
Drs. Erik Born and Kristin Laidre (Greenland Institute of Natural Resources)
Mr. Seth Stapleton (University of Minnesota)
PROJECT PERSONNEL:
Dr. Stephen Atkinson, Mr. Markus Dyck and up to 4 field assistants (including HTO members)
OBJECTIVES:
The specific project objectives are:
1) To estimate the current size and composition of polar bears in BB.
2) To compare a new estimate of abundance with those derived from past study in-order to assess
population trend.
3) To estimate survival and reproductive parameters (to the extent possible) in-order to facilitate
population viability analyses.
4) To evaluate polar bear distribution during the period of minimum sea-ice with respect to
environmental variables, particularly ice conditions, topography and food availability distribution.
5) To demonstrate the value of genetic mark-recapture as a less invasive alternative to physical
capture of bears.
KEY EXPECTED RESULTS & MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS:
This study has the following intended applications:
1) Information on polar bear abundance will be used as a basis for: (a) Total Allowable Harvest
recommendations; (b) Development of management plans and inter-jurisdictional agreements; and
(c) Updating status reports for BB at the territorial, national and international levels.
2) Information on polar bear distribution during the fall will provide insight into habitat use (including
sensitive habitats such as dens) which, in turn, may be used to inform land-use planning and
environmental impact assessment processes within the geographic range of the subpopulation,
including areas within the boundaries of Simirlik and Auyuittuq National Parks. .
3) Information on polar bear distribution and habitat use during the fall may be used to mitigate risks to
public safety and reduce human-bear conflicts (including defense kills and property damage) by
identifying areas currently most heavily used by bears, as well as those predicted to be used if ice
conditions change.
4) Continued development and demonstrated application of a less invasive wildlife research technique
is a priority of the GN.
METHODS:
The basic study design is similar to the previous physical mark-recapture study conducted in Baffin Bay
between 1993 to 1997 (Taylor et al. 2005) but does not involve the capture and handling of bears.
Instead, DNA extracted from a small sample of skin and hair collected via a biopsy dart will be used to
identify each bear; effectively genetically ‘marking’ each individual (and permitting future identification)
without the need for ear-tagging, lip-tattooing or use of immobilizing drugs. The ‘recapture’ event
occurs when either the bear is biopsy darted on a later occasion or when a genetic sample is recovered
from a polar bear harvested in either Nunavut or Greenland.
From 2011-2013, the main biopsy sampling effort will occur along the coast of Baffin Island between late
August and early October coinciding with the time of minimum sea-ice extent. During this period, which
may vary slighting from year-to-year most bears in BB are distributed on land or on the remaining packice along the coastline of Baffin Island and associated islands (Ferguson et al. 1997, 2000; Taylor et al.
2001). However, anecdotal information suggests that a small portion of the population may summer
along the Greenland coast during this period, in particular in the Melville Bay area of northeastern BB
(Born 1995). Therefore, to avoid potential sampling bias some biopsy darting will also take place on the
Greenland side of BB during the same period.
In Nunavut, two helicopters (Bell 206 LR), each operating in different sections of the study area, will
search for bears. Search effort will be concentrated along the coastline (up to 5 km inland) and the
offshore islands where bears are known to congregate (Ferguson et al. 1997, 2000; Taylor et al. 2001,
2005). Several measures will be taken to minimize or eliminate bias in sampling which could potentially
bias the population estimate. Regular, systematic (but lesser) effort will be allocated to searching
further inland (up to 30km) in-order to sample the portion of the bear population known to utilize these
areas, including those occupying temporary shelters or dens. The amount and distribution of inland
sampling effort will be guided by dividing the study area into areas of expected high, medium and low
polar bear density based on multiple lines of evidence including: (1) Local Inuit knowledge collected
during community consultations; (2) information on polar bear movements and distribution obtained
from previous capture, aerial survey and collaring studies (Taylor et al. 2001, 2005; Stapleton et al.
2009); (3) the locations of bears wearing active satellite collars at the time of the study (Note: These
collared bears are part of an on-going study being conducted in Greenland). Potential bias due to bears
occupying pack-ice that is inaccessible to the helicopters will be reduced using sea-ice data and
telemetry data from collared bears to time fieldwork to coincide with the period of minimum ice.
Finally, the multi-year design will help mitigate capture heterogeneity.
Once a bear is located, a small sample of tissue (<5 mm diameter), mostly skin, will be taken using a
biopsy dart (Pneu-Dart Inc.) fired from a dart rifle from the helicopter (Figure 2.). The darts do not
contain any explosive or drug; nothing is injected into a bear. They are designed to fall to the ground
after impact and can be retrieved without handling a bear. The darts are quick and easy to use and
require less pursuit of bears than during capture operations. The small size and design of the dart
means that risk of injury to a bear is minimal. For each bear observed, GPS coordinates and information
on location, behavior, body condition, estimated age/sex (when possible) and group/litter size will be
recorded.
Similar to other mark-recapture techniques, genetic mark-recapture does not require the location and
sampling of every bear in the population. The present study design is intended to provide a population
estimate for BB that will be sufficiently precise to allow meaningful comparison with previous
population estimates.
During the course of the study, a proportion of biopsied bears will be recaptured (re-biopsied) during
subsequent field seasons. Potentially, some bears may also be biopsied more than once during the
same field season since they will carry no visible mark from the previous sampling. However, within
season re-sampling will be minimized by avoiding repeated searches of the same area.
Tissue samples for genetic analyses will also be collected from bears harvested in Nunavut and
Greenland throughout the study in-order to detect the harvest (recovery) of previously biopsied bears
and determine the ratio of genetically marked to unmarked animals in the population. DNA extracted
from biopsy and harvest tissue samples will be analyzed in-order to assign each bear sampled (and resampled) during the study a unique genetic identity and determine its sex. Techniques, similar to those
described by Kendall et al (2009), will be used which have undergone rigorous validation to verify their
accuracy.
COMMUNITY CONSULTATION PLAN:

In February 2010, biologists working with the Department of Environment (DOE) met with HTO
board members in Pond Inlet, Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq to discuss options for a new study to
determine the size and status of the polar bear population in Baffin Bay.

Follow-up meetings with HTO’s were held in April/May 2011 to discuss the biopsy project in more
detail. All three HTO’s (Pond, Clyde, Qikiqtarjuaq) subsequently passed resolutions supporting the
project.

During the study, written progress reports have been provided annually to each HTO.

While doing the fieldwork, project biologists have met with HTO’s when staying in each
communities.

Once the study is completed, a final report will be prepared and circulated to each HTO. Meetings
with HTO’s will then be held to discuss the results and develop recommendations on harvesting and
other needed management actions.
PROPOSED USE OF LOCAL KNOWLEDGE:
Local and Inuit knowledge regarding the distribution of bears on land during the fall has been used to
inform the study design (stratification of sampling effort).
OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL PARTICIPATION:
A number of opportunities exist for community participation in this research. HTO’s wil be consulted at
all stages of the project. HTO’s will also provide assistance with logistical planning/preparations and
field-work itself. The project will bring several benefits to the local economies of Pond Inlet, Clyde River
and Qikiqtarjuaq. Local services will be utilized for fuel storage and moving, fuel caching, purchase of
groceries, accommodation and hiring of field workers.
References Cited:
Atkinson, S.N., E.W. Born, K. Laidre. (2011) Baffin Bay genetic mark-recapture. Interim report to the
Nunavut Wildlife Research Trust Fund. Project 2-11-03. Pp 14.
Atkinson, S.N., M. Dyck, E.W. Born, K. Laidre. (2012) Baffin Bay genetic mark-recapture. Interim report
to the Nunavut Wildlife Research Trust Fund. Project 2-12-01. Pp 18.
Boersen, M.R., J.D. Clark, and T.L. King. 2003. Estimating black bear population density and genetic
diversity at Tensas River, Louisiana using microsatellite DNA markers. Wildlife Society Bulletin
31:197-207.
Boulanger, J., S. Himmer, and C. Swain. 2004. Monitoring of grizzly bear population trends and
demography using DNA mark-recapture methods in the Owikeno Lake area of British Columbia.
Canadian Journal of Zoology 82:1267-1277.
Dowsley, M. and G. Wenzel. 2008. “The time of the most polar bears”: A co-management conflict in
Nunavut. Arctic 61:177-189.
Ferguson, S.H, Taylor, M.K., and Messier, F. 1997. Space use of polar bears in and around Auyuittuq
National Park, Northwest Territories, during the ice-free period. Can. J. Zool. 75:1585-1594.
Ferguson, S.H., M.K. Taylor, and F. Messier. 2000. Influence of sea ice dynamics on habitat selection by
polar bears. Ecology 81:761-772.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. 2007. Climate Change 2007: Impacts, adaptations and
vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the Fourth Assessment of the Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change. M.L. Parry, O.F. Canziani, J.P. Palutikof, P.J. van der Lindern, and C.E.
Hansen, editors. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK. 976 pp.
Obbard, M.E., G.W. Thiemann, E. Peacock, and T.D. DeBruyn (eds). 2010. Polar Bears: Proceedings of the
15th Working Meeting of the IUCN/SSC Polar Bear Specialist Group, Copenhagen, Denmark, 29
June–3 July 2009. Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK: IUCN. vii + 235 pp.
Paetkau, D., S.C. Amstrup, E.W. Born, W. Calvert, A.E. Derocher, G.W. Garner, F. Messier, I. Stirling, M.K.
Taylor, O. Wiig, and C. Strobeck. 1999. Genetic structure of the worl’d polar bear populations.
Molecular Ecology 8:1571-1584
Palsbøll, P.J., J. Allen, M. Berube, P. Clapham, T. Feddersen, P. Hammond, R. Hudson, H. Jørgensen, S.
Katona, A.H. Larsen, F. Larsen, J. Lien, D. Mattila, J. Sigurjonsson, R. Sears, T. Smith, R. Sponer, P.
Stevick, and N. Øien. 1997. Genetic tagging of humpback whales. Nature 388:768-769.
Peacock, E., V. Sahanatien, and S. Stapleton. 2009. Foxe Basin Polar Bear Project: 2009 Interim Report.
Department of Environment, Government of Nunavut, Igloolik, NU.
Stapleton, S. (2010) Polar Bear Monitoring and Aerial Survey Assessment in Sirmilik National Park: Final
Project Report. Internal report to project partners. Pp 11.
Stirling, I. and C.L. Parkinson. 2006. Possible effects of climate warming on selected populations of
polar bears (Ursus maritimus) in the Canadian Arctic. Arctic 59:261-275.
Taylor, M.K., and L.J. Lee. 1995. Distribution and abundance of Canadian polar bear populations: a
management perspective. Arctic 48:147–154.
Taylor, M.K., S. Akeeagok, D. Andriashek, W. Barbour, E.W. Born, W. Calvert, H.D. Cluff, S. Ferguson, J.
Laake A. Rosing-Asvid, I. Stirling and F. Messier. 2001. Delineating Canadian and Greenland polar
bear (Ursus maritimus) populations by cluster analysis of movements. Can. J. Zool. 79:690–709.
Taylor, M. K., J. Laake, P. D. McLoughlin, E. W. Born, H. D. Cluff, S. H. Ferguson, A. Rosing-Asvid, R.
Schweinsburg, and F. Messier. 2005. Demography and viability of a hunted population of polar
bears. Arctic 58:203-214.
White, G. and K. Burnham. 1999. Program MARK: survival estimation from populations of marked
animals. Bird Study 46:120-139.
TERMS & CONDITIONS:
This application is submitted and will be evaluated prior to issuance of a Research Permit or Collection Licence, as
issued by the Department of Environment – Wildlife Management Division, Nunavut Territory. All submitted
applications become the property of the Department of Environment– Wildlife Division and may not be returned
to the applicant.
The application review process requires that copies be distributed to a number of reviewers. The contents of this
application form may be subject to access under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
February 13, 2013
______________________________________
Date
______________________________________
Principal Researcher’s signature
______________________________________
Additional Investigator’s signature
_______________________________________
Date
______________________________________
Additional Investigator’s signature
Date
_______________________________________
All applications for Wildlife Research Permits should be submitted to:
Wildlife Research Section
Department of Environment
Box 209, Igloolik, NU, X0A 0L0
Tel: (867) 934-2178
Fax: (867) 934-2190
Email: wildlife_research@gov.nu.ca
Figure 1. Boundaries of the Baffin Bay polar bear sub-population (red) and approximate study area for
genetic mark-recapture (blue)