Clyde River groups launch legal challenge to seismic testing

Organizations from Clyde River, Nunavut, have launched a legal challenge to a recent ruling to allow seismic testing in Baffin Bay.

Earlier this summer, the National Energy Board approved an application from a group of companies to use seismic testing to look for oil and gas near Baffin Island.

The Hamlet of Clyde River, Mayor Jerry Natanine and the Nammautaq Hunters and Trappers Organization have gone to the Federal Court of Appeal to ask for a judicial review of the National Energy Board's decision.

The seismic tests use air guns that produce pulses of very loud sounds under the water. Inuit say these sounds could hurt or even kill the narwhals, bowhead whales, walruses and seals that live in those waters.

The lawyer representing the Clyde River groups says the decision to allow the seismic tests violates the fundamental rights of the Inuit. Nader Hasan also argues the NEB did not properly consult with people in Clyde River.