VANCOUVER—The creation of the Arctic’s first national marine conservation area in Lancaster Sound came a step closer to reality Monday with the federal government’s proposal of boundaries for the area.
Environment Minister John Baird announced the proposed boundaries—which encompass 44,500 square kilometres, an area twice the size of Lake Erie—for the new national marine park at the eastern entrance to the Northwest Passage.
Lancaster Sound, located at the northern tip of Baffin Island, is a major migratory corridor for most of the world’s narwhal, bowhead, and beluga whales.
“Today’s announcement means that the federal government and Inuit now share a similar commitment to fully protect Lancaster Sound,” said Chris Debicki, Nunavut director for Oceans North Canada.
“This development shows that Canada is willing to take a leadership role in Arctic conservation.”
The move comes a year after Parks Canada, the Government of Nunavut, and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association signed an agreement for a $5-million joint feasibility study to develop the national marine park.
After negotiating with Inuit groups, federal officials will finalize the park boundaries and develop a model for full participation by local Inuit communities in managing Lancaster Sound as required in the 1993 Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
The establishment of the marine park will protect the region from ocean dumping, undersea mining, overfishing, and energy exploration.
Last summer, the Inuit successfully blocked the government’s plans to carry out oil-related seismic testing in Lancaster Sound due to concerns that the noisy tests could harm migrating whales.
Baird confirmed Monday that no new seismic testing will take place but that existing data will be used in planning for the marine park, which, once established, will be Canada’s fifth national marine conservation area.
“We are very pleased that the federal government is taking proactive steps to safeguard this globally significant marine ecosystem,” Debicki said. “This visionary plan will ensure that Lancaster Sound remains a thriving waterway, vital to Inuit of the High Arctic.”
The Qikiqtani Inuit Association has for the past year conducted studies that will further add to the development of the marine park. In addition to gathering traditional knowledge, the association collects scientific, ecological, cultural, and socio-economic data.
The waters of Lancaster Sound are essential for the survival of schools of Arctic cod and millions of seabirds—from northern fulmar to ivory gulls, some of which exist in concentrations not found anywhere else in the Arctic.
The Inuit and their ancestors have relied for thousands of years on the sound’s abundant natural wealth for food, clothing, and shelter. Today, residents of the three Nunavut communities of Pond Inlet, Arctic Bay, and Resolute Bay continue this tradition, depending on its waters for their economic and cultural well-being.
