Arctic Marine Mammal Ecology and Assessment Research Section

Studies carried out by the Arctic Marine Mammal Ecology and Assessment Research Section are critical to the management of marine mammals in the Canadian Arctic.

The basic questions are:

• What animals are we considering? What are the biological boundaries of a population?
• How many animals are there?
• What is their potential for productivity or yield?
• What diseases occur in marine mammals and can be passed on to the people who eat them?

The Section is structured to address these questions across species. At any one time, an area of research may have sub-projects on ringed seals, beluga whales and walrus.

Data collection incorporates local knowledge whenever possible. Modern scientific knowledge is obtained using sampling equipment, including autosequencers that determine genetic code, binoculars, notebooks and radio tags that communicate with satellites.

Contact:

Dr. Rob Stewart - (204) 983-5023