Co-Management of Western Arctic Marine Protected Areas

The Inuvialuit Settlement Region is a leader in Arctic conservation with the creation of both the Tarium Niryutait and Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam Marine Protected Areas. Both of these areas were established to protect ecologically... [ view full abstract ]

The Inuvialuit Settlement Region is a leader in Arctic conservation with the creation of both the Tarium Niryutait and Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam Marine Protected Areas. Both of these areas were established to protect ecologically and culturally important areas in the Beaufort Sea. The Tarium Niryutait Marine Protected Areas was designated in 2010 to conserve and protect beluga whales, their habitats, and supporting ecosystem. The Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam Marine Protected Areas was designated in 2016 to protect habitat of key species such as beluga, bowhead whales, ringed and bearded seals, and Arctic char.

Both areas were created collaboratively by the Inuvialuit and federal government and are now co-managed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Fisheries Joint Management Committee; a co-management body established under the Inuvialuit Final Agreement. MPA management activities are further supported by the Western Arctic MPA Steering Committee and MPA specific working groups who provide additional guidance and allow for increased community participation.  In addition, a MPA Coordinator position was created to help support management activities and build capacity within the Inuvialuit organizations.

This presentation will serve to bring awareness to the Western Arctic MPAs, and speak to how the areas are co-managed and incorporate Inuvialuit traditional and local knowledge.