Natural Resources Canada > Earth Sciences Sector > Priorities > Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation > Climate Change in Canada
Degrees of Variation : Climate change in Nunavut Life at sea
(Northwest Territories Dept. of Information/NWT Archives) |
A shift in the marine ecosystem?
The impact of climate change on marine species is difficult to predict. Changes in water temperature, ocean currents, ice cover, and nutrient supply, are likely to affect the availability and location of food sources. Species that depend on snow and ice cover for habitat, feeding, or reproduction will also be affected. As the climate and ocean temperatures begin to change, scientists predict a northward shift in the range of many marine species.
Did you know?
In the Arctic, ocean temperature varies only a few degrees (-2 to +3°C), so any increase in temperature could have major impacts on the marine ecosystem.
(Fisheries and Oceans Canada) |
Nunatsiaq News - November 19, 1999
Warmer Weather Threatens Hudson Bay Polar Bears
Impact on polar bears...
In western Hudson Bay, it is likely the range and feeding patterns of polar bears will change. A potential shift in seal habitat, as well as longer ice-free periods, will make it harder for bears to hunt and they may not be able to store enough fat to survive. Lack of food and hunger could increase 'nuisance' bears in communities where garbage or other sources of food can easily be found. Polar bears also give birth to their young in snow caves. The integrity of these caves depends on snow conditions.
News North - April 5, 1999
Arctic Turns Tropic?
"When it gets too warm, the animals go to where it's cooler."
Impact on other marine mammals...
Warming conditions may mean several marine mammals will experience a change in their range and abundance. For example, walrus and bearded seals require strong sea ice as platforms for breeding, nursing pups, and resting. Beluga and bowhead whales, however, do not rely on ice cover as much and are therefore not expected to be significantly impacted by climate warming.
(Northwest Territories Dept. of
Information/NWT Archives) |
(Douglas Wilkinson/NWT Archives) |
Local impacts...
Expected changes in the range and distribution of animals such as polar bear, seal and walrus may require changes to Inuit hunting practices.
Did you know?
In the Sanikiluaq area, recent cooling trends have resulted in more ice cover and the eider duck population, which depends on open water for food and warmth, has been suffering.
(Fisheries and Oceans Canada) |
Nunatsiaq News - Octoer 24, 1997
Aboriginal Hunters Tell Their Stories: Climate Change in Hudson Bay.
| 
