New Qikiqtait Marine Protected Area designated in Hudson Bay, Arctic Ocean

Plain-language summary · AI-assisted · not legal advice

A new Marine Protected Area (MPA) has been formally established in a portion of Hudson Bay in the Arctic Ocean, covering the seabed, subsoil to five metres depth, the water column above, and sea ice. Most activities are prohibited within the MPA unless they fall within a defined list of permitted ongoing activities. Permitted activities include fishing, hunting and trapping, marine navigation, tourism, recreation, education, scientific research, national defence, Coast Guard operations, and certain Inuit-led research and travel over sea ice. Any activity not on that permitted list that disturbs, damages, destroys, or removes living marine organisms, their habitat, or unique geological or archaeological features is strictly prohibited. The Order does not limit rights held by Inuit under the Nunavut Agreement or the Nunavik Agreement. Operators conducting any commercial, industrial, or other activities in or near this area of Hudson Bay should confirm whether their activities fall within the permitted classes before proceeding.

Who this affects: commercial and recreational fishers · marine vessel operators and shipping companies · tourism and film operators · scientific researchers · energy and resource sector operators near Hudson Bay