climate change adaptation in labrador: consolidating the base · second, building on the 2008...

Climate Change Adaptation in Labrador: Consolidating the Base

Labrador Highlands Research Group Memorial University

March 2009

Climate Change Adaptation in Labrador:

Consolidating the Base

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© 2009, Labrador Highlands Research Group

Cover photo © Labrador Highlands Research Group

Recommended citation:

Bell, T., Chuenpagdee, R., Jacobs, J.D., Martin, B., Tucker, A., Tytelman, C., and Wolf, J. 2009. Climate change adaptation in Labrador: consolidating the base. Unpublished report, St. John’s: Labrador Highlands Research Group, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 43 p.



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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................. 4

Acknowledgements and Sponsors .............................................................................................................................. 5

Research team ........................................................................................................................................................... 5

1) Labrador climate change knowledge database ..................................................................................................... 6

Database sources ...................................................................................................................................................... 6

Database Structure .................................................................................................................................................... 9

Database Access and Search ................................................................................................................................... 13

Database Update ..................................................................................................................................................... 13

Database Contents .................................................................................................................................................. 14

Database Context .................................................................................................................................................... 15

2) Local perspectives on impacts and adaptation priorities ................................................................................... 31

Observations of climate change and its impacts ..................................................................................................... 33

Climate change profile among organizations ......................................................................................................... 34

Climate change policy and adaptation strategies ................................................................................................... 34

Appendix A: Database development ........................................................................................................................ 35

Appendix B: References for section 2 ...................................................................................................................... 36

Appendix C: Letter of invitation .............................................................................................................................. 42



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INTRODUCTION

During the 2008 conference on Climate Change and Renewable Resources in Labrador: Looking toward 2050 (Bell et al. 2008) participants identified three key priority actions for climate change adaptation planning in Labrador:

• Improve collaboration amongst communities, researchers, and governments in Labrador • Engage communities on climate change issues in Labrador • Compile existing knowledge on climate change studies in Labrador These actions were compiled by participants in response to what they considered were the main challenges presented by climate change for Labrador. Among the general challenges identified were:

• Communicating knowledge • Collecting long‐term environmental data • Uncertainty about climate change impacts • Travel and infrastructure safety • Making climate change a regional, national and international priority • Understanding the cumulative impacts of issues beyond climate change. This report describes a follow‐up project that represents an initial response to the priority actions identified above. It has two components. First, the sources, structure, context and contents of a database that draws together pertinent literature on climate change in Labrador is presented in section 1. Within the three‐month timeframe of this project, relevant references to climate change knowledge were compiled into a searchable database, structured by theme and region. The database represents an important first step in understanding what we know of the vulnerability of Labrador communities and ecosystems to climate change and should also help to identify knowledge gaps and opportunities for further research. It begins to address priority action #3 identified by conference participants.

Second, building on the 2008 conference, further dialogue on climate change impacts and adaptation planning in Labrador was completed through a series of informal discussions with key decision makers from communities and local agencies. The goal of these discussions was to gauge the level of priority, knowledge and capacity for impact assessment and adaptation planning. The information gained provides an initial assessment of priority and capacity for community‐based climate change action in Labrador. Our meetings were also intended as an initial response to priority actions #1 and 2 above. A summary of our discussions is presented in Section 2.

Acknowledgements and Sponsors

For financial and in‐kind support we are grateful to:

• Climate Change Adaptation Program, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada • Environment and Conservation, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador • Labrador Institute of Memorial University • Department of Lands and Natural Resources, Nunatsiavut Government

Research team

Research team members:

Dr. Trevor Bell, Professor of Geography, Memorial University

Dr. Ratana Chuenpagdee, Canada Research Chair in Natural Resource Sustainability and Community Development, Memorial University

Dr. John Jacobs, Honorary Research Professor, Memorial University

Dr. Johanna Wolf, Post‐doctoral Fellow, Labrador Institute of Memorial University

Amy Tucker, MA candidate, Department of Geography, Memorial University

Bryan Martin, MSc, Research Assistant, Department of Geography, Memorial University

Carolina Tytelman, PhD candidate, Department of Anthropology and Labrador Institute, Memorial University



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1) LABRADOR CLIMATE CHANGE KNOWLEDGE DATABASE

There has been no single clearinghouse for research on Labrador and consequently research results are widely scattered and either unknown or inaccessible to communities and decision‐makers. To address this gap in relation to climate change research, a structured, web‐accessible database of key literature on climate change science, impacts and adaptation in Labrador has been generated.

Database sources

As of March 31, 2009 the “Climate Change Knowledge Database” contained a total of 460 references. They have been compiled from various sources including peer‐reviewed journals, conference proceedings, books, unpublished reports, newspaper and magazines, individuals, etc (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Nature of source documents that make up the Labrador Climate Change Knowledge database as of March 2009. Note that 0% implies a value between 0 and 1%.

The references have been sourced through extensive use of online catalogues, including Memorial University’s library (Table 2). Current and recent researchers who have worked in Labrador or have knowledge of documents or data relating to climate change studies in Labrador were also contacted (Table 3).



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Table 2. List of information sources that were consulted through Memorial’s Library catalogue

Sources / Catalogue Key words

Memorial University Library catalogue Climate, pollen, tree ring, dendro*, ice, glacial, and Torngat, Labrador, or Mealy

ProQuest dissertation and theses ‐‐‐

Wilson Omnifile Labrador and Climate, Nunatsiavut and Climate

Arctic and Antarctic Regional Database Labrador and Climate, Nunatsiavut and Climate

MUN Geography Department thesis catalogue ‐‐‐

MUN, Centre for Newfoundland Studies ‐‐‐

MUN, Labrador Institute Library ‐‐‐

Table 3. Research contacts that provided database references

Contact person Affiliation

Luise Hermanutz Department of Biology, MUN

J. Brian Dempson Fisheries and Oceans Canada, St.John’s, NL

Gary S. Lines Environment Canada

Larry Felt Department of Sociology, MUN

Martin Moroni Atlantic Forestry Centre

Colin Banfield Retired, formerly at MUN Geography Department

J. Brian Dempson Fisheries and Oceans Canada, St.John’s, NL

Some useful information sources were located but not fully explored due to time constraints. For example, Northern Scientific Training Program, Polar Data Catalogue, Institute for Environmental Monitoring and Research, Nunatsiavut Government database, Labrador Metis Nation database, and the Innu Nation Environmental Office database. Also, due to the volume of papers in both “Them Days” magazine and the “Moravian Missions” documents at the Centre for Newfoundland Studies, MUN, they were incompletely scanned and further analysis and compilation will be necessary.



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Table 4. Catalogues and libraries consulted for database references

Group or Institution source link

Innu Nation – Publications and References

Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami – Inuktitut magazine

Gorsebrook Research Institute – Saint Mary’s University

ArcticNet – Network of Centres of Excellence

International Institute for Sustainable Development Inuit Observations of Climate Change

Nasivvik Centre for Inuit Health and Changing Environments

Indigenous Environment and Health Research Group

Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources – Taking Action on Climate Change

McGill Subarctic Research Station

Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado at Boulder

Labrador Highland Research Group

Department of Environment, Canada

Department of Fisheries and Oceans

www.innu.ca/biblio1.html

www.itk.ca/

www.smu.ca/administration/gorsebrook/

www.arcticnet.ulaval.ca/

www.iisd.org/climate/vulnerability/inuit.asp

www.nasivvik.ulaval.ca/

people.trentu.ca/chrisfurgal/

www.cier.ca

www.mcgill.ca/msars/

instaar.colorado.edu/

www.mun.ca/geog/lhrg/

www.ec.gc.ca/

www.dfo‐mpo.gc.ca/index‐eng.htm

http://www.itk.ca/

http://www.smu.ca/administration/gorsebrook/

https://webmail.mun.ca/util/go.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.arcticnet.ulaval.ca%2F&Horde=ea3e34b8f82499a81e2a7ea6b84cea30

http://www.iisd.org/climate/vulnerability/inuit.asp

http://www.nasivvik.ulaval.ca/

http://www.ec.gc.ca/

Database Structure

The knowledge database was structured according to three main categories: temporal, spatial, and thematic and 33 sub‐categories.

Figure 2. Thematic categories and sub‐categories of the Labrador climate change knowledge database



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A description of each sub‐category is presented below:

Temporal

Present: 2000 ‐present

Recent: 1971 – 2000

Historic: Recorded history, instrumental weather prior to 1971, traditional knowledge

Prehistoric: Proxy records (e.g. lake sediments, tree rings, marine sediment cores, etc)

Thematic

Climate:

Observations: e.g., General observations, traditional knowledge

Records: e.g., Instrumental weather, sea ice records

Proxy: e.g., Pollen, cores, tree rings, and climate models (non‐instrumental weather data)

Impacts:

Biophysical: e.g., Animals, fish, plants, coastlines, water

Socio‐economic: e.g., Subsistence and/or economic systems, social impacts

Infrastructure: e.g., Roads, buildings, boats, vehicles

Human health: Specifically mentioning human health and climate, including loss of country food due to climate change, etc

Variability:

Climatology, climate change, climate scenarios, downscaling, etc

Adaptation:

Human: Adaptive strategies developed by individuals or institutions (i.e. using quads vs. snowmobiles to hunt, hunting at different times, moving buildings exposed to erosion, policies and laws)

Natural: Adaptive strategies used in the natural environment (by plants, animals, insects, etc.)

Other:

Mitigation, education, prevention, consultation

Spatial

Ecozones:

Arctic Cordillera

Taiga Shield

Boreal Shield

Figure 3. Labrador’s terrestrial ecozones

Source: Newfoundland and Labrador Heritage – Tina Riche 2002



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Economic Zone:

Nunatsiavut Government (Zone 1)

Hyron (Zone 2)

Central Labrador (Zone 3)

Aurora (Zone 4)

Labrador Straits (Zone 5)

Figure 4. Labrador’s economic zones

Source: Newfoundland and Labrador Statistics Agency

Communities: Studies where communities are mentioned specifically

Labrador Sea: studies focused on Labrador’s marine environment

Nunatsiavut: Studies within Nunatsiavut

Torngat Mountains National Park: Studies within park boundaries

Mealy Mountains: proposed National Park: Studies within proposed park boundaries

Nitassinan: Studies within proposed Nitassinan Land Claims

Quebec: studies overlapping with Quebec or on the Labrador border (e.g. Schefferville)



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Database Access and Search

The Labrador Climate Change Knowledge database can be accessed through the Labrador Highlands Research Group website at www.mun.ca/geog/lhrg/ under the link “Labrador Climate Change Knowledge Database”. From its main page the user can “login” and “sign up” to enter and search the database.

After logging into the database and entering the reference section, a list of references will be displayed. The option to sort the references by author, date, title etc. can be selected using the “sort by” dropdown menu on the right‐hand top corner. The database can be scanned by browsing the references or searched using the “search” function at the top left‐hand corner of the webpage. The option of “fast” search or “advanced” search is available depending on the selected preference. Keywords or authors entered into the fast search are identified from the title, journal name, abstract, or notes section. Journal titles in the search results may be linked to the reference abstract, where available.

Database Update

The database will initially be hosted at Memorial University during the consolidation phase but later be transferred to the Labrador Institute in Goose Bay, Labrador. Future efforts should continue to build on this database and therefore a user‐friendly interface has been created for new data entries. Database development details are presented in Appendix A.

http://www.mun.ca/geog/lhrg/

Database Contents

The following graphs display the breakdown of the database contents (n=460) by sub‐categories.

Figure 5. Database contents (n=460)



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Database Context

This report section provides a summary of the database contents in relation to a selected theme ‐ climate change impacts and adaptation in Labrador ‐ in order to demonstrate the database context and to illustrate how it may be effectively used to generate surveys and syntheses of relevant topics. Each document retrieved under the selected theme was

ed and classified under four main categories:

Socio‐Economic Impacts

• Human Health Impacts

was r classified into sub‐categories as follows:

• Sea Ice and Sea Characteristics

Marine Ecosystem

•

Caribou in the Mealy Mountains. Photo by Seth Loader (LHRG)

review

• Biophysical Impacts

•

• Human Adaptation

Under Biophysical Impacts, each document furthe

• Climate Characteristics

•

Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecosystem

The database contains documents that have a research focus at various spatial scales, including Arctic, Canadian, Atlantic Canadian, Newfoundland and Labrador, Labrador specific, and community specific. Where necessary, themes were sub‐divided by study scale. Documents with a larger (national) scope that specifically mentioned Labrador were also included in this analysis. Adaptation issues are commonly discussed on a regional or national scale; local Labrador examples are generally lacking.



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Biophysical Impacts

Sea Characteristics

Arctic/Northern

Documents within the database focus on sea characteristics in Arctic or northern regions, with the Labrador Sea included in discussion sections. Fluctuations in sea ice cover have been documented by numerous authors, including Dingrong et al. (1999) who studied decadal to inter‐decadal fluctuations of Arctic sea ice. Others focus on a specific decade, such as Drinkwater (2004), who studied atmospheric and sea ice conditions in the Northwest Atlantic between 1991 and 2000. He concluded that the eastward shift in the center of the atmospheric low‐pressure system over the Northwest Atlantic was of significance during the latter half of the decade. This shift contributed to weaker north‐westerly winds, warmer temperatures in the Labrador Sea to the Gulf of Maine, and a reduction in sea‐ice. Mysak et al. (1990) focused on sea ice anomalies observed in the Greenland and Labrador seas between 1901 and 1984, and their relation to an inter‐decadal Arctic climate cycle. Marko et al. (1994) focused on iceberg severity of eastern North America and its relationship to sea ice variability and climate change. Collapsed ringed seal pup lair near Nain. Photo from Becky Sjare

The study focus is on areas south of 48° N; however iceberg activity in the Labrador Sea is also discussed. Holland et al. (2006) provided an overview of simulated Arctic Ocean freshwater budgets in the twentieth and twenty‐first centuries. The Labrador Sea is included in this discussion. Climate variations over the North Atlantic were discussed by Deser (1996) who outlined a century of inter‐decadal change. The author proposed that decadal periods of colder‐than‐normal sea surface temperatures are preceded by periods of greater‐than‐normal amounts of sea ice in the Labrador Sea. Dickson et al. (2003) also outlined recent changes in the North Atlantic, including those in the Labrador Sea.

Canadian

The Labrador Sea is included in discussions on sea characteristics of the Canadian Arctic and East coast. Dumas et al. (2006) studied projections of future landfast ice thickness and duration for nine sites in the Canadian Arctic and one site on the Labrador coast. Johnson et al. (2003) discussed variation in sea ice cover on the east coast of Canada from 1969 to 2002, and the implications of climate variability on harp and hooded seals. They proposed that there is growing evidence that climate change and variability are affecting sea ice dynamics in northern and eastern Canada, including the Labrador Sea. Laidler (2006) explored both Inuit (including those in Nunatsiavut) and scientific perspectives on the relationship between sea ice and climate change.



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Newfoundland and Labrador

Several documents within the database discuss sea characteristics off the Newfoundland and Labrador coast in particular. The provincial Climate Change Action Plan (2005) refers to sea ice changes as follows:

Over the long term, sea ice is expected to become thinner and less extensive. This could have positive impacts on marine transportation and the oil and gas industry. However, in other areas, such as the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the coastline may be more vulnerable to wave action and storm surges leading to coastal erosion and damage to coastal infrastructure.

Vasseur and Catto (2008) also discussed sea ice in Atlantic Canada, including sea ice off the Newfoundland and Labrador coast, with a brief specific reference to Labrador. Petrie et al. (1992) examined time series of temperature, salinity and ice cover from the Newfoundland and Labrador Shelf during 1951‐1986 to determine the temporal and spatial scales of inter‐annual variability. Greatbatch et al. (1990) studied the influence of local and North Atlantic wind forcing on the seasonal variation in sea level on the Newfoundland and Labrador Shelf. Colbourne (2004) reviewed decadal changes in the ocean climate in Newfoundland and Labrador waters from the 1950s to the 1990s. The authors proposed that the 1950s and 1960s were the warmest decades of the latter half of the 20th century, while the 1990s represent the third consecutive decade with below normal temperatures on the Newfoundland Shelf. The 1990s have experienced some of the most extreme variations since measurements began during the mid 1940s.

Labrador

Many documents within the database specifically discuss sea characteristics in relation to Labrador. Some of these documents focus on fluctuations in sea ice throughout several decades, as illustrated by the following four articles. Peterson and Prinsenberg (1990) studied sea ice fluctuations in the western Labrador Sea from 1963 to 1988. Deser et al. (2002) focused on decadal variations in Labrador Sea ice cover and North Atlantic sea surface temperatures throughout various time intervals between 1972 and 1992. Newell (1990) focused on spring and summer ice and climate conditions in the Labrador Sea from 1800 to 1990. Prinsenberg et al. (1997) focused on the interaction between atmosphere, ice cover and ocean off Labrador and Newfoundland between 1962 and 1992. All four studies emphasized that sea ice conditions in the Labrador Sea are quite variable. Grand Lake, North West River, Labrador. Photo by John Jacobs (LHRG)



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Other documents focus on sea ice in relation to wildlife in Labrador, including Sjare (2008) who researched sea ice and seals, and Chaulk, Roberson and Montevecchi (2007) who researched the influence of sea ice on nesting common eider abundance and dispersion. Emery et al. (2006) discussed sea surface temperature of the Labrador Sea through microwave remote sensing and in situ measurements and model simulations. The authors proposed that the Labrador Sea is an area of interest for studying climate change in the ocean because it is one of the few places in the ocean where winter cooling and mixing creates conditions where water from the surface can penetrate into the deep ocean. Other documents (Hakkinen 2002, Belkin 1998, 2004) are related to the freshening of the Labrador Sea that occurred during the 1990s. Dickson (1997) provided an overview of the changing climate of the Labrador Sea, focusing on salinity and density.

Community Specific

Documents in the database also discuss sea characteristics off Labrador as they relate to specific communities. Borlase et al. (2007) completed interviews with residents of Makkovik and one community consultation in Goose Bay on climate change and sea ice conditions. Davies (2007) completed a thesis on Inuit observations of environmental change and effects of change in Anaktalak Bay, Labrador, for which she interviewed residents of Nain. The thesis included observations of changing sea ice conditions. For example, break‐up and freeze‐up times have changed and are unpredictable, the sea ice edge (sina) is closer to the land now, and other normal changes in ice are occurring at a faster rate. DeSantis (2008) completed a thesis on vulnerability and adaptation to environmental conditions in Hopedale, Labrador. She also discussed sea ice conditions, proposing that they are a primary concern in Hopedale. Community members identified a number of different changes as problematic, such as later sea ice freeze up and earlier thaw. Sea ice is identified as Hopedale’s primary transportation network, and is essential for pursuing livelihood activities. The community also identified that sea ice thickness has declined. A report completed by members of communities along the coast of Labrador identified various changes in sea ice, including later freeze‐up and break‐up, and declines in ice thickness and quality (Communities of Labrador et al. (2002)). These documents also contain information on other sea characteristics, such as salinity.

Climate Characteristics

Documentation on climate characteristics specifically related to contemporary climate variability and change is lacking. While there is a great deal of literature examining palaeoclimatic data, those documents are not the focus of this analysis. A variety of literature within the database discusses regional climate scenarios and future predictions, which are also not the focus of this analysis.

Wind

Only one document in the database deals with wind and climate change in Labrador. Greatbatch et al. (1990) researched the influence of local and North Atlantic wind forcing on the seasonal variation of sea level on the Newfoundland and Labrador Shelf.

Temperature and Precipitation

Various documents in the database utilize tree ring analysis in order to reconstruct past temperatures of Labrador, which helps to understand climate change. D’Arrigo (1996, 1999 and 2003) performed tree ring analysis in order to determine temperature changes in Labrador. Banfield and Jacobs (1998) discussed the regional patterns of temperature and precipitation for Newfoundland and Labrador during the past century. They analyzed the mid‐to‐late 20th century instrumental record of winter and summer temperatures and precipitation for six stations representative of Newfoundland sub‐regions and of central and coastal Labrador. In addition, these modern records have been extended into the 1800s by using portions of records from Belle Isle and the city of St. John's.

Summit landscape in the Mealy Mountains. Photo by LHRG.

Marine Ecosystem

The database contains numerous articles pertaining to the impacts of climate change on the marine ecosystem of Labrador. This includes impacts on seabirds, seals and fish, as well as fiord ecosystems.

Seabirds

Some documents within the database examine climate change in Labrador and seabirds. Burke (2008) discussed how seabirds were used to assess climate changes, and their implications for Labrador. According to this research, climate change will precipitate major shifts in the availability and predictability of marine resources in Polar Regions. The project used seabirds to detect climate induced biological changes and used pre‐existing long term data on marine bird diets to assess climate driven, biological effects on forage species over the scale of decades. Montevecchi and Myers (1997) studied centurial and decadal oceanographic influences on changes in northern gannet populations and diets in the north‐west Atlantic (including Labrador), and the implications climate change has for them. Findings imply that slight changes in oceanographic conditions, possibly associated with climate warming, could have large‐scale and pervasive effects on seabird distributions, feeding ecology, reproductive success, and populations.

Seabird colony. Photo from Chantelle Burke.



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Chaulk et al. (2007) focused on landscape features and sea ice influence on nesting common eider abundance and dispersion at several spatial scales in Labrador. Their findings suggest that eiders respond to landscape features, including ice cover, which are influenced by climate change. The research of Gaston and Woo (2008) focused on Razorbills in the Canadian Arctic, and new colonization areas that are possibly the result of climate change. The discussion includes a description of their usual breeding sites in Labrador, and possible implications of climate change.

Seals

The impacts of climate change affect seal populations off Labrador. Johnson et al. (2005) discussed variation in sea ice cover on the east coast of Canada from 1969 to 2002, and the implications of climate variability on harp and hooded seals. The authors suggest that there is growing evidence that climate change and variability are affecting sea ice dynamics in northern and eastern Canada, including the Labrador Sea. Such variability could have serious consequences for harp seals and hooded seals, which congregate to whelp on ice every February and March in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and off Newfoundland. The authors found that during light ice years, a synchronous and dramatic reduction in sea ice cover occurred in the Gulf and off eastern Newfoundland in the first and second week of March, coinciding with peak pupping periods for harp seals. Light ice years and rapid reductions in sea ice represent unquantified risks for pagophilic seals including increases in neonatal mortality and changes in food availability for pups. The authors propose that the magnitude of these risks may increase if observed changes in climate reduce sea ice cover in eastern Canada as they have in the Arctic. Sjare (2008) also explored the interaction of climate change, sea ice and seals off of Labrador. The direct impacts of climate change on marine mammals are primarily related to the loss of ice‐associated habitat that could decrease pup/calf survival and foraging efficiency and increase the susceptibility to predation. The changes observed in seal distribution and availability of and access to seals for hunters and communities in the project had an immediate effect on the time, safety, and cost of travel to hunt.

Arctic Char

Arctic Char have been the subject of research dealing with climate change in Labrador. Dempson et al. (2002) studied the spatial and temporal variability in the diet of Arctic char in northern Labrador. Dietary shifts observed in anadromous char in some areas of northern Labrador could be associated, in part, with changes in the distribution of capelin in the northwest Atlantic Ocean, possibly as a result of anomalous ocean climate conditions. Dempson (2008) researched the ecology and population dynamics of northern Labrador Arctic char as a model species for evaluating impacts of exploitation and climate influences on population characteristics. The species is thought to be ideal for investigating linkages between environmental parameters suspected to affect life history and production, assessing responses to variability and change in climate, and to help long term monitoring of the effects of climate change. Reist et al. (2004) also studied char as a model for assessing climate change impacts of Arctic fishery resources, including fisheries in Labrador. Dempson et al. (2008) studied the resilience and stability of char population in northern Labrador.

Arctic char fisheries. Photo from Brian Dempson.



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They observed that Arctic char is subject to exploitation and environmental variability. Changes in age and size distribution, specifically long‐term declines in weight, are linked with periods of intensive exploitation and possibly with variability in the climate of the northwest Atlantic that resulted in identifiable diet shifts during the early 1990s.

Power et al. (2000) also researched the environmental influences on an exploited anadromous Arctic char stock at Nain. Char were found to be influenced by recent variability in measured environmental variables but could partially mitigate the effects of past conditions in a single year. Parks Canada (2007) has completed research on the effects of climate variability and change on char in the Arctic, including Labrador. The report concluded that char species are particularly useful for investigations of climate and environmental variation, and there is scientific evidence indicating significant warming in much of the Arctic with possible consequences to various species including Arctic char.

Atlantic Cod

Few documents were found that relate climate change to Atlantic cod off Labrador. Drinkwater (2005) researched the response of Atlantic cod to future climate change, with reference to the coast of Labrador. An expected response of cod stocks to future temperature scenarios is a likely spread northwards along the coast of Labrador. Rodionov (1995) researched the atmospheric teleconnections and coherent fluctuations in the recruitment of North Atlantic cod stocks. They also discussed the reaction of cod stocks during periods of general warming and cooling in the North Atlantic.

Atlantic Salmon

Documents in the database focus on Atlantic salmon in the context of climate change at various scales. Some articles focus on Atlantic salmon in eastern Canada or the northwest Atlantic. Minns et al. (1995) studied the potential impact of climate change on the habitat and population dynamics of juvenile Atlantic salmon in eastern Canada. Their analyses indicated that climate warming could affect both the quantity and quality of salmon habitats in eastern Canada, presenting important challenges for fishery managers. El‐Jabi et al. (2004) studied how climate change impacts affect the run‐timing of Atlantic salmon in Eastern Canada and adaptation of in‐season models and management to improve resource access opportunities. Reddin (2006) presented perspectives on the marine ecology of Atlantic salmon in the Northwest Atlantic, including the Labrador Sea.

Other documents focus more specifically on Newfoundland and Labrador such as Narayanan et al. (1995) who examined marine climate off Newfoundland (including Labrador) and its influence on salmon and capelin. Power (1981) focused on stock characteristics and catches of Atlantic salmon in Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador in relation to environmental variables. The article presents several conclusions, one of which focused on the need for more systematic compilation of salmon stock data, particularly over long‐enough periods to evaluate the effects of climatic variables and management strategies. Felt (2008) takes a critical look at the historical significance and future availability of Atlantic salmon to peoples of the Labrador coast within the context of climate change. Atlantic salmon play an important part in the culture and lives of Labrador aboriginal people. Lower harvests reflect a decline in overall abundance for reasons still not well understood, but the key to understanding their capacity to adapt to climate change lies in their complex and adaptive life cycle. Both temperature and precipitation are thought to affect salmon during their life cycles. Atlantic salmon have been identified as a species that is likely to be significantly affected by climate change, probably due to a northward shift in range.



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Capelin

Only one article in the database relates climate change to capelin off Labrador. Capelin are shown to respond to climate change in various ways, including their timing of spawning, abundance and distribution (Narayanan et al. (1995)).

Fish Stocks (General)

Many articles in the database focus on climate change and fish stocks in general, without attention to a specific species. Most of these documents are based on the Arctic in general, with the Labrador Sea included in the discussion. Reist et al. (2006a) discussed the general effects of climate change on Arctic fish and fish populations, and suggested that there is a lack of basic knowledge regarding fish biology and habitat interactions in the north. This is complicated by scaling issues and uncertainty in future climate projections. As a result, only qualitative scenarios can be developed in most cases, limiting preparedness to meet challenges of climate change in the Arctic with respect to fish and fisheries. Reist et al. (2006b) also provided an overview of effects of climate change on selected Arctic freshwater and anadromous fish. This article includes a section on Northern Quebec and Labrador salmonid and pike populations. They concluded that among salmonids the response to temperature changes is very likely to track physiological preferences for warmer waters. Several species present in southern waters such as Atlantic salmon, brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout are very likely to extend their ranges northward. Also, as a result of probable range extensions, Arctic char will likely be reduced or replaced by anadromous Atlantic salmon and/or anadromous brook trout. They also suggest that lake trout will disappear from rivers and the shallow margins of many northern lakes. Power (1990) wrote that salmonid communities are controlled by route of post‐glacial colonization, climate and environmental conditions. Climate warming is likely to change the suitability of habitats for salmonids, shifting the distribution northwards in Quebec and Labrador. Introduced species will benefit from this as more habitats become suitable.

Lilly and Carscadden (2002) focus specifically on predicting the future of marine fish off Labrador and eastern Newfoundland under scenarios of climate change. The exercise entails an overview of the major fisheries from Davis Strait to the northern Grand Bank, focusing on a brief history of the landings and a discussion of factors that are known or suspected to have been important in determining changes in both landings and stock status. For several reasons outlined in the report, they find it difficult to predict how each species might respond to oceanographic changes that might accompany climate change. Vasseur and Catto (2008) propose that compared with Maritime Canada, the impacts of climate change are substantially different on nearshore fisheries and aquaculture in Labrador and northeastern Newfoundland. The authors also provide a discussion about the role of the Labrador Current in Atlantic Canada as related to climate change and fisheries.

Fiord Ecosystem

Some documents focus on fiord ecosystems in Labrador and their relation to climate change. Biasutti (2006) discussed a project that examines the effects of climate change and modernization on fiord marine ecosystems in Northern Labrador. The author outlined work that is being completed on three fiord marine ecosystems to address concerns from local Inuit regarding recently observed climate changes and potential impacts from human activities. A comparative approach was used in Saglek Bay, Anaktalak Bay and Nachvak Fiord. Current data suggested that northern Labrador has experienced climate change at a slower rate in comparison with other parts of the North.

Simpson et al. (2006) have outlined their research on the Nachvak Fiord ecosystem of northern Labrador. The authors describe key concerns in the area, including climate change, and note that they are building partnerships, establishing baseline inventory and developing a long term marine monitoring program.

Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecosystems

The database contains several documents that examine the relationship between climate change and terrestrial or freshwater ecosystems of Labrador. These documents pertain to specific resources such as tree species or caribou, as well as specific ecosystems, such as forests and freshwater environments. The retreat of glaciers is also important in the study of terrestrial ecosystems, so documents relating to glaciology are also included in this theme.

Vegetation Goose River, Labrador. Photo by Ryan Jameson (LHRG).

The relationship between climate change and vegetation is discussed in many articles within the database, and are grouped here under the following sub‐themes.

Forest and Tundra Ecosystems

Jacobs (2004) and Jacobs et al. (2004) discuss tundra ecosystems in the context of the Torngat Mountain National Park and the proposed Mealy Mountain National Park as long term reference sites for investigating ecosystem responses to climate change in Labrador. They proposed that due to their representativeness and presumed permanency, national parks are logical places to monitor impacts of climate change on natural systems within a region. It is argued that considerations of climate change should be prominent in the research and monitoring program of any national park. A similar argument is again made by Jacobs et al. (2004) in their report on work in the Mealy Mountains/Akamiuapishku National Park study area. Parks Canada (2007) discusses climate change and its impact on terrestrial ecosystems in Torngat Mountains National Park Reserve in Labrador. Research examining how climate change will affect the terrestrial ecosystems of northern Labrador is limited and systematic baseline data on the terrestrial ecosystems of the Park are lacking. The project seeks to develop protocols for long term sustainable monitoring of the tundra environment and to understand the changes in the landscape to assist in adaptation.

Vasseur and Catto (2008) propose that increased growing season temperatures and rising levels of carbon dioxide will not necessarily result in increased ecosystem productivity in forests of Labrador. To illustrate this, they use the example of black spruce, the dominant tree species in the boreal forest of Labrador. For this species, the net ecosystem productivity of the forest will likely increase with increased springtime temperatures. However, elevated summer temperatures will likely decrease net productivity due to higher rates of evapo‐transpiration. The authors propose further that, despite projections of increased precipitation, with rising temperatures evapotranspiration will also increase leading to reduced soil moisture. This increases the probability of forest fires and lengthens the duration of the fire season.



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Tree Limit

Documents within the database discuss the relationship between climate and tree limits in Labrador. Sveinbjörnsson (2000) examined treelines in North America and Europe, and the external and internal processes controlling their position. Bonnell et al. (2004) investigated change of altitudinal tree‐limit in the highlands of central Labrador using archival, remote sensing and field data. They propose that subarctic highlands at relatively low latitudes, such as those in Labrador, are expected to be particularly sensitive to climate change. The article discusses the long term monitoring and research on climate change and tundra‐taiga ecosystems that are currently being undertaken on these ecosystems in Labrador. Jacobs et al. (2005) discussed climate and highland ecosystems of central Labrador and how they adapt to change; they propose that monitoring treeline and tundra ecosystems and performing manipulative experiments over time and in relation to the local and regional climate will allow people to better understand and adapt to change in these sensitive areas. Hermanutz (2008) examined the changing treeline in the highlands of Labrador, investigating the effects of disturbance and the survival and establishment of conifers near the tundra‐forest ecotone. Payette’s (2007) research proposed that the northern Quebec‐Labrador treelines are the most climatically stressed tree ecosystems of eastern North America. The responses of white and black spruce to climate change are also contrasted. Bell et al. (2008a) presented conference proceedings on spatial and temporal patterns in climatic and ecological factors influencing tree growth

Forest Planning

One document in the database deals specifically with forest planning in Labrador within the context of climate change. Courtois (2008) details the Innu perspective of forest resource planning, discussing the ecosystem based management approach used by the Innu. This approach reflects the Innu connection to the land, and prioritizes the protection of ecosystem values first, then cultural and economic values. The author explained that climate change education and capacity building is underway in the area, and next steps include the development of a climate monitoring protocol, which will include locally relevant indicators of environmental health.

Freshwater

Documents in the database illustrate the impact of climate change on freshwater in Labrador. This occurs at different scales. For example, Rouse et al. (1997) documented the effects of climate change on the freshwaters of Arctic and Subarctic North America, including Labrador. They proposed that substantial changes shifting to less domination by Arctic air masses can be anticipated for many areas, including Labrador. Smol et al. (2005) studied climate‐driven regime shifts in the biological communities of arctic lakes. Within their analysis they propose that Labrador has experienced little or no recent warming.

Upland pond in the Red Wine Mountains. Photo by Trevor Bell (LHRG).



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Laing et al. (2002) evaluated limnological (inland water) responses to recent environmental change and caribou activity in the Riviere George Region of Northern Quebec and included parts of Labrador. The limnological stability of the study site suggested that recent climatic change impacts have been negligible in the region, which seems to confirm climate model predictions that northern Quebec and Labrador will remain climatically stable under climate warming scenarios. Rollings (1997) provides a detailed description of the hydrology of Labrador. The author proposed that some streamflow and climatic variables were significantly correlated on some watersheds; however no correlations could be found which could be applied throughout Labrador. The shortness of streamflow records, combined with the non‐representativeness of the climatic data, made any correlation difficult. It was concluded that climatic databases are not adequate to meet the modeling requirements for water resources management. Sable et al. (2007) take a more focused community based approach through speaking with Innu in Labrador about Ashkui, which are early openings in water bodies that are very important for hunting. They studied Ashkui through Innu observations of whether water will make good tea, is good for fish, has chemicals, or is coloured, salty or acidic. Ritcey (2008) also examined stream ecosystem structure and function in the Torngat Mountains National Park in Labrador and the impacts of climate change. The author explained that the subarctic landscape of the Torngat National Park is dominated by streams, lakes and wetlands. These areas are at risk of experiencing climate‐induced changes in their biotic structure and function, which could threaten ecological integrity.

Glaciers

Documents within the database discuss the impacts of climate change on glaciers in Labrador. Bell et al. (2008b) discussed preliminary data indicating that significant ice marginal retreat has occurred over the last twenty‐five years in the Torngat Mountains of northern Labrador. For example, Bryant’s Glacier has undergone substantial loss in ice volume as shown when a photograph taken in 1908 is compared to a photograph taken in the same location in 2008.

Abraham glacier, Torngat Mountains, Labrador. Photo by Trevor Bell.



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Caribou

Documents in the database focus specifically on the impacts of climate change on caribou in Labrador. Laing et al. (2002) evaluated limnological responses to recent environmental change and caribou activity in the Riviere George Region, Northern Quebec (including parts of Labrador). This study mainly focused on the impacts that an increased caribou population has on the local environment, and climate change is a major aspect of the study. Changes in population dynamics have also been studied by Boudreau (2003) and Couturier and Brunelle (1990). One article focuses specifically on the effect of extreme snowcover on feeding site selection by woodland caribou in Labrador. This article provides evidence indicating that caribou are capable of visually distinguishing among snow covered terrain features to locate forage on the ground. Jeffery (2008) discussed the status of caribou herds in Labrador and the potential effects of climate change on herds. Factors influencing the populations of caribou include temperature and moisture, insects, parasites, fire, snow and ice conditions, predation and plant distribution and composition. This illustrates the complex effects of climate change on caribou. It is recommended that continued caribou monitoring paired with targeted climate change studies are important for understanding how climate change will affect Labrador caribou populations. Crete and Payette (1990) researched climatic changes and caribou abundance in Northern Quebec (and parts of Labrador) over the last century. Jacobs et al. (1994) also studied the record of climate on the range of the George River Caribou Herd in Northern Quebec and Labrador. For the period 1950 – 1991, they found no clear evidence of any major climatic shift or long‐term trend that might explain changes in the condition of the herd. The most significant change was a decrease in winter temperatures that was likely an improvement over warmer conditions in previous decades. Spatial variations in snow cover may be responsible for shifts in the winter range, while spring and summer conditions may not have been particularly favorable for plant productivity in the summer range of females and calves.

Caribou in the Mealy Mountains. Photo by Seth Loader (LHRG).

SocioEconomic Impacts Virtually all of the articles cited above deal with topics that affect how humans interact with the environment; the effects are social and cultural, economic or a combination of both. Many of the studies on natural resources, such as seabirds or caribou, do not discuss socio‐economic impacts. Although socio‐economic considerations are not the focus of these documents, they imply that there is a human dimension to each resource. The following documents are categorized by scale, and explicitly discuss the socio‐economic impacts of climate change.



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Northern Canada

Documents within the database discuss the impacts of climate change on socio‐economic systems of Northern Canada. For example, Furgal and Prowse (2008) examine the impacts of climate change in the context of Northern Canada with a focus on the three territories; however, Labrador is discussed throughout the document especially with respect to Aboriginal communities. Climate change will have an impact on economic development in the following key sectors: hydro‐electric development, oil and gas, mining, infrastructure, transportation, forestry, fisheries, wildlife, biodiversity and protected areas and tourism. The discussion does not mention Labrador specifically; however, many of these sectors do play a role in the Labrador economy and will be affected by climate change in similar ways as elsewhere in the North.

Atlantic Canada

Vasseur and Catto (2008) outline the sensitivities of certain sectors to climate change in Atlantic Canada. Some, but not all, of the discussions on these sectors include information dealing specifically with Labrador. The impacts on ecosystems and sectors include: terrestrial ecosystems, coastal zone, marine ecosystems and fisheries, water, forestry, agriculture, transportation, energy, tourism and communities.


Two documents within the database discuss the socio‐economic impacts of climate change on Newfoundland and Labrador specifically. The Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Environment (2003) created a Climate Change Discussion Paper that outlines impacts of climate change that can be expected in the province. Also, the Climate Change Action Plan created by the Department of Environment and Conservation (2005) outlined these key impacts as well. The plan suggests that changes on the Island of Newfoundland will be different from those predicted for Labrador. Some impacts outlined for the province include:

1) Sea level rise, which will intensify erosion and destruction of coastal structures.

2) Changes to sea ice, which could have positive impacts on marine transportation and negative impacts due to the loss of coastal protection.

3) More extreme weather events, which can cause storm surges and coastal flooding impacting coastal infrastructure, including saltwater intrusion into drinking water.

4) Changes to ocean temperature and currents, which could impact the fishing sector.

5) Changes to air and soil temperatures, which could impact the forestry and agriculture industries through possible increased growth rates and severe insect outbreaks.

Labrador

Two Master’s theses discuss the socio‐economic impacts of climate change on specific communities within Labrador. Davies (2007) describes the socio‐economic impacts on the area of Anaktalâk Bay Labrador, as reported by residents of the community of Nain. The author outlined the impacts of climate change on the economy, knowledge and culture, vehicles, housing, food, water, health, recreation and harvesting, travel and pollution and development. DeSantis (2008) examined various socio‐economic impacts of climate change on the Labrador community of Hopedale.



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The author outlined the impacts of climate change on livelihoods, access to harvesting areas, employment opportunities, cost of living, fish and wildlife, employment opportunities and cost of living.

A report completed by the Communities of Labrador et al. (2002) identified many socio‐economic impacts of climate change on specific communities of Labrador. The report outlined the impacts of climate change on communities, as well as the observed or potential effects of those changes on the human population. For example, the authors reported that a later freeze‐up and an earlier break‐up of ice can change access to traditional areas and species.

Human Health Impacts The impacts of climate change on human health are discussed primarily on a national level, with some discussions on Labrador. There are also documents that focus on local level human health impacts. The following analysis is divided by these two scales.

Northern Canada

Many documents within the database focus on the impacts of climate change on human health in Arctic areas, and include Labrador in parts of their discussion. Furgal (2008) focuses on the health impacts of climate change in Canada’s North, including Nunatsiavut. The author wrote that Nunatsiavut is included as part of Canada’s North due to a large Aboriginal population and many shared bio‐geographical characteristics with the Arctic regions of Canada. The author describes that numerous effects can impact upon human health, including extreme precipitation events and natural hazards; unpredictability of weather conditions; temperature and related injuries; indirect impacts of climate change and variability; climate warming and ice safety; increased exposure to UV radiation; new and emerging diseases; food security; water security; permafrost, coastal erosion and community infrastructure; and mental, social and cultural well‐being. Impacts on Nunatsiavut are discussed throughout these various topics. Similar topics are also discussed by Furgal and Prowse (2008) who discussed direct and indirect impacts of climate change on health and well‐being. Furgal and Seguin (2006) further discussed climate change, health and vulnerability of Northern Aboriginal communities. Chan (2006) specifically focused on food safety and security in the Canadian Arctic, and briefly discussed Inuit in Labrador. The author proposed that a threat to the traditional food system is the impact of climate change on the availability of food species. Gosselin (2005) also discussed upcoming research that will examine the impacts of climate change on northern public health policy infrastructure, including Nunatsiavut. Moquin (2005) documented freshwater and climate change across the Canadian Arctic, including Nunatsiavut. The changes in climate and impacts discussed all combine to influence the quality and quantity of drinking water in the region.

Labrador

Many documents within the database focus on the impacts of climate change on human health specifically in Labrador. Furgal (2002) examined climate change and health in Nunavik, Quebec, and in Labrador. The author examined climate change impacts as observed by Inuit in Nain, including changes in weather, temperature, weather predictability and storms, intensity of the sun, ice and snow, freshwater, the land, the sea and availability and access to country foods. Direct and indirect health impacts caused by these environmental changes are also discussed.



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Gosselin et al. (2006) focused on the impacts of climate change on the Nunatsiavut region. The project they discuss will evaluate the readiness and capacity of the health care system in Nunatsiavut to serve the population in the development of adaptations to the range of direct and indirect influences on health associated with climate change. The project will make recommendations for general capacity building in the areas of health and environmental monitoring and surveillance.

A key document by the Communities of Labrador et al. (2002) reported the results of a community workshop on environmental change held in Nunatsiavut, with 19 participants from almost all of the Labrador coastal communities. The participants outlined many changes to their environment, including those that impact upon human health. For example, there is substantial concern regarding safe drinking water in Labrador due to decreases in freshwater levels. Martin et al. (2006) focused on drinking water quality and climate change in Labrador, through pilot studies in the two communities of Nain and Rigolet. Harper et al. (2007) investigated potential impacts of climate change on surface drinking water quality and infectious gastrointestinal illnesses in Nunatsiavut. Harper et al. (2008) also examined climate change, water quality and human health in Nunatsiavut. Owens et al. (2008) researched Nunatsiavut’s public health surveillance in response to a changing climate, identifying the strengths and unique characteristics of public health surveillance and environmental monitoring systems and networks in the area.

Human Adaptation Human adaptation to climate change in Labrador is commonly discussed at different scales. For this analysis, these scales have been divided into Northern Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Labrador specifically.

Northern Canada

Many documents within the database discuss the adjustments that humans make to the impacts of climate change in Northern and Arctic Regions, and Labrador is commonly included in the discussion. Furgal and Prowse (2008) discussed the implications of climate change for economic development and adaptation strategies within key sectors. However, the discussion pertaining to each sector may not be applicable to Labrador and Labrador is not discussed specifically. Furgal (2008) also discussed climate change adaptation and adaptive capacity for responding to impacts in Canada’s North. The author provided a short review of the basic factors influencing adaptive capacity for health and climate change in the North, including Labrador in parts of the discussion. Proposed factors that impact upon adaptive capacity are economic and material resources, technology, information and skills, institutional arrangements, community and public health infrastructure, disparities in health status and socio‐ecological resilience. Furgal and Seguin (2006) discussed climate change, health and vulnerability of Northern Aboriginal communities, including a discussion of adaptations. Funston (2000) discussed climate change, constitutions and capacity building in the context of globalization and governance in Canada’s Arctic.



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Documents within the database discuss climate change adaptation with respect to Newfoundland and Labrador. The Newfoundland and Labrador Climate Change Action Plan (2005) refers to adaptation as “measures taken in response to actual or expected changes in climate.” Five categories of adaptation measures are outlined, including preventing loss through actions that reduce vulnerability, tolerating loss by doing nothing to reduce vulnerability and instead absorbing the impact, spreading the burden or risk of the loss among a wider population, changing activities that are not sustainable, and changing the location of the activity, population or system. The report also proposed that adaptation measures may have high initial costs, but are expected to reduce the long term costs from climate change.

Labrador

Some documents within the database discuss climate change adaptation in specific Labrador communities. Communities of Labrador et al. (2002) produced a report which outlined reactions and adaptations made by community members of the coastal communities of Labrador. After discussing observed environmental changes and the effects of these changes, the community members discussed what could be done by individuals and communities to deal with and adapt to these changes. They explored potential existing initiatives in the community or their household on which to build to adapt to these changes. Many types of adaptations were discussed in relation to various environmental changes. Fleming et al. (2008) examine changing governance structure and the facilitation of adaptation across multi‐level institutions in Hopedale. A multi‐level, community centered assessment of the decision making structures and processes of Hopedale was undertaken, in order to identify the role of governance and local knowledge in facilitating adaptation of the community. Findings of the study suggest that existing and historical institutions as well as new governance systems are both facilitating and hindering the capacity of individuals and households to adapt to changing conditions. Examples are given of adaptation strategies for certain resources, which reinforce the idea that climate change adaptation initiatives have to be tailored to the specific local and multi‐scale institutions and systems of governance. DeSantis (2008) discusses the current adaptive strategies and constraints of community members in Hopedale in dealing with environmental change. The author notes that individuals initiate most adaptive strategies in Hopedale. These adaptations are not always planned, and are usually implemented ad hoc as required. Adaptations are made to various exposures, including reduced access to harvesting areas, changing species characteristics and numbers, and increased risks associated with travelling. Numerous constraints to implementing adaptations are outlined that are associated with individual knowledge, access to resources, physical location of the community and influence of global markets.

2) LOCAL PERSPECTIVES ON IMPACTS AND ADAPTATION PRIORITIES

A visit to Goose Bay during the week of March 9‐13, 2009 was intended as an opportunity to gauge key stakeholders’ perspectives on climate change impacts and adaptation priorities. Informal discussion was carried out with various governments and organizations identified as key decision‐makers and those in the positions to influence policies about climate change and adaptation strategies. Non‐governmental organizations currently working on environmental or climate related issues were also considered key stakeholders. Individuals were identified and contacted either by phone or e‐mail prior to the visit.



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A letter explaining the project background, rationale and the objectives of the visit was forwarded to all contacted individuals (see Appendix C). Meeting arrangements were made based on their availability. The dates of the visit were selected to coincide with the Combined Councils of Labrador meeting in North West River where we were invited to make a lunch‐time presentation related to climate change in Labrador and to have an interactive discussion with participants at the meeting.

Members of the research team visiting with M. Chris Montague (President) of the Labrador Métis Nation.

Governments and organizations visited during this trip included the Nunatsiavut Government (Department of Land and Natural Resources), Labrador Métis Nation, Innu Nation (Environment Office), Provincial Government (Executive Council Rural Secretariat, Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, Regional Forest, and Labrador Affairs), Torngat Secretariat, Economic Development Board, Labrador Aboriginal Fisheries Conservation Alliance and Central Labrador Environmental Action Network (see Table 5). Also, we met with an outfitting company who, after hearing about our research from a radio interview, expressed keen interest in talking to us. Each meeting generally began with the introduction of the research team and an explanation about the project rationale as a follow‐up on some of the key recommendations that emerged from the conference Climate Change and Natural Resources in Labrador: Looking Towards 2050 held in North West River in March 2008. In most cases, individuals and groups we met either had participated in the conference or had a copy of the conference report. The report was then used as an entry point to discuss climate change impacts and adaptation strategies in Labrador.



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Table 5. Governments and organizations visited during the research group visit of March 9‐13, 2009

Organization Department

Provincial Government

Nunatsiavut Government

Torngat Secretariat

Combined Councils of Labrador

Central Labrador Economic Development Board

Labrador Métis Nation

Labrador Institute

Labrador Aboriginal Fisheries Conservation Alliance

Central Labrador Environmental Action Network

Outfitting Company

Innu Nation Environment Office

Executive Council Rural Secretariat Innovation, Trade and Rural Development Forest Resources Labrador Affairs

Department of Lands and Natural Resources Department of Health

Torngat Joint Fisheries Board Torngat Wildlife and Plants Co‐Management Board

Three general points were discussed at these meetings: (1) knowledge, information and observations about climate change and its impacts; (2) government, group and organizational perspectives on the importance of climate change, compared to other issues that they regularly deal with; and (3) policies and strategies developed or to address perceived impacts of climate change. Information shared and issues discussed around these points are implemented as follows.

Observations of climate change and its impacts

A wide range of observations on climate‐related changes was relayed during the discussions with various organizations and groups, including at the Combined Councils of Labrador annual meeting.

Direct observations about climate variability and change were related to the changing of lake and sea ice conditions, thawing permafrost, lengthening growing seasons, stronger winds, and the increasing unpredictability in weather conditions. Some of these observations were noted as concerns regarding safety.

For example, the unstable ice conditions raise concerns about the winter trail systems and other transportation routes. Building instability was mentioned as a result of ground subsidence and movement. Increased sighting of animals including polar bears and wolves in coastal communities was also observed. Another safety issue was related to forest fires, and the potential impact that hemlock looper infestations may have on the size and frequency of future fires. Changes in water quality have been observed in some areas and a potential link to climate was suggested.

Climate change information exchange with the Combined Councils of Labrador.

Observations were also made about consequences of climate variability to livelihoods and lifestyle. The change in climate may alter how trappers and hunters go about their livelihood activities, for example, making an adjustment about where to set traps or selecting different trails. Tourism and recreational activities in Labrador are largely seasonal and thus are directly affected by climate variability and change. Outfitter businesses raised concerns about the change in the salmon runs due to the shrinking winter season.

Not all observed changes were negative. A longer growing season was presented as an example of new opportunities to grow food crops, berries and flowers. In addition to agriculture and gardening, potential to develop fisheries for crab and capelin were considered benefits from climate change.



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Climate change profile among organizations

While climate change was recognized as an issue requiring attention from governments and organizations, there were generally other pressing issues that needed to be dealt with. In particular, issues that directly impact the socio‐economic status and well‐being of the communities take priority. Further, the long time frame of climate change makes it unlikely to receive a high priority compared to other immediate issues, considering the limited funding and human resources in most organizations. Cases where climate‐related topics have received some recognition, although rare, do exist.

For example, in an effort to stay abreast on issues affecting Labrador, the Provincial Government has created a ‘climate change’ file, containing news articles, radio interviews, press releases and other documents on cross‐cutting topics related to forestry, fisheries, and transportation. Another example is the reorientation of forest management around two core criteria, diversification and climate change. Some people noted that climate change is sometimes embedded in environmental policy or economic development plans that are related, for example, to agriculture projects.

A number of individuals expressed interest in raising awareness about climate change, not only about issues and concerns, but also about opportunities that it may bring to Labrador.

Climate change policy and adaptation strategies

Despite the lack of explicit inclusion of climate change in policy documents and thus the absence of adaptation strategies, several adjustments were noted as responses to the changes observed. For example, new winter trails have been developed for public safety and to ensure accessibility to remote locations. Housing has been reinforced in some areas. A community‐based monitoring program has been noted as part of an initiative to obtain environmental and climate‐related information. The ‘Forest guardian program’ is another example of a locally‐based program that includes collecting climate data. Finally, some aspects of other research projects and initiatives receiving support from governments and organizations are related to climate change, such as sea ice monitoring, seabed mapping, and setting up salmon and char counting fences.

APPENDIX A: DATABASE DEVELOPMENT

The bibliographic software Biblioscape (www.biblioscape.com) was used to create and manage the Labrador Climate Change Knowledge database. Biblioscape is designed to help researchers collect and manage bibliographic data, share research notes, and generate citations and bibliographies for publication. Biblioscape also comes with a sub‐program called Biblioweb. Biblioweb is capable of displaying databases on the web. It is the online version of Biblioscape that can be accessed through any computer via the World Wide Web without having to download the program. The knowledge database can therefore be searched and with appropriate permissions managed from any computer connected to the internet.

Biblioremote is an “online” version of biblioscape where the biblioscape program has been downloaded on the user’s computer but the database is accessed remotely from the server computer. This allows multiple users to add, modify, or search the same database simultaneously using the biblioscape program from several computers. For biblioremote to work, the biblioremote SVRAdmin program must be running on the main server.



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http://www.biblioscape.com/



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APPENDIX B: REFERENCES FOR SECTION 2

A.T. Bergerud, Stuart Luttich, and Lodewijk Camps, 2008. The Return of Caribou to Ungava. McGill‐Queen’s University Press, Montreal, Quebec. 586pp. ISBN 978‐0‐7735‐3233‐5. The book was reviewed in Rangifer 2008 by Reimer.

Banfield, C., & Jacobs, J. (1998). Regional patterns of temperature and precipitation for Newfoundland and Labrador during the past century. Canadian Geographer, 42(4), 354.

Bell, T., Dumeresq, D., Kennedy, C., Nishimura, P., Trindade, M., Laroque, C., et al. (2008a).

Tree ring studies in Labrador: investigating spatial and temporal patterns ion climatic and ecological factors influencing tree growth. Paper presented at the Arctic Change 2008, ArcticNet ASM, Quebec, QC.

Bell, T., Barrand, N., LeBlanc, P., & Sharp, M. (2008b). Glacier observations in the torngat mountains, Northern Labrador. Paper presented at the Arctic Change 2008, ArcticNet ASM.

Biasutti, M. (2006). Understanding the effects of climate change and modernization on three Fiord marine ecosystems in Northern Labrador: Arcticnet Project 3.7. Paper presented at the ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meeting, Victoria, BC.

Bonnell, J., Munier, A., Jacobs, J., Bell, T., Hermanutz, L., & Harris, L. (2004). Investigating change of altitudinal tree‐limit in highlands of central Labrador using archival, remote sensing, and field data. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association of Geographers, Moncton, NB.

Boudreau, S., Payette, S., Morneau, C., & Couturier, S. (2003). Recent decline of the George River caribou herd as revealed by tree‐ring analysis. Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research, 35(2), 187‐195.

Briffa, K., Jones, P., & Schweingruber, F. (1994). Summer temperatures across northern North America: Regional reconstructions from 1760 using tree‐ring densities. Journal of Geophysical Research, 99(D12), 835‐844.

Brown, W., & Theberge, J. (1990). The Effect of Extreme Snowcover on Feeding‐Site Selection by Woodland Caribou. The Journal of Wildlife Management, 54(1), 161‐168.

Burke, C. (2008). Planet Ocean ‐ Using Seabirds to Assay Climate Change ‐ Implications for Labrador. Paper presented at the Climate Change and Renewable Resources in Labrador: Looking toward 2050, North West River, Labrador.

Resources, C. f. (2008). Climate Change and First Nations South of 60: Impacts, Adaptation and Priorities. Winnipeg. Manitoba: Submitted to Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.

Chan, L. (2006). Food safety and food security in the Canadian Arctic. Meridian, Fall/Winter, 1‐3.

Chaulk, K., Roberson, G., & Montevecchi, A. (2007). Landscape features and sea ice influence nesting common eider abundance and dispersion. Canadian Journal of Zoology, 85.

Colbourne, E. (2004). Decadal Changes in the Ocean Climate in Newfoundland and Labrador Waters from the 1950s to the 1990s. Journal of Northwest Atlantic Fishery Science, 34, 43‐61.



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Communities of Labrador, F., C., Denniston, M., Murphy, F., Martin, D.,Owens, S., Nickels, S., Moss‐Davies, P. (2005). Unikkaaqatigiit—Putting the human face on climate change: Perspectives from Labrador. Ottawa: Inuit Tapiriit Kanatimi, Nasivvik Centre for Inuit Health and Changing Environments and the Ajunnginiq Centre at the National Aboriginal Health Org.

Couturier, S., & Brunelle, J. (1990). Changes in the population dynamics of the George River caribou herd, 1976‐87. Arctic, 43(1), 9‐20.

Crete, M., & Payette, S. (1990). Climatic changes and caribou abundance in Northern Quebec over the last century. Rangifer, special issue(3), 159‐165.

Davies, H. (2007). Inuit Observations of Environmental Change and Effects of Change in Anaktalak Bay, Labrador. , Queen's University.

Dempson, B., Shears, M., & Bloom, M. (2002). Spatial and temporal variability in the diet of anadromous Arctic charr,Salvelinus alpinus, in northern Labrador. Environmental Biology of Fishes, 64(1‐3), 49‐62.

Dempson, B., Shears, M., Furey, G., & Bloom, M. (2008). Resilience and stability of north Labrador Arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus , subject to exploitation and environmental variability . Environmental Biology of Fishes, 83(1), 57‐67.

Department of Environment. (2003). Newfoundland and Labrador Climate Change Discussion Paper. St. John's: Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Geological Survey Branch.

Department of Environment. (2005). Climate change action plan 2005.

DeSantis, R. (2008). Vulnerability and Adaptation to Environmental Conditions in Hopedale, Nunatsiavut. , University of Guelph.

Deser, C. (1996). A century of North Atlantic data indicates interdecadal change. Oceanus, 39(Fall/Winter), 11‐13.

Deser, C., Holland, M., & Timlin, M. (2002). Decadal variations in Labrador Sea ice cover and North Atlantic sea surface temperatures. Journal of Geophysical Research, 107(C5).

Dickson, R., Curry, R., & Yashayaev, I. (2003). Recent changes in the North Atlantic. Philosophical Transactions ‐ Royal Society. Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences, 361(1810), 1917‐1934.

Dingrong Y., M., L., Venegas, S. (1999). Decadal‐to‐interdecadal fluctuations of Arctic sea‐ice cover and the atmospheric circulation during 1954‐1994. Atmosphere ‐ Ocean, 37(4).

Drinkwater, K. (2005). The response of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) to future climate change. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 62(7), 1327‐1337.

Drinkwater, K. (2004). Atmospheric and Sea‐Ice Conditions in the Northwest Atlantic During the Decade, 1991–2000. Journal of Northwest Atlantic Fishery Science, 34, 1‐11.

El‐Jabi, N., Swansburg, E., Chaput, G., Caissie, D. (2004). Climate change impacts on run‐timing of Atlantic Salmon in Eastern Canada and adaptation of inseason models and management to improve resource access opportunities. ( No. Project A505): Universite de Monction, Fisheries and Oceans Canada.



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Emery, W., Brandt, P., Funk, A., & Boening, C. (2006). A comparison of sea surface temperature from microwave remote sensing of the Labrador Sea with in situ measurements and model simulations. Journal of Geophysical Research, 111(C12).

Felt, L. (2008). Historical Significance and Future Availability of Atlantic Salmon to Peoples of the Labrador Coast within Contexts of Climate Change. Paper presented at the Climate Change and Renewable Resources in Labrador: Looking toward 2050, North West River, Labrador.

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APPENDIX C: LETTER OF INVITATION

Labrador Highlands Research Group

March 2, 2009

Invitee’s name

Address

Address

Phone number

Re. Meeting to discuss climate change in Labrador, March 9‐13, 2009

Dear___________:

I am writing to invite your participation in a project on Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation in Labrador that our research group at Memorial University is conducting with funding from the Newfoundland and Labrador Government and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. In March 2008, we held a very successful conference in North West River on Climate Change and Natural Resources in Labrador: Looking Towards 2050. The conference report was widely circulated and is available from our web site (www.mun.ca/geog/lhrg/Labrador_CCC_Report.pdf). One of the successful outcomes of the conference was the communication of climate change observations and science results to policy and decision makers at community and government levels in Labrador. Three key priority actions identified by conference participants were:

1. Compile existing knowledge on climate change studies in Labrador

2. Engage communities on climate change issues in Labrador

3. Improve collaboration amongst communities, researchers, and governments in Labrador

Our current project begins to address these three key priority actions. In particular, it will create a database that draws together the pertinent literature on climate change impacts and adaptation in Labrador (Action #1). This is an important initial step in understanding what we know of the vulnerability of Labrador communities and ecosystems to climate change. It will also help to identify knowledge gaps and opportunities for further research.



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Further, we plan to continue the dialogue on climate change adaptation planning in Labrador through a series of informal discussions with key decision makers in communities and local agencies (Action # 2). We believe that this is an important initial step to gauge the level of priority, knowledge and capacity for impact assessment and adaptation planning. It will also help structure further engagement with communities and local agencies and contribute to more effective collaboration amongst communities, researchers and governments in Labrador (Action # 3).

Our plan is to have a first draft of the database completed by March 31 and to engage stakeholders from Labrador in addressing Action items #2 and 3 during a visit to Labrador next week. We are presenting at the Labrador Combined Councils annual meeting in North West River on March 12 and have arranged meetings with a broad range of key decision makers in government and non‐government agencies. The meeting goals are to:

1. obtain feedback about the climate change knowledge database (e.g., additional sources);

2. gauge the importance of climate change issues for various government agencies, organizations and communities;

3. determine what plan/policies are already in place (or will be put in place) to address them; and

4. establish what challenges these organization face in addressing climate change issues (e.g., insufficient knowledge, lack of capacity, etc.).

We would like to meet with you (and your colleagues) to discuss these issues as they relate to your organization and Amy Tucker will follow up with you to select a preferred date and time.

Sincerely,

Trevor Bell PhD

Professor and Coracle fellow



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