The Effects of Natural and Anthropogenic Disturbance onArctic Wildlife

The exploration phase of the Agnico Eagle Meliadine Mine (AEMM) close to the community of Rankin Inlet, Nunavut overlaps with a study area where our research group has been studying the ecology of Arctic peregrine falcons since 1980. We are now taking advantage of this unique opportunity to combine a long-term, pre-disturbance data set with continual monitoring to determine the influence of mining operations on wildlife in an Arctic tundra ecosystem. One intern will continue our research on peregrine falcons, while two other interns expand the scope of our program to include rough-legged hawks and three species of fish: Arctic grayling, Arctic char, and lake trout. Agnico Eagle, our industry partner in this proposal, will benefit from our research program by obtaining ecological knowledge about the habitat in which the AEMM is located. This ecological information will provide the bases for monitoring and mitigation initiatives designed to minimize the impacts of the AEMM on Arctic wildlife. This collaboration will help to establish standards for environmental impact assessment associated with mining and other industrial activity in the Canadian Arctic, increasing the sustainability these activities.

Faculty Supervisor:

Alastair Franke

Student:

Partner:

Agnico-Eagle Mines-Ontario

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Mining

University:

University of Alberta

Program: