Environmental issue
One environmental problem found in the Hudson Plains is contaminants in the Hudson Bay. Many persistent organic contaminants found within the polar bear community include dieldrin, DDE, and chlordane-related products.[26] Although the effects of these chemicals on the bears is not clear, it is believed to impair endocrine, reproductive, and immune systems.[26] Polar bears are not the only animals suffering from contamination; beluga whales, seals, and benthic animals located in the Hudson Bay also have high levels of contaminants, especially mercury.[27] Beluga whales also have DDT, PCB’s, Chlordane, and toxaphene in their blubber. Mercury was also found within mammal, birds, fish, and even humans located in this area.[27] This is because high levels of mercury can bioaccumulate in the food chain in the flesh of animals, especially in predators.[28] In 5 years, the amount of mercury found in the Cree’s bloodstream doubled because of their fish-based diet.[28] Public health recommends humans should only consume fish from here two times a month. Some of the Cree’s mercury levels were extremely high and some elders even showed evidence of mercury poisoning.[28] A second environmental problem in the Hudson Plains is caused from hydroelectric dams.[29] Quebec Hydropower is a large power company that harvests the energy of flowing water by using hydroelectric dams.[29] They pride themselves on developing a clean, renewable energy source; however, the company still has harmful effects on the environment. Flooding in these wetlands occur because of the dams and reservoirs which damages much of the Cree’s hunting grounds.[28] In one particular case, the La Grande Reservoir experienced methylmercury contamination due to flooding.[28] These dams have other harmful impacts including riverbank erosion downstream, reversal of natural flow patterns, and interference with fish migration roots.[30] Sturgeon populations near the hydroelectric dam were diminishing due to loss of breeding grounds in streams.[26] The La Grande Reservoir even transformed from a saltwater estuary to freshwater because of regulated peak flow during the winter.[30] These changes can have a very serious impact on the species that live within this area but there are organizations working towards protecting the Hudson plains. The Canadian government entrusted this task with three agencies: the Canadian Wildlife Service of Environment Canada, the Parks Canada Agency, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.[31] The Canadian Wildlife Service of Environment Canada has protected many wetlands along the coast for migratory birds.[31] Hydro Quebec adjusted the in-stream flow to protect fish habitats, and installed fish passageways for migration past the dams.[29] Hopefully, with a little help this stunning ecoregion will prevail against human impacts.
