The High Arctic is experiencing increasing stress due to rapid climate change and human activity. This research project investigated the movements and interspecies interactions of key Arctic fish and marine mammals in the nearshore environment in Resolute Bay, Nunavut. This study used a combination of acoustic and satellite telemetry, isotope analysis, oceanography and traditional ecological knowledge.

Underwater acoustic noise and marine mammal vocalizations showed that beluga were only present in periods of low ice concentration, while bearded and ringed seals remained throughout the entire year. Arctic cod, a key prey of seabirds and marine mammals, collectively left nearshore areas when ice formed, changed habitats to avoid invasive jellyfish and vessel traffic, and made long-range migrations of more than 180 kilometres. This revealed the first large-scale movements of individual cod.

Shorthorn sculpin, a common benthic fish, also displayed different movement patterns related to foraging and feeding. Large-scale movements occurred—presumably directed migrations—and movement patterns changed when vessels were present or moving.

The data collected on oceanographic characteristics, ocean noise and high-resolution fish movement are among the most comprehensive ever collected in the Canadian Arctic. This has provided new insight into the relationship between predators and prey and the influence of environmental and anthropogenic disturbance on animal behaviour in the rapidly changing and vulnerable high Arctic ecosystem. This in turn is improving equitable access to local resources for Inuit, as well as guiding sustainable fisheries management and tourism practices. In addition to the natural science conducted, the Ocean Tracking Network’s Arctic studies generated innovations in technology that increased acoustic detection in challenging Arctic environments and expanded animal tracking range in some monitoring areas.