This University of Manitoba project is a follow-up to research that was done as part of the DFO-led baseline monitoring program near Iqaluit, NU. For 2025, our project team is proposing to collect softshell clam samples between September 1 and September 19 from Frobisher Bay. The exact time will depend on when we can organize all the logistics for the collections. We are proposing to collect 10-20 clams from 3-5 locations up to a maximum of 100 clams. The locations will be determined based on discussions with the Amaruq Hunters and Trappers Association and based on the density of clams in those areas, but areas that are not harvested by locals will be prioritized (i.e., near the boat launch and wastewater effluent). We will hire a local guide with a boat to access clam sampling locations within Koojesse Inlet. Clams will be collected by hand during extreme low tide to minimize the impact on the environment. We will measure the levels of oil and gas related contaminants in approximately half of these clams. The other half of the clams will be held in clean water in a fridge for several days to see if a holding period can reduce the amount of contaminants in the clams before they are eaten. We aim to conduct this work in the Nunavut Research Institute’s facilities in Iqaluit. We are also proposing to purchase samples of other harvested aquatic species such as Arctic char that were harvested by locals in the region. Our goal is to collect 30-50 grams of muscle from other animals that are intended to be eaten so that we can better track the movement of contaminants across the food chain. We would purchase a small sample of community member’s catch along with where it was harvested from to replace the lost food. We will aim to purchase 20-30 samples from community members, depending on the type of samples available during the study period. If we are able to purchase a large number of these community samples, then we will reduce the number of clams collected from Frobisher Bay.In total, these will be performed by a maximum of a team of 3 researchers from the University of Manitoba for a maximum of 7 days. We will process these samples in Winnipeg and share the results with the community through pamphlets and factsheets. The data will be made available on public databases and the information used for scientific publications, which will be presented at scientific conferences. These activities will allow us to monitor contaminant levels from regions where people are consuming food species from Frobisher Bay. Our goal is to help identify if specific locations are safer for harvesting with respect to contaminant levels and if any caution is needed at all. Our intention is to share data on contaminant levels and risks so that community members can make informed decisions about how and where they perform their harvests.