The government of Canada and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association have established two new marine protected areas (MPAs) in Nunavut, in Northern Canada.
The Qikiqtait and Sarvarjuaq MPAs are both part of Canada’s push to establish protections over 30 percent of the ocean by 2030. Alongside the new MPAs, Canada and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association signed an Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement covering both the areas of the MPAs and terrestrial areas of the Belcher Islands, which, according to Canada Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), will be designated as an Inuit Protected and Conserved Areas by the Qikiqtani Inuit Association.
"Today’s announcement reflects the strength of our partnership with the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and our shared commitment to protecting marine ecosystems in ways that respect Inuit rights, knowledge, and leadership,” Minister of Fisheries Joanne Thompson said of the new MPAs. “The establishment of the Qikiqtait and Sarvarjuaq Marine Protected Areas and support of future Inuit Protected and Conserved Areas by the Qikiqtani Inuit Association is an important step for conservation, reconciliation, and the future of Arctic marine stewardship."
Both of the new MPAs are located in the Qikiqtani Region. The Qikiqtait MPA will surround the Belcher Islands in Hudson Bay, and the Sarvarjuaq MPA is located in Northern Baffin Bay on the Canadian side of Pikialasorsuaq, or the North Water Polynya. The region remains ice-free in the winter, providing habitat for migratory species.
“This agreement is a significant achievement for Inuit in the Qikiqtani Region and for the future of our waters,” Qikiqtani Inuit Association President Olayuk Akesuk said in a release. “Through this Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement, we are helping ensure that conservation is shaped by Inuit priorities, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, and Inuit stewardship, while creating lasting benefits for our communities.”
DFO said the Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement which has been developed for both marine and terrestrial areas reflect a shared commitment between the government and the association to protect ecologically and culturally important areas. The two new MPAs are the first to be established under the SINAA agreement, an agreement lead by the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and intended to protect parts of the region.
“Together, they contribute two percent to Canada’s marine conservation targets, bringing Canada’s total protected marine area to over 17 percent, and reflect Canada’s commitment to Inuit-led conservation and stewardship in the Canadian Arctic,” DFO said.
