This project is part of the Coastal Environmental Baseline Program, which is a federally mandated monitoring program that collects coastal marine baseline data.OBJECTIVES: 1)To collect spatial data on benthic and pelagic habitat use by biota (e.g., plankton, fish and invertebrates) near Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut during the open-water season. The study will also be designed to allow for comparisons of seawater, sediment and biota data in regions with and without human activity impacts. 2)To foster relationships with community members that are interested in studying the marine environment. STUDY AREA: Sampling stations have been determined in consultation with the Nattivak (Qikiqtarjuaq) Hunters and Trappers Association. We anticipate sampling up to 45 stations within 25 km of the community of Qikiqtarjuaq.SAMPLE DATES: Two weeks in September 2025. GENERAL METHODS AT EACH STATION: CTD profiles will be taken at each coastal station. Water samples (i.e., POM, nutrients, salinity, O18, and phytoplankton) will be collected at multiple depths using Niskin bottles. A zooplankton net (150 µm) net will be towed vertically for taxonomy samples and a 500 µm net will be towed horizontally to collect high biomass samples for food-web studies and rapid zooplankton assessment. A subset of stations (12) will be sampled using shoreline seines to collect fish and a benthic dredge and grab will be used to collect invertebrates. Biological samples will be used for taxonomic purposes, life-history trait studies, and food web analyses. Video or photos of the general bottom habitat will also be collected at each station.