Grants and Contributions:
Title:
Examining the role of nest microclimate and heat stress in breeding thick-billed murres
Agreement Number:
PS-2627-0001
Agreement Value:
$10,000.00
Agreement Date:
Apr 1, 2026 - Mar 31, 2027
Description:
This project will investigate how rising Arctic temperatures affect heat stress in thick-billed murres on Coats Island, Nunavut, by measuring the temperatures birds experience at nesting sites, monitoring their behaviour and body temperatures, and assessing the impacts of mosquito feeding. The research will examine how murres respond to extreme heat, including nest abandonment and cooling behaviours, and link heat stress to breeding success and chick survival. The findings will help northern and Inuit communities understand how climate change may affect this culturally important species, while supporting wildlife conservation, harvest management, and marine protected area planning.
Organization:
Polar Knowledge Canada
Expected Results:
Investigate how rising Arctic temperatures affect heat stress, behaviour, and reproductive success in thick-billed murres on Coats Island, Nunavut, resulting in improved understanding of how climate change and mosquito exposure influence murre survival and breeding outcomes, and providing information to support wildlife conservation, harvest management, and marine protected area planning.
Location:
Hamilton, Ontario, CA L8S 4K1
Reference Number:
171-2026-2027-Q1-P0017
Agreement Type:
Grant
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Recipient Type:
Individual or sole proprietorship
Recipient's Legal Name:
Jolie Nguyen (McMaster University)
Federal Riding Name:
Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas
Federal Riding Number:
35039
Program:
Grants to Support Research and Activities Relating to The Polar Regions
Program Purpose:
To foster and encourage activities and events that promote greater awareness of, and increase knowledge about, polar regions. Attract, inform and inspire new generations to carry on Canada's increasing activities in polar affairs.