Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Xiaolan L. Wang, Merce Casas-Prat, Yang Feng, Alexander Crosby, Val R. Swail
Summary: This study presents and analyzes the historical changes in surface wind speed and ocean surface waves in the Davis Strait Baffin Bay region using Environment Canada's data from 1979 to 2016. The results show significant increases in wind speed and wave height in September-December, with decreases in June. Additionally, the trend intensifies in 2001-16 for both wind speed and wave height in September and December.
JOURNAL OF CLIMATE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fanny Cusset, Julie Charrier, Guillaume Masse, Mark Mallory, Birgit Braune, Jennifer Provencher, Gael Guillou, Philippe Massicotte, Jerome Fort
Summary: Sea ice plays a crucial role in Arctic marine ecosystems, affecting primary productivity and contamination levels in marine organisms. This study focuses on seabirds in the Arctic and examines the impact of sea ice and ice-derived resources on their mercury contamination. Results suggest that sea ice concentration is the primary driver of mercury contamination in seabirds. This research provides new insights into mercury contamination in Arctic wildlife and highlights the importance of further investigation into the sources and mechanisms of mercury contamination.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Morten Frederiksen, Sebastien Descamps, Kyle H. Elliott, Anthony J. Gaston, Nicholas P. Huffeldt, Yann Kolbeinsson, Jannie Fries Linnebjerg, Erlend Lorentzen, Flemming R. Merkel, HaIlvard Strom, Thorkell Lindberg ThOrarinsson
Summary: This study analyzed the breeding success and adult survival rates of the thick-billed murre throughout the Atlantic range, finding that breeding success was higher in Greenland and Iceland but lower in other areas. Observed colony growth rates were generally lower than modeled growth rates, suggesting that pre-breeding survival may have been underestimated in many populations.
MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES
(2021)
Article
Oceanography
T. M. Burgers, L. A. Miller, S. Rysgaard, J. Mortensen, B. Else, J. -E Tremblay, T. Papakyriakou
Summary: In August 2014, we characterized the physico-chemical properties of water masses entering Nares Strait. We used an extended OMP analysis to estimate mixing fractions and determine the role of physical and biological processes in the distribution of DIC. Our observations include evidence of Siberian shelf waters and diluted Pacific-origin upper halocline layer entering Nares Strait. These mixed-origin water masses drive phytoplankton bloom in Kane Basin, leading to decreased surface pCO(2) concentrations. The positioning of the Transpolar Drift and the balance of Atlantic and Pacific water delivered to Nares Strait play an important role in regional biological productivity and carbon uptake.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-OCEANS
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Paul G. Myers, Laura Castro de la Guardia, Chuanshuai Fu, Laura C. Gillard, Nathan Grivault, Xianmin Hu, Craig M. Lee, G. W. K. Moore, Clark Pennelly, Mads Hvid Ribergaard, Joy Romanski
Summary: Baffin Bay receives warm Atlantic Water from the North Atlantic, impacting the retreat of tidewater glaciers draining the Greenland Ice Sheet. In late 2010, there was a reversal in net transport at Davis Strait, leading to significant northward oceanic heat transport into Baffin Bay.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Calypso Racine, Jerome Bonnin, Pierre-Antoine Dessandier, Jacques Giraudeau
Summary: Warming in the Arctic climate has led to significant changes in sea ice dynamics, impacting primary productivity and benthic communities. This study assessed the response of living benthic foraminifera to different Arctic environments. The results showed lower living standing stock in the eastern and western Baffin Bay, and higher stock in the North Water Polynya and the Kane Basin. The distribution of these foraminifera was discussed based on various environmental parameters.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Flemming Ravn Merkel, Jannie Fries Linnebjerg, Ole Gorm Norden Andersen, Nicholas Per Huffeldt, Teunis Jansen, Rasmus Hedeholm, Morten Frederiksen
Summary: The study compared murre diets collected in the 1990s and 2010s around Nuuk, Greenland, finding a decrease in the contribution of fish and an increase in the importance of M. norvegica in crustaceans in the 2010s. This shift may be linked to the warming sub-Arctic region and potentially deteriorating winter conditions for murres.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Rebecca Jackson, Thomas Frederichs, Hartmut Schulz, Michal Kucera
Summary: Baffin Bay Detrital Carbonate (BBDC) layers are sedimentary deposits found throughout Baffin Bay, representing periods of increased discharge of terrigenous sediments, icebergs, and freshwater. These events reflect repeated ice sheet instability periods and have similar statistical properties to Heinrich events but different timing. The link between Arctic and Laurentide Ice sheets instabilities remains unclear.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hannah L. Joy-Warren, Kate M. Lewis, Mathieu Ardyna, Jean-Eric Tremblay, Marcel Babin, Kevin R. Arrigo
Summary: As sea ice continues to decline rapidly in the Arctic, the adaptation of phytoplankton to different light conditions was investigated in this study. Three different light regimes – under the ice, in the marginal ice zone, and in open water – were examined during the Green Edge cruise in Baffin Bay in spring-summer 2016. The experiments conducted demonstrated that phytoplankton are well-prepared for a transition to high light conditions, even when originating from low light environments under sea ice.
ELEMENTA-SCIENCE OF THE ANTHROPOCENE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
E. R. Davidson, S. H. Ferguson, J. W. Higdon, M. A. Treble
Summary: Knowledge of spatial habitat patterns is crucial for understanding the ecology and conservation of cetaceans. This study investigated the habitat suitability of two cetacean species in the Canadian Arctic and found higher suitability in the central and southern parts of the study area. Future projections suggest an increase in suitability in northern regions. The importance of monitoring cetacean range expansion and its potential effects on ecosystem dynamics and fisheries conflict is discussed.
MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
M. M. Kuklina, V. V. Kuklin
Summary: During the breeding season, common murres and thick-billed murres in the Barents Sea were found to feed mainly on small fish and crustaceans. The small intestine of thick-billed murres was infested with two cestode species, while only one species was found in common murres. Aminopeptidase N activity was higher in common murres, while maltase activity was higher in thick-billed murres. Disaccharidase activity decreased and aminopeptidase N activity increased distalward in both murres. In the infested distal segment of thick-billed murres, both aminopeptidase N and maltase activity decreased.
JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
G. J. Divoky, E. Brown, K. H. Elliott
Summary: The study found that with the decreasing Arctic sea ice and increasing sea surface temperature, Mandt's Black Guillemots and polar cod are experiencing significant impacts on their ecosystem, leading to changes in feeding behavior and habitat shift.
Article
Geography, Physical
Jacob Taarup-Esbensen, Ove Tobias Gudmestad
Summary: Despite economic advantages, there are challenges to supply chain reliability in the northern routes. This paper investigates the hazards and developments in the Arctic supply chains in Baffin Bay and Greenland to mitigate these risks. The study suggests that significant investments in systems and infrastructure, as well as upgrades to emergency response and icebreaker capacity, are needed to increase reliability.
Article
Ornithology
Danica Hogan, Andrea Sidler
Summary: Thick-billed Murres are among the most abundant and studied seabirds in Canada, and the colony in Cape Parry has shown a slow growth since establishment of the Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Monitoring and conserving vulnerable populations, like the Cape Parry murre colony, will be crucial for maintaining the ecological integrity of marine ecosystems as climate change and human activities continue to impact the Arctic.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Krista D. Baker, David A. Fifield, Darrell R. J. Mullowney, Katherine R. Skanes
Summary: The study found that the striped shrimp in the Canadian northwestern Atlantic were substantially larger than previously observed in nearby habitats, with the transition size not remaining constant and being influenced by the average size of females and the amount of preferred habitat in the previous year. Additionally, the probabilities of individuals exhibiting black gill or black shell disease, or being infected with a bopyrid parasite were generally related to sex, depth, temperature, salinity, latitude, and shrimp density. The study suggests that the species should be closely monitored in the future in relation to exploitation pressure and climate change.
JOURNAL OF CRUSTACEAN BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Ecology
Jake Martin, Maria Granberg, Jennifer F. Provencher, Max Liborion, Liz Pijogge, Kerstin Magnusson, Ingeborg G. Hallanger, Melanie Bergmann, Stefano Aliani, Alessio Gomiero, Bjorn Einar Grosvik, Jesse Vermaire, Sebastian Primpke, Amy L. Lusher
Summary: Plastic pollution in the Arctic is a high priority for the Arctic Council, and assessments are being conducted on litter and microplastics. Water and sediment have been identified as key areas for monitoring plastics, providing information on their presence, fate, and potential impacts on ecosystems. However, the current data on plastic pollution in the Arctic is limited and collected using inconsistent methods, highlighting the need for a harmonized and coordinated effort to gather reliable data.
Review
Ecology
Sebastian Primpke, Andy M. Booth, Gunnar Gerdts, Alessio Gomiero, Tanja Koegel, Amy Lusher, Jakob Strand, Barbara M. Scholz-Boettcher, Francois Galgani, Jennifer Provencher, Stefano Aliani, Shreyas Patankarl, Katrin Vorkamp
Summary: The pollution caused by plastics in the environment, including the Arctic region, is a growing concern globally. While larger plastic pieces are easily noticeable, the presence of smaller microplastics poses a threat to Arctic biota and human health. This review discusses the analytical tools, quality assurance, and quality control measures necessary for the identification, quantification, and characterization of microplastics in the Arctic, as well as the importance of standardized data reporting.
Article
Ecology
Jennifer F. Provencher, Stefano Aliani, Melanie Bergmann, Madelaine Bourdages, Lene Buhl-Mortensen, Francois Galgani, Alessio Gomiero, Maria Granberg, Bjorn Einar Grosvik, Bonnie M. Hamilton, Tanja Koegel, Jan Rene Larsen, Amy L. Lusher, Mark L. Mallory, Peter Murphy, Ilka Peeken, Sebastian Primpke, Jakob Strand, Katrin Vorkamp
Summary: The Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme has published a plan and guidelines for the monitoring of litter and microplastics in the Arctic. The article discusses the challenges, opportunities, and future strategies in the long-term monitoring of litter and microplastics in this region. It highlights the need for environmental conditions, standardized measurements, harmonized data storage, and filling knowledge gaps for effective monitoring. The integration of knowledge from northern and indigenous communities and an ecosystem-based approach are also emphasized.
Article
Ornithology
Deborah M. Leigh, Oliver Kersten, Bastiaan Star, Tycho Anker-Nilssen, Kurt Burnham, Jeff Johnson, Jennifer Provencher, Sanne Boessenkool
Summary: Genetic analysis of Atlantic Puffins revealed the presence of four genetic clusters corresponding to geography and size. However, in the Western Atlantic High Arctic, a Puffin colony called Thule showed two distinct size phenotypes and three distinct genetic clusters. This suggests a potential northward shift of boreal Atlantic Puffins in response to a warming High Arctic climate.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Molly A. Bradford, Mark L. Mallory, Nelson J. O'Driscoll
Summary: Due to their natural geochemistry, intertidal estuarine ecosystems are vulnerable to bioaccumulation of methylmercury (MeHg). Determining MeHg concentrations in intertidal invertebrates is crucial for understanding MeHg exposure in higher trophic level organisms. This paper reviews conceptual models to clarify the complex interactions between geochemical and physical factors that impact MeHg production and bioavailability in intertidal ecosystems.
BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
O. Alejandro Aleuy, Susan Kutz, Mark L. Mallory, Jennifer F. Provencher
Summary: Environmental impact assessments (EIAs) aim to evaluate the potential effects of future projects on the environment, human health, and regional economic potential. However, current assessments often use indirect indicators, such as predicted changes in wildlife habitat or nonspecific population metrics, to assess the impact on wildlife populations.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mark L. Mallory, Aevar Petersen, Sverrir Thorstensen, Ian Spooner, Nelson J. O'Driscoll, Julia E. Baak, Jessie A. McIntyre
Summary: Despite the presence of nesting seabirds, the study found that mercury concentrations in the soil on two islands in west Iceland were similar between reference and seabird-nesting sites. The decline in mercury concentration with depth in the soil core suggests other factors may contribute to the presence of mercury in the soil.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Lydia R. Johnson, Alana A. E. Wilcox, Steven M. Alexander, Ella Bowles, Heather Castleden, Dominique A. Henri, Chris Herc, Lucas King, Jennifer F. Provencher, Diane M. Orihel
Summary: Western-trained, non-Indigenous researchers in Canada have an ethical responsibility to collaborate with Indigenous Peoples and to re-envision the scientific research process through the lens of reconciliation. This research explores the weaving of Indigenous and Western ways of knowing in ecotoxicology and wildlife health in Canada, highlighting the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge through collaborations with knowledge holders and the use of community-based participatory research methods. The findings emphasize the importance of relationship building and ethical practices in conducting research that contributes to healing and reconciliation.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ingrid L. Pollet, Laura McFarlane-Tranquilla, Neil M. Burgess, Antony W. Diamond, Carina Gjerdrum, April Hedd, Rielle Hoeg, Patricia L. Jones, Robert A. Mauck, William A. Montevecchi, Isabeau Pratte, Robert A. Ronconi, Dave Shutler, Sabina I. Wilhelm, Mark L. Mallory
Summary: This study investigated mercury exposure in Leach's storm-petrels, a pelagic seabird species, by analyzing egg and blood samples. The results showed that mercury concentrations increased with colony latitude, with higher concentrations in blood than in eggs. Mercury concentrations in blood were associated with low toxicity risk in birds from southern colonies and moderate risks in birds from northern colonies. The study also found that mercury concentrations were correlated with delta 34S, indicating the role of sulfate-reducing bacteria in methylation of mercury acquired through marine food webs. Additionally, blood mercury levels were higher when storm-petrels searched for food over deeper waters.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Rebecca C. Rooney, Jody Daniel, Mark Mallory, April Hedd, Jess Ives, Grant Gilchrist, Carina Gjerdrum, Greg Robertson, Rob Ronconi, Kirsten Wilcox, Sarah Wong, Jennifer Provencher
Summary: This study used a fuzzy cognitive mapping approach to assess and analyze the cumulative effects of various environmental stressors on northern fulmar populations in the Arctic. The research identified pollution, shipping activities, hunting and fishing, and mining/oil and gas activities as the main stressors. The study highlights the importance of considering indirect influences and the need for further research on certain potential stressors.
ECOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS AND EVIDENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
N. J. O'Driscoll, L. Evans, M. Mallory, M. Snyder
Summary: A controlled chamber method using continuous gold trap atomic fluorescence spectroscopy was developed and tested for analyzing Hg(0) emissions from moderate mass rock samples. The results showed higher percentage masses of Hg(0) and emission rate constants in black shale samples compared to granite and basalt samples. This technique has practical implications for examining rock properties and Hg(0) emission rates.
BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Haoyue Tan, Pan Gao, Yiwen Luo, Xiao Gou, Pu Xia, Pingping Wang, Lu Yan, Shaoqing Zhang, Jing Guo, Xiaowei Zhang, Hongxia Yu, Wei Shi
Summary: This study systematically assessed the threats of new alternatives to phthalate esters (PAEs) on endocrine disruptions, finding that these alternatives can disturb endogenous hormones, especially thyroid hormone (TH) and androgen/estrogen-regulated pathways. The data collected will aid in the screening and development of greener alternatives.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Marshall W. Ritchie, Alexandra Cheslock, Madelaine P. T. Bourdages, Bonnie M. Hamilton, Jennifer F. Provencher, Jane E. Allison, Heath A. MacMillan
Summary: Plastic pollution poses a growing threat to the natural environment, and there is a need for standardized methods to accurately measure and quantify plastic waste and pollution. In this study, a comprehensive method for isolating and quantifying fluorescent microplastics from animal samples is proposed, combining multiple approaches into one workflow. The method involves tissue dissection, organic material digestion, sample filtering, and automated imaging techniques to accurately identify and quantify fluorescently labeled microplastics. This method can be utilized in a laboratory setting to study plastic ingestion, degradation, and its effects on animals.
CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fanny Cusset, Julie Charrier, Guillaume Masse, Mark Mallory, Birgit Braune, Jennifer Provencher, Gael Guillou, Philippe Massicotte, Jerome Fort
Summary: Sea ice plays a crucial role in Arctic marine ecosystems, affecting primary productivity and contamination levels in marine organisms. This study focuses on seabirds in the Arctic and examines the impact of sea ice and ice-derived resources on their mercury contamination. Results suggest that sea ice concentration is the primary driver of mercury contamination in seabirds. This research provides new insights into mercury contamination in Arctic wildlife and highlights the importance of further investigation into the sources and mechanisms of mercury contamination.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)