Temporal Trends and Spatial Variations of Mercury in Sea-run Arctic Char from Cambridge Bay, Nunavut

The purpose of this study is to continue mercury trend monitoring of sea-run Arctic char from the domestic fishery at Ekaluktutiak with a focus on the investigation of the role of climatic variability in affecting trends. Continue to investigate mercury concentrations in fish from the various commercially harvested areas in the broader Cambridge Bay area and in collaboration with the stock assessment studies being conducted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Les Harris). This is allowing us to investigate differences in mercury concentrations in Arctic char between various river/lake systems used by the commercial fisheries and to extend our mercury temporal and spatial trend assessments. Continue to obtain new information on mercury concentrations in fish in the domestic freshwater fishery with an initial focus on Greiner Lake where char, lake trout and lake whitefish are harvested both during the char sea migration and at other times of the year. This component is being conducted in collaboration with Milla Rautio who is funded by ArcticNet and Polar Knowledge to conduct ecosystem studies of Greiner Lake and focusing on mercury and stable isotope investigations. Provide mercury fish data to Nunavut Health for assessment and the provision of consumption advice as required; Communicate with Ekaluktutiak on our study results and provide training as opportunities present themselves; Work with the Hunters and Trappers Association to develop new funding for additional study and participation opportunities. Provide contributions to the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AMAP). A formal annual mercury monitoring program of lake trout and ideally summer-caught char in Greiner Lake is desirable to tract changes in climate and mercury concentrations in lake dwelling fish; such fish may be more responsive to climate change than marine feeding fish.