Wetland analysis and monitoring

This basic survey of wetlands uses a variety of wetland species as focus to provide a measure of ecosystem functions and values. Physiology, hydrology, and population use are researched. Habitat management and protection criteria are key; current focus is long term monitoring of the Sekulmun wetland, Shallow Bay, the Roop wetland, the Nordenskjold and the Old Crow Flats.

Project Overview

Field work involves both ground and air survey of wetland species: breeding duck pairs, brood counts, habitat assessment, hydrological features, top predator use and a variety of associated measures.

A protection startegy is currently being developed for the Shallow Bay wetland. The Old Crow wetland project has developed into an analysis of long-term change as a result of a changing climate.

Ongoing reports and publications cover significant details and trends. Wetlands are recognized as by far the most important systems responsible for Yukon biodiversity.

This project is a part of Biodiversity Monitoring at the Yukon Research Centre.

2008. Water-Level Monitoring of Wetlands in the Whitehorse-Carmacks Water Bird Pair Count Sample. Northern Research Institute ms., Yukon College, 5pp.

Partners

Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation (1975-78; 2012-14)

Nacho Nyak Dun First Nation (1999-2001)

Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation (2008-09)

Champagne Aishihik First Nation (1988-1993)

Ta'an Kwachan First Nation (1975-2007)

Department of Environment, Government of Yukon

Funders

Annual proposals made to various sources, including:

Habitat Enhancmenet Trust, Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board

Northern Research Endowment Fund, Yukon Research Centre, Yukon College

Publications

Mossop, D.H. 2014. Biodiversity assessment and monitoring research - A summary report of activities. Yukon Research Centre. November 2014, 13 p.

Mossop, D.H. 2015. Biodiversity assessment and monitoring research - A summary report of activities. Yukon Research Centre. November 2015, 12 p.

Mossop, D.H. 2013. Herschel Island Qikiqtaryuk - a natural and cultural history of Yukon’s Arctic island - 2013

Mossop, D.H. 2007. The Kloo Wetland, A Reconnaissance of its Ecological Diversity 1988-93. Northern Research Institute Arts and Science Div. March 2007, 38 p.

Mossop, D.H. 2015. The Changing Ecology of the Old Crow Flats. Yukon Research Centre, Yukon College, ms. 25pp.

Mossop, D.H. 2009. Survey of Bird Use of the Wetlands of the Tachun-to-Minto Yukon Valley. Northern Research Institute Arts and Science Div. December 2009, 23 p.

Robichuad, Kawina., Mossop, D.H. 2007. The shallow bay wetland - an analysis of its natural history and a plan for protection. Northern Research Institute Arts and Science Div. November 2007, 53 p.