Water chemistry and bioindicators (diatoms and invertebrates) were examined for freshwater lakes, ponds and streams in two regions within Sirmilik National Park, northern Baffin Island, Nunavut. Significant differences were recorded between the water chemistry and diatom and invertebrate assemblages of the two regions. Modern diatom assemblages were explained mainly by specific conductivity, ORP, pH, temperature, elevation and distance from the coast. Paleolimnological techniques were applied to a sediment core from Lake BY14 on Bylot Island. Fossil diatom assemblages indicate increases in nutrients and temperature since 1935 AD. The diatom biostratigraphy does not show as large an increase in diversity and production since the middle 20th century as has been noted elsewhere, and this may be a reflection of the more nutrient-rich status of the lake relative to other Arctic lakes.

Water chemistry and bioindicators (diatoms and invertebrates) were examined for freshwater lakes, ponds and streams in two regions within Sirmilik National Park, northern Baffin Island, Nunavut. Significant differences were recorded between the water chemistry and diatom and invertebrate assemblages of the two regions. Modern diatom assemblages were explained mainly by specific conductivity, ORP, pH, temperature, elevation and distance from the coast. Paleolimnological techniques were applied to a sediment core from Lake BY14 on Bylot Island. Fossil diatom assemblages indicate increases in nutrients and temperature since 1935 AD. The diatom biostratigraphy does not show as large an increase in diversity and production since the middle 20th century as has been noted elsewhere, and this may be a reflection of the more nutrient-rich status of the lake relative to other Arctic lakes.

This thesis considers the environmental, economic, social, and cultural effects of increasing shipping activities around Sirmilik National Park of Canada, in order to develop possible scoping questions for future environmental assessments. Using a qualitative approach, 25 semi-structured interviews, two focus groups, observation, and field notes were used to collect data which are then analyzed for linkages between valued environmental and social components and the potential effects from shipping and associated activities. The most prominent concern that emerged regarded the potential impacts to migrating and breeding narwhal in the area. Many respondents also discussed economic and social issues because they perceive increasing shipping as a signal of economic growth. In total, 124 scoping questions were developed in 17 direct environmental impact areas identified by participants, as well as 53 scoping questions relating to cumulative effects and strategic issues. The thesis concludes with some broader management implications that flow from the analysis.

This thesis considers the environmental, economic, social, and cultural effects of increasing shipping activities around Sirmilik National Park of Canada, in order to develop possible scoping questions for future environmental assessments. Using a qualitative approach, 25 semi-structured interviews, two focus groups, observation, and field notes were used to collect data which are then analyzed for linkages between valued environmental and social components and the potential effects from shipping and associated activities. The most prominent concern that emerged regarded the potential impacts to migrating and breeding narwhal in the area. Many respondents also discussed economic and social issues because they perceive increasing shipping as a signal of economic growth. In total, 124 scoping questions were developed in 17 direct environmental impact areas identified by participants, as well as 53 scoping questions relating to cumulative effects and strategic issues. The thesis concludes with some broader management implications that flow from the analysis.