Oil Spill Response Capacity in Nunavut and the Beaufort Sea

A Summary report by WWF Canada

As the Arctic warms and sea ice diminishes, the biggest threat to the Arctic marine
environment from ships is from an oil spill. Less summer sea ice has already led to
increases in ship traffic, yet significant legislative, capacity, information and funding
gaps exist in the current spill response framework in both Nunavut, and in the
Beaufort region.

Oil Spill Response Capacity in Nunavut and the Beaufort Sea

Oil Spill Response Capacity in Nunavut and the Beaufort Sea

The reports focus on remote regions above the Arctic Circle in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, where communities generally rely on a mixed subsistence and market economy. Many people spend time harvesting land and sea mammals to supply a significant portion of their diet. Traditional knowledge is passed from generation to generation, and is an important element of northern Indigenous culture. When the environment is disrupted, it will undoubtedly have a significant impact on communities.