Hudson Bay is unique for the tremendous amount of freshwater it receives from a combination of seasonal sea ice melt and rivers draining over 40% of Canada. The timing and distribution of freshwater input influences many critical processes including sea ice production, winter mixing, surface nutrient replenishment, and deep water formation. The role of freshwater components in these processes is not well understood in Hudson Bay, particularly given recent shifts in the timing and location of river discharge due to hydroelectric development and altered runoff volumes and sea ice cover related to climate change. This project will help address long-standing concerns of Inuit and Cree in southeast Hudson Bay concerning these changes. University researchers working with the Arctic Eider Society’s East Hudson Bay Network and specifically partners in Sanikiluaq, Inukjuak, Umiujaq, Kuujjuaraapik and Chisasibi will study freshwater distribution and winter conditions and processes. Results will contribute to the Hudson Bay IRIS and build an understanding of changes in winter ice and ocean conditions important to local communities. Results will be accessible in near-real time through a unique social media data mapping platform and will be communicated to scientific audiences and other stakeholders on a regular basis.

Links to ArcticNet and Isaaffik webpages.

Evening view at a sampling site. Photo: Annie Eastwood

Polynya. Photo: Annie Eastwood

The field crew (left to right): Annie Eastwood , Johnny Kudluarok, Joel Heath, Johnassie Inuktaluk, Photo: Annie Eastwood

Landscape surrounding the cabin with skidoo and Kamitiq (sled) in view. Photo: Annie Eastwood