Definitions

Baseline information: Information gathered over time with the goal of being able to compare it to data collected in the future and conclusions about trends or changes can be made.

Bony fish: A classification of fish with a skeleton made of bone such as salmon, cod, pollock, etc.

Cartilaginous fish: A classification of fish with a cartilage skeleton such as sharks and skates.

Citizen science: Engagement of citizens in scientific research typically by recruiting volunteers to observe or measure specific data of interest.

Climate change: A significant and lasting change in weather patterns, average temperature, or seasonal occurrences as compared to previous climate records.

Conservation: The act of preserving, protecting, or restoring the natural environment.

Crustaceans: A classification of animals with hard exoskeletons such as crabs, shrimp, or barnacles.

Environmental stewardship: The view that humans have a responsibility to care for the health of the earth as a whole.

GIS: Stands for Geographic Information System and is used for linking a set of data points with an exact location.

Invasive Species: A non-indigenous species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.

Land-fast ice: Sea ice that has frozen along the coast.

Latitude: Degree lines used for determining location (along with longitude) that runs east/west across the globe.

Longitude: Degree lines used for determining location (along with latitude) that runs north/south across the globe.

Marine ecosystem: Includes all of the delicate, balanced interactions between life forms (including plants, animals, bacteria, etc.) and their physical environment within ocean waters, the seafloor, the coastline, and any waterways connecting to the sea.

Non-indigenous species: A species established in a location other than its regular habitat, brought in intentionally (i.e. as a pet) or unintentionally (i.e. on the hull of a boat) that has the potential to disrupt the native ecosystem.

Pinnipeds: A classification of marine mammals with front and hind flippers such as seals, sea lions, and walrus.

Prototype: A first model of a project to test its effectiveness and determine what changes need to be made.

Range extension: When a species travels to areas where it would normally not be found as a result of temperature changes, habitat loss, or variations in food availability.

Sea ice variation: Differences in sea ice location, thickness, and seasonal appearances/disappearances in comparison to years in the past.

Stakeholder: A person, a group of people, an organization, a government, or a company with a common interest in finding a solution to a problem.