9-565: Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area is a proposed National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) located in the Qikiqtani Region of Nunavut , Canada. The goal of the marine conservation area is to work with local Inuit to conserve the rich biodiversity of Lancaster Sound and its adjacent waterways. Once formally established under the Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act , it will become
18-489: Is due to the presence of polynyas in its waters. These small pockets of open water provide refuge for Arctic marine and bird species during winter months. These winter refuges are also areas where Inuit undertake many traditional activities. National Marine Conservation Area National Marine Conservation Areas (NMCAs) is a Parks Canada programme responsible for marine areas managed for sustainability and containing smaller zones of high protection. They include
27-601: The Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act has yet to occur. The NCMA covers an area of 108,000 km (42,000 sq mi) stretching from Baffin Bay between Buchan Gulf and southeastern Ellesmere Island , to the 96th meridian west between Cornwallis Island and Somerset Island . It would surround the marine portions of Sirmilik National Park , Nirjutiqavvik National Wildlife Area , Bylot Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary , and Prince Leopold Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary . The ecological importance of Lancaster Sound
36-702: The seabed , the water itself and any species which occur there. They may also include wetlands , estuaries , islands and other coastal lands. They are protected from dumping , undersea mining and oil and gas exploration and development, which may damage the aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems in the conservation area. However, not all commercial activities are prohibited in these zones. Shipping, commercial and sport fishing, and recreational activities are allowed. In 1996, Nature Canada developed its Marine Conservation Program in recognition that marine ecosystems were as affected by human activity as terrestrial ecosystems. At that time, Canada's National Parks Act
45-637: The QIA began negotiations on an Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement the following August. In August 2019, the Government of Canada and the QIA announced the signing of an Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement (IIBA), required for final establishment of Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area. With the signing of the IIBA, Parks Canada and QIA will begin to operationalize the NMCA. As of January 2023, formal establishment under
54-782: The Steering Committee submitted its report and recommendations on the feasibility of an NMCA in Lancaster Sound to the ministers of Environment for Canada and Nunavut, and to the President of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) in February 2017. The Senior Mineral and Energy Resource Assessment Committee approved of the Steering Committee’s recommended boundary the following May. The Governments of Canada and Nunavut and
63-414: The Steering Committee to conduct consultations with local communities and key stakeholders. In 2010, Parks Canada announced a potential future boundary of 44,300 km (17,100 sq mi) for an NMCA in Lancaster Sound. Additional studies and consultations were performed in the years that followed to determine what marine areas should be included or excluded from the proposed NMCA. In February 2017,
72-459: The largest Parks Canada and Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) co-managed protected area and the second largest protected area in Canada after Tuvaijuittuq Marine Protected Area . In 2009, the governments of Canada and Nunavut and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) signed a memorandum of understanding to begin assessing the feasibility of establishing a NMCA in Lancaster Sound. It also established
81-544: Was designed to guide conservation and protection only on land. So that year, Nature Canada began advocating for new legislation that would enable the creation of national marine conservation areas. Over the next several years we met with federal government policy decision-makers, gave testimony at hearings, and conducted a public awareness campaign about marine conservation areas. As of 2020 , established NMCAs and NMCA Reserves protect 14,846 km (5,732 sq mi) of waters, wetlands, and coastlines, representing five of
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