Land, Freshwater and Marine Based Research
This application fulfills the requirements for NIRB environmental screening
SECTION 1: APPLICANT INFORMATION
1. Applicant's full name and mailing address:
Dr. Martin Fortier
Executive Director, ArcticNet Inc.
Room 4081, Université Laval
Quebec, Quebec, G1K 7P4
Tel: 1-418-656-5233
Fax: 1-418-656-2334
Email: martin.fortier@arcticnet.ulaval.ca
2. Field Supervisor (address, if different from above):
Based on a crew exchange planned to occur in Kugluktuk, NU, the scientific expedition
has been split into a first and second leg. Some of the people outlined below will reside
over both legs.
Leg 1 Chief Scientist –
Dr. Andre Rochon
ISMER-Université du Québec à Rimouski
andre_rochon@uqar.qc.ca
Leg 2 Chief Scientist –
Dr. Gary Stern
FWI – Fisheries and Oceans Canada
SternG@DFO-MPO.GC.CA
Phone (radio or otherwise): NA
3. Other Personnel list (name and position):
Leg 1- High Arctic Operations (05 August-15 September)
Berth
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Participant
Ehn, Jens
Granskog, Mats
Hwang, Phillip
Bell, Trevor
Name to come
Bennet, Robbie
Blondeau, Sylvain
Affiliation
University of Manitoba
University of Manitoba
University of Manitoba
Memorial University
Memorial University
University of New Brunswick
Université Laval
ArcticNet 2005 Expedition
Position
Student
Student
Student
Professor
Student
Research Assistant
Technician
1
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
Massot, Pascal
Michaud, Luc
Name to come
Sampei, Makoto
Letourneau, Louis
Forest, Alexandre
Galbraith, Peter
Tremblay, Geneviève
Rail, Marie-Emmanuelle
Gratton, Yves
Beaudoin, Jonathan
Church, Ian
Brucker, Steve
Hamilton, Andrew
Aikawa, Shimpei
Matsuda, Sohei
Name to come
Name to come
Connie Lovejoy
Name to come
Name to come
Name to come
Poissant, Laurier
Pilote, M
Poulin, Michel
Rochon, André
Name to come
Schell, Trecia
Name to come
Kirk, Jane
Stern, Gary
Pomerleau, Corinne
Name to come
Tremblay, Jean-Éric
Name to come
Université Laval
Université Laval
Arctic Community
Université Laval
Université Laval
Université Laval
Institut Maurice-Lamontagne, DFO
ISMER-UQAR
INRS-ETE
INRS-ETE
University of New Brunswick
University of New Brunswick
University of New Brunswick
University of British Columbia
University of Hyogo
Tohoku University
Institut Maurice-Lamontagne, DFO
Institut Maurice-Lamontagne, DFO
Université Laval
Institut de Ciències del Mar, Spain
Institut de Ciències del Mar, Spain
University of Manitoba
Environment Canada, Montreal
Environment Canada, Montreal
Cdn Museum of Nature
ISMER-UQAR
ISMER-UQAR
Dalhousie University
Université Laval
University of Alberta
Freshwater Institute, DFO
Freshwater Institute, DFO
Freshwater Institute, DFO
Université Laval
Université Laval
Technician
Technician
Student
Research Assistant
Student
Research Scientist
Student
Technician
Professor
Technician
Technician
Technician
Student
Student
Student
Student
Professor
Student
Research Scientist
Research Assistant
Research Scientist
Professor
Student
Technician
Student
Research Scientist
Student
Student
Professor
Student
Leg 2- Hudson Bay Operations (16 September-27 October)
Berth
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Participant
Aikawa, Shimpei
Blondeau, Sylvain
Gagne, Jaques
Galbraith, Peter
Stern, Gary
Scott, Glen
Granskog, Mats
Guillot, Pascal
Kirk, Jane
Affiliation
University of Hyogo
Université Laval
Institut Maurice-Lamontagne, DFO
Institut Maurice-Lamontagne, DFO
DFO-FWI
University of Manitoba
University of Manitoba
INRS-ETE
University of Alberta
ArcticNet 2005 Expedition
Student
Technician
Research Scientist
Research Scientist
Research Scientist
Student
Student
Student
Student
2
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
Martin, Johannie
Beaudoin, Jonathan
Llewellyn, Kristian
Aulagnier, Fabien
LeBlanc, Bernard
Chambellant, Magaly
Massot, Pascal
Matsuda, Sohei
Simard, Mélanie
Michaud, Luc
Mundy, C.J.
Name to come
Lajeunesse, Patrick
Constant, Philippe
Larouche, Pierre
Rail, Marie-Emmanuelle
Brucker, Steve
Fergusson, Steve
Name to come
Name to come
Name to come
Name to come
Name to come
Name to come
Name to come
Name to come
Name to come
Name to come
Name to come
Name to come
Name to come
Name to come
Name to come
Université Laval
University of New Brunswick
Université Laval
Environment Canada, Montreal
Freshwater Institute, DFO
Freshwater Institute, DFO
Université Laval
Tohoku University
ISMER-UQAR
Université Laval
University of Manitoba
Environment Canada, Yellowknife
Université Laval
INRS-IAF
Institut Maurice-Lamontagne, DFO
INRS-ETE
University of New Brunswick
Freshwater Institute, DFO
Université Laval
Université Laval
Université Laval
Institut Maurice-Lamontagne, DFO
Cdn Museum of Nature
ISMER-UQAR
DFO-FWI
DFO-FWI
DFO-FWI
DFO-FWI
Arctic Community
Student
Technician
Technician
Research Assistant
Research Assistant
Student
Technician
Student
Technician
Technician
Student
Professor
Research Assistant
Research Scientist
Technician
Technician
Research Scientist
Student
Student
Student
Student
Student
Student
Student
Student
Student
Student
Total # of personnel: 42 scientists per leg (plus 40 Canadian Coast Guard crew members
not listed) Total # of person days: 6888
SECTION 2: AUTHORIZATION NEEDED4. List the organizations you
will contact for necessary authorizations associated with the project.
(See Appendix C and D):
Through this “Land, Freshwater and Marine Based Research” application, we will seek
approval from the Nunavut Impact Review Board and Nunavut Research Institute. We
will also apply for a Scientific License for the Collection of Fish and Other Marine
Organisms for Scientific Purpose from the department of Fisheries & Oceans Canada for
collection of zooplankton and larval fish using plankton nets and the collection of benthic
animals using a box and piston corer. HTAs of Nunavut communities have been
contacted via fax describing the ArcticNet program and the 2005 scientific expedition.
ArcticNet 2005 Expedition
3
These communities include: Arctic Bay, Cape Dorset, Clyde River, Grise Fiord, Hall
Beach, Igloolik, Iqaluit, Kimmirut, Pangnirtung, Pond Inlet, Qikitarjuaq, Resolute Bay,
Sanikiluaq, Arviat, Baker Lake, Chesterfield Inlet, Coral Harbour, Rankin Inlet, Repluse
Bay, Whale Cove, Cambridge Bay, Gjoa Haven, Kugaaruk, Kugluktuk, Taloyoak
5. List the active permits, licenses, or rights related to the project and
their expiry date:
We have a multiyear license from the Inuvialuit Environmental Impact Screening
Committee (EISC) valid until 2008 (Submission number: 06/03-10) for the work
proposed in the Inuvialuit region (Amundsen Gulf/Mackenzie Shelf). The work
conducted in the western Arctic (mooring deployment and ship based sampling) is almost
identical to what is now proposed for the Nunavut under the present license.
SECTION 3: PROJECT PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION
6. Project duration: Period of operation: to
Proposed term of permit: August 05, 2005 to November 05, 2005.
Project title:
ArcticNet 2005 expedition: Integrated Regional Impact Studies of the Canadian High
Arctic and Hudson Bay.
7. Location(s) of data collection:
* Land Status Types: Crown, Commissioners', Inuit Owned Surface Lands, Inuit
Owned Sub-Surface Lands, and Other
* Please ensure that maps of the project area (1:50 000, 1:250 000) are faxed or mailed
to the NRI.
As outlined in the project proposal (see point 8. below), we plan to accomplish short
station (< 4 hours) shipboard sampling along the Amundsen cruise track (red line; Figure
1). Below, we have outlined more detailed sampling locations. To simplify, we have
separated the locations into 8 “Mooring Stations” (stars; Figures 1, 2 and 3) where we
plan to deploy our annual observatories and a maximum of 27 “Long Stations” (large
dots; Figures 1, 2 and 3) where we plan to stop for 12 to 36 hours for shipboard and boat
sampling. We note that long station shipboard and boat sampling is also planned to occur
at “Mooring Stations”.
ArcticNet 2005 Expedition
4
Mooring Station
Latitutde
(N)
Longitude
(W)
NTS#
Land
Status
BA01 (North Water)
BA02 (North Water)
BA03 (North Water)
BA04 (North Water)
AN01 (Hudson Bay)
AN02 (Hudson Bay)
AN03 (Great Whale
River)
MH01 (Nelson River)
76.30000
76.26667
76.38333
75.25000
58.65000
60.00000
71.41167
74.16667
77.40000
74.98333
91.45000
91.95000
NA
NA
039B
039B
NA
NA
033N
Greenland
Greenland
Nunavut
Nunavut
Nunavut
Nunavut
Nunavut
55.41000
57.63000
77.89000
90.50000
NA
Nunavut
Long Station
Latitutde
(N)
Longitude
(W)
NTS#
Land
Status
Lancaster Sound
North Water1
North Water2
Barrow Strait1
Barrow Strait2
Peel Sound
Victoria Strait
Dease Strait
Cape Liverpool
Bathurst Bay
Hudson Bay
Hudson Bay
Hudson Bay
Foxe Channel
Hudson Strait
Hudson Bay
Hudson Bay
Hudson Bay
Hudson Bay
Hudson Bay
Hudson Bay
Hudson Bay
Hudson Bay
Hudson Strait
Hudson Strait
Hudson Strait
Hudson Strait
74.05000
77.70406
75.30792
74.26667
74.30000
73.28333
69.16667
69.00000
73.6967
73.37481
58.97632
60.44971
61.31135
64.24712
62.61705
62.53110
60.30949
58.87373
56.71497
54.93051
58.43425
59.32292
57.38997
60.95605
62.78525
56.8336
56.18655
79.93333
75.04790
70.61370
91.20000
91.53333
95.86667
100.7000
106.5833
78.81938
76.93551
94.02789
89.36659
85.9518
79.15597
72.07117
78.62474
79.30425
79.50083
77.12807
80.91998
82.64980
86.94300
91.94873
64.80232
80.70370
87.83450
85.31710
048E
058E
058E
058E
058E
068D
067C
077A
038C
038C
NA
NA
NA
036C
035I
035L
NA
034L
034C
NA
NA
NA
NA
025A
NA
NA
NA
Nunavut
Nunavut
Nunavut
Nunavut
Nunavut
Nunavut
Nunavut
Nunavut
Nunavut
Nunavut
Nunavut
Nunavut
Nunavut
Nunavut
Nunavut
Nunavut
Nunavut
Nunavut
Nunavut
Nunavut
Nunavut
Nunavut
Nunavut
Nunavut
Nunavut
Nunavut
Nunavut
*For additional sites, attach a separate page.
NON-TECHNICAL PROJECT PROPOSAL SUMMARY
ArcticNet 2005 Expedition
5
8. On a separate page, please include a non-technical description of
the project proposal, no more than 300 words, in English and
Inuktitut (Inuinnaqtun, if in the West Kitikmeot). The project
description should outline the project activities (research methods,
camps, etc.) and their necessity, method of transportation, any
structures that will be erected, expected duration of activity and
alternatives considered. If the proposed activity fits into any longterm developments, please describe the projected outcome of the
development for the area and its timeline.
(Please fax or mail this page to the NRI. Make sure that you include your reference
number in your documentation.)
SECTION 4: MATERIAL USE
9. List equipment (including drills, pumps, aircrafts, etc.):
Equipment type and number
Size-dimensions
CCGS Amundsen (1)
Class 100 A Icebreaker
CCGS Helicopter (1)
BO-105-CBS
CCGS Zodiak launch (1)
7.3 m Boat
CCGS Zodiak launch (1)
CSL Heron launch (1)
Air-ice boat (1)
Seabird Carousel Rosette (2)
Moving Vessel Profiler (1)
Annual Moorings (8)
Bioness and Hydrobios (1)
Mini trawl (1)
Piston corer (1)
Box corer (1)
Core Barrel (2)
Jiffy Power head (2)
Auger (2)
Auger (2)
4.5 m Boat
10 m Boat
5 m Boat
1.5 m diameter
1.5 m length
1.5 m diameter
1 m diameter nets
8 m2 (2 mm mesh)
15 cm diameter
0.5 m2
9 cm diameter
40 cc engine
10 cm diameter
4 cm diameter
Sediment traps
EM300 (1)
ADCP (1)
10 cm diameter
NA (haul mounted)
NA (haul mounted)
EK60 (1)
Knudsen (1)
NA (haul mounted)
NA (haul mounted)
ArcticNet 2005 Expedition
Proposed use
research platform
community visits and
emergency
community visits and
emergency
community visits and
emergency
bathymetry mapping
young sea ice sampling
oceanographic sampler
oceanographic sampler
oceanographic monitoring
zooplankton sampling
fish samples
ocean bottom sampler
ocean bottom sampler
ice sampler
auger power head
water access below ice
water access below ice
Water column sedimentation
sampling
remote bottom mapping
water current measurement
echo sounding (fish
abundance)
remote sub bottom mapping
6
10. Detail fuel and hazardous materials use:
Chemicals are safely stored on board according to the security policies of Université
Laval, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada, and in compliance with federal
safety regulations for hazardous material. Safety sheets for all chemicals brought on
board are given to the captain. All chemical waste is stored onboard in storage drums
designed for this purpose. The drums will be brought back south to Quebec City and the
chemicals will be discarded by the trained Security & Prevention personnel of Université
Laval.
CHEMICALS































Acetone 99%, 16 litres
Acetone, 0.5 litre
Acetone, 1.0 litre
Alkaline iodine, 1.0 litre
Ammonium chloride, 300g
Ammonium formate (1%), 2 litre
Ammonium hydroxyde, 0.5 litre
Ammonium molybdate, 400g
Antimony potassium tartrate, 30g
Ascorbic acid, 200g
Bouin's fixative solution (formaldehyde + acetic acid + picric acid), 250 ml.
Copper sulfate, 40g
Dichloro-s-triazine-2,4,6-(1H,3H,5H)-trione sodium salt, 1g
Ecolume , 15.1 litre
Ethanol anhydre, 1 x 4litre
Ethanol, 40 litre
Ethanolamine, 1 litre
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid Disodium salt dihydrate, 40g
Formaldehyde (37%), 40 litres
Glutaraldehyde EM grade, 800 mL
Glutaraldehyde spill control, 2
Hexane (non UV), 2 x 4litre
Hydrochloric acid 0.5N, 1.0 litre
Hydrochloric acid 12N, 5.0 litre
Hydrochloric acid 6N, 1 litre
Lugol, 2 litre
Magnesium sulfate, heptahydrate, 200g
Manganous chloride, 1.0 litre
Mercuric chloride (HgCl2): 100g bottle
Methanol (Distilled in glass), 2 x 4litre
N-1-naphthylethylenediamine dihydrochloride, 3g
ArcticNet 2005 Expedition
7
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

















NaOH 6N, 1 litre
Nitric Acid, Smallest quantity that can be purchased if concentrated (will dilute to
~6% on board)
Oxalic acid, 500g
Paraformaldehyde (16%), 20 x 10 mL
Phenol, 160g
Phosphoric acid 85%, 2.5 litre
Potassium Iodate, 1.0 litre
Potassium nitrate, 1g
Potassium nitrite, 1g
Sodium chloride, 1000g
Sodium hydroxide liquid 0.1N, 1.0 litre
Sodium Hydroxide liquid 1N, 2.0 litre
Sodium hypochlorite, 4.0 litre
Sodium thiosulfate, 1.5 litre
Sulfanilamide, 60g
Sulfuric acid 0.1N, 4.0 litre
Sulfuric acid 5N, 1.0 litre
Trisodium citrate dihydrate, 580g
Urea, 1g
GAS CYLINDERS



1
Cylinder Isobutane (1.05%)/Argon (98.95%)
10
Cylinders Helium “balloon grade or industrial grade” (not analytical
grade)
3
Cylinders Nitrogen « High purity »
RADIOISOTOPES
Radioactive materials will be used for determination of bacterial and phytoplankton
production. The products are only slightly radioactive and their use will be restricted to a
laboratory container (8’ x 20’) dedicated to this function. No radioactive isotopes will be
discarded at sea. Waste material will be stored onboard in storage drums designed for this
purpose. All radioisotopes will be used according to the stringent security policies of
Laval University and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada, which are verified
regularly by the Canadian Commission for Control of Atomic Energy.



Sodium 14C-bicarbonate, 50 mCi
3H-tritiated thymidine, 25 mCi
3H-tritiated leucine, 25 mCi
ArcticNet 2005 Expedition
8
11. Describe any procedures and materials in place to handle
accidental spills. Please fax or mail your spill contingency plan and
other appropriate information about the hazardous materials
associated with the proposed project.
The Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers are fully equipped for the containment of
accidental spills and their personnel is fully trained in the procedures. The spill
contingency plan and other appropriate information about handling of hazardous
materials are available on request.
SECTION 5: WASTE DISPOSAL AND TREATMENT FACILITIES
12. Describe amount and methods of disposal:
Type of Waste
Sewage
Grey water
Garbage
Projected Amount
Generated
1500 liters/day
15 m³/day
8 bags/day
Method of Disposal
Aerobic treatment system
Chlorine treatment system
Incinerator
SECTION 6: RESTORATION AND ABANDONMENT PLANS
13. Describe the proposed procedure for site restoration upon
abandonment of any area associated with the project:
NA
SECTION 7: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
14. Indicate and describe the components of the environment that are
near the project area, as applicable. Fax or mail any relevant maps or
information:
Type of species
(common name, associated herd, etc.)
Important Habitat Area (calving, staging,
denning, migratory pathways, spawning, nesting, etc.)
Critical time periods (calving,
post-calving, spawning, nesting, breeding, etc.)
Example: Narwhal Ice floe edge in Pond Inlet June-July, around break-up
Fish:
ArcticNet 2005 Expedition
9
Caribou:
Muskox:
Raptor:
Migratory Birds:
Waterfowl:
Seals: Ringed, Harp, Bearded; Open water; Feeding
Whales: Beluga, Bowhead; Open water; Feeding
Narwhals:
Canid family (wolves, wolverines, foxes, etc.):
Bears (grizzly, polar, black):
Other:
Eskers:
Communities:
Historical/Archaeological sites:
15. Indicate and describe other known uses of the area such as local
development, traditional use (hunting/fishing/spiritual), outfitting,
tourism, mineral development, research, etc.:
At the time of our scientific expedition, the main oceanic activities would be fishing and
whale hunting. Our operations are not foreseen to interfere with these traditional uses of
the land.
16. Describe the impacts of the proposed project activity on the
environmental components and uses, in the area listed above:
The impact of the icebreaker and oceanographic sampling on the marine environment is
negligible. The primary biophysical resources potentially affected are marine mammals
and fish disturbed by the ship noise and sounder noise. Bowhead, Beluga whales and
seals are of particular importance. The proposed survey and sampling program must
minimize the impact on these renewable resources.
17. What are some suggested mitigation measures for these impacts?
This project proposes to conduct a regional oceanographic transect survey and seafloor
sampling at specific locations along transects. Most of the sounders mounted on the ship
(EM300, ADCP, EK60 see point 9. above) are using high frequencies (30 to 200kHz) and
emit vertically in the water column. Sound attenuation at these frequencies is high and
although the whales can hear the sounders, and avoidance behaviour may occur, there is
no evidence to suggest that the whales will suffer any organ or tissue damage as a result.
Nevertheless, continuous monitoring for seabirds and marine mammals will be
undertaken by Inuit wildlife observers and ship officers at all times during transit. Areas
of concentration of marine mammals or hunting activity will simply be avoided if activity
is seen or specific locations are identified by local communities. If, during the progress of
ArcticNet 2005 Expedition
10
the survey and/or sampling program, marine mammals are encountered, the survey vessel
will cease operation and move to an alternate location along the transect to minimize the
environmental impact. The presence of Inuit wildlife observers onboard will insure that
this mitigation procedure is followed.
SECTION 7: COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND REGIONAL
BENEFITS
18. List the community representatives that you have contacted about
this proposed project:
We have contacted all community HTAs in Nunavut via a fax outlining the project.
Community
Chairperson
Fax
Baffin Region
Arctic Bay HTA - IKAJUTIT
Qaumayuq Oyukuluk
(867) 439-8916
Qikiqtarjuaq HTA - NATTIVAK
Koalie Kooneeliusie
(867) 927-8525
Cape Dorset HTA - AIVIQ
Clyde River HTA - NAMAUTAQ
Adamie Nuna
James Qillaq
(867) 897-8214
(867) 924-6197
Grise Fiord HTA - IVIQ
Jaypatee Akeeagok
(867) 980-4311
Hall Beach HTA
Percy Pikuyak
(867) 928-8765
Igloolik HTA
Nathan Qamaniq
(867) 934-8067
Iqaluit HTA - AMAROK
Michael Qappik
(867) 979-3390
Kimmirut HTA - MAYUKALIK
Maliktoo Lyta
(867) 939-2122
Pangnirtung HTA
Mosesie Qappik
(867) 473-8741
Pond Inlet HTA - MITTAMATALIK
Jayko Alooloo
(867) 899-8095
Resolute Bay HTA
Isaac Kadluk
(867) 252-3800
Sanikiluaq HTA
Joe Aragutina
(867) 266-8131
Arviat HTA - ARVIQ
Peter Kritaqliluk
(867) 857-2488
Baker Lake HTA
David Aksawnee
(867) 793-2034
Chesterfield Inlet HTA - AQIGIQ
Jimmy Krako
(867) 898-9079
Coral Harbour HTA - AIVIIT
Willie Nakoolak
(867) 925-8300
Rankin Inlet HTA - AQIGGIAK
Jerome Tattuinee
(867) 645-3257
Repulse Bay HTA - ARVIQ
John Kaunak
(867) 462-4335
Whale Cove HTA - ISSATIK
Jack Angoo
(867) 896-9143
Kitikmeot HTA
Phillip Kadlun
(867) 982-4047
Bathurst Inlet - BURNSIDE (Cambridge Bay)
Sam Kapolak
(867) 920-4263
Bay Chimo HTA - OMINGMAKTOK (Cambridge Bay)
Peter Kapolak
(867) 983-2427
Cambridge Bay HTA - EKALUKTUTIAK
Johnny Oyakyoak
(867) 983-2427
Kugluktuk HTA - KUGLUKTUK
Jack Himiak
(867) 982-5912
Kivalliq Region
Kitikmeot Region
ArcticNet 2005 Expedition
11
Gjoa Haven HTA
Louie Kamookak
(867) 360-6913
Kugaaruk HTA - KURTAIROJUARK
Zachary Oogark
(867)-769-6713
Taloyoak HTA
Peter Qayutinuaq
(867) 561-5232
ArcticNet 2005 Expedition
12
19. Describe the level of involvement that the residents of Nunavut
have had with respect to the proposed project. Elaborate on local
employment opportunity, training programs, contracts, Inuit Impact
Benefit Agreements (if applicable):
Three of the five general objectives of ArcticNet are to: (1) involve northern
communities and Inuit organizations as partners through bilateral exchange of
knowledge, training and technology, (2) contribute to the training of the next generation
of young Arctic specialists (including northern residents) and (3) contribute to the
development and dissemination of the knowledge needed to formulate policies and
strategies to adapt to change in the Arctic. Therefore, it is a mandate of ArcticNet to
involve the residents of Nunavut at various levels of research and training. ArcticNet is
just beginning to start fieldwork in Nunavut with this field season being the first for the
majority of marine-based scientists in ArcticNet. However, community involvement
and consultation has already begun and will continue to develop throughout the
duration of ArcticNet.
In March 2005, ArcticNet co-funded a workshop entitled Inuit Perspectives on
Climate Change Adaptation Challenges in Nunavut, held in Iqaluit from March 15-17,
2005. The workshop was organised by Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Participants included
Inuit Elders, Hunters and Trappers Organization (HTO) and Regional Wildlife
Organization (RWO) members, Inuit organization (Regional Inuit Associations, NTI, Inuit
Tapiriit Kanatami and Inuit Circumpolar Conference) staff, representatives of federal and
territorial governments, as well as scientists.
In 2004, ICC and ITK accomplished a comprehensive community tour
throughout Nunavut for the National Contaminants Program. It was during this tour where the
concept of ArcticNet was first introduced to residents of Nunavut. In the winter of 2004, an
ArcticNet/Hudson Bay Oceans Working Group (HBOWG) workshop was held in Rankin Inlet.
This workshop introduced the science teams of Theme 3 (Hudson Bay focus) of ArcticNet to
members of the Hudson Bay Oceans Working group and representatives from the communities
of Hudson Bay. The leadership of this workshop was with Dr. Helen Fast. Since this workshop,
networking with northern governments is noteworthy with strong associations with the
Government of Nunavut, the Kivalliq Wildlife Board, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI)
and the local hamlet offices and HTO’s in the Kivalliq region.
A community-based monitoring project on sea ice climate variability and
change (CBM), which was successful in the Western Arctic, was piloted out of
Sanikiluaq, NU this past winter (NRI License # 0300105N-A). The CBM involves
community members in gathering information for research and the integration of this
community collected data with that collected by science teams in ArcticNet. This
includes the monitoring of a weather station set up on the sea ice and regular visits by
locally hired community monitors to measure physical variables (e.g., snow depth and
ice thickness) and make their own observations of the icescape. The program
recognizes the need for scientists, managers and community members to work together
to identify questions, concerns and answers to the complex issues of today’s uncertain
environment. As our focus is climate, our goals all have a long-term focus. To initiate
the project in Sanikiluaq, C.J. Mundy, Theme 3 science coordinator, made a community
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visit in February, 2005, to present a background of ArcticNet and the CBM to the
Hunters and Trappers Association and to the Nuiyak high school. The CBM is planned
to continue in Sanikiluaq and expand into three additional Hudson Bay communities
next winter.
Another program that was very successful in the Western Arctic and will take
place during this 2005 ArcticNet marine science expedition is Schools on Board. This
program will include six high school students (two students each from the north, east
and west regions of Canada) with two teachers and scientists who will board the ship
for a one-week period. While on board, the students and teachers will participate in
various laboratory and field activities encompassing the science accomplished aboard
the Amundsen. Information on the Schools on Board program and the application
process is provided on the ArcticNet website (www.arcticnet-ulaval.ca).
All Nunavut communities (HTAs) have also been contacted via faxes
explaining ArcticNet and this specific project to the Hunters and Trappers
organisations. Part of this fax asked the communities to supply us with names and
contact information of high school and college students interested in employment and
of experienced wildlife monitors. The list of students will be made available to the
scientists as potential research assistants in the field. Whereas, the list of wildlife
monitors will be used to hire monitors from more than one community to be onboard
the ship during the field project. These positions will be filled on an opportunity basis.
However, I note that a wildlife monitor will be present on the ship at all times to help
assure impact minimisation of our ship on the environment and wildlife.
Finally, in collaboration with the Nasivvik Centre, ArcticNet is funding a
fulltime position of Inuit Regional Advisor (IRA) for each of the four Canadian Inuit
regions (i.e., Nunavut, Nunavik, Labrador and Inuvialuit). These IRAs have in part
been hired to assist ArcticNet scientists in appropriately contacting and consulting
northern communities. Jenny Ipirq of Iqaluit, NU, currently resides as the IRA for
Nunavut.
20. Describe, and fax or mail documentation regarding community
concerns or support for the proposed project:
We will forward any feedback we receive.
21. Is there a Traditional Knowledge (TK) component to this
research project? If yes, see Appendix C.
ArcticNet is a multidisciplinary network bringing together natural, human
health and social sciences with their partners in Inuit organizations, northern
communities, federal and provincial agencies and the private sector to study the impacts
of climate change in the coastal Canadian Arctic. The Network is organized into four
research themes, including three integrated regional impact studies (IRIS) and one
synthesis theme. Each theme consists of five to six projects with separate
interdisciplinary foci. Each project has anywhere from 5 to 10 network investigators
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and at least the same number of students. Within each theme there is at least one project
focussed on social sciences that directly incorporates traditional knowledge into their
research. Through the IRIS and synthesis themes, this information will be integrated
with information gathered by the other natural and health science projects to contribute
to knowledge on the impacts of climate change in the coastal Canadian Arctic.
Therefore, although the 2005 ArcticNet marine science cruise onboard the Amundsen is
focussed on the natural sciences, it will incorporate a traditional knowledge component
through the IRIS and synthesis framework of ArcticNet.
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