Home        >    Projects

Projects

Climate Variability and Change Effects on Char in the Arctic (2007-?)

This project will examine the effects of climate change on Chars in the Arctic

Chars are circumpolar fishes that exist throughout the Arctic regions. Adaptation to most aquatic ecosystems, with differing climate systems, make Chars ideal for studying and understanding the effects of climate change. Chars are important to the culture of Northern life; they also contribute significantly to the Northern economy. Chars also integrate environmental effects at many levels in Arctic ecosystems, thus they are key indicators of the health of aquatic ecosystems as a whole.

The first component of this study will be scientific research to address the areas of temperature ecology, Mercury interactions, Char biodiversity – and the importance of Char in the Northern ecosystem. A second and important component will be the development of community-based monitoring programs in various Northern locations. As well, the project will help establish an international network of Char researchers.

Through the development of community based monitoring programs, this project will contribute directly to the health and well-being of Northern communities. Understanding the effects of climate change on Char is critical to ensuring the sustainability of the fish, its continued supply as a food source, and the vitality of the entire Northern aquatic ecosystem.

Home | Contact Us