WWF creates interactive map of Lancaster Sound in push for area's protection

A new interactive map launched by WWF Canada makes it possible to explore the wildlife, nature and people of Lancaster Sound in Canada's High Arctic as part of a campaign to call for protection of the area.

Lancaster Sound is being considered for protection as a National Marine Conservation Area under the federal government's recent commitment to protect five per cent of marine areas by 2017.

"The goal really is to be able to bring to people who do not have the privilege of living on Lancaster Sound a sense of the magnificence of the place of how rich it is," said Paul Crowley, the director of WWF Canada's Arctic Program.

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"What we really want to translate is how rich this place is, rich in people, rich in wildlife."

One unique feature of the map is that it not only highlights the nature and wildlife of Lancaster Sound, but also the people who live there.

"Inuit are fully integrated into the ecosystem, so for us looking at the ecosystem means looking at the people as well," said Crowley, who hopes the map will also call attention to the importance of Lancaster Sound for the rest of Canada.

Birds, bears, narwhals and beluga

Brian Koonoo, a hunter from Pond Inlet, Nunavut, says that he "would be very happy to have it protected."

Koonoo said he's hopeful that Lancaster Sound is designated as marine protected area to guard it against any damage caused by oil and gas exploration.

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​"Lancaster Sound is a very active area for marine mammals," said Koonoo. "The sea ice doesn't normally form throughout the year, it's always moving."

Koonoo said the area is often misunderstood by outsiders.

"It looks like all ice but on the Baffin Island side it's quite beautiful," he said. "There's birds that nest up there and a lot of polar bears and during the spring there's a lot of narwhals and beluga."

The interactive map is available in English, French and Inuktitut, and allows users to watch exclusive footage and read stories about the region.