Arctic Science Month, celebrated every December, highlights the groundbreaking research conducted by scientists across Canada to better understand and protect our northern resources. As one of the provinces with a significant portion of Arctic coastline and tundra, Manitoba plays a vital role in Arctic research, supporting numerous projects each year through collaborative efforts with remote and northern communities. Research Manitoba is proud to contribute to these efforts, recognizing the importance of preserving the fragile Arctic ecosystem, which faces relentless challenges from global warming and other environmental pressures.
This year marked the launch of the Churchill Marine Observatory (CMO), an innovative research hub supported in part by Research Manitoba. Situated in the heart of Manitoba’s Arctic, CMO focuses on studying the effects of extreme weather and climate change on the Arctic’s seaside environment. Equipped with cutting-edge facilities, an environmental observatory, and a dedicated research vessel, CMO enables scientists to investigate critical issues such as oil spill detection and mitigation, as well as the processes that influence freshwater and marine interactions. The multidisciplinary approach of the observatory provides vital insights to better understand and manage the challenges posed by a changing Arctic environment.
Manitoba’s Arctic research addresses a wide range of pressing environmental, ecological, and socio-economic challenges. Climate and environmental studies focus on sea ice dynamics, biogeochemical processes, and the health of key species such as sea ice algae and macroalgae, which serve as indicators of ecosystem health. Researchers are also tackling the impacts of ocean acidification and climate-sensitive gas exchanges on marine biogeochemistry. Wildlife research in Manitoba includes monitoring marine mammals, studying the effects of contaminants on polar bear health, and examining the broader impacts of industrial development and climate change on Arctic biodiversity. Socio-economic studies explore issues like the impact of road connectivity on food prices in northern Indigenous communities, contributing to the resilience and sustainability of these regions.
In 2023-2024, Research Manitoba provided more than $70,000 in funding to support Arctic research, including the following projects:
| Project Title | Primary Investigator | Institution | Grant Program |
| Reconstructing life history and climate associations from teeth of polar bear and ringed seals in Western Hudson Bay | Jean-Pierre Desforges | University of Winnipeg | New Investigator Operating Grant |
| Project Summary: This project examines decades of biological data stored in the teeth of polar bears and ringed seals to understand how climate change impacts their nutrition, reproduction, and population trends. By linking these insights to long-term environmental changes, the research aims to inform conservation efforts and protect species vital to Manitoba’s cultural identity and tourism. | |||
| Assessing the Impact of Legacy and Emerging Organic Contaminants on Cellular and Immunological Health in Canadian Polar Bears | Ranjini Mukherjee | University of Winnipeg | Master’s Studentship Award |
| Project Summary: This study investigates how pollution affects polar bear health by using innovative cell-based testing methods on tissue samples collected with the help of Inuit hunters. The findings aim to inform global efforts to mitigate the impacts of pollutants on Arctic ecosystems, wildlife, and the communities that rely on them. | |||
Arctic Science Month is an opportunity to celebrate the dedication of Manitoba’s researchers and their contributions to safeguarding the future of the Arctic. These studies not only deepen our understanding of the challenges facing this vital region but also equip us with the knowledge needed to create solutions that ensure its preservation for generations to come.