Long-term benthic ecology sampling, inner Frobisher Bay, 2016

Benthic grab samples and underwater towed video samples were collected at long-term ecology sites while onboard the Government of Nunavut vessel MV Nulialjuk and CCGS Amundsen in July and October 2016. On-board the MV Nulialjuk, benthic grab samples (triplicate samples) and underwater towed video samples were collected at 5 long-term ecology stations near Iqaluit. An additional 7 benthic grab samples (triplicate samples) and towed video samples were collected near Cairn Island. On-board the CCGS Amundsen, benthic grab samples were collected at two long-term ecology stations (triplicate samples) near Cairn Island. Sampling gear included a Van Veen grab sampler, box core, and HD GoPro video system. Initial observations suggest that these stations are predominantly muddy sand with some larger cobbles present. Towed video analysis and benthic grab samples indicate the presence of the algae Laminaria sp. and Agarum clathratum and bivalves Mya truncata, Yoldia hyperborea, Clinocardium ciliatum, and Serripes groenlandicus. Ophiuroid echinoderms and tubiculous polychaete worms and tubes are abundant. Once all benthic grab samples and towed video samples are processed, this data will be compared with the historic sample data to answer questions about the nature of long-term change of the benthos at this region in inner Frobisher Bay.