This University of Manitoba project is part of the DFO-led baseline monitoring program near Qikiqtarjuaq, NU. For 2025, our project team is proposing to collect softshell clam samples between August 15 and October 15. The exact time will depend on when we can organize all the logistics for the collections. We are planning to hire a local diver with a boat to help with clam collection. We are proposing to collect 10-20 clams from at least 3 locations for a total of 60 clams. The locations will be determined based on discussions with the Hunters and Trappers Association representatives last year and based on the density of clams in those areas. We will measure levels of contaminants (including mercury, PCBs and other persistent pollutants) in the clams. Our project team is also proposing to collect nearshore invertebrate samples during the same period as the collections for the clams. For this work, we will hire a community member with a boat to take us to the sampling locations for up to 4 days. We will be looking to use grab samplers to take sediment samples to count and identify all invertebrates present (snails, amphipods, bivalves, worms, etc.) near the same locations where clams have been previously collected and that are a part of the baseline monitoring program sample sites. We will process these samples in Winnipeg and will generate tools for monitoring invertebrate communities in the future. The sampling approaches we will take are expected to have minimal impact on the immediate environment. We will share the results with the community through pamphlets and factsheets. The data will be made available on public databases. The information will be used for scientific publications and will be presented at scientific conferences.