Table of Contents
- Understanding Fish Mercury Concentrations in Dehcho Lakes
- Community-Based Monitoring of Arctic Char in Nunatsiavut: Increasing Capacity, Building Knowledge
- Contaminants in Traditional Foods of the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun First Nation
- Tłı̨chǫ Aquatic Ecosystem Monitoring Program (TAEMP)
- Expanding Community-Based Monitoring of Contaminants Concentrations in Marine Country Food Used by Mittimatalingmiut: Science and Local Knowledge Assessing the Risks to Human Health in Pond Inlet
- Mobilizing Inuit Knowledge and Land Use Observations to Assess Ecosystem Trends and Processes Affecting Contaminants
- Contaminants in Traditional Food in the White River First Nation Territory
- Traditional Foods Contaminant Monitoring Program
- Community Monitoring of Plastic Pollution in Wild Food and Environments in Nunatsiavut
- Contaminant Monitoring and Community Interests in the Lower Northwest Passage
- Sources of Methylmercury, Perfluoroalkyl Substances, and Polychlorinated Biphenyls to Ringed Seal Food Webs of Lake Melville, Northern Labrador
- Mercury in Yukon Fish
Understanding Fish Mercury Concentrations in Dehcho Lakes
Project leaders
George Low, Dehcho First Nations
Heidi Swanson, University of Waterloo
Team
Priscilla Canadien, Deh Gah Gotie First Nation; Chief Gladys Norwegian, Jean Marie River First Nation; Mike Low, Dehcho Aboriginal Aquatic Resources and Oceans Management; Chief Lloyd Chicot, Ka’a’ gee Tu First Nation; Melaine Simba, Ka’a’ gee Tu First Nation; Chief Maurice Moses, Pehdzeh Ki First Nation
Funds
$33,600
Project Summary (2018-2019)
Fish are a central part of the traditional diet and culture of the First Nations of the Dehcho region of the Northwest Territories. Some lakes in this region have fish with mercury levels that are above human consumption guidelines, while other fish in lakes that are relatively close by have levels that are well below guidelines. Our research aims to help Dehcho communities better understand mercury issues and determine which factors (both between lakes and between fish species) relate to or predict levels of mercury in fish.
Results from our previous five years of research show that between lakes the factors that affect mercury concentrations are different for each species. These factors like food web structure and lake landscape can be affected by climate change. The current study will expand our research into the northern region of the Dehcho (Pehdzeh Ki First Nation), and will involve six lakes in the Dehcho region. This will give us data from a wider representation of the lakes in the Dehcho region and improve our model of how climate and land-use change factors affect fish mercury levels.
Community-Based Monitoring of Arctic Char in Nunatsiavut: Increasing Capacity, Building Knowledge
Project leaders
Rodd Laing, Nunatsiavut Government
Derek Muir, Environment and Climate Change Canada
Jane Kirk, Environment and Climate Change Canada
Team
Rudy Riedlsperger, Carla Pamak and Liz Pijogge, Nunatsiavut Government; Joey Angnatok, Community of Nain; Aullak, Sangilivallianginnatuk (Going Off, Growing Strong) Youth Program
Funds
$6,140
Project Summary (2018-2019)
Labrador Inuit have experienced a drastic shift in their consumption of traditional foods from a diet consisting of mostly caribou to one that includes more ringed seals and Arctic char. This shift in diet is because of the decline in numbers of the George River Caribou herd and the ban that followed on hunting the herd in Winter 2013. Nunatsiavut residents are concerned about how this shift in diet affects their health and wellbeing. Five years ago, this Community-Based Monitoring of Arctic Char in Nunatsiavut: Increasing Capacity, Building Knowledge study was developed to monitor levels of mercury and selenium in Arctic char and respond to the concerns of Nunatsiavut residents.
This project is community–led and engages the community in all of the different activities of the project including designing the study and collecting samples. This year we will collect twenty arctic char from two locations, Nain and Saglek Fjord, just before they return inland from feeding in the sea. The fish will be caught and processed by local community members, with support from staff at the Nain Research Centre. Community members will receive payment for their contribution to this research program. Sampling has been collaborative and successful, bringing together the Nunatsiavut Government, Parks Canada, Conservation Officers, youth and harvesters to collect samples and facilitate knowledge exchange between generations and organizations. Researchers at Environment and Climate Change Canada in Burlington Ontario will analyze the samples for contaminant levels. As part of Dr. Max Liboiron’s (Memorial University) study Community monitoring of plastic pollution in wild food and environments in Nunatsiavut, plastic analysis will also take place on these char.
The information collected by this project will be needed for making dietary advice, as well as understanding contaminant loads and how they are changing as a result of climate change and increased industrial development.
Contaminants in Traditional Foods of the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun First Nation
Project leader
Dawna Hope, First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun
Team
Mary Gamberg, Gamberg Consulting; Xiaowa Wang and Derek Muir, Environment and Climate Change Canada
Funds
$29,946
Project Summary (2018-2019)
The Na-Cho Nyäk Dun First Nation is concerned about the levels of contaminants in their traditional foods. This project will measure the contaminant levels in moose and fish from the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Traditional Territory and compare current contaminant levels to levels from ten years ago. Moose samples will be collected in 2018 and harvesting fish and analyzing fish samples will happen in 2019-2020.
This project will also build capacity in the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun by involving the community in collecting, preparing and shipping moose and fish to laboratories for analysis. Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Lands Officers and Fish and Wildlife Officers will be trained on how to prepare samples by a qualified research scientist and will be taught traditional and cultural practices by local elders. This project will help the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun First Nation community and northerners because results will provide current data for comparison against historical data. The results will inform the community on northern contaminants and help the First Nation to make informed decisions related to gathering and consuming traditional foods.
Tłı̨chǫ Aquatic Ecosystem Monitoring Project (TAEMP)
Project leader
Jody Pellissey, Wek’èezhìi Renewable Resources Board
Team
Susan Beaumont, Sarah Elsasser, Ryan Fequet, Anneli Jokela, Roberta Judas and Boyan Tracz, Wek’èezhìý Renewable Resources Board; Nicole Dion, Jennifer Fresque-Baxter, Ryan Gregory and Linna O’Hara, Government of Northwest Territories; Shirley Ann Dokum, Jessica Hum, Joline Huskey, Sean Richardson and Ted Nitsiza, Tłı̨chǫ Government; Ellen Lea, Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Cameron Stevens, Golder Associates Ltd.
Funds
$22,370*
Project Summary (2018-2019)
The Tłı̨chǫ Aquatic Ecosystem Monitoring Program (TAEMP) is a successful community-based monitoring program that helps the Tłı̨chǫ people learn whether fish from their traditional lakes are healthy and safe to eat. Tłı̨chǫ community members are directly involved in the collection of fish tissue, water, and sediment samples, and there are many opportunities to exchange scientific and Tłı̨chǫ knowledge in appropriate community and on-the-land settings. The results are shared back to communities by community members and through educational activities at schools where students learn about aquatic ecosystems and environmental monitoring. Through providing training, educational activities and work to the Tłı̨chǫ people, this project ensures that Tłı̨chǫ waters are monitored by Tłı̨chǫ people.
The TAEMP annually rotates sampling activities through each of the four TTłı̨chǫ communities, with sampling happening in each community once every four years. This year we will finish our second round of sampling of the four communities with our sampling of Lac la Martre. With two sets of data for each lake we can compare how fish condition, water quality, and sediment quality are changing over time.
Expanding Community-Based Monitoring of Contaminants Concentrations in Marine Country Food Used by Mittimatalingmiut: Science and Local Knowledge Assessing the Risks to Human Health in Pond Inlet
Project leader
James Simonee, community-based researcher in Pond Inlet
Team
Vincent L’Hérault, ARCTIConnexion, and Université du Québec à Rimouski; Derek Muir and Xiaowa Wang, Environment and Climate Change Canada; Chris Furgal, Trent University; Heidi Swanson, University of Waterloo; Pierre-Yves Daoust, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island
Funds
$67,833*
Project Summary (2018-2019)
As a resident of Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet) all my life, I have been noticing changes in weather, sea ice, marine mammals, land wildlife, and fishes. My experience at Nunavut Arctic College’s Environmental Technology Program made me question what I see out there (my observations) and it made me realize that there are some changes that we cannot tell just by our “naked” eye and that we, as Inuit, need to seek more to find out the unnoticeable things impacting our environment. As Inuit, country food is our main resource all year round and we especially need to know if the animals that we hunt or fish are being affected.
I wanted to start my own research project on arctic char, seals, and narwhals, to find out if they are being affected not only by climate change but also by human activities. Research by Arctic scientists has shown high levels of contaminants in seals, especially mercury and persistent organic pollutants. When I first heard about these results it really made me curious as a hunter and I wanted to find more, to research and make sure the food is safe for myself, my family and my community.
This three-year study will build on my previous work on Arctic char and ringed seals. In year one, I will continue my research on contaminants levels in Arctic char and ringed seals. In year two, I will research contaminants concentrations in narwhals and work with local hunters on their observations and knowledge. In year three, I will research Mittimatalingmiut food choices and exposure to contaminants and look at persistent organic pollutants. I will also work with my community and the health authorities to determine the best way to communicate the results.
As I did in the past, many mentors including NCP researchers will help me in my research for field work preparation and sampling, contaminants analyses, statistics, preparing presentations, and writing reports.
Mobilizing Inuit Knowledge and Land Use Observations to Assess Ecosystem Trends and Processes Affecting Contaminants
Project leaders
Joel Heath, The Arctic Eider Society
Lucassie Arragutainaq, Arctic Eider Society
Team
John Chételat and Robert Letcher, Environment and Climate Change Canada and Carleton University; Steven Ferguson, Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Johnny Kudluarok, Arctic Eider Society; Gita Ljubicic, Carleton University
Funds
$15,640
Project Summary (2018-2019)
This project builds on efforts to develop new ways to systematically document Inuit knowledge and observations of ecosystem trends and processes. By providing important context on animal ecology, diet and environmental conditions, this project will benefit both contaminants and climate change research and monitoring. In year one of this project we have made substantial advances to the interactive infrastructure of the SIKU mapping platform and mobile app. This includes culturally relevant tools for Inuit hunters to document observations during hunting activities using mobile devices. Field testing for these tools, including GPS-referenced photos, comments, tagging systems (e.g. wildlife species, sea ice terminology, traditional place names, etc.) and real-time sharing occurred in Winter 2018. This year (2018-2019), there will be a focus on reviewing and evaluating this project.
Contaminants in Traditional Food in the White River First Nation Territory
Project leader
Ray Sabo, White River First Nation
Team
Mary Gamberg, Gamberg Consulting; Heidi Swanson, University of Waterloo; Xiaowa Wang and Derek Muir, Environment and Climate Change Canada
Funds
$33,516
Project Summary (2018-2019)
The White River First Nation is concerned about contaminants in fish in their traditional territory. This study will collect samples of fish from three lakes within the White River First Nation Traditional Territory to determine if contaminants are a concern for fish populations or for community members who eat these fish. contaminant levels in fish from this area with existing data from fish from other areas of the Yukon (particularly Kusawa Lake and Lake Laberge). Results will also be presented to citizens of the White River First Nation in a public meeting and as a plain language summary for each year of the project. In cooperation with Territorial Health officials we will also evaluate the data to see if it should be submitted to Health Canada for a health assessment.
Traditional Foods Contaminant Monitoring Program
Project leader
Anna Schmidt, Taku River Tlingit First Nation
Team
Mary Gamberg, Gamberg Consulting; Xiaowa Wang and Derek Muir, Environment and Climate Change Canada
Funds
$29,562*
Project Summary (2018-2019)
Traditional foods are an important source of nutrition and have spiritual, social, and cultural significance for the Taku River Tlingit First Nation (TRTFN). This project will determine contaminant levels in moose and two commonly harvested fish species within the Taku River Tlingit Traditional Territory, so that community members can make informed choices about consuming these foods. TRTFN Land Guardians, in cooperation with local hunters, will collect samples from moose, grayling, and lake trout from the TRT Traditional Territory and local hunters will also help by collecting moose samples. Moose and fish samples will be analyzed for a variety of elements (including cadmium and mercury), and legacy and new contaminants. This project will build capacity within the First Nation through training from an experienced contaminants researcher on designing contaminants projects, how to collect and process fish samples for contaminant analysis, and communicating results to the community.
Community Monitoring of Plastic Pollution in Wild Food and Environments in Nunatsiavut
Project leaders
Max Liboiron, Memorial University of Newfoundland
Liz Pijogge, Nunatsiavut Government
Team
Rodd Laing, Nunatsiavut Government
Funds
$32,607*
Project Summary (2018-2019)
Marine plastics act as sponges for contaminants such as methylmercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and other persistent organic pollutants. When ingested, these chemicals can collect in an animal’s tissues (bioaccumulation) and build up in the food chain resulting in contaminant levels being much higher for animals that eat other animals (biomagnification). As a result, contaminant levels can be high in some wild food species which can be concerning for the people of Nunatsiavut who depend on wild food for its nutritional and cultural significance.
This three-year project will:
- Determine species, locations, and trends of marine plastic pollution of concern to residents of Nunatsiavut;
- Conduct workshops on how to identify microplastics in wild-caught food with the goal of building local capacity for long-term plastic monitoring in wild food, without requiring outside scientists;
- Conduct laboratory studies with a student from Nunatsiavut attending Memorial University to profile chemicals of concern related to ingested plastics (likely methylmercury, among others); and
- Conduct surface water and shoreline studies to compare ingested and environmental plastics
Contaminant Monitoring and Community Interests in the Lower Northwest Passage
Project leaders
James Qitsualik, Gjoa Haven Hunters and Trappers Association
Virginia K. Walker, Queen’s University, Biosciences
Team
Stephan Schott, Nunatsiavut Government; Derek Muir, Environment and Climate Change Canada; Michele Leblanc Havard, Government of Nunavut
Funds
$13,985
Project Summary (2018-2019)
Because of melting sea ice, it is much easier to hunt several fish species in the lower Northwest Passage. Currently many Nunavummiut do not have enough access to reasonably priced, nutritious, safe, and culturally-relevant food. Having limited access to food is linked to health problems such as diabetes and childhood rickets. As a result, Nunavummiut want to see if any of the newly available fish species are safe to eat and could be sold commercially. In this study we will monitor legacy organic pollutants and other contaminants as well as beneficial vitamin D; so that Nunavummiut can make informed choices about the food they eat.
This Northern Contaminants Program project builds on a much larger project supported by Genome Canada that looks at whitefish populations and their genetic differences. The project will combine genomic data with traditional and local knowledge to make practical and accurate suggestions for conserving these fish. With support from the Northern Contaminants Program, fish will be caught by elders, active harvesters and youth from the waters surrounding the Lower North West Passage, and community members will prepare the samples for shipping to Queen’s University for analysis. The team at Queen’s University will analyze the samples for metals, legacy organic pollutants and vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is very helpful for building strong bones and can help prevent rickets, a disease that commonly affects Nunavummiut. This push from the community to evaluate the relative contamination levels in different stocks of species will be combined into an ongoing harvest study, with the goal of increasing well-being, food security, and community prosperity if a sustainable commercial fishery is developed in this region of the lower Northwest Passage.
Sources of Methylmercury, Perfluoroalkyl Substances, and Polychlorinated Biphenyls to Ringed Seal Food Webs of Lake Melville, Northern Labrador
Project leaders
Jane Kirk, Environment and Climate Change Canada
Liz Pijogge, Nunatsiavut Government
Team
Rodd Laing and Carla Pamak, Nunatsiavut Government; Amila De Silva, Derek Muir, Magali Houde, Amber Gleason, Christine Spencer and Mary Williamson, Environment and Climate Change Canada; Elsie Sunderland and Jessica Ewald, Harvard University; Igor Lehnherr, University of Toronto Mississauga; Tanya Brown, Memorial University of Newfoundland; Miling Li, University of British Columbia
Funds
$37,315
Project Summary (2018-2019)
People living on Lake Melville are concerned about contaminant levels in the ringed seals that they eat and want to know whether a planned hydroelectric power plant on the Churchill River will increase contaminant levels (particularly methylmercury) in seals. Lake Melville is a unique area to study because contaminants can come from many sources: freshwater or marine water, local or international sources. For example, contaminants can travel to Lake Melville from other parts of the world through ocean and air currents but can also come from local sources like the Goose Bay air base. It is therefore important that we understand the sources of different contaminants to Lake Melville ringed seals.
During 2013-2017, local hunters collected 81 seal samples; however most of these seals were young. This year we want to collect fifteen more samples from older seals and analyze them for the full range of contaminants (mercury, methylmercury, polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs], perfluoroalkyl substances [PFAS]), as well as seal health markers, which will give us important information about the potential impact contaminants are having on seal health. Sampling is coordinated by the Nunatsiavut Government and happens during community harvests (nunalinni pinasuannik). Hunters record GPS coordinates and biological information on each seal and are paid for each completed kit. Appropriate seal tissues are analyzed for each of the contaminants: liver and muscle samples for mercury and methylmercury; liver samples for PFASs; and blubber for PCBs. To investigate seal diets, muscle samples are also analyzed for carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes. Sub-samples of liver will also be analyzed for selected biological responses in relation with contaminant concentrations.
Mercury in Yukon Fish
Project leaders
Heidi Swanson, University of Waterloo
Mary Gamberg, Gamberg Consulting
Team
Oliver Barker, Yukon Government; Brian Branfireun, Western University; Carmen Wong, Parks Canada
Funds
$21,413
Project Summary (2018-2019)
To predict the effects of climate change on fish mercury levels in Yukon, we must first understand what factors are driving differences in fish mercury levels among lakes. Mercury levels in freshwater fish differ because of a complex interaction of physical, chemical, and biological factors, and many of these factors will be affected by climate change. Ongoing research in the Dehcho region of the Northwest Territories is showing that among-lakes differences in fish mercury levels are driven by the amount of algae in lakes, size of lakes and catchments, land cover in catchments, and lake water chemistry. Each of these predictors influence mercury levels in fish differently depending on species. When placing the results of a recent (2015) Northern Contaminants Program-funded study on fish mercury levels in Kluane Lake, YT, into a larger regional context, we found that even in lake trout of a similar size, mercury levels varied by more than 10 times. We still do not know exactly why there is such a big difference in mercury levels in fish of the same species and of a similar size. In this study, we are using samples from the Yukon Government’s SPIN program (Summer Profundal Index Netting; fish assessment program) to further investigate among-lake variation in fish mercury levels in Yukon, and begin to answer our questions about what variables are driving differences between different lakes. This collaborative research project will allow Indigenous peoples to choose the safest and healthiest sources of fish in Yukon lakes, and help everyone make more informed predictions of the effects of climate change on contaminant levels in Yukon lakes.
*This project is funded jointly through the Northern Contaminants Program and the Indigenous Community-Based Climate Monitoring Program.