Polar Bear Pass National Wildlife Area, Nunavut - Ramsar Site

Reason for Ramsar Designation:

A rare High Arctic wetland environment rich in wildlife and habitat for migratory waterfowl and other bird and wildlife species.

Date of Ramsar Designation:

24 May 1982.

Jurisdiction:

Federal - Environment Canada.

Land Tenure:

• Site: Federal Crown land.

• Surrounding Area: Federal Crown land.

Conservation Measures Taken:

Designated as a National Wildlife Area in 1990 and protected under regulations of the Canada Wildlife Act.

Conservation Measures Proposed:

The boundaries of the area are under review.

Current Land Use/Activities in:

• Site: Mining, oil exploration and drilling permits were issued many years ago. Surface and subsurface rights to exploration and development were withdrawn prior to the area being created a National Wildlife Area. The area is subject to co-management agreements under the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement. Land use permits are issued by the Canadian Wildlife Service under the National Wildlife Area Regulations of the Canada Wildlife Act. Studies of Peary caribou have been conducted by Environment Canada's Canadian Wildlife Service, and ongoing studies on muskoxen and caribou are being undertaken by the territorial government.

  A long-term ecological research station is situated on the site, and is used by local hunters and intermittently by various international scientists. There are plans to create a new National Park immediately north of Polar Bear Pass National Wildlife Area.

• Surrounding Area: Territorial Land Use Regulations are in effect on federal Crown land. Screening of projects under the Nunavut Impact Review Board is undertaken with certificates issued by the Nunavut Planning Commission. Permission is required to gain access to Inuit-owned lands.

Threats to Integrity of:

• Site: None at present.

• Surrounding Area: None at present.

Status of Management Plan:

The Polar Bear Pass National Wildlife Area Management Plan was developed in draft form in April 1989 and was released by Environment Canada and the Polar Bear Pass Advisory Committee in February 1990.

Management Authority:

Canadian Wildlife Service
Environment Canada
P.O. Box 1714
Iqaluit, Nunavut
X0A 0H0