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International Evaluation of National Environmental Research Institute Denmark, August 2003 11 Department of Arctic Environment (AM) Vision AM carries out research and monitoring to the highest scientific standards. All department activities are specifically targeted at providing the data and knowledge required by administrations. AM occupies a leading national and international position in applied research on marine mammals. AM maintains a trace element laboratory which meets the most demanding of international quality requirements. AM actively participates in interdisciplinary cooperation schemes in Denmark and internationally, aiming at a more holistic outlook in research and consultancy activities. AM is an attractive research partner and is much appreciated and respected for its high professional standards, continuity, and ability to coordinate interdisciplinary research and monitoring. Objectives of AM activities AM's research, monitoring, and consultancy activities are primarily aimed at providing the Greenlandic community with the best possible basis for decision-making on issues relating the environment. AM focuses on background research and environmental assessment in relation to raw materials activities, and also contributes to establishing knowledge about sustainable use of Greenland's natural resources. AM takes part in wider international cooperation schemes with regard to monitoring and assessment of the environmental state of the entire Arctic region. This work includes studies and monitoring of long-range transport, levels and effects of chemical substances in biota and the impact of climate changes on High-Arctic eco-systems. Finally, AM studies and monitors marine mammals in Danish waters, particularly in relation to human impacts, the impact of mass die-offs and population management. AM's expertise focuses especially on population biology, eco-toxicology, chemistry, and physical geography. Due to the wide scope of AM's activities and the increasing need for holistic approaches, AM places great emphasis on interdisciplinary work. Such activities involve other departments of the National Environmental Research Institute of Denmark (NERI) as well as a wide range of Danish and international research institutions. AM aims to develop and recruit new researchers regularly by attracting PhD scholars and undergraduates working on their MA theses. The AM staff publishes extensively in the form of scientific articles, reports, and popular science publications. In the years to come, attention will be focused on increasing publication rates in wellrespected scientific journals with peer review. AM activities and strategic objectives fall within four main themes: Impacts of raw material activities in Greenland, Long-range transported chemical substances in the Arctic, Effects of climate changes in Arctic eco-systems, and Marine mammals. These themes are described below. 1. Impacts of raw material activities in Greenland The environmental problem Raw material exploration and exploitation in Greenland (as regards minerals, oil, and gas in marine and terrestrial environments) may cause environmental problems. In accordance with an agreement between the Greenland Home Rule Government and the Danish Government, NERI (AM) carries out environmental assessments, monitoring and supervision as regards raw material activities in Greenland. This is to say that NERI is under an obligation to maintain the proper specialist resources to provide integrated environmental consultancy services to the Greenlandic community (1PC 1). Sustainable use of the natural resources in Greenland is a topic which can give rise to some disagreement and controversy. The advisor to the Government of Greenland is not NERI, but the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources. Background studies carried out prior to raw material activities and other studies prepared by AM will also be highly relevant in this context, and AM cooperates with the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources on a number of projects regarding species and area management. Research Background studies and pollution monitoring in connection with raw material activities in Greenland include use of indicator organisms to assess environmental loads and the spread of heavy metals (PC 77, 78), as well as studies of natural conditions with a view to assessing potential conflicts of interest between raw material activities and natural resources. Methods regarding hyperspectral satellite-based mapping of heavy-metal contamination/pollution in connection with mines are being developed. Background knowledge collected on animal populations and their sensitivity to raw material activities is to facilitate ongoing improvements of the ecological knowledge basis for planning and environmental assessment of activities associated with mineral and oil exploration and exploitation (PC 76). It is important to identify bottlenecks and areas of particular importance to the animal populations. Work is in progress to develop an integrated population-ecological analysis of anthropogenic impact on animal populations. As part of these efforts, AM deploys satellite tracking of birds and mammals, GIS-based analyses and models describing animal distribution over time and space in relation to the resources available. Among other things, these analyses will serve as the basis for extending the maps of sensitive coastal and terrestrial natural areas. Additional competences need to be developed as regards models for the spatial distribution of animal populations and their habitats based on surveys and remote sensing data. Monitoring and consultancy 1 Numbers PC xx in the text refer to specific goals in NERI´s performance contract. 2 Research and monitoring forms the basis for the advice offered to the Bureau of Minerals and Petroleum in Greenland about the environmental aspects of mineral raw materials and oil/gas exploration and exploitation. These consultancy services include environmental assessments associated with licenses for exploration and exploitation, as well as monitoring of the environment in connection with oil-related activities and mining (PC 78). The monitoring activities include monitoring of selected animal populations that are sensitive to raw material activities (marine birds and mammals) and monitoring of pollution around mines (PC 79). GIS-based maps of West Greenland coastal zones and their level of sensitivity are currently being prepared to facilitate more efficient responses to oil spills. The mapping activities will form the basis for further development of a web-based database of important coastal and terrestrial natural areas in Greenland (PC 79). AM will work towards the establishment of an integrated system in close collaboration with Greenlandic research institutions and authorities. In the years to come, maps of sensitive areas will be prepared for East Greenland and the National Park. These will primarily be aimed at identifying areas which are sensitive to tourism developments. Background studies of animal populations also support the scientific basis for long-term and sustainable management of Greenlandic natural areas and populations of mammals and birds in the terrestrial and marine environment. This work is carried out in close cooperation with the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources with a view to providing consultancy services to the Greenland Home Rule. AM has a trace elements laboratory accredited for analyses of biological materials and sediments (PC 7). The laboratory takes part in international calibration tests, e.g., QUASIMEME. AM will strive to maintain its leading position as regards laboratory facilities and quality. AM maintains and adds to a reference collection of biological materials from Greenland, as well as materials concerning marine mammals from Denmark. This collection of samples constitutes a valuable tool by providing references for descriptions of the state of pollution. It is also regularly used for collaborative projects with research institutions abroad. Competence development concerning spatial modelling of animal populations in relation to environmental variables could improve the basis for assessing the impact of raw material activities, other human activities and climate changes. AM is currently in the process of appointing a spatial modeller. AM's competences within raw materials issues and sensitivity mapping are applied in connection with system export for environmental assistance projects in other countries and regions. Key outputs, 1998-2003 Selected scientific publications: Boertmann, D. & Mosbech, A. 1998: Distribution of Little Auk (Alle alle) Breeding Colonies in Thule District, Northwest Greenland. - Polar Biology 19: 206-210. Born, E.W., Riget, F.F., Dietz, R. & Andriashek, D. 1999: Escape Responses of Hauled Out Ringed Seals (Phoca hispida) to Aircraft Disturbance. - Polar Biology 21: 171-178. Born, E.W., Teilmann, J. & Riget, F. 2002: Haul-Out Activity of Ringed Seals (Phoca hispida) Determined from Satellite Telemetry. - Marine Mammal Science 18(1): 167-181. Dietz, R., Heide-Jørgensen, M.P., Richard, P.R. & Acquarone, M. 2001: Summer and Fall Movements of Narwhals (Monodon Monoceros) from Northeastern Baffin Island Towards Northern Davis Strait. - Arctic 54(3): 244-261. Glahder, C.M. 1999: Spring Staging Areas of the Greenland White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons flavirostris) in West Greenland. - Arctic 52(3): 244-256. Glahder, C.M. 2003: Use of Local Knowledge to Mitigate Possible Conflicts Between Locals and a New Gold Mine in South Greenland. In: Udd, J. E. & Bekkers, G. (eds): Mining in the Arctic. Proceedings of the 7th International Symposium on Mining in the Arctic, Iqaluit/Nunavut/Canada/March 30-April 1 2003. Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum. Pp. 205-214. 3 Johansen, P. & Asmund, G. 1999: Pollution from Mining in Greenland. Monitoring and Mitigation of Environmental Impacts. In: Azcue, J.M. (ed.): Environmental Impacts of Mining Activities. Emphasis on Mitigation and Remedial Measures. Springer. pp. 245-262. Merkel, F.R., Mosbech, A., Boertmann, D. & Grøndahl, L. 2002: Winter Seabird Distribution and Abundance off South-Western Greenland, 1999. - Polar Research 21(1): 17-36. Mosbech, A. & Boertmann, D. 1999: Distribution, Abundance and Reaction to Aerial Surveys of Post-Breeding King Eiders (Somateria spectabilis) in Western Greenland. - Arctic 52(2): 188-203. Mosbech, A., Boertmann, D., Grøndahl, L. (2003) Developing an environmental oil spill sensitivity atlas fot the West Greenland Coastal Zone. In: Fisher, P. & Raper, J. (eds): Research Monographs in GIS. – Taylor & Francis Series (in press). Pedersen, C.E., Boertmann, D., Mosbech, A. & Tamstorf, M.P. 2003: Estimating colony area and population size of little auks (Alle alle) at Northumberland Island using aerial images. - Polar Biology 26: 8-13. Riget, F., Asmund, G. & Aastrup, P. 2000: Mercury in Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus) Populations from Greenland. The Science of the Total Environment 245(1-3): 161-172. Riget, F., Johansen, P., Dahlgaard, H., Mosbech, A., Dietz, R. & Asmund, G. 2000: The Seas Around Greenland. In: Sheppard, C.R.C. (ed.): Seas at the Millennium: an Environmental Evaluation. Pergamon. - Volume I Regional Chapters: Europe, The Americas and West Africa : pp. 5-16. Teilmann, J. & Dietz, R. 1998: Status of the Harbour Porpoise in Greenland. - Polar Biology 19: 211-220. Teilmann, J., Born, E.W. & Acquarone, M. 1999: Behaviour of ringed seals tagged with satellite transmitters in the North Water polynya during fast-ice formation. - Canadian Journal of Zoology 77(12): 1934-1946. Aastrup, P. 2000: Responses of West Greenland Caribou to the Approach of Humans on Foot. - Polar Research 19(1): 83-90. Aastrup, P. & Glahder, C.M. 2001: Environmental Regulation of Mineral Exploration in Greenland. In: Olsen, H.K., Lorentzen, L. & Rendal, O. (eds.): Mining in the Arctic. Proceedings of the Sixth International Symposium on Mining in the Arctic, Nuuk, Greenland, 28-31 May 2001. A.A.Balkema Publishers. pp. 3-9. Aastrup, P., Tamstorf, M.P. & Tukiainen, T. 2001: MINEO. Use of Hyperspectral Data for Monitoring Pollution from the Lead-Zinc Mine, Mestersvig, in Northeast Greenland. In: Olsen, H.K., Lorentzen, L. & Rendal, O. (eds.): Mining in the Arctic. Proceedings of the Sixth International Symposium on Mining in the Arctic, Nuuk, Greenland, 28-31 May 2001. A.A.Balkema Publishers. pp. 25-28. Oil spill sensitivity mapping outputs (GIS based maps) can be viewed at: www.dmu.dk/1_viden/2_Miljoetilstand/3_natur/sensitivity_mapping/index.htm Areas important to wildlife (sensitive areas) can be viewed at: http://bmp.dmu.dk/1_viden/2_miljoe-tilstand/3_natur/bmp 2. Long-range transported chemical substances in the Arctic The environmental problem Chemical substances produced and emitted within the industrialised world are transported to the Arctic environment through the atmosphere or via sea currents. Thus, elevated levels of chemical substances in animal species have been detected, particularly at higher trophic levels. These chemical substances constitute a health problem to people living in the Arctic, as traditional foods remain an important part of their overall diet. The Arctic Council has adopted a circumpolar strategy for environmental protection in order to monitor and assess pollution, assess the effects and point to opportunities for reducing the problem of long-range transported chemical substances (Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme, AMAP). Research NERI plays a central part within the AMAP as regards research and monitoring of levels, trends, and effects of long-range transported chemical substances (heavy metals and organic compounds) in Greenlandic biota (PC 68, 69). Sources of human exposure to inorganic and organic contaminants in Greenland are analysed in cooperation with other research institutions (Danish and Canadian) in order to provide advice on diet (PC 70). This dietary advice needs to be balanced, so work is also undertaken to analyse the positive aspects of the foods traditionally eaten in the area (fatty acid composition). Impact studies have looked at the pathological effects of organic contaminants in 4 polar bears and seals (PC 71). In the years to come these studies will be expanded in scope to include controlled dose-response experiments on sledge dogs (started in 2003). Studies of selected contaminants (such as mercury) have been initiated in 2003 in cooperation with other NERI departments and external partners. The objective is to develop models for the transport and fate of such contaminants within Greenlandic eco-systems. Monitoring and consultancy AM coordinates the national AMAP monitoring work in Greenland, a scheme which involves regular collection and analysis of selected organisms. Results and assessments are reported to the Danish Environmental Protection Agency and the AMAP Secretariat. Results are included in the national and international assessments of pollution in the Arctic, published every four years. The results are also used in dietary advice given to the Greenlandic population. Contributions from local sources of pollution are monitored and assessed. One example would be leaching of environmental contaminants from waste dumps to the marine environment. Key outputs, 1998-2003 Selected scientific publications: Asmund, G. & Cleemann, M. 2000: Analytical Methods, Quality Assurance and Quality Control Used in the Greenland AMAP Programme. - The Science of the Total Environment 245(1-3): 203-219. Dietz, R., Riget, F. & Born, E.W. 2000: An Assessment of Selenium to Mercury in Greenland Marine Animals. - The Science of the Total Environment 245(1-3): 15-24. Dietz, R., Riget, F., Cleemann, M., Aarkrog, A., Johansen, P. & Hansen, J.C. 2000: Comparison of Contaminants from Different Trophic Levels and Ecosystems. - The Science of the Total Environment 245(1-3): 221-231. Johansen, P., Asmund, G. & Riget, F. 2001: Lead Contamination of Seabirds Harvested with Lead Shot - Implications to Human Diet in Greenland. - Environmental Pollution 112: 501-504. Johansen, P., Pars, T. & Bjerregaard, P. 2000: Lead, Cadmium, Mercury and Selenium Intake by Greenlanders from Local Marine Food. - The Science of the Total Environment 245(1-3): 187-194. Riget, F. & Dietz, R. 2000: Temporal Trends of Cadmium and Mercury in Greenland Marine Biota. - The Science of the Total Environment 245(1-3): 49-60. Riget, F., Asmund, G. & Aastrup, P. 2000: The Use of Lichen (Cetraria nivalis) and Moss (Rhacomitrium lanuginosum) as Monitors for Atmospheric Deposition in Greenland. - The Science of the Total Environment 245(1-3): 137-148. Riget, F., Dietz, R. & Cleemann, M. 2000: Evaluation of the Greenland AMAP Programme 1994-1995, by Use of Power Analysis (Illustrated by Selected Heavy Metals and POPs). - The Science of the Total Environment 245(1-3): 249-259. Sonne-Hansen, C., Dietz, R., Leifsson, P.S., Hyldstrup, L. & Riget, F. 2002: Cadmium Toxicity to Ringed Seals (Phoca hispida): an Epidemiological Study of Possible Cadmium-Induced Nethropathy and Osteodystrophy in Ringed Seals (Phoca hispida) from Quaanaaq in Northwest Greenland. - The Science of the Total Environment 295: 167-181. Based on the national AMAP four-year assesment report (2002), NERI is currently editing a special issue of The Science of the Total Environment (to be published late 2003/early 2004). 3. Effects of climate changes in Arctic eco-systems The environmental problem Global warming is expected to have dramatic impacts on Arctic biodiversity, eco-system functions, CO2 exchange, and socio-economics. It is estimated that the High Arctic zone will become smaller thereby causing biodiversity losses, whereas the Low Arctic and Sub-Arctic zones are expected to grow larger and more productive. The Arctic Council has initiated a programme for monitoring the effects of climate changes in the Arctic. The main Danish contribution to this monitoring concerns an integrated terrestrial and marine monitoring programme in High Arctic Greenland (Zackenberg). Research 5 NERI plays a central part as regards coordination, monitoring and research relating to the impact of climate changes on Arctic, terrestrial and marine eco-systems and biodiversity (PC 80). AM is in charge of the biological monitoring programme (BioBasis) and collaborates with the Institute of Geography, University of Copenhagen, on geo-related monitoring (GeoBasis) of climate changes in Zackenberg in High-Arctic North-East Greenland. This monitoring programme will be maintained and expanded in the years to come, integrating terrestrial biological, abiotic, climatological, and marine-ecological research and monitoring to the widest possible extent. By means of GIS, remote sensing and other techniques, data and scenarios from Zackenberg will be expanded to develop regional analyses of the impact of climate changes on CO2 exchange and biodiversity. There is a need for better calibration between terrestrial primary production, greenness index and CO2 exchange, as well as for better knowledge of the impact of climate change on lower trophic levels, particularly soil processes. The studies of the impact of climate effects on terrestrial Arctic eco-systems includes an international research project on the development of goose populations and the impact of their grazing on tundra vegetation on Svalbard (FRAGILE under the Fifth EU Framework Programme). In the years to come, emphasis will be placed on interdisciplinary work to establish models for the effects on climate changes in Greenland. This will involve the integration of terrestrial and marine research regarding carbon balance, biodiversity, and impacts on society. Monitoring The monitoring programme in Zackenberg involves coordinated work carried out by a number of institutions. Results are reported to the Danish Environmental Protection Agency each year, and the Agency then coordinates the Danish input to the climate assessment carried out by the Arctic Council. Key outputs, 1998-2003 Selected scientific publications: Forchhammer, M.C., Post, E., Stenseth, N.C. & Boertmann, D.M. 2002: Long-Term Responses in Arctic Ungulate Dynamics to Changes in Climatic and Trophic Processes. - Population Ecology 44: 113-120. Klaassen, M., Lindström, Å., Meltofte, H. & Piersma, T. 2001: Arctic Waders are not Capital Breeders. - Nature 413(6858): 794. Madsen, J., Frederiksen, M. & Ganter, B. 2002: Trends in Annual and Seasonal Survival of Pink-Footed Geese (Anser brachyrhynchus). - Ibis 144(2): 218-226. Meltofte, H. 2001: Wader Population Censuses in the Arctic: Getting the Timing Right. - Arctic 54(4): 367-376. Schmidt, N.M., Berg, T.B. & Jensen, T.S. 2002: The Influence of Body Mass on Daily Movement Patterns and Home Ranges of the Collared Lemming (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus). - Canadian Journal of Zoology 80(1): 64-69. The BioBasis programme is described in details on: http://biobasis.dmu.dk The Zackenberg programme is decribed on: http://www.zackenberg.dk. 4. Marine mammals The environmental problem Danish marine mammals (mainly seals and harbour porpoise) are exposed to a number of anthropogenic impacts: they are top predators, meaning they ingest and accumulate many environmental toxins; porpoises drown in fishing nets; building and construction activities may disturb the animals at their resting and feeding grounds. In addition to this, the population of harbour seal has been affected by mass death which may have been exacerbated by other stress 6 factors. Seals and porpoises fall within the scope of the EU Habitat Directive. Thus, there is a need for basic data on the populations and their distribution, monitoring of the populations, and data on their response to human impacts. Research Working in cooperation with other research institutions in Denmark and abroad, AM has built up substantial expertise on marine mammals and their population biology, environmental impacts and response to human activities (see also theme 1 above)(PC 62). All new methods and technologies have been used as they become available and have been developed further to arrive at a combined description of marine mammals' spatial and temporal use of their habitats. Population surveys are carried out by ship and plane, migrations and population range are mapped by means of satellite tracking and genetic analyses; activity patterns are studied by means of hydrophones and web camera surveillance. The data established is used to identify sensitive areas and periods in relation to human impacts, environmental impact assessment as well as for population monitoring (PC 66). Attention is focused on studies of the effects of marine construction activities, by-catches, raw material activities, population regulation, and mass deaths (most recently happening in harbour seals in 2002). In the years to come, AM will continue to expand this focus, e.g. in connection with international offshore wind farm projects, and designation of offshore special protection areas. There is a need to strengthen population dynamic and spatial modelling. AM has established a laboratory for age determination of mammals by means of dental analyses and will continue to develop its competencies within this area. Monitoring and consultancy AM is responsible for monitoring seals in Denmark and provides data to the ‘Fagdatacenter for Biodiversitet’ (Center for Biodiversity). An international inventory of populations of small cetaceans in the North Sea and eastern Atlantic is scheduled for 2004–05. AM is responsible for Denmark's contribution. AM provides advice for the Danish Forest and Nature Agency on issues concerning marine mammal management and protection, both within national contexts (management plans, ad-hoc consultation) and international contexts (ASCOBANS under the Bonn Convention, ICES). Key outputs, 1998-2003 Selected scientific publications: Teilmann, J., Miller, L.A., Kirketerp, T., Kastelein, R.A., Madsen, P.T., Nielsen, B.K. & Au, W.W.L. 2002: Characteristics of Echolocation Signals used by a Harbour Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in a Target Detection Experiment. - Aquatic Mammals 28(3): 275-284. Teilmann, J. 2003: Influence of seastate on abundance estimates of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). – Journal of Cetacean Research and Management 4 (2) (in press). Teilmann, J., Tougaard, J., Kirketerp, T., Anderson, K., Labberté, S. & Miller, L. 2003: Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) habituate to pinger-like sounds. Marine Mammal Science (in press). See also Theme 1 for selected publications. Cooperation and networks AM cooperates with a number of research institutions in Denmark, Greenland, and internationally. The most important partners are mentioned below. 7 AM's most important external partner is the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources in Nuuk. A formal agreement has signed on project cooperation, data exchange, staff exchange, and chartering of research ships. The scope of the cooperation primarily centres on marine birds, marine and terrestrial mammals, and collection of environmental samples. AM also cooperates with the Canadian Wildlife Service, the Icelandic Institute for Nature Conservation and the Norwegian Polar Institute on research on and monitoring of Arctic birds and marine mammals. Mapping of sensitive coastal areas is carried out in collaboration with the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), the Greenland National Archives, the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, and others. A formal cooperation agreement has been entered into between the department of Arctic Environment, the Department of Atmospheric Environment (NERI), and the Institute of Environmental Medicine at the University of Aarhus. The objective of this agreement is to expand the scope of cooperation and to work towards an integration of the biological/chemical and the human health disciplines within the AMAP initiatives. The Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme also involves cooperation with Environment Canada, the Norwegian Polar Institute, RISØ National Laboratory in Denmark, and others. Research and monitoring in Zackenberg is carried out in close collaboration with the Institute of Population Biology and the Institute of Geography (University of Copenhagen), ASIAQ (Greenland), the Department of Marine Ecology (NERI) and the Danish Polar Center. AM has entered into a formal cooperation agreement with the Institute of Geography at the University of Copenhagen on the abiotic monitoring programme (GeoBasis) in Zackenberg. This will help promote better integration between the individual sub-programmes. Other climate-related research is carried out in cooperation with the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), the Institute of Nature Conservation (Belgium), the Netherlands Institute of Ecology, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (UK), UNIS (Svalbard), University of Groningen (the Netherlands), and others. Studies of marine mammals in Denmark are carried out in cooperation with Hedeselskabet (a consultancy firm), the University of Southern Denmark, the Danish Institute for Fisheries Research, the Danish Fisheries and Maritime Museum, Stockholm's Museum of Natural History, the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, ALTERRA (the Netherlands), and others. Within the National Environmental Research Institute of Denmark, AM actively collaborates on projects with most of the other departments Higher education In 2003, AM staff will act as external study directors for five PhD students (two from the University of Copenhagen, two from the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University (KVL), and one from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU)) and six undergraduate students working on their M.Sc. theses (from the University of Copenhagen, Uiversity of Southern Denmark and the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University). 8 During 1998-2003, AM has successfully finalised 9 M.Sc. and 7 PhD projects in collaboration with various universities. Members of AM staff hold courses at the University of Copenhagen (Arctic biology) and Roskilde University (Environmental assessment). Members of AM staff frequently act as external examiners in connection with M.Sc. and PhD theses. 9