Monday, March 30, 2026
The federal government and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association announced on March 30 the establishment of the Qikiqtait and Sarvarjuaq Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Nunavut.
Located in the Qikiqtani Region, the two newly protected areas are recognized for their rich biodiversity, productive ecosystems, and importance to Inuit culture, harvesting, and stewardship, a Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada release said.
Qikiqtait surrounds the Belcher Islands in Hudson Bay and Sarvarjuaq is located in northern Baffin Bay on the Canadian side of Pikialasorsuaq (the North Water Polynya).
“This agreement is a significant achievement for Inuit in the Qikiqtani Region and for the future of our waters. Through this Inuit Impact and Benefit Agreement, we are helping ensure that conservation is shaped by Inuit priorities, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, and Inuit stewardship, while creating lasting benefits for our communities. Sikulia, for QIA, also advances terrestrial conservation across the Belcher Islands under an Inuit Protected and Conserved Areas approach, called Qikiqtait Nunangit, and commitments to the community of Sanikiluaq to protect Arctic Eider,” Qikiqtani Inuit Association president Olayuk Akesuk said.
“Today’s announcement reflects the strength of our partnership with the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and our shared commitment to protecting marine ecosystems in ways that respect Inuit rights, knowledge, and leadership. The establishment of the Qikiqtait and Sarvarjuaq Marine Protected Areas and support of future Inuit Protected and Conserved Areas by the Qikiqtani Inuit Association is an important step for conservation, reconciliation, and the future of Arctic marine stewardship,” federal minister of fisheries Joanna Thompson added.
The Qikiqtait and Sarvarjuaq MPAs are the first new protected areas announced under the SINAA Agreement, formerly known as the Qikiqtani Project Finance for Permanence, and have been advanced in partnership with the Government of Nunavut, the release said.
The two areas contribute two per cent to Canada’s marine conservation targets, bringing Canada’s total protected marine area to over 17 per cent, the release added.
