Quantifying seabird distribution in relation to resources development and associated shipping activities in the Arctic

This MITACS and its proposed support of interns is designed to expand an ongoing collaboration that exists between Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation, Environment Canada, aboriginal Wildlife Co-Management Boards, and academic collaborators. Together the group will collectively address several marine wildlife issues using a diversity of innovative research techniques including wildlife tracking devices attached to seabirds, computer simulation modelling, and geo-spatial habitat mapping. This new information will quantify the abundance and distribution patterns of marine birds and identify their use of key habitat areas within the marine study area of interest to Baffinland. This information is necessary to assess how marine birds may respond to resource development activities such as marine shipping as well as assist the company when planning mitigation measures, emergency preparedness procedures, and long-term environmental monitoring plans in the region; all of which are stated priorities of the Nunavut Impact Review Board and legal conditions of the development permit for Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation Mary River Project to proceed.

Faculty Supervisor:

Oliver Love;Mark Mallory;Kyle Elliott;Christina Semeniuk;Grant Gilchrist;Joel Bety

Student:

Partner:

Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Mining

University:

Acadia University; Carleton University; McGill University; Université du Québec à Rimouski; University of Windsor

Program: