Tarium Niryutait Marine Protected Area

During the summer months, a portion of the Beaufort Sea beluga whale stock travels to the Mackenzie Estuary (Zone 1a). Whales come to this area for socializing, rearing calves, moulting, feeding and for energetics (i.e. thermal advantage). These areas have been traditionally utilized by the Inuvialuit and are important from a cultural, subsistence and economic perspective. Three areas - Niaqunnaq, Okeevik, and Kittigaryuit - have been selected for inclusion in the Tarium Niryutait Marine Protected Area (MPA).

The purpose of the proposed Tarium Niryutait MPA is to conserve and protect the biological resources that are found in the areas of interest, and to preserve the viability of a healthy population of beluga whales.

• To ensure the conservation objectives of the proposed MPA are consistent with the objectives of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement (IFA) and the Beaufort Sea Beluga Management Plan.


• That the proposed MPA represents the balance between protecting values fundamental to Inuvialuit culture and recognizing that the health of communities is tied to local economies.

By establishing Canada's first Arctic MPA, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, in collaboration with its partners, will be well underway to fulfilling commitments under Canada's Oceans Act, Canada's Ocean Strategy, Canada's Oceans Action Plan and international plans such as the Arctic Marine Strategic Plan. The successful delivery of this MPA is an example of one of the many Integrated Management Initiatives taking place in the Canadian Beaufort Sea.