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2018 Nearshore Ecological Survey Collecting Subtidal Biodiversity Data Using Scuba in Canada’s Arctic Final ReportJuly - August 2018

Jeremy Heywood, Laura Borden, Jessica Schultz, Danny Kent, Mackenzie Neale, Christine Martinello, Boaz Hung, Justin Lisaingo

Ocean Wise Conservation Association

Cambridge Bay and the Eastern High Arctic Nunavut, Canada

REPORT WRITTEN BY Jeremy Heywood , Laura Borden, Jessica Schultz, Danny Kent, Mackenzie Neale, Christine Martinello, Boaz Hung, Justin Lisaingo

CONTRIBUTIONS FROM Donna Gibbs, Eric Solomon and Ross Whippo PHOTOS BY Ocean Wise Conservation Association except where noted

April 2019

OCEAN WISE CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION PO Box 3232 Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 3X8ocean.org

1 [email protected]

Table of ContentsIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Cambridge Bay Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Eastern High Arctic Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Ocean Wise Conservation Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Teams, Diving Details and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Cambridge Bay Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Eastern High Arctic Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Dive Planning and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Cameras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Roving Diver Biodiversity Surveys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Transect Surveys (Cambridge Bay only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 ARMS (Cambridge Bay only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 DNA Barcoding Sample Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Specimen Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Physical Water Quality Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Cambridge Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Results and Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Dives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Transect Surveys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 ARMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Roving Diver Biodiversity Surveys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 DNA Barcoding Sample Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Physical Water Quality Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Community Engagement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Eastern High Arctic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Results and Discussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Dives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Roving Diver Biodiversity Surveys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 DNA Barcoding Sample Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Physical Water Quality Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

2018 Nearshore Ecological Survey FINAL REPORT


Community and One Ocean Expedition Passenger Engagement . . . . . . . . 26 Pilot Project Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Next Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 W. Garfi eld Weston Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 One Ocean Expeditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Polar Knowledge Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Appendix A - Location of Study Sites: Cambridge Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Appendix B - Location of Study Sites: Eastern High Arctic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Appendix C - Live Specimen Holding: Cambridge Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Appendix D - Live Specimen Holding: Eastern High Arctic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Appendix E - Cambridge Bay: Species Observed - Transect Dives . . . . . . . . . . 38Appendix F - Cambridge Bay: Species Observed by Site - Biodiversity Survey Dives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Appendix G - Eastern High Arctic: Species Observed by Site - Biodiversity Survey Dives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52


IntroductionReliable baseline data and ongoing monitoring are essential for developing a full understanding of the changes wrought by climate change and increasing human activity in Canada’s Arctic. The nearshore is a key part of the larger marine ecosystem; it is where most direct human activity takes place. There have been, however, very few surveys of nearshore marine fl ora and fauna in the Canadian Arctic.

This project continues to address this signifi cant gap by establishing baseline biodiversity data and initiating long-term monitoring of marine nearshore ecosystems at key areas in Canada’s Arctic.

Since 2014, the Ocean Wise Conservation Association has surveyed dozens of sites in the region around Cambridge Bay, using scuba to collect data on habitat type and species biodiversity. The 2018 Nearshore Ecological Survey (NES) continues this work, and expands its range into the Eastern High Arctic through a partnership with One Ocean Expeditions .

Devon Island, Nunavut

2 oneoceanexpeditions.com


ObjectivesBuilding on the data gathered from previous biodiversity survey efforts, the Ocean Wise NES team set the following goals for the 2018 project:

Cambridge Bay Goals

1. Track and monitor changes in the abundance of key taxonomic groups of fi sh, invertebrates and algae by conducting transect surveys.

2. Catalogue the overall diversity of subtidal fi sh, invertebrates and algae by conducting roving diver biodiversity surveys, collecting specimens and taking photo and video reference images.

3. Contribute to the Barcode of Life³ by collecting samples for DNA barcoding.

4. Monitor and document physical and chemical ocean conditions.

5. Host a town meeting to discuss the project and solicit feedback from Cambridge Bay residents.

6. Collaborate with scientifi c divers from the Smithsonian Institution’s MarineGEO coastal ecosystem monitoring project with the following aims:

• Establish Cambridge Bay as the fi rst polar partner site of the MarineGEO Program.

• Conduct standardized Reef Life Survey5 (RLS) biodiversity surveys as part of a global effort to track coastal health.

• Deploy Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures6(ARMS) to collect cryptic biodiversity and samples for DNA census.

Ocean Wise diver with MarineGEO toque

3 Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD), Canadian Centre for DNA Barcoding, University of Guelph, Ontario. boldsystems.org4 marinegeo.si.edu5 reefl ifesurvey.com6 oceanarms.org


Eastern High Arctic Goals

1. Catalogue the diversity of subtidal fi sh, invertebrates and algae by conducting roving diver biodiversity surveys, collecting specimens and taking photo and video reference images at previously unexplored sites in the Eastern High Arctic.

2. Contribute to the Barcode of Life by collecting samples for DNA barcoding.

3. Monitor and document ocean temperature using a diver-carried temperature logger.

4. Provide One Ocean Expedition passengers and local community members with opportunity to learn about Arctic subtidal marine ecology.

5. Determine the effectiveness of conducting scientifi c diving operations using an expedition tourism ship as a base of operations.

MV Akademik Ioffe at Pond Inlet, Nunavut


Ocean Wise Conservation AssociationThe Ocean Wise Conservation Association (OWCA) launched in June 2017 as a new global ocean conservation organization focused on protecting and restoring our world’s oceans. Building on the roots of the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, which started as a community-based not-for-profi t organization, Ocean Wise aims to inspire people in every corner of the planet to participate in creating healthy oceans.

The Vancouver Aquarium, an Ocean Wise initiative, has been involved in operations in the Canadian Arctic since 1974, and maintains a collection of living Arctic marine specimens for propagation, research and public display.

Teams, Diving Details and EquipmentTwo Ocean Wise scientifi c dive teams participated the 2018 NES project, each spending ten days in Nunavut in July and August 2018.

All Ocean Wise divers are experienced scientifi c divers and are qualifi ed to the Canadian Association for Underwater Science Scientifi c Diver Level II rating, as defi ned by the Canadian Association for Underwater Science Standard of Practice for Scientifi c Diving.

All divers also hold a Transport Canada SVOP Certifi cate. Both teams contained a mix of divers with previous Arctic diving experience, (including multi-year experience diving around Cambridge Bay) and those new to Arctic diving.

Various team members contributed additional expertise in areas such as data collection and analysis, specimen life support, public engagement, logistics and planning and digital image gathering. Dive team roles are gender non-specifi c and fi lled by the diver with the most appropriate skill set.

7 ocean.org8 caus.ca

Ocean Wise diver Christine Martinello at Port Leopold, Nunavut


Cambridge Bay Team

The Cambridge Bay Team, consisting of research divers Mackenzie Neale (Operations Lead), Jessica Schultz (Science Lead), Justin Lisaingo and Boaz Hung were in Cambridge Bay from July 24 to August 3. Smithsonian Institution Marine GEO scientifi c divers Ross Whippo and Alex Lowe joined the Ocean Wise team under a reciprocity agreement to collaborate on areas of shared interest.

Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR) provided accommodations at the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) in Cambridge Bay.

Divers used a locally-rented 4-wheel drive vehicle to access shore dives and hired Cambridge Bay resident John Lyall Jr. as boat operator and guide. Lyall’s boat, Ugyuk, is a sturdy aluminum, open-deck 8m skiff. It can maintain a speed of approximately 40 km/hour in good weather conditions. However, vessel speed could be greatly reduced if weather or sea conditions were unfavourable. The boat was loaded and unloaded at the beach adjacent to the Cambridge Bay dock. Boat dives were conducted from a live boat.

Eastern High Arctic Team

In partnership with One Ocean Expeditions (OOE), the Eastern High Arctic Team, consisting of research divers Jeremy Heywood (Operations Lead), Danny Kent (Science Lead), Christine Martinello and Laura Borden, travelled aboard the MV Akademik Ioffe in the eastern high Arctic from August 14 to 23 and conducted biodiversity surveys and specimen collections at opportune locations on the ship’s itinerary.

Ugyuk at Cambridge Bay, Nunavut


Divers used a 12’ Zodiac Mark 4 rigid-hull infl atable boat provided by OOE. The Zodiac was stowed on-deck aboard the MV Akademik Ioffe when not in use, and hoisted into the water as required. OOE also provided a staff member to act a boat driver and guide. All dives were boat dives, and conducted from a live boat.

Accommodation and meals were provided by OOE aboard the MV Akademik Ioffe.

Dive Planning and Equipment

All dives were no-decompression dives using compressed air. To maintain a conservative dive regimen, no more than two dives per day per diver were planned. Dives met the requirements of the Nunavut Consolidation of Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Part 20: Diving Operations .

Divers used neoprene drysuits, three-fi nger wet gloves with double cuffs on the drysuit or dry gloves, and hi-vis orange wet hoods, sometimes with additional 1mm neoprene hood liner worn under main hood. They carried a primary 80ft aluminum cylinder and a fully redundant 30ft aluminum cylinder, both with Poseidon XStream regulators. Cylinders were fi lled using two portable diving air compressors.

Ocean Wise dive team at Grise Fjord, Nunavut (photo: Roger Pimenta, OOE)

Zodiac being hoisted out of water9 canlii.org/en/nu/laws/regu/nu-reg-003-2016/latest/nu-reg-003-2016.html


A gear checkout and Arctic diving skills refresher dive was conducted as the fi rst dive of each NES team deployment. This allowed for the fi ne-tuning of diving and imaging equipment and practice of emergency skills prior to the commencement diving operation.

Cameras

Underwater images were collected with:

• Sony NEX-5 in Aquatica housing with Hugyfot video light – video and stills.

• Canon 20D in Ikelite housing with Ikelite strobe – stills.

• Nikon D800 in Aquatica housing with Sea & Sea strobes – stills.

• GoPro HERO 5 Black with ambient lighting – video.

Ocean Wise diver Jeremy Heywood taking photographs


Methods Roving Diver Biodiversity Surveys

Divers recorded all organisms observed, to the lowest taxonomic level possible. The approach is similar to that used by the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) citizen science program. Observed specimens were photographed where possible.

Transect Surveys (Cambridge Bay only)

For the second consecutive year, divers conducted transect surveys to quantify species abundance at six sites. To standardize transect survey protocols with other institutions with similar goals, methods were modifi ed from the protocols used by the team in 2017 (which were based on PISCO kelp reef survey methods) to the Reef Life Survey (RLS) protocol. The robust, repeatable RLS sampling protocols are followed by institutions including the Smithsonian Institute, Simon Fraser University and the Memorial University of Newfoundland, and have been used to undertake over 11,000 biodiversity surveys from 54 countries .

Each 50m transect survey consisted of the following components:

1. Photo-quadrats: One diver used a measuring tape reel to delineate a 50m transect line while the other diver followed behind conducting a photo-quadrat survey. A photo was taken every 2.5m along the transect, approximately 50cm above the transect tape, with the tape in the centre, for a total of 20 photos.

2. M1: Fish survey – fi sh species (excluding cryptic species) were recorded along the transect for a 10m wide by 5m high belt survey. Each diver was responsible for a 5m wide by 5m high area on either side of the transect line.

3. M2: Invertebrate and cryptic fi sh survey – mobile macro invertebrates (greater than 2.5cm) and cryptic fi sh were recorded along the transect for a 2m wide x 2m high swath survey. Each diver was responsible for a 1m wide x 2m high area on either side of the transect line.

4. MO: Any unusual or noteworthy observation about species during any point of the survey was noted under the category M0.

10 reef.org11 piscoweb.org12 gazette.mun.ca/research/new-frontier/

Ocean Wise diver Laura Borden completing a transect


Key differences of the RLS (2018 NES) versus PISCO (2017 AMEBP) protocols were:

1. Transect length: 50m vs. 30m.

2. Photo quadrats vs. substrate assessment using a point count.

3. Type of macro invertebrates counted: mobile only vs. all.

ARMS (Cambridge Bay only)

Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS) were deployed by divers in locations that were determined to be below the depth of ice scour. They were secured to the substrate with rebar stakes and cable ties. ARMS locations were recorded at the surface using a handheld GPS marker buoy deployed by divers.

The ARMS will remain deployed for three to fi ve years to allow colonization of encrusting and cryptic organisms. After the deployment time elapses, MarineGEO personnel will retrieve the ARMS and process the samples.

Smithsonian Institution diver Ross Whippo installing an ARMS (photo: Alex Lowe)


DNA Barcoding Sample Collection

DNA barcoding sample collection focused on crustaceans, echinoderms, annelids and molluscs less than 5cm in length. Anything larger that was deemed interesting or unique was also sampled. Soft, fragile specimens like cnidarians and tunicates were avoided due to possible damage during the preservation process.

Whenever possible two to fi ve specimens of a single species were collected. Collecting more than one specimen from a single species helps quantify intraspecifi c variation in morphology and genetics. If practical, the specimen was photographed in situ during the dive prior to being placed in a collecting bag.

After the dive, each specimen was photographed showing the dorsal, ventral and lateral sides (if possible), and then placed with an ID tag into a Whirl-Pak®-type bag. The samples were then stored in a -20°C freezer. Information about each specimen, including ID number, taxonomic information, associated taxa, and collection site details (substrate, depth, collector, date) was recorded on pre-printed sample data sheets.

For transport back to Vancouver Aquarium, frozen specimens were packed in coolers alongside live animals and kept cold with ice packs. Upon arrival, samples were transferred to 96% non-methylated ethanol and stored in a -22°C freezer prior to shipment to Guelph, Ontario, for processing at the Biodiversity Institute of Ontario at the University of Guelph.

Danny Kent and Laura Borden processing samples for DNA barcoding aboard the MV Akademik Ioffe


Specimen Collection

Selected live specimens were hand-collected by divers (under appropriate permits) for identifi cation, educational and community engagement activities and photo documentation. Specimens were held at the Nunavut Arctic College in Cambridge Bay (see Appendix C) and on the MV Akademik Ioffe in the Eastern High Arctic (see Appendix D).

Example of DNA barcoding sample photograph (Note: this species, Odenthalia dentata, has since been positively confi rmed using DNA barcoding)


Physical Water Quality Parameters

Both teams used a diver-carried ReefNet Sensus Ultra Pro data logger (temperature accuracy ±0.8°C, depth accuracy ±0.3m) to record water temperature. The data logger used by the Cambridge Bay team was same unit used during Arctic research dives from 2015-2017. The data logger used by the Eastern High Arctic team was a new unit.

A YSI ProDSS multi-parameter water quality meter (“sonde”) was deployed by the Cambridge Bay team to collect water quality profi les at opportune sites. Information collected included temperature (±0.2°C), salinity (±0.1ppt or ±1% of reading, whichever is greater), pH (±0.2units), dissolved oxygen (±0.1mg/L) and turbidity (±0.3FNU or ±2% of reading, whichever is greater). For each deployment, readings were collected approximately every 3m, to the deepest depth possible.

Deploying sonde in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut


Cambridge BayResults and Discussion

Dives

Twenty-eight dives were completed at nine locations. Poor weather and the presence of late sea ice prevented access to some planned dives sites, such as the Findlayson Islands, therefore several sites closer to Cambridge Bay (and less weather dependant) were dived on multiple occasions. Mosquitos were a constant irritation for divers.

Transect surveys

Six sites in Cambridge Bay were surveyed using the RLS survey protocol (See Appendix A for location specifi cs):

• Northern Dock

• West Arm Airport Wall

• West Arm BCB.

• West Arm Mud Bank Wall

• Simpson Rock

• Flagstaff Point

Mosquitos on diver’s hood in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut


The greatest species richness (number of unique species recorded) was recorded at West Arm Airport Wall and West Arm Mud Bank Wall sites (Figure 1). This matches with divers’ anecdotal reports of greater species richness at dive sites that have vertical wall-type topography.

In total, 29 species were recorded during the transect surveys (Appendix E). These 29 species represented four phyla, with the most dominant being the echinoderms, which accounted for 98% of individual species records. Brittle stars and green urchins were the most abundant.

Transect data will be held by MarineGEO for integration into their database of benthic surveys (conducted since 2015). MarineGEO’s aim is to generate a global picture of coastal biodiversity and function by marrying the survey data with the results of coordinated experiments, other biodiversity surveys and methods (e.g. ARMS) and abiotic monitoring.

MarineGEO is currently developing a process that will allow open and interactive access to that database. Ocean Wise will integrate transect data with that collected in 2017 AMEBP and use it to begin building a more comprehensive picture of species diversity and abundance in the Cambridge Bay area.

The 2017 Arctic Marine Ecology Benchmarking Program - Final Report (Ocean Wise Conservation Association, 2018, pp 11-12) presents an analysis of the power of transect surveys to predict species abundance. It suggests that, prior to reaching any conclusions about species and abundance, the continued surveying of more sites for more years is required.

Figure 1: Number of species documented at each site using the RLS transect protocol.

Flagstaff Point, Nunavut


ARMS

Nine ARMS were deployed at seven sites:

• Northern Dock – three ARMS deployed


• West Arm BCB


• Simpson Rock

• Flagstaff Point

• West of 5 Island

Roving diver biodiversity surveys

Roving diver biodiversity surveys were completed at six sites:

• Northern Dock

• West Arm BCB


• West Arm Tank Farm


• Flagstaff Point

Sixty-fi ve species were recorded during roving diver biodiversity survey dives. (See Appendix F for a full list of observed species per site.) Across all phyla there were fewer species recorded compared to the three previous years of biodiversity surveys (Figure 2). This is presumably in large part due to the low number of biodiversity survey dives (seven dives) completed in 2018. The next fewest biodiversity survey dives were in 2015 (12 dives), also when there was only one team of divers conducting surveys. By comparison, both 2016 and 2017 had two teams of divers conducting surveys over a period of four weeks, who were therefore able to complete many more dives. As the 2017 Arctic Marine Ecology Benchmarking Program - Final Report (OWCA, 2018, Fig 5, p 14,) suggests, observed species richness climbs as the number survey dives increases.


Some of the species observed have yet to be defi nitively identifi ed and therefore are recorded as unique specimens. Further examination and consultation to determine accurate genus and species identifi cation is required. For example, an unknown orange encrusting bryozoan was recorded at Northern Dock. Confi rmation of its identifi cation will require consultation with bryozoan taxonomic experts and the use of molecular tools for genetic identifi cation.

In addition to the new bryozoan, fi ve other species (Table 1) were added to the ever-growing list of species previously undocumented by Ocean Wise divers in Cambridge Bay.

Table 1: Six species previously undocumented by Ocean Wise divers.

Figure 2: Comparison of the number of species observed in each phyla, by year.

Common Name Scientifi c Name

burrowing anemone possibly Anthopleura artemisia

hydromedusa Bougainvillia supercilliaris

orange encrusting bryozoan undetermined encrusting bryozoan

brittle star Ophiocten sp.

stalked tunicate Molgula griffi thsii

salp undetermined tunicate



The Cambridge Bay team collected 30 samples for DNA barcoding. Processing of samples at the Biodiversity Institute of Ontario at the University of Guelph is ongoing.

Physical Water Quality Parameters

Sonde measurements were collected at four locations:

• Flagstaff Point


• Simpson Rock

• West of 5 Island

The coldest temperature recorded by sonde was -0.7°C at West Arm Mud Bank Wall. This was also the only site where temperatures were recorded below zero. Similar to previous years, sites in the West Arm have consistently been the location where sub-zero temperatures were recorded.

Other measured water quality characteristics were similar to previous years. Salinity was consistently around 27-29ppt along the depth profi les with only the fi rst meter recording low salinity values (<20ppt). The pH was also similar to previous years around 7.7-7.9units along the depth profi le.

In addition to the sonde, the team used a diver-carried ReefNet Sensus Ultra Pro data logger (temperature accuracy ±0.8°C, depth accuracy ±0.3m) to record water temperature on every dive.

The coldest temperature recorded by the diver-carried data logger was -1.44°C at West Arm BCB. Of the 11 dives in Cambridge Bay in 2018, seven recorded temperatures below zero. The following fi gures (Figures 4 – 12, dive depth in red and water temperature in blue) show temperature-depth profi les for representative sites in Cambridge Bay recorded by the data logger.

Figure 3: Temperature profi les recorded by the sonde for four sites in Cambridge Bay in 2018.


Figure 4: Temperature-Depth Profi le - Northern Dock on July 25, 2018.

Figure 5: Temperature-Depth Profi le - Dock on July 26, 2018.

Figure 6: Temperature-Depth Profi le - West of 5 Island on July 26, 2018.

Figure 7: Dive depth (red) and water temperature (blue) at West Arm Tank Farm on July 27, 2018.

Figure 8: Temperature-Depth Profi le - West Arm Airport Wall on July 27, 2018.


Figure 9: Temperature-Depth Profi le - West Arm BCB on July 28, 2018.

Figure 10: Temperature-Depth Profi le - Simpson Rock on July 29, 2018.

Figure 11: Temperature-Depth Profi le - West Arm Mud Bank Wall on July 29, 2018.

Figure 12: Temperature-Depth Profi le - Flagstaff Point on July 31, 2018.


13 ocean.org/our-work/arctic-connections/ikaarvik-barriers-to-bridges/

Community Engagement

The Ocean Wise mission is to inspire the global community to become Ocean Wise by increasing its understanding, wonder and appreciation for our oceans. Hosting community events in Cambridge Bay is one of the ways this mission is fulfi lled. Ocean Wise strongly believes that increased awareness of the local underwater environment will lead to enhanced respect for its complexity and fragility, and serve to strengthen community support for ongoing monitoring efforts.

On July 31, 2018, in collaboration with Cambridge Bay youth from another Ocean Wise program, Ikaarvik¹³, Ocean Wise scientifi c divers hosted a meeting at the Community Hall to highlight the team’s work and solicit feedback and ideas from the community regarding future direction for research efforts.

For the fi rst portion of the evening, Ikaarvik youth welcomed guests and provided light snacks and refreshments while the Ocean Wise divers and MarineGEO team each showed a short presentation on their respective projects.

During the second portion of the evening, Ocean Wise divers set up two touch tables, displaying a diversity of live Cambridge Bay marine organisms including jellies, snails, sea stars, urchins and fi sh. A looping slideshow of images from past Ocean Wise Arctic Expeditions played on a projector alongside.

A team from the University of Guelph, who were doing a project in Cambridge Bay at the same time, were also on hand to explain their DNA barcoding project, to which Ocean Wise is contributing samples.

Ikaarvik youth interacted with meeting attendees and focused conversations on how scientifi c method and Inuit traditional knowledge can be complementary parts of Arctic research. It was clear that collaborating with Ikaarvik youth provided a richer, more relevant event.

Town meeting at Cambridge Bay, Nunavut (video capture)


Eastern High ArcticResults and DiscussionDives

During this inaugural collaboration with One Ocean Expeditions (OOE), ten dives were completed at six locations. Given the learn-on-the-go aspect of this pilot project, the team was satisfi ed with this number of dives.

One of the areas discussed with OOE for future refi nement was the reality of polar bear presence during diving operations. Unlike Cambridge Bay, where the OW team has never seen a polar bear, a large number of bears were observed during the Eastern High Arctic project.

OOE has a very comprehensive protocol for polar bear safety for their regular operations, but polar bear safety during diving operations was a novel consideration. Currently, OW and OOE staff are developing and refi ning a protocol for polar bear (and other potentially dangerous animal) encounters during diving operations. It is hoped that these adjustments will allow the team to increase this number of dives in future years.

Polar bear on ice floe, Gulf of Boothia, Nunavut


Roving diver biodiversity surveys

Ocean Wise divers completed roving biodiversity surveys at six locations:

• Grise Fjord

• Baillarge Bay

• Croker Bay

• Dundas Harbour

• Arctic Bay

• Port Leopold

One hundred and fourteen species were recorded during these survey dives. (See Appendix G for a full list of observed species per site.) Compared to biodiversity surveys conducted in Cambridge Bay in the same year, the distribution of species across phyla in the Eastern High Arctic was greater or equal to Cambridge Bay for all but two groups - fi shes and cnidarians (Figure 13).

Ocean Wise diver enters the water at Grise Fjord, Nunavut (photo: Roger Pimenta, OOE)


Figure 13: Number of species observed in noted phyla on the Eastern High Arctic (six biodiversity survey dives) versus Cambridge Bay (seven biodiversity survey dives) in 2018.

Table 2: Species found in the Eastern High Arctic surveys that were previously undocumented in Cambridge Bay by Ocean Wise divers.

A number of species were also recorded that have not been seen in Cambridge Bay by Ocean Wise divers, including snailfi sh, feather stars, basket stars, and a yellow aeolid nudibranch (Table 2). Previous Arctic diving trips by Danny Kent have shown that there are differences in species presence between Cambridge Bay and Resolute Bay, suggesting that further investigation of existing species ranges is needed in order to accurately identify potential range shifts.

Common name Scientifi c Name

sea collander Agarum clathratum

hydrocoral undetermined hydrocoral

spoon worm undetermined Echiuroid

parasitic leech undetermined leech

fan bryozoan possibly Dendrobeania sp.

fl aky buccinum Buccinum hydrophanum

yellow aeolid Zelentia pustulata

basket star possibly Gorgonocephalus arcticus

feather star Heliometra glacialis? Florometra?

Northern white crust possibly Didemnum albidum

snailfi sh Liparis sp.

14 Personal communication



The Eastern High Arctic team collected 50 samples for DNA barcoding. Processing of samples at the Biodiversity Institute of Ontario at the University of Guelph is ongoing.

The coldest temperature was recorded in Port Leopold at -1.29°C. Only two of the six sites saw temperatures below 0°C (Grise Fjord and Port Leopold). The following fi gures (Figure 14 – 19, dive depth in red and water temperature in blue) show temperature-depth profi les for representative sites in the Eastern High Arctic.

Zelentia pustulata

Figure 14: Temperature-Depth Profi le - Gris Fjord on August 17, 2018.

Figure 15: Temperature-Depth Profi le - Dundas Harbour on August 19, 2018.


Community and One Ocean Expedition Passenger Engagement

Throughout the One Oceans Expedition voyage, many interesting discussions regarding Arctic biodiversity and the effects of climate change took place between Ocean Wise team members, One Ocean Expedition passengers and staff, and the ship’s crew.

Figure 17: Temperature-Depth Profi le - Arctic Bay on August 20, 2018.

Figure 18: Temperature-Depth Profi le - Baillarge Bay on August 20, 2018.

Figure 19: Temperature-Depth Profi le - Port Leopold on August 21, 2018.

Figure 16: Temperature-Depth Profi le - Croker Bay on August 19, 2018.


Having a specimen life support system with display tanks set up in a location where scientifi c activities and live animal holding could be easily observed proved to be extremely popular. All team members came away with the certainty that the people to whom they spoke, many who have the means to become ocean champions and advocates, disembarked with a greater appreciation and understanding of marine biodiversity in Canada’s Arctic than they did before they boarded the ship.

Pilot Project Success

Overall, the 2018 pilot project to put scientifi c divers onboard an expedition ship was a success. Signifi cant and extensive preplanning and top-notch logistics support from One Ocean Expeditions enabled the Ocean Wise team to dive safely and effi ciently from the MV Akademik Ioffe; the team is looking forward to more of the same in 2019. A post-trip project debrief with OOE clarifi ed a few areas that could be streamlined for future trips, but overall, the feeling of accomplishment was shared by the both the Ocean Wise and One Ocean Expedition teams.•

Danny Kent shows collected specimens to OOE passengers

View from the top deck of the MV Akademik Ioffe, Devon Island, Nuanvut


15 tc.gc.ca/eng/oceans-protection-plan.html 16 biodivcanada.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=9B5793F6-1

Next StepsThe 2018 NES was a success, but future projects always benefi t from identifying areas that can be improved and additional avenues that can be explored. For example:

• Continue to seek taxonomic expertise in identifying unknown species by collecting and photographing in-situ any unknown species and DNA barcode specimens when possible. This will ensure validity and accuracy of species data collected in the present and future research trips and will provide a comprehensive resource for the Arctic marine research community.

• Continue to grow the collaboration with One Ocean Explorations. This will enhance passengers’ experience and increase Ocean Wise’s global conservation reach, as OOE welcomes guests from around the world.

• Focus not just on taxonomic presence but also abundance measures to enable tracking of species. Abundance fl uctuations can signal species decline or disappearance from an area, and provide important insight into existing species’ multi-year cycles and the interplay of climate and species abundance.

• Increase geographic spread of specimen documentation by continuing to put focus on exploring new dive sites and areas in the Canada’s Arctic.

• Continue the popular community events, but also brainstorm ways to offer “citizen science” opportunities.

• Continue to engage Ikaarvik youth as a partner in community engagement.

These next steps align with Canada’s strategic priorities, including the Oceans Protection Plan and the 2020 Biodiversity Goals and Targets for Canada , and aim to:

• Preserve marine ecosystems vulnerable to increased marine shipping and development by contributing to baseline environmental data to help detect changes in the ecosystem. By adding species to the DNA barcode database, organisms can later be identifi ed in the fi eld by DNA sequencing alone, which opens up myriad possibilities for future monitoring, including environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling.

• Engage coastal and Indigenous communities by continuing to work with Arctic communities and like-minded organizations to identify matters that are most relevant, facilitating greater understanding of the nearshore underwater environment and providing “citizen science” opportunities to document and collect scientifi c data

• Enhance the accessibility biodiversity information by making data more accessible than ever, even if taxonomic expertise is not immediately available. Species catalogues and the DNA barcode database will provide access to vital species information for community leaders, scientists, policy-makers and the community at large to support conservation planning and decision-making.


SupportInvaluable support for the 2019 Nearshore Ecological Survey was provided by:

W. Garfi eld Weston Foundation

With a focus on medical research, the environment, and education, the Weston Family aims to catalyze inquiry and innovation to bring about long-term change. As the family’s charitable giving marks its 60th anniversary, it continues to collaborate with a broad range of Canadian charities to further world-class research, explore new ideas, and create tangible benefi ts for the communities in which it works.

One Ocean Expeditions��

One Ocean Expeditions commitment to ocean and environmental health is a core mission at the heart of all OOE programming. Through unique and authentic experiences and itineraries, One Ocean Expeditions is proud to create ambassadors for the ecologically sensitive destinations we travel to, aiming to build interest and respect for the oceans and the life they sustain. One Ocean Expeditions enables world-class scientifi c research by aligning itinerary development on board the vessels, creating opportunities for science in remote, inaccessible parts of the world. Partnering with and supporting carefully selected scientifi c organizations, One Ocean Expeditions offers guests the unique opportunity to learn from and interact with scientists onboard. Long-time partners include Ocean Wise, who spearhead research and global awareness of micro plastics and marine debris, the California Ocean Alliance (COA) who are committed to the research and study of cetacean behaviour and migratory patterns in the Southern Ocean, as well as Oceanites, the global leader in penguin population surveys. These key partnerships create incredible access for One Ocean Expeditions’ guests to build fi rst hand awareness and education on key issues of marine conservation. Working with existing science partners and forging new relationships along the way, One Ocean Expeditions will continue to pursue its vision of understanding and preserving ocean health for generations to come. There is only One Ocean; we need to protect it.

17 westonfoundation.org18 oneoceanexpeditions.com


Polar Knowledge Canada

Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR) is responsible for advancing Canada’s knowledge of the Arctic and strengthening Canadian leadership in polar science and technology. A key mission of POLAR is to manage Canada’s new high Arctic research station in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. There, POLAR expects Canadian and international scientists to conduct world-class cutting edge Arctic research on both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. POLAR serves as Canada’s primary point of contact with the circumpolar knowledge community, and liaises with research organizations and institutes throughout the circumpolar world, providing guidance for multilateral scientifi c projects relevant to Canadian interests.

POLAR’s programs consist of a pan-northern science and technology program, a knowledge acquisition management and mobilization function and the Canadian High Arctic Research Station in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut.

19 canada.ca/en/polar-knowledge

Croker Bay, Devon Island, Nunavut


19 canada.ca/en/polar-knowledge

AcknowledgmentsThe authors would like to thank:

• The residents of Cambridge Bay, Pond Inlet, Grise Fjord, Arctic Bay and Kuugaruk for a warm welcome.

• John Lyall Jr. for taking us out diving.

• POLAR – The entire CHARS Cambridge Bay and Ottawa teams for invaluable support.

• Nunavut Arctic College for providing space for specimen holding.

• Hunters & Trappers Organizations for allowing us to collect specimens.

• Kitnuna Corporation for oxygen for specimen shipment.

• Aaron Lawton and the entire team at One Ocean Expeditions HQ in Squamish, with a shout- out to Logistics Wizard Eleanor Edgar.

• Danny Johnston and the whole One Ocean Expeditions staff and the ship’s crew on the MV Akademik Ioffe. A special thanks to Ian Peck for driving our Zodiac and standing in the cold while we were diving.

• All of the wonderful passengers aboard One Ocean Expeditions’ High Arctic Explorer trip.

• Our colleagues at the Ocean Wise Vancouver Aquarium who assisted in innumerable ways.


Appendix A – Location of Study Sites: Cambridge BayCambridge Bay Google map (https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1hBJ9tuY6Z1Ye2Xs-0x9WVXjYX1Y&hl=en&ll=69.06697842208021%2C-105.18989760353065&z=12)


Appendix B – Location of Study Sites: Eastern High ArcticEastern High Arctic Google map (https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1hBJ9tuY6Z1Ye2Xs-0x9WVXjYX1Y&hl=en&ll=75.12784912861906%2C-85.76126076363755&z=6)


Appendix C – Live Specimen Holding: Cambridge BayLive specimens were hand collected by divers, transported in bags then transferred to a chilled seawater holding system constructed at the Nunavut Arctic College laboratory in Cambridge Bay.

The life support system (LSS) consisted of two insulated wet tables with dividers to isolate different species, a pseudokreisel tank (to hold delicate planktonic animals such as jellies), a sump, numerous pumps, fi lters tubes and fi ttings, a protein skimmer and a chiller to keep water temperature between 2-4°C.

The LSS was fi lled with saltwater from the ocean, and proper salinity was confi rmed using a hand-held refractometer. In case of low salinity (for example, if seawater was overly diluted with fresh water entering from the local river), Instant Ocean® artifi cial reef salt could be added to keep the salinity at the optimal 25-30 parts per thousand.

LLS, Cambridge Bay, Nunavut


Ocean Wise biologists inspect specimens, Cambridge Bay, Nunavut

Daily maintenance of the LSS included:

• Temperature check using a digital hand held thermometer.

• System check to ensure specimens were healthy and the system was running properly.

• Cleaning, which included, among other things, detritus siphoning, fi lter sock washing and protein skimmer cleaning.

A ten percent water change (with seawater transported in coolers from the ocean) was done every two days to ensure water quality.

The team felt that this LSS, which was new in 2017, operated perfectly during the project. Water temperature held steady, even in the warm laboratory, all specimens fared very well and the open water tables provided easy viewing of specimens for visitors.


Appendix D – Live Specimen Holding: Eastern High ArcticLive specimens were hand collected by divers, transported in bags then transferred to a chilled seawater holding system aboard the MV Akademik Ioffe.

The LSS was set up on Deck 3, outside the entrance to the “mud room” and consisted of a large insulated 890L plastic fi sh transport tote, an insulated 250L ABS plastic display tank with double paned viewing window and a small pseudokreisel jellyfi sh tank.

The large tote served as the main seawater reservoir and provided additional live animal holding space. A (fortuitously located) small-gauge onboard seawater line supplied the tote almost continuously with cold raw seawater throughout the trip.

Water was pumped from a submersible pump in the tote to a distribution manifold at the adjacent display tank and pseudokreisel. Overfl ow water from the display tank returned to the tote by gravity via a plumbed line, and overfl ow water from the pseudokreisel was fed by gravity to a fl oor drain below the tank.

Both the display tank and tote each had additional small circulation pumps to provide increased water fl ow. A number of fl oating baskets in a variety of shapes and mesh sizes were fl oated in the tote to allow the separation of species of varying sizes and habits.

LSS on MV Akademik Ioffe


Daily maintenance of the LSS included:

• Temperature check using a digital hand held thermometer.

• Salinity check using a handheld refractometer (repeatedly throughout the day).

• Cleaning, including detritus siphoning.

• System and animal compatibility checks (and rearranging as necessary).

Thorough fl ushing of seawater supply line and water quality monitoring was required if the seawater feed line was shut off for any extended period. Seawater would warm substantially if the constant fl ow of the line was interrupted.

The team felt that, given that fact that a system of this type had never been set up before on the MV Akademik Ioffe, the LSS worked very well, and that the availability of continuous fl owing seawater was a huge benefi t.

The location adjacent to the mud room allowed easy access to electrical power and the seawater supply, and made it a perfect location for team members to care for specimens and provided great viewing opportunities for passengers returning from excursions.

Some minor changes and improvements include:

• Dedicated stand to hold display tanks to ensure adequate space and elevation for gravity feed back to tote.

• Higher quality air pump and supply line system for tank aeration.

• Increased number and variety of fl oating baskets.

• Highly visible, permanent digital thermometer.

• Dedicated display tank lighting.

OOE passenger photographs specimens in LSS on MV Akademik Ioffe


Appendix E – Cambridge Bay: Species Observed - Transect Dives

Phylum Species Total Observed

Molluscs

Buccinum sp. 2

Buccinum angulosum 1

Testudinalia testudinalis 1

Nudibranchs

Cuthona sp. 1

Chitons

Tonicella sp. 2

Tonicella marmorea 1

Arthropods

Unknown Mysid 13

Hyas coarctatus 5

Eualus sp. 3

Lebbeus polaris 3

Echinoderms

Unknown Ophiuroid 1397

Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis 505

Ophiocten sp. 220

Ophiura sarsi 33

Icasterias panopla 4

Crossaster papposus 2

Arth Cucumaria frondosa 2

Pteraster militaris 2

Aleutihenricia beringiana 1

Poraniomorpha tumida 1

Fishes

Gadus ogac 5

Lumpenus fabricii 2

Myoxocephalus quadricornis 2

Arctogadus glacialis 1

Boreogadus saida 1

Gymnocanthus tricuspis 1

Myoxocephalus scorpiodes 1

Triglops pingelii 1

undetermined Scorpaenidae 1


Appendix F – Cambridge Bay: Species Observed by Site - Biodiversity Survey Dives1 indicates presence, 0 indicates absence.

Flagstaff Point

Northern Dock

West A

rm

Airport W

all

West A

rm BCB

West A

rm M

ud Bank W

all

West A

rm Tank

Farm

Common name Scientifi c name

Brown algae Ochrophyta

sugar kelp Saccharina latissima 0 1 0 0 0 0

rockweed Fucus distichus 0 1 0 1 1 0

fi lamentous diatom Dictyosiphon sp. 0 0 0 1 0 0

Red algae Rhodophyta

rose seaweed Coccotylus truncatus 0 1 0 0 1 0

encrusting coralline algaes Corallina spp. 0 1 0 1 1 0

Sponges Porifera

deep white fi nger sponge undetermined sponge 0 1 0 0 0 0

bread crumb sponge Halichondria sp. 0 1 0 0 1 0

Cnidarians Cnidaria

rugose anemone (no bumps) Hormathia digitata 0 1 0 0 0 0

rugose anemone Hormathia spp. 0 1 0 0 0 0

dahlia or Horseman anemone Urticina eques 0 1 0 0 0 0

anemone Urticina sp. 0 1 0 0 0 0

Arctic crimson anemone Cribrinopsis similis 0 0 1 0 1 0

snail-dwelling anemone Allantactis parasitica 0 0 0 0 0 1

swimming anemone Stomphia sp. 0 0 0 0 1 0

burrowing anemone possibly Anthopleura artemisia 0 1 0 0 0 0

burrowing anemone possibly Halcampa arctica 0 1 0 1 1 1

tube-dwelling anemone possibly Pachycerianthus borealis 0 1 1 1 1 1

pale soft coral Alcyonium sp. 0 0 0 0 0 1

pipecleaner hydroid Lafoeina maxima 0 1 0 0 0 0

four-tentacled jelly Aegina sp. 0 1 0 0 0 0

jellyfi sh thimble Sarsia sp. 0 1 1 1 1 0

hydromedusa Bougainvillia supercilliaris 0 1 0 0 0 0

hydromedusa Aglantha digitale 0 0 1 0 1 0

double bubble jelly Halitholus cirratus 0 1 1 1 1 0

folded stomach jelly Ptychogastria polaris 0 0 0 1 1 0

lobed sea gooseberry Bolinopsis infundibulum 0 1 1 0 0 0

Arctic comb jelly Mertensia ovum 0 1 1 1 0 0

sea gooseberry Pleurobrachia sp. 0 1 0 0 1 0


Flagstaff Point

Northern Dock

West A

rm

Airport W

all

West A

rm BCB

West A

rm M

ud Bank W

all

West A

rm Tank

Farm


Arrow Worms Chaetognatha

arrow worm possibly Parasagitta elegans 0 1 0 0 0 0

Segmented Worms Annelida

cone worm undetermined pectinarid worm 0 1 0 1 0 0

featherduster tubeworm possibly Chone sp. 0 0 0 0 1 0

tubeworm possibly Euchone papillosa 0 1 1 1 1 0

Moss animals Bryozoa

orange encrusting bryozoan undetermined encrusting bryozoan 0 1 0 0 0 0

Molluscs Mollusca

chiton Tonicella sp. 0 0 0 1 0 0

Iceland cockle Clinocardium cilatum 0 0 0 1 0 0

truncated mya Mya truncata 0 0 0 0 0 1

Arctic saxicave or Nestler clam Hiatella arctica 0 1 1 1 1 0

Buccinum snail Buccinum spp. 0 0 0 0 1 0

margarite snails Margarites spp. 0 0 0 0 1 1

velvet snail Velutina sp. 0 1 0 1 0 0

helicid pteropod Limacina helicina 0 0 1 1 0 0

sea angel Clione limacina 0 0 0 1 0 0

dendronotid nudibranch possibly Dendronotus frondosous 0 1 1 0 0 0

Arthropods Arthropoda

calanoid copepod possibly Calanus sp. 0 0 1 1 1 0

mysid undetermined mysid 0 1 0 0 1 0

spiny lebbeid Lebbeus groenlandicus 0 0 0 1 0 0

polar lebbeid Lebbeus polaris 0 1 1 1 1 0

circumpolar eualid shrimp Eualus gaimardii gaimardii 0 1 0 0 0 0

Arctic lyre crab Hyas coarctatus 0 1 0 1 1 0

barnacle Balanus sp. 0 0 0 0 1 0

Echinoderms Echinodermata

polar sea star Leptasterias (Hexasterias) polaris 0 1 0 1 0 0

frilled sea star Urasterias lincki 0 0 0 1 0 0

wrinkled cushion star Pteraster militaris 0 1 0 0 0 1

rose star Crossaster papposus 0 1 0 0 0 0

brittle star Ophiocten sp. 0 1 1 1 1 1

green urchin Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis 0 1 1 1 1 1

sea cucumber Cucumaria sp. 0 1 0 0 0 0

scarlet sea cucumber Psolus fabricii 0 1 0 0 0 0

Tunicates Urochordata

pelagic tunicate possibly Oikopleura (Vexillaria) labradoriensis 0 1 1 0 0 0

leopard tunicate undetermined tunicate 0 1 0 0 0 0


Flagstaff Point

Northern Dock

West A

rm

Airport W

all

West A

rm BCB

West A

rm M

ud Bank W

all

West A

rm Tank

Farm


stalked tunicate Molgula griffi thsii 1 0 0 0 0 0

tunicate undetermined tunicate 0 1 0 0 0 0

salp undetermined tunicate 0 1 0 0 0 0

Fishes Vertebrata

Pacifi c cod Gadus macrocephalus 0 1 1 0 0 0

cod undetermined cod 0 1 0 0 0 0

Arctic shanny Stichaeus punctatus 0 1 0 0 0 0

fourline snakeblenny Eumesogrammus praecisus 0 0 1 1 0 0

slender blenny Lumpenus fabricii 0 1 0 0 0 0

banded gunnel Pholis fasciata 0 1 0 0 0 0

Arctic sculpln Myoxocephalus scorpioides 0 1 0 0 0 0

four-horn sculpin Myoxocephalus quadricornis 0 0 0 0 0 1

sculpin Myoxocephalus sp. 0 0 0 1 1 0

small Arctic lumpsucker Eumicrotremus sp. 0 0 0 1 1 0


Appendix G – Eastern High Arctic: Species Observed by Site - Biodiversity Survey Dives1 indicates presence, 0 indicates absence.

Arctic Bay

Baillarge Bay

Croker Bay

Dundas H

arbour

Grise Fjord

Port Leopold


Brown algae Ochrophyta

sugar kelp Saccharina latissima 0 1 1 1 0 1

sea collander Agarum clathratum 1 1 1 1 1 0

winged kelp Alaria esculenta 0 0 1 1 1 1

rockweed Fucus distichus 1 1 0 0 1 1

thread brown algae Chorda fi lum 0 1 0 1 1 0

branching brown algae undetermined brown algae 0 0 0 1 1 0

Red algae Rhodophyta

rose seaweed Coccotylus truncatus 0 1 0 1 0 1

false dulse Dilsea socialis 0 0 1 0 1 0

branching red algae undetermined branching red algae 0 0 0 1 0 0

fi lamentous red algae Develeraea ramentacea 0 0 0 1 0 0

encrusting coralline algaes Corallina spp. 1 0 1 1 1 1

encrusting coralline algaes undetermined smooth coralline algae 1 1 0 0 0 1

Sponges Porifera

trumpet sponge undetermined sponge digitata 0 0 1 0 0 0

orange encrusting sponge undetermined sponge 0 0 1 0 0 0

Cnidarians Cnidaria

rugose anemone (no bumps) Hormathia digitata 1 0 1 0 0 1

dahlia or Horseman anemone Urticina eques 0 0 1 0 0 1

Arctic crimson anemone Cribrinopsis similis 1 0 1 0 0 1

stubby anemone similar to Urticina coriacea sp. 1 0 1 0 0 1

snail-dwelling anemone Allantactis parasitica 1 0 0 0 0 0

swimming anemone Stomphia sp. 1 1 1 0 0 0

burrowing anemone possibly Anthopleura artemisia 0 0 1 1 0 0

tube-dwelling anemone possibly Pachycerianthus borealis 0 0 0 0 1 1

red soft coral Gersemia rubiformis 1 0 1 0 0 0

00deep soft coral possibly Alcyonium or Capnella 1 0 0 0 0 0

hydrocoral undetermined hydrocoral 0 0 1 0 0 0

hedgehog hydroid Hydractinia sp. 0 0 0 0 1 0

wine-glass hydroid Obelia sp. 0 0 0 0 1 0

pipecleaner hydroid Lafoeina maxima 0 1 0 0 1 0


Arctic Bay

Baillarge Bay

Croker Bay

Dundas H

arbour

Grise Fjord

Port Leopold


four-tentacled jelly Aegina sp. 1 1 0 0 0 0

double bubble jelly Halitholus cirratus 0 0 0 0 1 0

folded stomach jelly Ptychogastria polaris 1 0 0 0 0 0

translucent comb jelly Beroe cucumis 1 0 1 0 1 0

parachute ctenophore Dryodora glandiformis 0 0 0 0 1 0

Arctic comb jelly Mertensia ovum 0 0 0 0 0 1

Peanut Worms Sipuncula

peanut worm Sipunculid sp. 0 0 0 1 0 0

Segmented Worms Annelida

Echiuroid worm undetermined Echiuroid 0 1 0 1 0 0

parasitic leech undetermined leech 0 0 0 1 0 0

leafy paddleworm possibly Phyllodoce groenlandica 0 0 0 0 0 1

scale worm possibly Hormothoe imbricata 1 1 0 0 0 0

scale worm undetermined scale worm 0 0 1 0 1 0

Nereid worm possibly Alitta virens 0 1 0 1 0 1

dwarf calcareous tubeworm possibly Spirorbis borealis or Pileolaria sp. 0 0 1 1 0 0

spaghetti worm undetermined terebellid worm 0 1 0 0 0 0

cone worm undetermined pectinarid worm 1 1 1 1 1 1

featherduster tubeworm possibly Chone sp. 0 1 0 1 1 1

Moss animals Bryozoa

fan bryozoan possibly Dendrobeania sp. 0 0 1 0 0 0

Molluscs Mollusca

chiton Tonicella sp. 1 0 1 1 0 1

discordant mussel Musculus discor 0 0 0 1 0 0

scallop undetermined scallop 0 0 1 0 0 0

Iceland cockle Clinocardium cilatum 0 0 0 1 0 0

Greenland cockle Serripes groenlandicus 0 0 0 1 1 0

chalky macoma Macoma calcarea 1 0 1 0 1 0

truncated mya Mya truncata 0 1 0 0 1 1

Arctic saxicave or Nestler clam Hiatella arctica 1 1 1 1 1 1

limpet Tectura sp. 1 1 0 0 1 1

limpet Tectura spp. 0 0 1 1 0 0

glacial Buccinum snail Buccinum glaciale 1 0 0 0 0 0

fl aky buccinum Buccinum hydrophanum 1 0 0 1 1 0

black footed Buccinum snail Buccinum sp. 1 0 0 1 1 0

snail with longitudinal ridges undetermined snail 1 0 0 0 0 0

helicid pteropod Limacina helicina 1 1 1 0 0 1

sea angel Clione limacina 1 1 1 0 0 1

dendronotid nudibranch possibly Dendronotus frondosous 0 1 0 1 1 1


Arctic Bay

Baillarge Bay

Croker Bay

Dundas H

arbour

Grise Fjord

Port Leopold


white dendronotid Dendronotus sp. 0 0 0 1 0 0

aeolid nudibranch Cuthona sp. 1 0 0 0 0 0

yellow aeolid Zelentia pustulata 0 1 0 0 0 0

white nudibranch possibly Adalaria sp. 0 0 0 0 1 0

Arthropods Arthropoda

hedgehog amphipod Paramphithoe hystrix 1 0 1 0 0 0

amphipods Onissimus spp. 0 0 0 1 0 0

amphipod undetermined amphipod 0 0 0 1 1 1

isopod Saduria sabini 0 0 0 0 1 0

calanoid copepod possibly Calanus sp. 1 1 0 0 0 0

mysid undetermined mysid 0 1 1 1 1 1

tank shrimp Sclerocrangon boreas 0 1 0 1 0 0

spiny lebbeid Lebbeus groenlandicus 1 0 0 1 0 0

polar lebbeid Lebbeus polaris 1 1 1 1 1 1

blade shrimp Spirontocaris sp. 0 1 0 0 0 0

barnacle Balanus sp. 1 1 1 0 1 0

delicate sea spider Nymphon sp. 2 0 0 1 0 0 0

Echinoderms Echinodermata

polar sea star Leptasterias (Hexasterias) polaris 1 1 1 0 1 1

sea star Leptasterias groenlandica 1 1 0 1 1 1

Arctic blood star Aleutihenricia beringiana 0 0 0 0 0 1

wrinkled cushion star Pteraster militaris 0 0 1 0 0 0

rose star Crossaster papposus 1 0 0 0 1 0

northern sun star Solaster endeca 1 0 1 0 1 0

brittle star Ophiacantha bidentata 0 0 1 0 0 0

brittle star Ophiocten sp. 1 1 1 0 1 0

brittle star Ophiuira sarsi 1 1 1 1 1 0

basket star possibly Gorgonocephalus arcticus 1 0 0 0 0 0

feather star Heliometra glacialis? Florometra? 0 0 1 0 0 0

green urchin Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis 1 1 1 1 1 1

giant black sea cucumber Cucumaria frondosa 1 1 1 0 0 0

white burrowing sea cucumber undetermined Cucumaria sp. 1 0 0 0 0 0

speckled burrowing sea cucumber possibly Thyonidium sp. 1 1 0 0 0 0

scarlet sea cucumber Psolus fabricii 0 1 1 0 0 1

peachy burrowing sea cucumber Psolus phantapus 0 1 1 0 0 0

Tunicates Urochordata

pelagic tunicate possibly Oikopleura (Vexillaria) labradoriensis 0 1 0 1 1 0

leopard tunicate undetermined tunicate 0 1 0 0 0 0

sea peach Halocynthia pyriformis 0 1 1 0 0 1


Arctic Bay

Baillarge Bay

Croker Bay

Dundas H

arbour

Grise Fjord

Port Leopold


undetermined tunicate possibly Cnemidocarpa sp. 1 0 1 0 0 0

hairy tunicate Boltenia sp. 0 0 0 0 0 1

tunicate undetermined tunicate 0 1 0 1 1 0

northern white crust Didemnum albidum 0 0 1 0 0 0

Fishes Vertebrata

Arctic cod Boreogadus saida 0 0 0 0 0 1

saddled eelpout Lycodes mucosus 0 0 0 1 0 0

eelpout Gymnelus sp. 1 0 0 0 0 0

sculpin Icelinus sp. 0 0 0 0 1 0

shorthorn sculpin Myoxocephalus scorpius 0 0 1 1 0 0

sculpin Myoxocephalus sp. 1 1 0 0 1 1

Arctic staghorn sculpin Gymnocanthus tricuspis 0 1 1 1 0 1

snailfi sh Liparis sp. 0 0 0 0 0 1

Atlantic spiny lumpsucker Eumicrotremus spinosus 0 0 0 0 0 1

ocean wise | ocean.org - 2018 nearshore ecological survey · 2019. 7. 12. · the ocean wise...

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