Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Climatic Change and Arctic Cod Ecology  (CC-ACE)

Outline
Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) are circumpolar in distribution and inhabit Arctic seas off northern Russia, Alaska, Canada, and Greenland. Arctic cod may be the most abundant fish species and the main consumers of plankton (microscopic forms of animal and plant life) in the Arctic. While not harvested commercially by Canada, the Arctic cod is a key species in Arctic waters in that it represents the most important link from lower trophic levels to other fish, birds, seals, and whales. Arctic cod prefer to spawn under ice cover and although they are found at depth they tend to live primarily in shallower coastal waters. Spatial or temporal changes in temperature, primary productivity, or ice cover could significantly affect the abundance, growth, and distribution of Arctic Cod as well as the entire marine ecosystem. The proposed work will primarily involve fishing for Arctic cod using a modified mid-water trawl. This type of gear has proven to be very effective in assessing the abundance, growth, distribution, and overall health of salmon (and other species) in British Columbia. Our work in the Arctic will also investigate the impacts of climate on fish via examination of growth rings (deposited much like tree rings) in scales, otoliths, and other bony structures. Plankton studies will also be undertaken, to analyse trends in the plankton availability to Arctic cod and other fish species. Diet analysis will focus on the potential changes in plankton available to the organism and how the organisms choose where, when and what to eat within the water column. Examination of the overall health of the fish can provide clues as to the potential for diseases either currently present or able to invade the Arctic regions as global warming increases water temperatures. Genetic samples will also be collected and compared to similar data available for Atlantic and Pacific cod. Oceanographic studies will be conducted during all of the fishing period to examine and quantify the association of Arctic cod with their physical environment. Temperatures, salinities, and dissolved oxygen levels will be examined throughout the water column and these physical parameters will be compared with trends in plankton and fish catches, with trends in growth and distribution, and carefully monitored with respect to potential global warming trends. These data will be combined with existing oceanographic and climatological datasets for the northern regions, and will promote understanding the progression of ecosystem shifts in response to environmental change.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The latest available information on Arctic cod populations in Canada appears to be from scientific surveys conducted along the Labrador and Newfoundland coastlines in 1978. Significant advances in survey methodology, age and growth determination, genetics, and ecosystem modelling have occurred since that time. This study will provide important new information on a key component of the marine ecosystem in the Arctic and what changes to expect under various global warming scenarios. Results of this study will be of prime importance to the residents of the North, specifically those depending on the marine environment to sustain their way of life.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Our research team has long-standing working relationships with fisheries scientists and oceanographers in the United States, Japan, and Russia as well as scientists at the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute in St. Petersburg (Russia). Individuals from these groups will be asked to participate in the proposed research program.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Beaufort Sea and the Western Arctic Ocean

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 07/2007 – 08/2007            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
A research vessel capable of fishing specialized mid-water trawl gear and collecting plankton samples and oceanographic measurements will be required. The research vessel could be used by other investigators for complimentary activities.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
Arctic cod is an important part of the Arctic marine ecosystem and it has been more than a quarter century since information on this key species was collected at the population level. This study will also gather important information on the genetics, biology, and ecology of this species and links between climatic change and population dynamics. The results will be of general importance to all Canadians as they will see that climate change can have alarming to catastrophic impacts in the Arctic.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
New project proposal

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
yes

New autonomous proposal

How will the project be organised and managed?
Organizational structures, financial management systems, and policies are in place at the various academic and government departments to ensure the project is delivered.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
A web site will be established to facilitate the dissemination of information and data collected during the study. The results will be presented at international conferences and published in peer reviewed journals. It is anticipated that undergraduate and graduate students will be involved in various aspects of the study.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Protocols have been established to manage the data collected for studies conducted in British Columbia involving Pacific salmon and other species. These protocols will be used in the Arctic cod work and where appropriate and necessary the protocols will be shared with other researchers to facilitate the exchange of data and information.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Partial funding for ship time and operating funds will be requested through the normal business planning process within Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Additional resources for ship time and operating funds will be requested through the NSERC (Natural Science and Engineering Research Council) Special Opportunities Fund.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
Members of the research team have published extensively on various aspects of fish biology and ecology as well as the potential links between climate change and the dynamics and management of fish populations. These publications have appeared in highly regarded journals and have been extensively cited by other researchers. The infrastructure (laboratories, equipment, and expertise of support staff) to support this project is exceptional and provides a significant likelihood of success for the project.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Donald Noakes
University College of the Cariboo
900 McGill Road, Box 3010
Kamloops, British Columbia
V2C 5N3
Canada

Tel: (250) 828-5056
Mobile: (250) 318-2594
Fax: (250) 377-6133
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation