Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region
Tags: contaminants, biology, beluga whale
| Principal Investigator: | Chan, Laurie H. M. (12) |
| Licence Number: | 14006 |
| Organization: | University of Northern British Columbia |
| Licensed Year(s): |
2010
2008
2006
|
| Issued: | Jun 14, 2006 |
| Project Team: | Sonja Ostertag (Graduate Student, McGill University), Dr. Laurie Chan (Superviser, University of Northern British Columbia), Dr. Gary Stern (Collaborator, Freshwater Institute, Department of Fisheries and ) |
Project Description: Beluga whales in the western Arctic are exposed to PCBs and mercury, which are known to be neurotoxic compounds. In this study, we will determine whether contaminant exposure is affecting the brains of belugas. Sampling will be carried out at Shingle Point, East Whitefish, Hendrickson Island and Kendall Island (maximum 4 weeks at each site). Sampling will begin at the beginning of the beluga harvest in late June or early July. Approximately 100 samples will be collected (in collaboration with DFO) from harvested belugas for this study. Brain, liver, blubber and muscle tissue samples will be collected and stored frozen until sampling is complete. Transportation to the sampling sites will be via motorboat with the assistance of a guide. A family staying at the camp will host the research team if possible. Hunters who allow access to their whales for sampling will be paid. A student will participate in sampling. Local harvest monitors may be hired to aid with sampling. Results and presentations will be made available to the HTC's, NWT Environmental Contaminants Committee, and interested schools and communities. The study will be conducted Jun 19th - August 11th at: East Whitefish (69 degrees N, 134 degrees W)), Kendall Island (69 degrees N, 136 degrees W), Shingle Point (69 degrees N, 137 degrees W), Hendrickson Island (69 degrees N, 134 degrees W)
