Baseline benthic plastic debris assessment and intertidal survey in Iqaluit, Nunavut Canada for 2016 and 2017

Abstract

Marine plastic pollution is a global issue affecting food webs, humans, and the natural environment. There is limited marine plastic pollution research in Iqaluit and the Arctic in general. This thesis focuses on Iqaluit, Nunavut targeting intertidal and marine benthic debris in areas with high human activity such as fishing and hunting areas, shipping locations, and the proximity to the city. Data includes sampling from October 2017 as well as previously collected (2016) sediment grab samples and seafloor video collection. Benthic grab samples and seafloor video were examined for anthropogenic debris including microplastics (5mm). An intertidal survey was conducted at low tide to determine the amount and types of land-derived plastic debris that may enter Frobisher Bay as a possible point source for marine plastic pollution. Determining the abundance of both microplastics and macroplastics will create a baseline for marine plastic pollution found in Frobisher Bay, NU. This thesis includes protocols for sampling in extreme environments and provides an analysis of methods that are replicable for monitoring benthic and terrestrial marine debris. No significant changes in benthic marine debris occurred during 2016 and 2017. The results indicate a baseline of 0.002 plastics/mL of benthic debris, 0.055 plastics/minute for benthic seafloor video, and 0.379 plastics/m2 of shoreline debris for marine debris in the Frobisher Bay area and Iqaluit, Nunavut