Policies and practicalities of shipping in arctic waters: Inuit perspectives from Cape Dorset, Nunavut

Abstract

Under changing climatic conditions, political and economic interest in accessing arctic waters and shipping potential is increasing, bringing forward opportunities and challenges that need to be addressed. To explore the practical implications of this from Inuit perspectives, we undertook a community-based case study in Cape Dorset, Nunavut, conducting 20 interviews between 2008 and 2009. We also examined three Nunavut Acts and Agreements, three Canadian Federal Acts, and one International Agreement to better understand the regulations and policy positions. For each we sought to understand characterizations of: community uses of the marine environment; impacts of shipping; and monitoring of ship travel. Our objective was to investigate how well (or not) Inuit experiences and observations of arctic shipping were incorporated into policy provisions governing shipping in arctic waters. A comparative analysis of Inuit and policy positions shows shared and unique priorities as well as areas of apparent disconnect related to shipping in arctic waters. Therefore, this article highlights key considerations for arctic shipping from both practical and policy perspectives. We conclude with recommendations relating to undertaking community consultations, establishing the Marine Council, improving emergency response measures, and updating existing Acts and Agreements in an effort to contribute to ameliorate the situation for mutual benefit.

Temporal and Spatial Patterns of Ship Traffic in the Canadian Arctic from 1990 to 2015 + Supplementary Appendix 1: Figs. S1–S7 (See Article Tools)

“…Increases in marine traffic could be highly advantageous for the Canadian Arctic given the potential for enhanced economic development in mining, tourism, and fisheries, as well as for resupply services (Hodgson et al, 2013;Pelletier and Guy, 2015;Dawson et al, 2016). However, there are also significant risks, including the potential for vessel incidents, safety issues and security threats, environmental disturbances, degradation of historic or culturally significant sites, and negative outcomes for local residents, especially Inuit, who depend on the marine environment for subsistence and livelihoods (Kubat et al, 2006;Chircop, 2009;Brigham, 2011Brigham, , 2013Kelley and Ljubicic, 2012). In order for government, Inuit leaders, and regional communities to make effective decisions that support development of a safe and sustainable marine transportation industry in Arctic Canada, it is vital to have a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of marine traffic patterns over time.…”

Climate change and sea ice: Shipping in Hudson Bay, Hudson Strait, and Foxe Basin (1980–2016)

“…Key mechanisms include contaminant pollution (e.g., oil spills, bilge release), noise pollution, introduction of invasive species, disturbance of marine mammals, and disruption of sea ice (see Inuit Circumpolar CouncilCanada, 2008;Kelley and Ljubicic, 2012;Siders et al, 2016;Zerehi, 2016;Andrews et al, 2016). The potential environmental consequences of shipping in the study area are made considerably more severe by the limited (or non-existent) shipping infrastructure, the difficulties of shipping in ice-infested waters, the relatively low quality bathymetric charts and navigational aids for the area, and the lack of monitoring, vessel support, and emergency response capacity (Kelley and Ljubicic, 2012; Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, 2014; Government of Canada, 2015; Andrews et al, 2016). These factors also affect the economic feasibility and human risk of shipping in the study area (Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, 2014; Government of Canada, 2015).…”

“…Whether the necessary investment will occur, however, remains to be seen. Finally, the tourism industry is expected to continue growing, perhaps (but not necessarily) bringing more cruise ship and pleasure craft traffic to the study area (Stewart et al, 2010;Kelley and Ljubicic, 2012;Engler and Pelot, 2013;Lasserre and Têtu, 2015;.…”

“…Furthermore, many residents of the study area obtain a considerable portion of their food from wildlife harvested on sea ice (Chan et al, 2006;Ford, 2009;Laidler et al, 2009). On the other hand, sea ice is the greatest barrier to shipping in the study area (Kelley and Ljubicic, 2012;Engler and Pelot, 2013). For shippers it is an obstacle and a hazard that prevents access and reduces shipping potential (Aporta, 2011;Brooks and Frost, 2012;Kelley and Ljubicic, 2012).…”

“…On the other hand, sea ice is the greatest barrier to shipping in the study area (Kelley and Ljubicic, 2012;Engler and Pelot, 2013). For shippers it is an obstacle and a hazard that prevents access and reduces shipping potential (Aporta, 2011;Brooks and Frost, 2012;Kelley and Ljubicic, 2012). It is important to be mindful of these contrasting perceptions of sea ice.…”