Climate change in the Arctic has resulted in reduced ice coverage and, consequently on the marine front, an extension of the shipping season. This has led to increased marine activity, not only in commercial deep draught shipping but also eco-tourism cruises. Increased accessibility has also resulted in additional pressure to develop and exploit the Arctic's natural resources. Experts project that climate change will remain on course and marine traffic will experience exponential growth in the region.

Short Arctic summers, combined with immense geographic areas challenge traditional surveying methods that may not keep pace with the needs of shipping and resource development. Accordingly, this Canadian Hydrographic Conference will focus on innovation of hydrographic tools and methodologies to allow the hydrographic community to provide mariners with safe passage through the Arctic. Technical sessions, poster presentations and workshops will further allow for an exchange of ideas from all participants.

CHC 2012 will focus the Arctic, an area which as received significant attention in recent years due to the effects of climate change which has resulted reduced ice coverage and consequently an increase in marine traffic. The theme is "The Arctic – Old Challenges, New Approaches"

Located on the U.S – Canada border, this conference affords international travelers easy access through both Canadian and American airports and will offer attendees a rich variety of experiences unique to the Niagara Region.

Although certain navigation corridors across the Northwest Passage are well charted, improved charting to support safe passage beyond these corridors to many Arctic coastal communities remains to be accomplished. Likewise, existing navigation corridors need to be expanded to provide sufficient sea room for alternate routing around the ice edge when necessary. This underscores the need for increased data coverage in areas with minimal or no hydrography, and extended coverage beyond areas previously charted.

It is hoped that this conference will result in specific applications for technology with methodologies that will improve our capacity for data collection in support of Arctic hydrography and improve the efficient management and timely distribution of hydrographic information to our clients.

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in workshops, poster sessions , exhibitions and several social functions. In addition to the outstanding program, attendees will be offered an optional Niagara River Exploration tour, which will include a trip on the Maid of the Mist and the whirlpool jet boat which journeys up the Niagara River through five sets of rapids. The jet boat excursion and can be experienced in either an open boat or in the 'Jet Dome' an enclosed jet boat.

Niagara Falls Canada is a world-class tourist destination, extending visitors a wide variety of upscale hotels, modern casinos, nightlife, concerts, fine dining, golf courses and wine country just down the road. May is a wonderful time to visit Niagara Falls and we encourage you to extend your trip and get to know the rest of the Niagara Region as well.

We look forward to seeing you in Niagara Falls for it will prove to be a timely and noteworthy conference.

Roger Cameron
Conference Chair