Field Projects: Land and Seascapes

Environmental Review of Development Activities (map)

Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) reviews land use permit, water licence, operating authorization and sanctuary permit applications that have relevance to migratory bird population and habitat management. Large-scale developments on Crown land (which encompasses large portions of the NWT and Nunavut) are subject to review under the various land-claim-based review processes, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) or the Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act (MVMRA).

Duration: Ongoing

Contact: Vanessa Charlwood

top

The Red-throated Loon as an Environmental Indicator (map)

Development of the oil and gas reserves in the Beaufort Sea may have a significant impact on the bird populations in the region. This study evaluates the breeding population and productivity of an indicator species, the Red-throated Loon, before and after development. The first five years of the study have been completed and the results have been analysed. The next phase of the project will depend on the timing of development.

Duration: 1985 to undetermined end point Partners: Polar Continental Shelf Project (PCSP), Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (INAC)

Contact: Lynne Dickson

top

Tundra Swan as an Ecological Indicator of Oil and Gas Development in the Mackenzie Delta (map)

The Mackenzie Delta Region is one of the most important breeding areas for Tundra Swans in North America. Approximately, 1/3 of the Eastern Population of Tundra Swans nest in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region and nearby parts of the Gwich'in Settlement Area. The continental population of Tundra Swans is small compared to most other waterfowl, and this species has low productivity and needs to be long-lived to maintain populations. Thus, Tundra Swans are potentially susceptible to over-harvest and could be additionally impacted by energy development. Pairs, nests, and broods of swans are easily counted from the air, making this a suitable indicator species for environmental impact of oil/gas development and other environmental stressors in the delta.

Duration: 2001 to 2003

Partners: US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (INAC), Ducks Unlimited (DU), UNBC, WHC (Wildlife Habitat Canada)

Contact: Jim Hines

top

Distribution and Abundance of Waterfowl and Other Migratory Birds in the Mackenzie Delta Region (map)

The purpose of this project is to document changes in numbers of a number of species of waterfowl in the Mackenzie Delta, to evaluate the impacts of gas and oil development on migratory bird populations in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region and to guarantee that sustainable and high numbers of waterfowl are maintained in the Mackenzie Delta region for the use of Inuvialuit and other Canadians. The Mackenzie Delta, Tuktoyaktuk Peninsula, and neighbouring parts of the mainland Inuvialuit Settlement Region are among the most important breeding areas for waterfowl and other migratory birds in North America. Many species of waterfowl are harvested by local residents for subsistence use, and thus, the Inuvialuit are concerned that regional populations of these species are carefully managed. As well, general concerns about the status of many species exist at national and continental levels, further emphasizing the need for careful management. Proposed development of natural gas fields in the region could have and irreversible impact on waterfowl populations.

Duration: 2002 to 2004

Partners: Wildlife Management Advisory Council (WMAC), Polar Continental Shelf Project (PCSP)

Contact: Jim Hines

top

Back to Table of Contents