Use of remote sensing for eelgrass mapping in James Bay

The project is part of an ongoing program led by the Niskamoon Corporation that aims to develop a bay-scale monitoring program for eelgrass beds in James Bay (Eeyou Istchee). The Niskamoon Corporation is a not-for-profit organization that provides an efficient framework for cooperation between the Cree people and Hydro-Québec, enabling the implementation of the Cree/Hydro-Québec Agreements. The project will allow to develop efficient methods for the Niskamoon Corporation that will allow the Cree peoples to monitor the eelgrass beds located in their territory using a cost-effective, sustainable monitoring tools to track their environment. The combination of remote sensing tools being applied to quantify coastal submerged aquatic vegetation is unique and will advance our understanding of how to overcome challenges related to northern coastal waters. This project is a good example of the application of traditional ecological knowledge and Indigenous expertise to develop an efficient monitoring program.

Intern: 
Kevin Clyne
Faculty Supervisor: 
Brigitte Leblon;Maycira Costa
Province: 
New Brunswick
Partner University: 
Program: