Lancaster Sound: A Rich Arctic Marine Sanctuary Under Threat

Key Insight

Lancaster Sound is an exceptional arctic marine sanctuary, renowned for concentrations of life akin to the world's richest seas, the Antarctic Ocean. Its remarkable biodiversity is sustained by local upwelling currents and nutrient supplies from glacial runoff on Devon Island. This area serves as a critical summering ground for over 3 million colonial seabirds, including northern fulmars, kittiwakes, and guillemots. It hosts more than 30 percent of North America's belukha whale population and over three-quarters of the world's narwhal population. Additionally, over 250,000 harp, bearded, and ringed seals, thousands of Atlantic walrus, polar bears, and arctic foxes contribute to its rich ecosystem.

Acknowledged for its global ecological importance, Lancaster Sound has been proposed as a world biological reserve by the International Biological Programme and designated a Natural Site of World Heritage Quality by the United Nations. Despite this recognition, the stability of this unique high arctic oasis is gravely threatened. The primary risks stem from plans for offshore oil and gas development, which would introduce constant subsea drilling noise, and increased shipping traffic. Such industrial activities are feared to disrupt the delicate marine environment and pose a significant hazard to acoustically sensitive species like the narwhal.

Beyond industrial development, narwhal populations face considerable pressure from contemporary hunting practices. Despite international quotas monitored by the International Whaling Commission, some Eskimo hunters in northern Baffin Island have exhibited a 'lack of discipline' during spring narwhal hunts. This includes making hasty, long-range, or poorly aimed shots with inadequate weaponry, resulting in wounded animals and sometimes exceeding established quotas. A critical element for the narwhal's survival, according to marine mammal biologists, is the meaningful involvement of Inuit in marine resource management, as they have historically been excluded from Canadian government decision-making, which hinders the development of sustainable hunting practices consistent with modern weapon capabilities.