Ninginganiq National Wildlife Area

The Ninginganiq National Wildlife Area (NWA) was designated in 2010 and is the largest NWA in Canada measuring over 336 397 hectares (ha). Located 120 kilometres (km) south of Clyde River, on the north-east coast of Baffin Island, Nunavut, the NWA includes the shoreline and islands of Isabella Bay and adjacent ocean out to 12 nautical miles from shore. The Inuktitut word "Ninginganiq" translates roughly as "the place where fog sits."

The Ninginganiq NWA provides important marine habitat, the interplay of ocean and wind currents with the shallow banks off the coast of Isabella Bay, deep troughs further offshore, ocean and wind currents, creating ideal conditions for Bowhead Whales. Up to 100 Bowheads have been recorded at one time in Isabella Bay, making this the single largest known concentration for this species anywhere in Canada. While some of the population, including Cows and calves, move westward through Lancaster Sound in late June and early July, others, mainly adults and large adolescents, remain off the east coast of Baffin Island for the summer and fall. The Ninginganiq NWA also supports healthy populations of Polar Bears, Ringed Seals, King Eiders, Long-tailed Duck, Dovekies, Northern Fulmars, and Narwhal.

More information on Ninginganiq NWA is provided in the summary table below.

NWA are protected and managed according to the Wildlife Area Regulations under the Canada Wildlife Act. The primary purpose of NWAs is the protection and conservation of wildlife and their habitat. For this purpose, and according to the legislation, Environment and Climate Change Canada can prohibit all activities in a NWA that could interfere with the conservation of wildlife. Consequently, most NWAs are not accessible to the public and all activities are prohibited. Nonetheless, Environment and Climate Change Canada has the ability to authorize some activities, whether through public notice or the issuance of permits, as long as these are consistent with the management plan goals for the NWA . For more information, consult the NWAs Management and Activities section.

In the Nunavut territory, Nunavut beneficiaries, as per the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (NLCA), can harvest wildlife (including collecting migratory bird eggs and feathers) for their economic, social and cultural needs (Article 5 of the NLCA). Ninginganiq NWA , as per the NLCA and Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement for conservation areas, is managed in partnership by Environment and Climate Change Canada with the Ninginganiq Area Co-management Committee (ACMC) of Clyde River, Nunavut.

Access to Ninginganiq NWA is restricted except for Nunavut beneficiaries. For all non-beneficiaries, a permit must be obtained to either access or conduct any type of activity in the NWA . Activities that may be permitted will be in accordance with the conservation objectives of the NWA management plan.

More information on access and permitting for Ninginganiq NWA can be obtained by contacting the Environment and Climate Change Canada regional office.