ArcticNet - Research Projects - Phase I

Cycle 1 (2004-2011)

Phase 1 (2004-2008)

Phase 2 (2008-2011)

Theme 3 - Managing the Largest Canadian Watershed in a New Climate: Land-ocean Interactions in Sub-Arctic Hudson Bay

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has indicated that the polar regions, and in particular Hudson Bay, are very sensitive to global scale climate variability and change. In order to fully understand the complex interrelationships amongst the physical, ecological, social and medical characteristics of Hudson Bay and her People, we require a multidisciplinary network focused around detailed experimentation and time series measurements of all aspects of the system. Unfortunately, baseline information of the type required simply do not exist. Over the first four years, Theme 3 will document the present links between environmental change, health and economy within Hudson Bay. Linkages with heavily impacted southern watersheds and the role water regulation plays in the processes of Hudson Bay will illuminate the complex two-way connections between the subarctic and southern Canada. Key indicators of change and variability will provide the background necessary to make effective policy, management and governance decisions by all levels of government. Direct coupling between physical scientists and stakeholders in the communities, and elsewhere, will ensure integrated management decisions are based on policy relevant science.

Theme Leader: Dave Barber
Theme Coordinator: Jay Anderson

Project Titles

   3.1 Ocean-Ice-Atmosphere Coupling and Climate Variability

   3.2 The Hudson Bay Coastal Zone in a Changing Climate System

   3.3 Climate Variability / Change and Marine Ecosystem Resources in Hudson Bay

   3.4 Carbon & Contaminant Cycling in the Coastal Environment

   3.5 Persistent Organic Pollutants and Human Health

   3.6 People and Environmental Change: Linking Traditional and Scientific Knowledge

   3.7 Nunatsiavut Nuluak: Baseline Inventory and Comparative Assessment of Three Northern Labrador Fiord-based Marine Ecosystems