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Hamilton Spectator
12-06-2025
- Science
- Hamilton Spectator
Using AI to protect caribou migration in a changing Arctic
A machine learning tool is offering new hope for one of Canada's most vulnerable caribou migrations. Researchers are turning to artificial intelligence to predict when and where the Dolphin and Union caribou will cross the sea ice between Victoria Island and the mainland of Nunavut — a migration that takes place each spring and fall but has become more dangerous as climate change thins the ice and shipping traffic climbs. Caribou can drown if they try to cross ice that is unstable, and the risk increases when icebreakers and other vessels move through the area — and the ships are arriving in greater numbers than ever before. The tool called IceNet can help protect caribou by warning when migration conditions may be dangerous. 'Climate change is causing Arctic sea ice to recede and become less stable — which also means the region is becoming more accessible for ships,' said Ellen Bowler, a machine learning research scientist at the British Antarctic Survey who worked to develop the tool in partnership with the Alan Turing Institute, the World Wildlife Fund and Nunavut government. 'This combination of threats could have fatal consequences for iconic animals like caribou.' Saving a vanishing herd The Dolphin and Union caribou herd once numbered around 100,000 but dropped sharply in the early 1900s. The population grew again later in the century, but that recovery did not last. By 1997, there were about 34,000 caribou, and by 2020, only around 3,800 remained. When numbers dropped very low in the past, the migration even stopped for a time. Elders and local hunters have reported even sharper declines, more sick and skinny animals, and fewer calves surviving. In 2017, the herd was officially listed as endangered, with experts warning of 'imminent extinction' if these threats continue. Now, by analyzing decades of data collected by government agencies, Inuit hunters and community researchers, the new AI system can predict the start of caribou migration up to three weeks in advance — giving vessel operators time to adjust their routes or pause shipping during this critical migration period. 'Instead of just forecasting sea ice concentration, we can actually start to forecast when they're most likely to migrate in a given year,' Bowler said. Brandon Laforest, lead specialist for Arctic conservation at WWF Canada, works directly with Inuit communities on conservation priorities in Nunavut. He said that the technology offers a promising solution to a well-documented problem . Inuit hunters and elders have seen caribou hesitate at the ice edge, fall through or abandon their usual crossing spots. Some animals try to cross where an icebreaker has left open water or broken ice, but get exhausted, drown or freeze if they can't climb back onto the ice. 'It gives caribou a fighting chance to continue their migration,' Laforest said. Bowler said their team was initially searching for case studies where their Arctic-wide sea ice forecasting tool could have real, local impact. 'The Dolphin and Union caribou stood out because their migration is so closely tied to sea ice, and because icebreaking vessels are directly disrupting their routes,' Bowler said. She said the system is designed to supplement local knowledge in Nunavut, not replace it. 'You hear in other AI stories, 'It's going to take everyone's jobs,' or like 'It's to replace humans.' It's definitely not about that. It's like providing information that people might not currently have or that isn't really accurate enough currently to act on properly,' she said. Early warnings for a changing Arctic Most North American caribou never cross sea ice, but the Dolphin and Union herd, collectively known to locals as Island caribou, cross twice a year — heading to the mainland of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories for winter and returning to the island for summer. The only other caribou known to do it are the much smaller Peary caribou. 'This is one very specific group of caribou, the Dolphin and Union herd, who very predictably go to the northern edge of the mainland of Canada, cross the sea ice to Victoria Island, spend their time there, give birth to their young, and then migrate back. It's an integral part of the biology of that herd, and it's pretty unique,' Laforest said. As the Arctic warms, the ice is becoming thinner, which has led to an increase in shipping traffic in migration corridors like Queen Maud Gulf, Dease Strait, and Dolphin and Union Strait. Icebreakers can also slow down the formation of new ice, leaving open water where caribou need to cross. The risks are not limited to wildlife. The same stretches of sea ice are used by residents travelling between communities, often by snow machine, making unpredictable or broken ice a danger for people, as well. Protecting more than a species Laforest said the connection between wildlife and community well-being is especially strong in the Arctic, where caribou are central to the lives of Inuit and Inuvialuit communities for food security and cultural identity. They are working hard to protect caribou habitat while balancing environmental concerns with economic development. 'It's not only for food security reasons, but also for cultural continuity,' Laforest said. The latest draft of the Nunavut Land Use Plan proposes restrictions on icebreaking through sea ice used by Island caribou for migration, but the plan is still under review and not yet in effect. Learning as we go The IceNet project is described by researchers as a first attempt to see if technology can help solve a conservation crisis identified by northern communities. Researchers say the approach is collaborative, combining AI forecasting with local expertise. 'It's meant to contribute to holistic, more locally led processes to create solutions that work with people and the wildlife of that region. It's very admittedly, sterile work from a long ways away, but it's trying to use data to address a problem that community members have identified,' Laforest said. 'But in no way is anyone saying this is the only solution. It's more of trying to stay on the edge of technology and trying to apply that technology to address concerns raised by communities as it relates to wildlife.' Lapointe, a trained polar bear biologist who now describes himself as a generalist, said that if they can improve the tool's predictability, they hope to apply the tool to other species, including polar bears at the southern edge of their range. For polar bears, the tool could predict their arrival on land near communities, providing early warnings and helping to mitigate human-polar bear conflict, said Bowler. The technology could also track whale migration corridors to reduce shipping risks and monitor walrus haul-outs, which become vulnerable as sea ice disappears. Researchers say that IceNet is still in its early stage, with ongoing improvements expected as on-the-ground observations and local knowledge are added. 'It's not about coming in with all the answers. The project is about working with local experts, using their data, and seeing if this technology can make a difference.' Bowler said. 'It's a pilot, and we're learning as we go.' Sonal Gupta / Local Journalism Initiative / Canada's National Observer Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
National Observer
11-06-2025
- Science
- National Observer
Using AI to protect caribou migration in a changing Arctic
A machine learning tool is offering new hope for one of Canada's most vulnerable caribou migrations. Researchers are turning to artificial intelligence to predict when and where the Dolphin and Union caribou will cross the sea ice between Victoria Island and the mainland of Nunavut — a migration that takes place each spring and fall but has become more dangerous as climate change thins the ice and shipping traffic climbs. Caribou can drown if they try to cross ice that is unstable, and the risk increases when icebreakers and other vessels move through the area — and the ships are arriving in greater numbers than ever before. The tool called IceNet can help protect caribou by warning when migration conditions may be dangerous. 'Climate change is causing Arctic sea ice to recede and become less stable — which also means the region is becoming more accessible for ships,' said Ellen Bowler, a machine learning research scientist at the British Antarctic Survey who worked to develop the tool in partnership with the Alan Turing Institute, the World Wildlife Fund and Nunavut government. 'This combination of threats could have fatal consequences for iconic animals like caribou.' Saving a vanishing herd The Dolphin and Union caribou herd once numbered around 100,000 but dropped sharply in the early 1900s. The population grew again later in the century, but that recovery did not last. By 1997, there were about 34,000 caribou, and by 2020, only around 3,800 remained. When numbers dropped very low in the past, the migration even stopped for a time. Elders and local hunters have reported even sharper declines, more sick and skinny animals, and fewer calves surviving. In 2017, the herd was officially listed as endangered, with experts warning of 'imminent extinction' if these threats continue. 'Instead of just forecasting sea ice concentration, we can actually start to forecast when they're most likely to migrate in a given year,' Ellen Bowler, a machine learning research scientist at the British Antarctic Survey. Now, by analyzing decades of data collected by government agencies, Inuit hunters and community researchers, the new AI system can predict the start of caribou migration up to three weeks in advance — giving vessel operators time to adjust their routes or pause shipping during this critical migration period. 'Instead of just forecasting sea ice concentration, we can actually start to forecast when they're most likely to migrate in a given year,' Bowler said. Brandon Laforest, lead specialist for Arctic conservation at WWF Canada, works directly with Inuit communities on conservation priorities in Nunavut. He said that the technology offers a promising solution to a well-documented problem. Inuit hunters and elders have seen caribou hesitate at the ice edge, fall through or abandon their usual crossing spots. Some animals try to cross where an icebreaker has left open water or broken ice, but get exhausted, drown or freeze if they can't climb back onto the ice. 'It gives caribou a fighting chance to continue their migration,' Laforest said. Bowler said their team was initially searching for case studies where their Arctic-wide sea ice forecasting tool could have real, local impact. 'The Dolphin and Union caribou stood out because their migration is so closely tied to sea ice, and because icebreaking vessels are directly disrupting their routes,' Bowler said. She said the system is designed to supplement local knowledge in Nunavut, not replace it. 'You hear in other AI stories, 'It's going to take everyone's jobs,' or like 'It's to replace humans.' It's definitely not about that. It's like providing information that people might not currently have or that isn't really accurate enough currently to act on properly,' she said. Early warnings for a changing Arctic Most North American caribou never cross sea ice, but the Dolphin and Union herd, collectively known to locals as Island caribou, cross twice a year — heading to the mainland of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories for winter and returning to the island for summer. The only other caribou known to do it are the much smaller Peary caribou. 'This is one very specific group of caribou, the Dolphin and Union herd, who very predictably go to the northern edge of the mainland of Canada, cross the sea ice to Victoria Island, spend their time there, give birth to their young, and then migrate back. It's an integral part of the biology of that herd, and it's pretty unique,' Laforest said. As the Arctic warms, the ice is becoming thinner, which has led to an increase in shipping traffic in migration corridors like Queen Maud Gulf, Dease Strait, and Dolphin and Union Strait. Icebreakers can also slow down the formation of new ice, leaving open water where caribou need to cross. The risks are not limited to wildlife. The same stretches of sea ice are used by residents travelling between communities, often by snow machine, making unpredictable or broken ice a danger for people, as well. Protecting more than a species Laforest said the connection between wildlife and community well-being is especially strong in the Arctic, where caribou are central to the lives of Inuit and Inuvialuit communities for food security and cultural identity. They are working hard to protect caribou habitat while balancing environmental concerns with economic development. 'It's not only for food security reasons, but also for cultural continuity,' Laforest said. The latest draft of the Nunavut Land Use Plan proposes restrictions on icebreaking through sea ice used by Island caribou for migration, but the plan is still under review and not yet in effect. Learning as we go The IceNet project is described by researchers as a first attempt to see if technology can help solve a conservation crisis identified by northern communities. Researchers say the approach is collaborative, combining AI forecasting with local expertise. 'It's meant to contribute to holistic, more locally led processes to create solutions that work with people and the wildlife of that region. It's very admittedly, sterile work from a long ways away, but it's trying to use data to address a problem that community members have identified,' Laforest said. 'But in no way is anyone saying this is the only solution. It's more of trying to stay on the edge of technology and trying to apply that technology to address concerns raised by communities as it relates to wildlife.' Lapointe, a trained polar bear biologist who now describes himself as a generalist, said that if they can improve the tool's predictability, they hope to apply the tool to other species, including polar bears at the southern edge of their range. For polar bears, the tool could predict their arrival on land near communities, providing early warnings and helping to mitigate human-polar bear conflict, said Bowler. The technology could also track whale migration corridors to reduce shipping risks and monitor walrus haul-outs, which become vulnerable as sea ice disappears. Researchers say that IceNet is still in its early stage, with ongoing improvements expected as on-the-ground observations and local knowledge are added. 'It's not about coming in with all the answers. The project is about working with local experts, using their data, and seeing if this technology can make a difference.' Bowler said. 'It's a pilot, and we're learning as we go.'
CBC
05-06-2025
- Business
- CBC
Sudbury, Ont., seed producer helping expand national seed production through new partnership
A seed company in the Sudbury, Ont., community of Lively is helping with Canada's national re-greening efforts by working to expand national seed production. Northern Wildflowers produces flower, grass, shrub, and tree seeds for home gardening and agriculture purposes. The company is one of 13 recipients nationwide selected to receive funding from World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Canada's Seed Orchard Program. It's an initiative which works to expand native seed production to increase seed supply for re-greening and land restoration efforts. "The best process to re-green a large site is with seed through something called seed-based restoration," said Jenny Fortier, founder and CEO of Northern Wildflowers. "So, you would apply seeds from the species that are native in that area. So, the seed is that key piece to being able to complete those projects." Fortier said the partnership with WWF-Canada will provide funding to producers, including Northern Wildflowers, to hire and train more seed collector interns, and support growers in expanding their seed farming production. "All of the other native seed growers in Canada that we talk with, everyone's expanding and growing as fast as they can to serve supply, but, you know, that's still within limitations," explained Fortier. "So, this partnership really helps us to do that just a little bit faster." She added the partnership comes as Canada works to meet its "30 by 30" pledge of protecting 30 per cent of lands and waters by 2030. Fortier said the largest obstacle challenging land restoration efforts is a lack of Canadian grown native seeds in the market. WWF-Canada said on its website that increasing the native plant supply through initiatives like seed orchards is "essential." "Restoring healthy habitats isn't possible without these locally-sourced seeds and we're delighted to work with this amazing group of grantees and partners to bring restoration projects to life," said Ryan Godfrey, community action specialist with WWF-Canada. Since 2021, WWF-Canada says the seed orchard program has supported grant recipients in Ontario in planting 35,500 native plants in 20 seed orchards and harvesting 72 kilograms of seed from 142 different native plant species.
CTV News
01-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Caldwell First Nation awarded funding for WWF seed orchard project
A project by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Canada has awarded grants to 13 projects proposed by organizations, businesses, and First Nations communities across the country to support the expansion of seed orchards. Caldwell First Nation in Leamington has been awarded funding, which is aimed at restoring healthy ecosystems, protecting wildlife species and fighting climate change. Seed orchards are used to increase the supply of native plants by producing seeds, and harvesting them to perpetuate the establishment of the plants, and preventing the need to harvest seeds from wild plants, which can weaken them. Since 2021 the WWF Canada's seed orchard program has supported the growth of 35,000 native plants in 20 seed orchards, with over 142 different plant species. World Wildlife Fund Canada-WWF-Canada scaling up seed orchard pr Woodland seed orchard at Native Plants in Claremont, Claremont, Ont., a past seed orchard grantee. (Source: Ryan Godfrey/CNW Group/World Wildlife Fund Canada) (Hand-out/World Wildlife Fund Canada) Other communities awarded include: Wolastoqey Nations in New Brunswick (New Brunswick) Fredericton Botanical Gardens Association (Fredericton, NB) Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg (Maniwaki, Que.) Paysages Écologiques (Rigaud, Que.) Bruce Trail Conservancy (Ontario) Hidden Habitat (Kilworthy, Ont.) Matawa First Nations Management (Thunder Bay, Ont.) Northern Wildflowers (Lively, Ont.) Sioux Valley Dakota Nation (Griswold, Man.) Redd Fish River Society (Ucluelet, BC) Satinflower Nursery (Victoria, BC) Streamside Native Plants (Bowser, BC) Projects include
