Financial costs of conducting science in the Arctic: examples from seabird research

• Published in: Arctic science Vol. 4; no. 4; pp. 624 - 633
• Main Authors: Mallory, Mark L., Gilchrist, H. Grant, Janssen, Michael, Major, Heather L., Merkel, Flemming, Provencher, Jennifer F., Strøm, Hallvard
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ottawa Canadian Science Publishing NRC Research Press 01-12-2018; Canadian Science Publishing
• Subjects: Aquatic birds; Climate change; Community; consultation; Costs; Environmental changes; Environmental science; Field study; Islands; research expenses; Seabirds; Shipping; travel community; Workshops; Canada; Nunavut Territory Canada; Machias Seal Island; United States > US; Norway; Arctic region; Greenland
• ISSN: 2368-7460; 2368-7460
• DOI: 10.1139/as-2017-0019

Research in remote locations is more expensive than similar activities at sites with easier access, but these costs have rarely been compared. Using examples from seabird research, we show that conducting research in the Arctic is typically eight times more expensive than pursuing similar studies at a southern location. The differences in costs are related principally to the much higher expenses of travel and shipping (typically 4–10× higher for Arctic work), as well as the good practice of meaningful engagement with northern communities (4%–25% of project costs). Although there is some variation in costs among Arctic countries, we hope that the consistent pattern of relatively higher Arctic costs allows policy-makers and funding agencies to better plan for research support, especially for this region that is experiencing rapid environmental change.