In the summer of 2018, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) successfully launched a fish tagging project in Ulukhaktok, tagging 102 fish (51 Uugaq cod and 51 Iqalukpik char). The project utilized moorings to record environmental data and fish movements, providing insights into the coastal ecosystem and the drivers of animal behavior.
Additionally, a new beluga tagging program was conducted at Hendrickson Island, where 14 belugas were tagged. The tags collected data on location, dive depth, and habitat preferences, helping to identify key beluga habitats and inform marine spatial planning initiatives. This data is also being used to design an aerial survey to estimate the abundance of the Eastern Beaufort Sea beluga stock.
Ongoing research also focuses on understanding beluga health, body condition indicators, and the impact of microplastics in their food web. The program aims to improve knowledge on the species' movement, health, and the effects of environmental changes.
