Marine Sensitivity and Vulnerability Indices as Decision-Support Tools for the Kuujjuaq Estuary, Nunavik, Canada

The Kuujjuaq Estuary (Nunavik, Canada) faces significant ecological and logistical challenges due to its unique geomorphology, limited infrastructure, and increasing maritime activity. This study introduces tailored coastal sensitivity and vulnerability indices to improve preparedness in the event of a maritime incident, with the goal of better protecting local residents and their use of coastal resources and ecosystems. By integrating Inuit Knowledge (IK) with scientific datasets, the research addresses critical local environmental concerns and supports informed decision-making for emergency response planning. Three sensitivity indices and one vulnerability index were developed -Social (SSI), Morphological (MVI) and two Biologicals (BSI) -through community engagement, cartographic analysis, and the integration of geomorphological and socioecological data. Findings reveal that 50% of the estuary is particularly vulnerable to maritime incidents mainly due to many harvesting areas together with marshes, emphasizing the need for targeted mitigation measures. This work lays the groundwork for resilient and adaptive coastal management strategies in the Kuujjuaq Estuary, fostering enhanced preparedness and response capacity through a collaborative and culturally grounded framework.