Ninginganiq National Wildlife Area pamphlet

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What makes Ninginganiq NWA so special?

Ninginganiq National Wildlife Area (NWA) was designated in 2010 and is the largest NWA in Canada, measuring over 3360 square kilometres. Located on the northeast 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 NWA provides important marine habitat for Bowhead Whales and other marine mammals, as well as seabirds.

Ninginganiq NWA:

• supports the largest known concentrations of Bowhead Whales anywhere in Canada;
• is frequented by marine mammal species such as the Ringed Seal, the Narwhal and the Polar Bear, a species of special concern;
• provides habitat for seabirds such as King Eiders, Long-tailed Ducks, Dovekies and Northern Fulmars.

Ninginganiq NWA is managed by Environment and Climate Change Canada in partnership with the Ninginganiq Area Co-management Committee of Clyde River, Nunavut.

What are Environment and Climate Change Canada Protected Areas?

Environment and Climate Change Canada establishes marine and terrestrial NWAs for the purposes of conservation, research, and interpretation. NWAs are established to protect migratory birds, species at risk, and other wildlife and their habitats. NWAs are established under the authority of the Canada Wildlife Act and are, first and foremost, places for wildlife.

What can I do at Ninginganiq NWA?

In the Nunavut territory, Nunavut beneficiaries, as per the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, can harvest wildlife for their economic, social and cultural needs. 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. More information on access and permitting for Ninginganiq NWA can be obtained by contacting the Environment and Climate Change Canada regional office.