National Wildlife Areas: Protecting Arctic Ecosystems

Amongst Canada’s spectacular Northern landscapes, three very special areas are now being preserved for generations to come.

Three new National Wildlife Areas on Baffin Island in Nunavut have been recently announced - protecting 4,534 square kilometres that are home to amazing arctic wildlife such as seals, polar bears, bowhead whales and enormous colonies of migratory birds.

What are national wildlife areas?

National Wildlife Areas (NWAs) are spaces within Canada which are protected from disturbance which could cause habitat loss or could be harmful to local species or habitats. National Wildlife Areas are created and managed for the conservation of wildlife. National Wildlife Areas are created under the authority of the Canada Wildlife Act.

For a place to be considered for designation as a NWA, the area must contain a nationally significant habitat for migratory birds, must support wildlife or ecosystems at risk, or must represent a rare or unusual habitat or region within Canada.

There are now 54 NWAs protecting nearly 983,000 hectares of stunning Canadian landscapes and nationally significant wildlife. 

Niginganiq National Wildlife Area

A cool retreat for an endangered species of whale! The Niginganiq (nee geen gah nik) NWA is located in Isabella Bay, on the eastern side of Baffin Island, Nunavut. This area of 336,200 hectares is the critical summer habitat of the eastern Arctic population of Bowhead Whales, who use it as their feeding and resting grounds.  The Bowhead Whale is considered to be endangered by EC’s Species at Risk Act (SARA).

The community living in Clyde River proposed the establishment of this new wildlife area in order to create a sanctuary for these whales and protect the delicate marine ecosystem from future damage.

Akpait National Wildlife Area

Bird lovers will rejoice over the creation of the new Akpait (ak pah eet) NWA! This protected area is located in Reid Bay, on the eastern coast of Baffin Island near the Cumberland Peninsula. The 77,400 hectares of protected area is characterized by huge cliffs, steep rock pinnacles and rocky beaches.

This area may not seem very hospitable, but is the perfect living space for millions of migratory birds! The Akpait NWA is the nesting grounds for plenty of Black-Legged Kittiwakes, Glaucous Gulls and Black Guillemots, and also includes one of Canada’s largest colonies of Thick-Billed Murres.

Many other animals will also benefit from the creation of this NWA, including polar bears, ringed seals, and walrus.

Qaqulluit National Wildlife Area

Towering rocks, arctic lichens and thousands of birds are characteristics of the Qaqulluit (ka koo loo eet) NWA. Two huge rock spires topped with hardy arctic plants and covered in brilliant orange lichens are the defining geographical features of this area.

This 39,800 hectares of protected land in Nunavut is also home to the critical breeding and feeding grounds for thousands of nesting birds. Canada’s largest colony of Northern Fulmars resides in this area, and is now protected from future ecological harm.

Canada’s Arctic areas house delicate ecosystems teeming with an incredible variety of plans and wildlife. Thanks to EC’s designation and protection of these areas as a National Wildlife Area, these valuable places are preserved for the present and future generations of Canadians.