Markus Dyck: Remembering an icon

As a graduate student in Canada coming up in the polar bear world over a decade ago, Markus Dyck loomed large. He seemed to be an author on every polar bear paper coming out of the northern Territory of Nunavut—and eventually, he was appointed senior polar bear biologist for the Government of Nunavut. As BRANDON LAFOREST recalls, his name carried an almost folkloric reputation.

By the time I met Markus, it was like meeting a celebrity—or maybe Big Foot, or something in between.

Tragically, Markus lost his life in a helicopter crash on April 25, 2021, near the community of Resolute Bay while conducting a population survey of the Lancaster Sound polar bear subpopulation. Two flight crew members also lost their lives that day.

Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished polar bear field biologists in the world, Markus had been at the helm of every polar bear population survey in the vast Territory of Nunavut for the prior 10 years. He logged countless hours flying the surveys and consulting with affected communities before and after any work took place. A scientist by training, he was known across the country for his respect for the Inuit communities he worked in and for advocating for the incorporation of Inuit knowledge in polar bear management.

A celebration of his life was held on August 31, 2023, in Iqaluit, the capital city of Nunavut. Friends gathered in person and virtually to share stories and bid him a final farewell. Markus had explicitly asked that in the event of his death, no such gathering occur. But much like my decision to write this article and honour the man who contributed so much to polar bear management in Canada, Markus’ best friend explained that when your death garners international media attention, your life must be publicly celebrated.

Markus was a long-time WWF collaborator, a friend to many on our staff, and we considered him an extended part of our WWF family. I’m proud to say that over the years, his polar bear research in Nunavut was supported in part by WWF, including WWF–Canada’s Arctic Species Conservation Fund.

In 2016, WWF–UK’s chief polar advisor, Rod Downie, joined Markus in the field for a memorable survey of the M’Clintock Channel subpopulation. I knew Rod would be in good hands in the field with Markus, but I also knew from others that Markus had high expectations of anyone assisting him. Rod returned with a reverence for Markus and his work ethic. He described him affectionately as a “rough diamond”—an apt description for a man who left an impression on everyone who met him.

Personally, I always admired his calm, cool and collected approach to the sometimes-charged issue of polar bear conservation. When Markus spoke, everyone listened, and I can recall many meetings where he was the voice of reason.

I spoke to Markus on the phone a few days before he left for the field in April 2021. There was nothing special about the conversation. We discussed logistics, reporting, timelines. We all understand the risks of polar bear fieldwork, but it doesn’t prepare you for the worst.

Markus’ contributions to polar bear management in Canada and internationally have been immense, and we all owe him a true debt of gratitude. We miss him dearly.