Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

Northern ecosystems in Canada are subject to a number of stressors including climate change, industrial development, transport of pollutants from southern sources, and improved access to remote areas. Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) may be impacted by any or all of these stressors and are vital to the cultural, social, and economic health of northern communities. The ecological role of sea-run Arctic charr (charr that migrate to sea in summer for feeding and return to freshwater in fall) in freshwater lakes is not currently known, nor is it understood how the above stressors will impact this important resource. We are conducting a collaborative research project with Miramar Mining Corporation (MMC) at Hope Bay, Nunavut, the site of a proposed gold mine and mill. We will examine how sea-run charr interact with other species in lake food webs and determine how the presence of sea-run charr impacts the transfer of pollutants such as metals, mercury, DDT, PCBs, flame retardants, and stain repellents up through the food web. We will also examine the migration patterns of Arctic charr in the area. The results of this research will ensure that enhancements to fish habitat proposed by MMC can be successfully evaluated and will help MMC track the flow of pollutants through waters that receive mine tailings. From a scientific perspective, this study will advance our understanding of pollutant transfer through the food webs of Arctic lakes and provide new knowledge on the importance of sea-run charr to these lakes. The results will also allow us to predict how climate-induced changes to Arctic charr migration routes (e.g., streams and rivers) may impact pollutant concentrations and improve our knowledge on new pollutants (e.g., flame retardants and stain repellents) that are entering the Arctic.