Changing Arctic
Northern Indigenous peoples are spearheading research and initiatives to adapt and prepare for a changing climate in the Arctic. Ocean Wise works alongside these communities to strengthen existing partnerships and address knowledge gaps
40
microplastics particles found per cubic metre in the Beaufort Sea
100%
of inshore fisheries in the Arctic are estimated to be small-scale fisheries
80,000 km2
of sea ice disappears in the Arctic annually
Addressing rapid changes in the North - for people, for marine life and for business.
By 2030 Ocean Wise will:
• Strengthen the regulatory framework to protect local communities and animals, and to encourage responsible shipping.
• Deploy an underwater noise observatory that enables the design of shipping routes with marine mammal habitats in mind.
• Create community networks to conduct robust environmental sample collection and monitor wildlife.
• Reduce the risk from and improve the ability to respond to invasive species introduction.
• Empower Indigenous communities so they can actively participate in shaping the future of the Arctic.
Collaboration between western science and Indigenous knowledge will lead to new important pathways for climate change adaptation and mitigation
New knowledge derived from improved data will be used to influence policy. This will result in empowered Artic communities, an informed decision-making process and more sustainable industry practices.
Closing the Arctic data gap is key. Partnerships with Indigenous communities will enable the collection of data in places and times not previously possible to assess the impacts of black carbon deposits, vessel noise, and invasive species
