By developing effective science-community partnerships and physical infrastructure initiatives, ARF aims to contribute to the economic, social and spiritual well-being of communities, provide important and timely information on how and why the environment is changing, and inform systems-based, adaptive co-management approaches to climate adaptation.
With home ports across Canada’s Arctic, ARF’s fleet of five vessels can be on the water as soon as the sea ice melts. This allows ARF and its partners to take full advantage of the Arctic’s short navigable season each summer
ARF also operates four mobile science labs and one Plant Production and Research Pod, which is located in Gjoa Haven, Nunavut.
Built out of sea containers, the labs are heated, insulated and equipped with toilets, water purifiers and satellite communication links. The labs are also capable of plugging into existing power networks or running completely off the grid, drawing electricity through environmentally friendly solar panels or wind turbines.
These mobile labs can be moved across remote Arctic environments, either by land or by sea.
Our Vessels
R/V William Kennedy
The William Kennedy is the first vessel of its kind dedicated to the research of the historic Hudson Bay Region. At 20 meters in length and drawing just 4 meters, the Kennedy is able to assess shallow near shore environments, previously inaccessible to larger research vessels.
R/V Martin Bergmann
A repurposed East Coast fishing trawler, the Martin Bergmann has been operating in the Kitikmeot region of the Central Arctic since 2013. At 18 meters in length and drawing just 3.4 meters, The Bergmann can accommodate 6 researchers and 6 crew on voyages up to 10 days in length.
R/V Tiriarnaq
Operating in Coastal British Columbia, the Tiriarnaq is a compact and agile research vessel, well suited to near costal research work. At 19 meters in length, the Tiriarnaq cruises at 10 knots and can comfortably accommodate 10 people onboard.
Our Labs
Mobile Labs
Built out of sea containers, the labs are heated, insulated and equipped with toilets, water purifiers and satellite communication links. The labs are also capable of plugging into existing power networks or running completely off the grid, drawing electricity through environmentally friendly solar panels or wind turbines.
Naurvik
Naurvik is a community-led, hydroponic, food production system in Gjoa Haven, Nunavut – a small Inuit community located approximately 250 km north of the Arctic Circle. The name Naurvik means the growing place in Inuktitut and was chosen by the community during consultations about the project.