Climate variability and change (CVC) effects on char in the Arctic

• Main Authors: Reist, Jim, Power, Michael, Doidge, Bill, Ayles, Burton, Muir, Derek, Wrona, Fred, J. Brian Dempson, Kidd, Karen, Halden, Norman, Bell, Robert
• Format: Dataset
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Cryospheric Information Network 2012
• Subjects: Arctic char; Biodiversity; Climate change; Community-based monitoring; Genetic analysis; Otolith; Stable isotope analyses; International Polar Year-Climate variability and change CVC effects on Char in the Arctic; Arctic; Nunavut; Northwest Territories; Nunavik; Canada; Nain; Sachs Harbour; International Polar Year; IPY
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.5443/11464; https://www.polardata.ca/pdcsearch/?doi_id=11464

The research project is comprised of two components: 1) investigation of char biodiversity using genetic approaches, and char life history and thermal ecology using otolith microchemistry and stable isotope techniques at several areas throughout the Canadian Arctic (western Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik, Nunatsiavut), thereby providing the biological context in which to place climate variability and change effects on this key resource; climate effects on mercury bioaccumulation in chars are also investigated in parallel with these studies, and 2) development of community-based monitoring programs in Sachs Harbour, Kuujjuaaq, and Nain to assess and monitor local char biodiversity, this links understanding gained from the research component directly with biodiversity observable locally by northerners. This component will be suitable for general dissemination to other northern communities as a model for developing similar local programs. A third component develops a network of char researchers and northerners to address common issues of char-climate interactions, foster information exchange, and link to other key national and international networks. Research outputs, monitoring programs, and networks will serve as lasting legacies of this IPY project. : Purpose: As key components of freshwater (lake and river), estuarine and near-shore marine aquatic environments of the circumpolar north, Arctic Char and related fishes of the genus Salvelinus are fundamental to the lifestyles and well-being of northerners as the basis for extensive fisheries conducted for household food (i.e., domestic and subsistence), commercial and sport purposes. Chars contribute significantly to household and wage economies, and social and cultural elements of northern life. Chars are also key integrators and indicators of the health of northern aquatic ecosystems, many aspects of which are at significant risk from increased climate variability and change. However, human adaptive responses are hampered by a lack of vital information regarding char thermal ecology, biodiversity and its functional significance in northern ecosystems, mercury interactions, and how these may respond to climate change. : Summary: Arctic char are fundamental to the well-being of Northerners as a traditional food source and economic resource. They are also a key indicator of the health of northern ecosystems. This project is studying Arctic char and the challenges they face in light of impending climate change. With the development of an international network of researchers, char thermal ecology and biodiversity, the significance of char in northern ecosystems, bioaccumulation of mercury and how all these factors respond to climate change is being assessed across the circumpolar North. In Canada, community-based monitoring programs are also being established in Sachs Harbour, Kuujjuaaq and Nain to assess char biodiversity at a local level.