Grant: Alliance Grants

The proposed research in this application is poised to increase understanding of anthropogenic carbon emissions and downstream impacts such as ocean acidification, from and within the James Bay-southern Hudson Bay marine region. This coastal marine region borders the carbon-rich Hudson Bay Lowlands (HBL) but is unstudied in terms of its own carbon significance. An oceanographic research expedition was recently completed providing first data and samples for constraining marine carbon sources and sinks and river carbon monitoring was initiated to assess significance of carbon transports from the HBL into the coastal marine environment. However, rapid sea-ice loss and surface-water warming are already underway in this region, and observations alone cannot project near-future carbon emissions and ocean acidification risk. Here, we will use the observations together with a coupled ice-ocean and biogeochemical model to describe the present carbon state (uptake and emissions) and assess the future carbon state of this system. The results will improve understanding of the present carbon state of the system, how carbon emissions are changing over time, and whether increased ocean acidification risk accompanies the anthropogenic carbon exchange. Cree Knowledge of the peatlands and coastal ecosystems contributed by our Indigenous research partners will enrich the understanding of the region's carbon significance. Partners include Mushkegowuk Council of Chiefs, which represents eight Cree communities on a marine protection initiative for western James Bay and southwest Hudson Bay; Parks Canada, which is studying the feasibility of establishing a national marine conservation area in this region; and non-governmental organizations with expertise in translating knowledge into action. Some of these established partnerships stretch back several years, providing confidence that they will be fruitful in terms of generating research results and seeing them applied towards advancing the ongoing Indigenous-led conservation initiatives. The Alliance Mission results will inform carbon stock conservation and ecosystem protection strategies to maximize future natural climate benefits in this sensitive region.