Science & Monitoring

Between Devon Island and Ellesmere Island, on the western edge of the North Water polynya, researchers are studying changes in deep ocean currents and how these waters may impact the melting of glaciers and the productivity of the marine ecosystem.

Protected Areas

Northern Latitudes is a series examining how maps and mapmaking contribute to our work. This is a Q & A with Melissa Turner, marine geographer for Oceans North, about how and why mapping is used to track climate-related changes in the North Water polynya, also known as Pikialasorsuaq in Greenland, and Sarvarjuaq in Nunavut.

Protected Areas

When researchers assess biodiversity in the Arctic, the North Water Polynya has historically been identified as one of the most important hotspots in this region – and the most biologically productive area in all of Greenland’s waters.

Protected Areas

In the second part of our series on the North Water Polynya, we look at the millions of birds that travel here each year.

Protected Areas

The Arctic’s largest polynya, known as Pikialasorsuaq in Greenland and Sarvarjuaq in Nunavut, is both a biologically rich hotspot for marine mammals, seabirds and fish and a crucial source of sustenance for the people of the region.

Protected Areas

In the waters between Greenland and Nunavut, a biologically rich region provides essential habitat for marine mammals, fish and seabirds.

For the Ocean

Welcome to Northern Latitudes, a new series featuring maps and mapmaking. Today's focus is on polynyas and phytoplankton.

For the Ocean

Climate change is affecting the formation of the ice bridge which creates the North Water Polynya each winter, reducing its life span by 2.1 days annually—or a total of 84 days—over the last 40 years.