Re-assessment of the Baffin Bay Polar Bear Sub-population By Means
of Genetic Mark-Recapture
Project Summary
Research Team:
Stephen Atkinson
(Biologist)
and
Erik Born
Research Scientist
Greenland Institute of
Natural Resources
David Garshelis & Seth
Stapleton
University of Minnesota
Markus Dyck
(Polar Bear Biologist)
Dept. of Environment,
Government of Nunavut
Other participants in the project will include representatives from the HTO’s of Pond
Inlet (Mittimatalik), Clyde River (Namautaq) and Qikitarjuaq (Nativak). Hunters in
Greenland will also be contributing to the study through submission of samples from
hunted polar bears.
Objectives:
1) To estimate the current size and composition of the Baffin Bay sub-population of
polar bears.
2) To compare a new estimate of abundance with those derived from previous
studies in-order to understand population trend.
3) To assess the productivity of this sub-population by estimating survival and
reproduction rates.
4) To demonstrate that genetic mark-recapture is a useful and less invasive way for
scientists to study polar bear in comparison to physical capture using immobilizing
drugs.
Timing:
This is a multi-year project that began in September 2011 and will end in October 2013
with final results reported in 2014. In each year, field work takes place during the fall in
a 4-6 week window between August 17th and Nov 1st. The exact timing of field work
coincides with the period when sea-ice is at a minimum and may therefore vary by
several weeks between years.
Location:
The project has been conducted in the area identified in the attached map (Figure 1)
that extends from Bylot Island to a point south of Qikiqtarjuaq. This study area
encompasses both Sirmilik and Auyuittuq National Parks.
Methods:
Research methods previously used to study polar bears in Baffin Bay (BB) - specifically
physical mark-recapture – have faced criticism from Inuit over concerns about chemical
immobilization and handling. The GN Department of Environment (DoE) has responded
to these concerns by using biopsy darting to conduct a genetic mark-recapture study.
This technique does not require the capture or handling of bears. Instead, bears are
located by helicopter and a small sample of skin and hair (<5 mm) is obtained by means
of a biopsy dart fired at low velocity. The dart falls off a bear after impact and can be
easily retrieved without further disturbance after a bear has moved away. DNA
extracted from the sample can then be used to identify each bear; effectively genetically
‘marking’ each individual (and permitting future identification) without the need for eartagging or lip-tattooing. 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.
We are undertaking a 3-year genetic mark-recapture study using biopsy darting to
sample polar bears along the east coast of Baffin Island during a 4-6 week window in
the fall coinciding with the time of minimum sea-ice extent. Two helicopters (Bell 206
LR), each operating in different sections of the study area, have been used to search for
and biopsy bears. Searching is concentrated along the coastline (up to 5 km inland),
the offshore islands and remaining pack-ice where bears are known to congregate.
Some searching also occurs further inland (up to 50km). Similar to other markrecapture techniques, genetic mark-recapture does not require the location and
sampling of every bear in the population. Large sample sizes will result in greater
precision in final population estimates. However, sample size is largely dictated by a
combination of budget and logistical constraints.
In addition to providing an estimate of the population size, the study will produce
information on polar bear reproduction, survival and distribution. The results will be
used to reassess population status and support future decision-making with respect to
population management including harvest levels, environmental impact assessment and
mitigation of human-bear interactions. Methods demonstrated via this study may also
be used as a basis for implementing similar non-invasive monitoring in other polar bear
populations across Nunavut.
Aircraft Access:
In each of 3 field seasons, the project will involve up to 300 hours of low level flying
(<600 feet above ground) by helicopter to locate and biopsy bears. Approximately, 40
hours flying access will be required in each of Sirmilik and Auyuittuq National Parks.
Authorization to land in the Parks is required to retrieve biopsy darts.
Benefits of Research:
This research has the following benefits:

Information on polar bear numbers, trend and productivity will support reassessment
of the status of the Baffin Bay sub-population; a local, national and international
priority. This information will also provide a basis for making recommendations on
Total Allowable Harvest levels allocated to Baffin Bay communities.

This project provides a range of opportunities for community participation in polar
bear research. HTO’s are being consulted throughout the project and are providing
direct assistance in the form of fuel caching and participation in biopsy darting.

This project has a range of benefits to the local economies of Pond Inlet, Clyde River
and Qikiqtarjuaq. Use of local services includes fuel storage and moving, fuel
caching, purchase of local groceries, accommodation and hiring of field workers to
take part in biopsy operations.
Figure 1. Boundaries of the Baffin Bay polar bear sub-population (red) and approximate study area for genetic markrecapture (blue)