Beaufort Sea Large Ocean Management Area

A Brief Overview

The Beaufort Sea Large Ocean Management Area is one of five priority areas identified for integrated ocean management planning by the Government of Canada. The Beaufort Sea Large Ocean Management Area is approximately 1,107,694 km2. It is located in the extreme northwestern corner of Canada, and includes the marine portion of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region.


The Beaufort Sea Large Ocean Management Area is a complex marine system. It is characterized by the Beaufort Continental Shelf, a relatively short ice-free season, increased sediment and freshwater loading during the Spring and Summer, and the Cape Bathurst polynya. The productivity of the region, particularly the nearshore zone, has long been an important resource for humans and the area is still hunted and fished by both the Inuvialuit and Gwich'in Land claims groups in the area. Six communities are directly considered in the integrated management planning of the Beaufort Sea Large Ocean Management Area: Aklavik, Inuvik, Ulukhaktok (formerly Holman), Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour and Tuktoyaktuk. All of the communities within the Beaufort Sea Large Ocean Management Area have a profound connection to the land and ocean, and this connection is critical to the future well being of the communities. Harvesting activities, in addition the being an important food source, provide means of passing on valuable traditional skills and knowledge.