Project information about ECCC’s Shoreline Mapping for Oil Spill Preparedness in the Arctic (2024)1.Proponent information SectorGovernment of Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science &Technology Branch, Wildlife and Landscape Science Division, Landscape Science & Technology Division, Geomatics Research SectionOriginatorValerie Wynja, Physical ScientistValerie.wynja@ec.gc.caCell: 613-296-3540Proponent DescriptionThe Geomatics Research Section is focused on the use of geospatial data and information to support Environment and Climate Change Canada’s wildlife conservation and protection mandate. The Geomatics Research Section contributes to a number of priority departmental programs, including Species at risk critical habitat delineation and Migratory bird conservation. 2.SummaryNon-technical Project SummaryThe overall health of Canada’s oceans is strongly influenced by the coastal marine environment. Through the Oceans Protection Plan (OPP), Environment and Climate Change Canada is working to protect, preserve, and restore Canada’s marine environment. Under the OPP, our team has been funded to collect baseline shoreline data for oil spill preparedness. The main purpose of the shoreline segmentation process is to collect information to help emergency responders plan and prepare for potential marine pollution incidents. A pre-spill shoreline dataset includes baseline coastal information such as the shoreline type and form, the substrate and vegetation type. •To collect key shoreline information, low-altitude helicopter overflights are conducted at the study sites to capture geotagged video and photos of the shoreline characteristics.•Once the shoreline data is collected, that information is recorded within a GIS database. •Shoreline interpretation is performed by reviewing the oblique videography and geotagged photos. The final product is a detailed vector geodatabase which describes each shoreline segment and its associated intertidal zones.Using shoreline data in environmental response The vector shoreline characterization database can be used to identify environmentally sensitive shoreline types, support a rapid response to pollution incidents, and aid in effective clean-up efforts. By presenting the data on an interactive map, we are aiming to improve decision-making during oil-spill responses. With the inclusion of information from satellite and drone imagery, we hope to provide broader coverage of Canadian shorelines to support spill response and protect marine ecosystems.Beyond supporting oil spill response, datasets and imagery have been used by local communities and environmental managers for project planning, marine safety & response preparedness, assessment of areas for marine restoration, marine planning, food security, among others.Date(s) and TimingWe hope to perform mapping activities during several different periods in the summer (June-Sept) of 2024. 1)Summer 2024 - mapping Southern Bathurst Inlet (based out of Cambridge Bay/Bathurst Inlet, NU - logistical support through the Polar Continental Shelf Program (PCSP))2)Summer 2024 - mapping Frobisher Bay near Iqaluit (Iqaluit/based off of a Canadian Coastguard vessel)3)Summer 2024 mapping Rankin Inlet, Chesterfield Inlet and part of Baker Lake (Rankin Inlet/based off of a Canadian Coastguard vessel)RemediationNA – This project will not include any sampling or modification of the landscape. Project AlternativesThe remote and vast Canadian shoreline has made shoreline mapping via helicopter and manual techniques sometimes challenging. As a result, a Canada-wide shoreline classification has never been completed for the entire country. This represents a major information gap, and risk for oil spill risk preparedness. Newer, high-resolution satellite imagery offers a good opportunity to start exploring options for coast-wide shoreline mapping and classification. As an alternative to helicopter mapping, we will be developing shoreline classification methodologies using a variety of remote sensing technologies. This includes high resolution satellite imagery, as well as very high-resolution drone imagery. We would like to compare remote sensing techniques to helicopter methods to determine if remote sensing methods will prove to be as reliable, and informative as helicopter methods.