Benthic Habitat Mapping

Mapping Life on the Ocean Floor in Nunatsiavut

Researchers working with the Nunatsiavut Government are studying life on the ocean floor in Northern Labrador. This work helps build a better understanding of the habitats and marine life found in Nunatsiavut waters.

Scientists call the ocean floor the “benthic” environment. This is the bottom of the ocean, where many plants and animals live on or near the seabed.

Why this work matters

The ocean floor provides important habitat for many marine species. By mapping the seafloor and studying the plants and animals that live there, researchers can learn more about how marine ecosystems work.

This information can help support ocean planning, conservation, and decision-making about activities that take place in Nunatsiavut waters.

How the research is done

To study benthic habitats, researchers use underwater cameras to capture photos and video of the seafloor. This allows scientists to observe marine life without disturbing it.

In some cases, community members have participated in the data collection. A citizen science project led by PhD student Kate Ortenzi invited community members to use GoPro cameras to capture footage of the seabed, contributing valuable observations from local waters.

Learning about life on the seafloor

A comic, created by Myrah Graham and illustrated by Misha Donohoe, highlights some of the plants and animals found on the ocean floor and explains why these habitats are important.

Together, this work is helping build a clearer picture of marine ecosystems in Nunatsiavut and how they may be changing over time.