Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

CANADA #236: Dynamics of exploited anadromous salmonid communities across a latitudinal and cultural gradient.  

Outline
The Labrador coast from Cape St. Charles in the south to Cape Chidley in the north is populated by anadromous salmonids, particularly Atlantic salmon, Arctic char and brook trout. These populations represent some of the lasting remaining populations of salmonid fishes that exist in a relatively pristine state in eastern North America. Moreover, they are central to an important recreational, as well as food, social and ceremonial fisheries for three aboriginal peoples along the Labrador coast, the Metis, Innu and Inuit. In 1997-98, the commercial fishery on many of these salmonid populations was closed due to declines in size. However, recovery has been slow and now the populations face new challenges associated with development of the region (i.e. highways and industry), as well as climate change. We propose to quantify patterns of composition of anadromous salmonid communities across the latitudinal and cultural gradient of this region to better predict their responses to such change and identify management options for sustainability of the resource. The study will first entail a comparative examination of how the three species partition themselves within and among river systems across the latitudinal gradient combining historical records and contemporary field sampling to identify driving forces that affect community structure. We will then incorporate analyses of abundance, life history characteristics and population genetics from sets of populations for a more detailed perspective. This broad-scale approach will be combined with an intensive, multi-year investigation of three river systems to test the dynamics within, and interactions among the three species across a landscape gradient. Finally, the information will be assimilated in a model to examine responses in the face of change, and identify management options.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The proposed project will advance our understanding of the structure and function of salmonid communities in northern regions, particularly their variation through space and time, and how much of this variation can be attributed to human causes. It will also provide insight into how these salmonid communities have and will respond to change, and how best to manage for future change. Finally, the basis for the above will derive from understanding how genetic and functional diversity vary across latitude, and what are the evolutionary responses underpinning the variation.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Our work will be linked and compared with similar work ongoing in Norway, where we will be interacting directly with scientists at the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (Drs. Kjetil Hindar, Torbjørn Forseth, Martin Svenning, Bror Jonsson, Arne Jensen)

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The study will encompass the coast of Labrador from Cape St. Charles 52°13'N, 55°38'W) in the south to Cape Chidley (60°23'N, 64°26'W) in the north.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 06/06 – 09/06      06/07 – 09/07      06/08 – 09/08
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
The significant logistic support/facilities in the field will involve Department of Fisheries and Oceans counting fencing and infrastructure in place in Labrador. Also the molecular genetic laboratories of the two Universities involved. Finally, access to historical records on fish counts, fisheries statistics and hydrological and oceanic climate data.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
No

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
National agency
Own support
Other sources of support

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
No

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

It is a new autonomous proposal.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The two lead PI’s on the project will be Drs. Ian A. Fleming of the Ocean Sciences Centre of Memorial University of Newfoundland and Daniel Ruzzante of the Department of Biology, Dalhousie University. Dr. Fleming will focus on the evolutionary/life history/population dynamics component of the study, while Dr. Ruzzante will lead the population genetics component. However, students working on the project will spend time in each laboratory learning and developing a diversity of skills. Partners to the project are Mr. Dave Reddin and Brian Dempson of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada. They will play a key role throughout the study, but particularly on the life history/population dynamics component.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Graduate education and research will be a key component of the study, involving students from Dalhousie and Memorial Universities. We will also be working directly with Native Associations, including the Labrador Metis Nation, Innu Nation and the Labrador Inuit Association. Findings will be communicated through popular and scientific publication and presentation.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
The project is designed to quantify patterns of composition of anadromous salmonid communities across the latitudinal and cultural gradient of this region to better predict their responses to change and identify management options for sustainability of the resource. The information will be assimilated in a model to identify management options in the face of change.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The principal source of funding we hope will be through the IPY program, Canada ($600,000), with additional support from NSERC Discovery Grants (ca. $75,000; secure) and infrastructure/in kind support from DFO, Canada ($200,000).

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr./ Associate Professor and Director Ian A Fleming
Ocean Sciences Centre, Memorial University of Newfoundland -Ocean Sciences Centre
Memorial University of Newfoundland
St. John’s, NL
A1C 5S7
Canada

Tel: 709-737-3586
Mobile: no
Fax: 709-737-3220
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation