SAON Canada- CPC Sciencepolicy briefs
SAON CANADA
SCIENCE - POLICY BRIEFS
December
2014
Volume 1, Issue 2
Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks (SAON) Canada, in
partnership with the Canadian Polar Commission, is
collaborating with the Association of Polar Early Career
Scientists (APECS) to present results of monitoring efforts in
the Canadian North, including the Yukon, Northwest
Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik and Nunatsiavut.
1
V 1.1 | November 2014
CONTENTS
Higher springtime mercury concentrations in Arctic coastal regions: Implications for
communities and ecosystems ..................................................................................................... 2
Polar cod monitoring in the Beaufort Sea: Implications for offshore oil and gas
development ............................................................................................................................... 4
Permafrost landscape disturbances can affect quality of Arctic freshwater resources .............. 7
Arctic fox baseline data at Karrak Lake, Nunavut provides key information for sustainable
management measures ............................................................................................................... 9
Arctic caribou contaminant monitoring provides important recommendations to inform
northern dietary choices ........................................................................................................... 11
Edited by: Ann Balasubramaniam, PhD Candidate, University of Waterloo
SAON Canada - Science-Policy Briefs
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HIGHER SPRINGTIME MERCURY CONCENTRATIONS IN ARCTIC COASTAL
REGIONS: IMPLICATIONS FOR COMMUNITIES AND ECOSYSTEMS
Summary
•
Mercury (Hg), in its gaseous form, is persistent and can transport across long
distances in the atmosphere, and deposit in ecosystems.
•
With over 35 stations across Canada, the Canadian Atmospheric Mercury
Measurement Network (CAMNet) has been monitoring atmospheric Hg over the past
two decades, providing insight into the chemistry and distribution of Hg.
•
Results from data collected in the Arctic demonstrate an increase in Atmospheric
Mercury Depletion Events (AMDEs), which refers to the lower concentration of Hg
in the atmosphere that occurs when gaseous elemental mercury is deposited in
snow and ice.
•
Increases in AMDEs and associated Hg deposition in snow and ice is a concern for
northern communities given that Hg may ultimately accumulate and magnify in
food webs and traditional food sources.
CONTEXT:
Mercury (Hg) in the atmosphere is mainly a by-product of combustion from both
natural and anthropogenic sources. Global anthropogenic
Hg emissions have climbed steadily since the 1870s and
now double Hg occurring from natural sources1. Gaseous
elemental mercury (GEM) is the dominant atmospheric
Atmospheric Mercury
form of Hg, capable of long-range transport with a
Depletion Events (AMDEs)
refer to a polar springtime
residence time of 6-12 months. Mercury that is found in
phenomenon in which there
the Arctic originates largely from areas outside the
are lower concentrations of
2
Arctic .
gaseous elemental mercury
(GEM) in the atmosphere
Atmospheric Mercury Depletion Events (AMDEs)
within 200 km of sea ice, as
occur in the spring along higher latitude coastlines.
a result of the deposition
of GEM in snow and ice3.
During AMDEs, GEM is transformed into reactive and
particulate forms, which readily deposit in snow and ice
from wet and dry precipitation. In the context of climate
change, a better understanding of the influence of increased sea-ice loss and/or changes in
wet and dry deposition can also allow for a better assessment of factors influencing
AMDEs4.
Over the past two decades, the Canadian Atmospheric Mercury Measurement
Network (CAMNet) has monitored the distribution and transport of atmospheric Hg, which
is necessary to understand changes in sources and fate within terrestrial and aquatic
ecosystems.
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V 1.1 | November 2014
RESULTS & IMPLICATIONS
In 2004, results were published regarding GEM concentrations between 1995 and
4
2011. This was based on data from CAMNet’s 35 atmospheric monitoring stations located
across Canada, four of which are located in northern regions, with one in the High Arctic,
and three in the sub-Arctic. Results can be summarized as follows:
• Across Canada, measurements of total atmospheric GEM decreased over the past
two decades. However, at the High Arctic station in Alert, Nunavut, springtime
reactive gaseous mercury and total particulate mercury increased significantly along
coastal zones, due to an increase in the magnitude of AMDEs.
• This result is similar to another study (2002-2011) at the Alert station which
reported lower concentrations of atmospheric GEM, and higher total Hg in snow
packs during AMDEs.5 This occurred each spring, with trends indicating an increase
in this seasonal phenomenon over the period of study.5
These results increase knowledge of the distribution of atmospheric mercury in
northern Canada over the past two decades, confirming results from other monitoring
stations located internationally. The presence of springtime AMDEs along Arctic coasts
presents a unique method for contamination in coastal communities. Further monitoring
of GEM along coastal regions is key to providing a better understanding of Hg cycling
processes and to identify possible implications for AMDEs and long-term deposition6.
POLICY LINKAGES:
• Long-term baseline data is valuable in assessing changes in Hg levels over time and
can provide insight into contaminant cycling in the Canadian Arctic.
• There is an increased potential for AMDEs in Arctic coastal regions, resulting in the
deposition of Hg into food webs. Further monitoring is, therefore, needed in these
regions to better understand factors affecting AMDEs, and the resulting
accumulation of Hg in traditional food sources that could lead to neurotoxic or
developmental problems in humans and animals.
RESOURCES:
1. Steffen, A. et al. (2008).A synthesis of atmospheric mercury depletion event chemistry in
the atmosphere and snow. Atmopheric Chemistry Physics. 8: 1445–1482.
2. O’Driscoll, N. J., Rencz, A. & Lean, D. R. S. in Metal Ions in Biological Systems. 43:221–238
(CRC Press, 2005).
3. Steffen, A. et al. (2008). A synthesis of atmospheric mercury depletion event chemistry in
the atmosphere and snow. Atmospheric Chemistry Physics. 8: 1445–1482.
4. Cole, A. et al. (2014). A Survey of Mercury in Air and Precipitation across Canada: Patterns
and Trends. Atmosphere (Basel). 5:635–668.
5. Steffen, A. et al.(2014). Atmospheric mercury speciation and mercury in snow over time at
Alert, Canada. Atmosheric Chemistry Physics 14, 2219–2231.
6. Berg, T., Pfaffhuber, K. A., Cole, A. S., Engelsen, O. & Steffen, A. (2013). Ten-year trends
in atmospheric mercury concentrations, meteorological effects and climate variables at
Zeppelin, Ny-Ålesund. Atmospheric Chemistry Physics. 13:6575–6586.
Author: Adam Houben, PhD Candidate, University of Ottawa
SAON Canada - Science-Policy Briefs
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POLAR COD MONITORING IN THE BEAUFORT SEA: IMPLICATIONS FOR
OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS DEVELOPMENT
Summary
•
Polar cod, a key species in the Arctic marine food web, may be threatened by
industrial development, along with climate change and the related presence of
invasive boreal fish species in the Arctic.
•
Monitoring of polar cod in the Beaufort Sea by ArcticNet, the Beaufort Regional
Environmental Assessment (BREA) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada is providing
new data regarding the biology and distribution of polar cod.
•
Results indicate that polar cod larvae occupy the surface water layer (<100 m)
during the summer period, whereas adults are found on the slope (200-400 m)
year-round. Results also indicate the presence of the pacific sand lance, a boreal
fish species, which could result in competition for food resources.
•
These results suggest that surface water hazards such as oil spills and sea floor
exploration activities could pose a threat to polar cod. These data can inform
environmental impact assessments for offshore oil and gas development and
management plans for the Beaufort Sea region.
CONTEXT:
Polar cod is the most abundant forage fish in the Arctic and is considered a central
component of the marine food web, affecting the transfer of up to 75% of the energy from
lower trophic levels (i.e., plankton and benthos) to top predators (e.g. seals, birds and
humans) 1,2. Changing Arctic conditions can threaten polar cod due to: (1) competition for
food resources from invasive boreal fish species;
and, (2) higher environmental risks associated with
increased oil and gas exploration.
In recent years, an estimate of the polar cod
population in the Beaufort Sea based on direct
observation was notably lower than that which was
estimated based on gut content analysis on its
predators. This disparity in population estimates,
referred to as the “polar cod mystery”, highlighted
major gaps in current knowledge of polar cod
distribution and life cycles 2.
What is benthos?
Benthos is the group of
species that lives in close
relationship with the
seafloor. Benthic species
include: algae, mobile (e.g.
shrimps) and non-mobile (e.g.
mussels) invertebrates and
fish (e.g. turbot, halibut).
Polar cod research and monitoring undertaken by ArcticNet, the Beaufort Regional
Environmental Assessment (BREA) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada is helping to address
some of these gaps.
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V 1.1 | November 2014
RESULTS & IMPLICATIONS
Polar cod research, led by Dr. Louis Fortier of ArcticNet, has been carried out on
board the CCGS Amundsen in the Beaufort Sea since 2002, in collaboration with Fisheries
and Oceans Canada and BREA. Cutting-edge fisheries sonar technology 4 and plankton
sampling techniques were employed to map polar cod distribution and study interactions
with boreal fish species in the Beaufort Sea. Results published in 2014 included the
following:
• Acoustic surveys5,6 demonstrate that during the summer, young-of-year polar cod
(YOY) occupy the first 100 m of the water column, while adults (>1 year) are found
deeper (200-400 m) on the continental slope. The two life stages are, therefore,
spatially segregated. During the winter, YOY polar cod migrate deeper to depths
where the adult polar cod population is concentrated.
• Pacific sand lance larvae (Ammodytes hexapterus, a boreal species) were detected
for the first time in the Beaufort Sea in 2011.
• While there is a potential for a spatial overlap between pacific sand lance larvae
and polar cod larvae7, the extent of this overlap is currently limited by climatic and
behavioural factors, such as different hatching periods, that determine both their
spatial and temporal segregation7. The potential for spatial overlap, and associated
competition for food resources could, however, increase as Arctic waters warm7.
These results enhance our knowledge of polar cod distribution and behaviour and
identify potential threats to the polar cod population in the Beaufort Sea. They also
highlight the utility of acoustic technology in marine research as a method of enhanced
fish detection, allowing for continuous sampling over wide spatial ranges and depths 4.
POLICY LINKAGES:
• Knowledge regarding the summer distribution of larval cod in ocean surface layers
(<100 m) which is the area most susceptible to the impacts of oil spills, and the
year-round presence of adult cod along the slope (200-400 m) of the Beaufort Sea
where oil and gas lease blocks exist, is important for informing environmental
impact assessments and oil spill preparedness plans.
• This increased knowledge regarding polar cod distribution and biology can inform
assessments of future sustainable fisheries development opportunities in the region.
• Further monitoring of invasive species in Arctic waters is needed to identify threats
to the polar cod population and to develop management plans to protect this
potentially economically valuable fish species.
RESOURCES:
1.
Geoffroy, M., Robert, D., Darnis, G. & Fortier, L. (2011).The aggregation of polar cod
2.
(Boreogadus saida) in the deep Atlantic layer of ice-covered Amundsen Gulf (Beaufort Sea)
in winter. Polar Biology. 34: 1959-1971.
Fortier, L. (2014). Vertical distribution and onthogenic migrations of Polar cod (Boreogadus
saida) in the Canadian Beaufort Sea: an annual cycle. APECS Canada Online Conference.
Available from: http://vimeo.com/94551762 from 0:56:00 to 1:24:00
SAON Canada - Science-Policy Briefs
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3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
FAO FishFinder. Species Fact Sheets: Boreogadus saida (Lepechin, 1774). [Accessed
15/11/2014]; Available from: http://www.fao.org/fishery/species/2233/en
Geoffroy, M., Rousseau, S. & Pyc, C. (2012). 2011 Beaufort Sea active acoustics survey for
marine mammal and pelagic fish detection. Available from:
http://www.beaufortrea.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/ArcticNet-Report-SX90-andEK60-2011.pdf
Beaufort Regional Environmental Assessment. (2014). Second Annual Progress Report 20122013. Report No.: NCR#5789084 - v7. Available from: http://www.beaufortrea.ca/wpcontent/uploads/2014/05/NCR-5789084-v7-BREA_-_PROGRESS_REPORT__SUMMARY_PROGRESS_REPORT_2012-2013.pdf
Benoit, D., Simard, Y. & Fortier, L. (2014). Pre-winter distribution and habitat
characteristics of polar cod (Boreogadus saida) in southeastern Beaufort Sea. Polar Biology.
37:149-163.
Falardeau, M., Robert, D. & Fortier, L. (2014). Could the planktonic stages of polar cod and
Pacific sand lance compete for food in the warming Beaufort Sea? ICES Journal of Marine
Science: Journal du Conseil. doi:10.1093/icesjms/fst221.
Author: Filippo Ferrario, PhD, Université Laval
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V 1.1 | November 2014
PERMAFROST LANDSCAPE DISTURBANCES CAN AFFECT QUALITY OF
ARCTIC FRESHWATER RESOURCES
Summary
•
As the climate continues to warm in the High Arctic, the depth of the active layer
of permafrost, which thaws seasonally in the summer, can deepen due to the
warming of earth materials.
•
Since 2003, a research group led by Queen’s University at the Cape Bounty Arctic
Watershed Observatory on Melville Island, Nunavut, has been measuring the
impacts of permafrost-related terrestrial disturbances on freshwater systems.
•
Results indicate that deeper active layer thaw can lead to more frequent
landscape disturbances such as active layer detachments. These disturbances can
increase erosion, lead to higher rates of sedimentation and have important
downstream water quality impacts.
•
This research can assist in predicting the impacts of landscape disturbances on
downstream surface waters (e.g. streams, rivers, lakes and ponds) and furthers
understanding regarding climate change impacts on water quality in the Arctic.
CONTEXT:
The active layer is the
In the High Arctic, warming air temperatures are
surface layer of ground
impacting terrestrial ecosystems, causing deepening active
that seasonally thaws
layers and, in some cases, widespread permafrost
and freezes above
degradation and slope failures such as active layer
perennially frozen
detachments (ALDs). The movement of water and earth
permafrost.
Active layer detachments
materials from ALDs into adjacent freshwater systems has
(ALDs) are downslope
implications for water quality, with the release of carbon
mass movements of
and nutrients stored in frozen sediments into streams, rivers,
water-saturated earth
lakes and ponds1, 2. This may have a substantial effect on
materials along the base
water quality in these remote areas.
of the active layer.
Freshwater resources are essential both to community
and ecosystem health. In the High Arctic, freshwater bodies
are sustained predominantly by snowmelt runoff inputs. As
Arctic hydrological cycles change as a result of more frequent precipitation events, and as
permafrost active layer depth increases, more frequent ALDs are projected, thus
potentially leading to downstream changes to water quality3,4.
Researchers at the Cape Bounty Arctic Watershed Observatory located at Cape
Bounty on Melville Island, Nunavut have been investigating the impacts of climate change
on permafrost landscapes, soils and watersheds since 2003. It is a collaborative effort led
by researchers from Queen’s University in partnership with other Canadian and
international researchers.
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RESULTS & IMPLICATIONS
Permafrost-related disturbances and the impacts of deepening active layers on
landscapes have been well documented. However, few projects exist that systematically
assess the impacts of such physical landscape disturbances on freshwater resources.
Research conducted on Melville Island has demonstrated the following:
• Changes to hydrology, rising air temperatures and deepening active layers in the
High Arctic lead to more frequent disturbances1.
• Disturbed areas are susceptible to erosion, which can lead to further disturbances1.
• Increased rainfall and deeper active layers result in increased sediment loading in
adjacent freshwater (lakes, rivers) and although the effects of disturbances on
water quality were difficult to discern, there was some evidence of increases in
dissolved carbon and nitrogen3.
Freshwater is an important resource for Arctic communities and ecosystems. This
project examines how climate change and landscape disturbances, especially ALDs, could
affect downstream water quality. The linkage of landscape processes with freshwater
biochemistry to gain knowledge of the impacts of permafrost landscape disturbances on
adjacent freshwater ecosystems can assist in identifying possible threats to downstream
water quality for northern communities and freshwater biota.
POLICY LINKAGES:
• Deeper seasonal thaw, increased permafrost disturbance, and the potential for
increased nutrient and sediment loading in freshwater systems will have
implications for northern communities and aquatic ecosystem functioning in the
High Arctic.
• Further research and monitoring in areas where permafrost disturbance occurs is
needed to understand long-term effects of these disturbances.
• This research contributes to the knowledge of carbon and nitrogen cycling in the
High Arctic.
RESOURCES:
1. Lamoureux, S.F., Lafrenière, M.J. and Favaro, E.A. (2014). Erosion dynamics following
localized permafrost slope disturbances. Geophysical Research Letters. 41.
doi:10.1002/2014GL060677.
2. Lamoureux, S.F. and Lafrenière, M.J. (2009). Fluvial Impact of Extensive Active Layer
Detachments, Cape Bounty, Melville Island, Canada. Arctic, Antarctic and Alpine Research,
41:59-68.
3. Lewis, T., Lafrenière, M.J. and Lamoureux, S.F. (2012). Hydrochemical and sedimentary
responses of paired High Arctic watersheds to unusual climate and permafrost disturbance,
Cape Bounty, Melville Island, Canada. Hydrological Processes, 26.
4. Serreze, M.C., Walsh, J.E., Chapin III, F.S., Osterkamp, T., Dyurgerov, M., Romanovsky, V.,
Oechel, W.C., Morison, J., Zhang, T. and Barry, R.G. (2000). Observational evidence of
recent change in the northern high-latitude environment. Climatic Change 46:159-207.
Author: Silvie Harder, PhD Candidate, McGill University
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V 1.1 | November 2014
ARCTIC FOX BASELINE DATA AT KARRAK LAKE, NUNAVUT PROVIDES KEY
INFORMATION FOR SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT MEASURES
Summary
•
Baseline information examining population dynamics of the arctic fox is important
in terms of assessing potential changes to this economically and culturally
important species, including in the context of climate change.
•
The Karrak Lake Arctic Fox Project led by researchers at Environment Canada and
the University of Saskatchewan examines seasonal and annual variation in foraging
behaviour and population dynamics, as well as parasite compositions in the arctic
fox in the Karrak Lake, Nunavut region.
•
Research indicates that arctic fox reproduction and population abundance depend
on small mammals as well as nesting geese when small mammals are scarce. The
presence of endoparasites can assist in tracking climate-induced change.
•
These findings can inform sustainable management measures for foxes and their
prey.
CONTEXT:
Arctic foxes are economically and culturally
important to hunters and trappers in northern
communities. Arctic fox ecology—including host-parasite
relationships—is not, however, well understood and will
likely shift with anticipated rapid environmental change.
Research programs characterizing baseline ecological
interactions of arctic foxes while also tracking and
detecting climate-induced shifts in population dynamics
can inform sustainable management measures.
Baseline data regarding
arctic fox foraging
behaviour, population
dynamics, and disease
ecology is important in
terms of better identifying
and understanding climateinduced change.
The Karrak Lake Arctic Fox Project led by
researchers at Environment Canada and the University of Saskatchewan1 was initiated in
Nunavut in 2000 to better understand foraging behaviour, population dynamics, and
disease ecology of the arctic fox. Using mark-recapture techniques at a nesting bird
colony, this program examines: 1) the eating habits of arctic foxes (i.e., small mammals,
but also snow geese and their eggs); 2) how changes in food abundance affects the fox
population; and, 3) the prevalence of parasites in arctic fox blood and feces. This work is
also part of a long-term research program led by Ray T. Alisauskas from Environment
Canada that characterizes nutritional and population ecology of Ross’s geese and, to a
lesser extent, snow geese.
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RESULTS & IMPLICATIONS
The Karrak Lake Arctic Fox Project released a progress report in January 2014
summarizing work to date.2 This report indicated that:
• 146 adult and 171 juvenile foxes were successfully captured and marked at Karrak
Lake from 2000—2014, 64 of which have been encountered more than once.
• Decreased small mammal (collared lemming) populations contributed to low
population numbers and reduced reproduction of arctic foxes in the following year.
• Foxes switched to cached eggs (up to 50% of the fox diet) in years when small
mammals were scarce.3
• The presence of nesting geese at Karrak Lake elevated the abundance of foxes to 2
to 3 times higher than that outside the goose colony.
• Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum antibodies have been detected in 58% and
3% of fox blood samples, respectively, and Toxascaris, taeniids, an unidentified
tapeworm, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia species were detected in 65%, 18%, 25%,
20%, and 32% of fox feces, respectively.4
These results demonstrate that arctic foxes are opportunistic scavengers and
predators that switch diets when preferred food sources are scarce. Nesting geese can
elevate fox reproduction and abundance beyond that which is supported by small mammals
alone. Parasite composition should be monitored to track their persistence and understand
potential climate-induced effects.
POLICY LINKAGES:
• Arctic fox foraging behaviour as well as population dynamics and disease ecology
are important in terms of informing ecosystem-based conservation and
management measures pertaining to the arctic fox and arctic-nesting waterfowl,
especially in the context of a changing climate.
RESOURCES:
1. Karrak Lake Arctic Fox Project. (n.d.). Karrak Lake Arctic Fox Project. University of
Saskatchewan. Website. Accessed 19 November 2014. Retrieved from:
http://www.usask.ca/biology/fox/
2. Samelius G, Alisauskas R, Elmore S and Kellett DK. (2014). Foraging Behaviours and
Population Dynamics of Arctic Foxes at Karrak Lake, Nunavut. Progress Report.
3. Samelius G, Alisauskas RT, Hobson KA and Larivière S. (2007). Prolonging the Arctic Pulse:
Long-term Exploitation of Cached Eggs by Arctic Foxes When Lemmings are Scarce. Journal
of Animal Ecology 76:873—880.
4. Elmore SA, Lalonde L, Samelius G, Alisauskas RT, Gajadhar AA and Jenkins EJ. (2013).
Endoparasites in the Feces of Arctic Foxes in a Terrestrial Ecosystem in Canada.
International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife 2:90—96.
Author: Pamela Wong, PhD Candidate, University of Toronto and Royal Ontario Museum
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V 1.1 | November 2014
ARCTIC CARIBOU CONTAMINANT MONITORING PROVIDES IMPORTANT
RECOMMENDATIONS TO INFORM NORTHERN DIETARY CHOICES
Summary
•
Contaminants that enter the Arctic via atmospheric transport have the potential to
accumulate in caribou, which is an important food source for northerners.
•
The Arctic Caribou Contaminant Monitoring Program has been measuring levels of
mercury, cadmium and other elements in the Porcupine and Qamanirjuaq caribou
herds on an annual basis since 1991 and 2006 respectively, to assess the extent to
which they remain safe for consumption.
•
Results released in October 2014 indicated that in general, most contaminants
measured were not of concern toxicologically and that caribou meat is safe for
consumption. Maximum yearly intakes per person for liver and kidneys of some
caribou have, however, been recommended.
•
This annual monitoring program provides timely and reliable information to
support national or regional health authorities when developing guidelines or
advisories pertaining to traditional food sources.
CONTEXT:
Contaminants from more southern and
industrialized regions enter the Arctic primarily via
atmospheric transport, ocean currents and rivers.
Some contaminants, such as heavy metals, have
the potential to accumulate in wildlife such as
caribou1. Since caribou is an important food source
for northerners, it is essential that current and
reliable data regarding contaminants are available
so that northerners are able to make informed
choices about consumption.
The Northern Contaminants
Program, established in
1991, coordinates Canadian
action on reducing
contaminants in
traditionally harvested
foods in the North. This
includes research and
monitoring to provide
dietary information to
health authorities and
northern communities.
The Arctic Caribou Contaminant Monitoring
Program measures levels of contaminants in caribou populations to assess the extent to
which they remain safe for consumption, and whether contaminant levels are changing
over time. The project, which is conducted under the Northern Contaminants Program,2 is
being led by research scientist Mary Gamberg of Gamberg Consulting in Whitehorse, Yukon.
Other partners include Environment Canada, Yukon Environment, Nunavut Wildlife
Management Board and local hunters from the communities of Old Crow, Yukon and Arviat,
Nunavut.
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RESULTS & IMPLICATIONS
Meat (muscle), kidney and liver samples have been collected annually from the
Porcupine caribou herd in the western Arctic since the early 1990s and from the
Qamanirjuaq caribou herd in the eastern Arctic since 2006. Samples have been analyzed
for mercury, cadmium and other elements and emerging contaminants. Results released in
October 2014 indicate that in general, levels of most elements measured were not of
concern toxicologically3. More specifically:
• Caribou meat (muscle) has not accumulated high levels of contaminants and
remains a healthy food choice.
• Mercury and cadmium found in caribou kidneys and liver may cause some
concern for health depending on the quantity of organs consumed.
Based on these results, the maximum recommended yearly intake per person for the
Porcupine caribou herd in the western Arctic4 is:
Caribou kidneys
24
Caribou liver
12
Caribou meat
No limit
No health advisory was issued regarding the Qamanirjuaq caribou herd.
POLICY LINKAGES:
• Results from the Arctic Caribou Contaminant Monitoring Program can assist
national and regional health authorities when developing guidelines and dietary
recommendations and provide northerners with timely and reliable information
to support informed choices regarding their dietary intake of caribou.
• The data here also provide a foundation that can support the evaluation of
trends over time of particular contaminants of concern within the terrestrial
environment.
RESOURCES:
1. Gamberg M., Braune B., Davey E., Elkin B., Hoekstra P.F., Kennedy D., Macdonald C., Muir
D., Nirwal A., Wayland M. and Zeeb B. (2005). Spatial and temporal trends of contaminants
in terrestrial biota from the Canadian Arctic. Science of the Total Environment. 351-352:
148-164.
2. Northern Contaminants Program website:
http://www.science.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=7A463DBA-1
3. For more information and access to the report please contact Mary Gamberg (Gamberg
Consulting; [email protected])
4. Yukon Health and Social Services website: http://www.hss.gov.yk.ca/pdf/cadmium-factsheet.pdf
Author: Kiley Daley, PhD Student, Dalhousie University
SAON Canada - Science-Policy Briefs