Ringed seals and bearded seals data in Gulf of Boothia (NGMP ID EC23)

The goal of the study is to investigate the health and ecology of seal populations in the Gulf of Boothia and to collect information on seals that will allow monitoring of the foraging habits of polar bears, which rely on seals as prey. We propose a collaborative partnership with the community of Kugaaruk to carry out a community-based monitoring program to collect biological information and samples from seals harvested in the Gulf of Boothia. The biological information and samples will be collected from ringed and bearded seals to develop a long-term data set and greater understanding of Arctic seal ecology (i.e. reproduction survival, body composition (amount of fat), food habits, genetics, movement, contaminants, and disease). Tissue samples from seals will also be used to assess the feeding habits of polar bears in the area. This community-based research program will aim to determine how climate warming and increased development (i.e. mining, shipping, and other human activities) may affect ringed seals, bearded seals, and polar bears, with the goal of assisting in conservation and maintaining healthy, abundant populations capable of sustaining harvesting needs of communities around the Gulf of Boothia.