The Darnley Bay area of the Beaufort Sea near Paulatuk, N.W.T., has been set aside to protect important habitat for several Arctic marine species.
The new Anguniaqvia Niqiqyuam Marine Protected Area covers about 2,400 square kilometres. The protected area status will prohibit activities within the area “that could disturb, damage, or destroy these living organisms.”
“It’s a general prohibition so it prohibits any activities that will impact marine organisms or habitat in the area,” said Cal Wenghofer with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.