A selection of Nunavut creatures is preparing to journey to Tokyo’s leading aquarium for display. A trio of Japanese divers recently visited Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, to collect fish, sea urchins, and starfish. These species, typically abundant in the region, become exceedingly rare once in Japan, according to researcher Naoaki Kawahara at the Canadian High Arctic Research Station in Cambridge Bay. During a week-long expedition, Kawahara and the team conducted approximately two dives daily, amassing 70 representatives from 15 different marine species of the North. These creatures were carefully packed in salty water with ice, then flown to Tokyo to join the Arctic exhibit at Tokyo Sea Life Park, a prominent marine facility in Japan.
Upon arrival, these animals and their offspring are expected to become long-term residents of Tokyo. Kawahara noted that cold-water animals have extended life spans, with some Antarctic species living over 20 years in captivity. He expressed hope for successful breeding of the newly acquired species. Philip Bruecker, a researcher from British Columbia, oversaw the collecting expedition for the Tokyo park and emphasized the importance of cautious diving procedures due to the frigid temperatures of the Cambridge Bay waters.
Despite Nunavut being a territory for 27 years, Bruecker highlighted the prevalent lack of knowledge about the region, even among many Canadians. He stressed the need to raise awareness about Nunavut and its unique ecosystems. Remarkably, this recent expedition marks a series of trips dating back to the 1980s, where Japanese divers have collected Arctic animals for Tokyo Sea Life Park, demonstrating Japan’s prominent role in showcasing Arctic marine life. As this latest Nunavut expedition concludes, Kawahara expressed their desire to continue visiting the region for years to come.