Located in the Qikiqtani Region, the two newly protected areas are recognized for their rich biodiversity, productive ecosystems, and importance to Inuit culture, harvesting, and stewardship. Qikiqtait surrounds the Belcher Islands in Hudson Bay, while Sarvarjuaq is located in northern Baffin Bay on the Canadian side of Pikialasorsuaq (the North Water Polynya). The areas provide habitat for a wide range of marine species and support the ecological health of Arctic waters.

The Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement, developed for both marine and terrestrial areas—also known as the Sikulia Agreement, which is “the thin new layer of ice forming in the fall,”—reflects a shared commitment to protect ecologically and culturally significant marine and terrestrial areas while supporting Inuit rights, knowledge, governance, and long-term community benefits. It recognizes Inuit leadership and sets out how Inuit will participate in and benefit from the establishment of these areas.

The Qikiqtait and Sarvarjuaq MPAs are the first new protected areas announced under the SINAA Agreement, formerly known as the Qikiqtani Project Finance for Permanence, and have been advanced in partnership with the Government of Nunavut. Together, they contribute two per cent to Canada’s marine conservation targets, bringing Canada’s total protected marine area to over 17 percent, and reflect Canada’s commitment to Inuit-led conservation and stewardship in the Canadian Arctic.

The establishment of the Qikiqtani Nunangit Inuit Protected and Conserved Area by the Qikiqtani Inuit Association in the Belcher Islands will protect up to 0.02% (2,180 km²) of new terrestrial area and will be the first Inuit Protected and Conserved Area in Nunavut.

Quick Facts

• The Qikiqtani Region is one of the most biodiverse areas of the Arctic and is home to some of the world’s most iconic species, including narwals, walrus, beluga whales and polar bears.
• Qikiqtait and Sarvarjuaq have been designated as Marine Protected Areas via Ministerial Orders under the Oceans Act, freezing the footprint of human activities in the area for a period of up to five years, but existing activities, including fishing, will continue.
• The Orders allow for immediate protection of these vulnerable areas while partners pursue long-term protection, including the creation of Inuit Protected and Conserved Areas by the Qikiqtani Inuit Association in the region. All activities that have lawfully occurred/were authorized to occur in the year prior to establishment will be allowed to continue, including hunting, trapping and fishing.
• Qikiqtait and Sarvarjuaq Marine Protected Areas will contribute two per cent to Canada’s goal of protecting 30 percent of Canada’s oceans by 2030.
• The two protected areas are part of a broader conservation plan under the SINAA Agreement (Qikiqtani Project Finance for Permanence), which advances Inuit-led conservation with support from the Government of Canada and philanthropic donors.