" YOU can help make a difference, get involved... "
PCO Press Room
Sponsors
Past Events
COP15
Link to PCO
Sanctuary for Beluga whales in Beaufort Sea
last update: Aug 31, 2010 08:46 AM
From various articles: The Canadian Federal Government will be creating a sanctuary in the Beaufort Sea to protect Beluga whales.
Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper said that they are establishing theTarium Niryutait Marine Protected Area, a 1,800 square kilometre space in the mouth of the Mackenzie River Delta and the Beaufort Sea
Every summer, the world's largest seasonal population of Beluga whales gather in the sea to socialize, feed and raise their calves.
According to Harper it's important to protect the "Arctic treasures" as well as the harvesting traditions of Inuvialuit groups in Aklavik, Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk. He said "It balances ecologial and conservation imperatives with the social and economic needs of the people who live in this region. It balances the beluga harvesting traditions of Inuvialuit with the protection of a species which is threatened or endangered in other parts of the world."
This marine protected area will be the first of its kind in the Arctic ocean.
Read more:
HQ Yellowknife, 31st August 2010
Vancouver Sun, 27th August 2010
