08mn053 Bimc NWP Shipping Review PT 1 Ia1e

Mary River Project:
Environmental Review of Shipping

through the Northwest Passage
FINAL REPORT
July 12, 2019

File: 121414789
Prepared for:
Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation

2275 Upper Middle Road East, Suite
300
Oakville, Ontario L6H 0C3
Prepared by:
Stantec Consulting Ltd.

102-40 Highfield Park Drive
Dartmouth NS B3A 0A3
Engagement with Inuvialuit?

Does it differer from QIA, KIA
because of it’s self-gov
agreement? What sort of
engagement will there be here if
shipping were to happen in the
NWP?
MARY RIVER PROJECT: ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW OF SHIPPING THROUGH THE NORTHWEST
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Table of Contents
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ....................................................................................... V
1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 1
2.0 SHIPPING ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION ............................................................................ 3

2.1 POTENTIAL PROJECT SHIPPING ................................................................................ 3
2.2 POTENTIAL SHIPPING ROUTES THROUGH THE NORTHWEST PASSAGE ............. 3
2.2.1 Regulatory Overview ......................................................................................3
2.2.2 Existing Project-Related Shipping ..................................................................4
2.2.3 Existing shipping activity through the Northwest Passage ..............................6
2.3 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND RESPONSE PLANS ..................................... 6
2.3.1 Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) .............................................................7
2.3.2 Shipping and Marine Wildlife Management Plan (SMWMP) ...........................7
2.3.3 Ballast Water Management Plan ....................................................................7
2.3.4 Emergency Response Plan ............................................................................8
2.3.5 Spill at Sea Response Plan (SSRP) ...............................................................8
3.0 METHODS ..................................................................................................................... 9
4.0 INUIT QAUJIMAJATUQANGIT (IQ)..............................................................................10

4.1 INUIT SEASONAL CALENDAR.....................................................................................10
4.2 MARINE ICE .................................................................................................................11
4.3 MARINE HABITAT AND BIOTA ....................................................................................11
4.3.1 Qikiqtaaluk region ........................................................................................11
4.3.2 Kitikmeot region ...........................................................................................12
4.4 MARINE MAMMALS .....................................................................................................12
4.4.2 Ktikmeot region ............................................................................................15
4.4.4 Ktikmeot region ............................................................................................16
4.5 ECOLOGICAL BIOLOGICAL AND SENSITIVE AREAS (EBSA) ...................................16
4.6 HUMAN ENVIRONMENT ..............................................................................................18
4.6.1 Marine hunting in the Qikiqtaaluk region ......................................................18
4.6.2 Marine hunting in the Kitikmeot Region ........................................................19
4.6.3 Seasonal Travel ...........................................................................................19
4.6.4 Inuit Place Names ........................................................................................20
4.6.5 Important Areas............................................................................................20
5.0 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ..........................................................................................22

5.1 ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT .................................................................................22
5.1.1 Regulatory Overview ....................................................................................22
5.1.2 Background Air Quality.................................................................................23
5.1.3 Climate Change ...........................................................................................26
5.1.4 Black Carbon ...............................................................................................26
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5.2 PHYSICAL MARINE ENVIRONMENT ...........................................................................27

5.2.1 Bathymetry ...................................................................................................27
5.2.2 Tides ............................................................................................................28
5.2.3 Ocean Currents ............................................................................................28
5.2.4 Seawater Properties .....................................................................................32
5.2.5 Sediment Properties .....................................................................................33
5.2.6 Sea Ice.........................................................................................................33
5.3 BIOLOGICAL MARINE ENVIRONMENT .......................................................................34
5.3.1 Phytoplankton ..............................................................................................34
5.3.2 Zooplankton .................................................................................................35
5.3.3 Benthos ........................................................................................................35
5.3.4 Fishes ..........................................................................................................36
5.3.5 Marine Mammals..........................................................................................37
5.3.6 Marine Birds .................................................................................................56
5.4 ECOLOGICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SENSITIVE AREAS (EBSA) ...................................70
5.5.1 Marine Environment .....................................................................................80
5.5.2 Hunting and Fishing .....................................................................................80
5.5.3 Important Marine Areas ................................................................................80
5.5.4 Seasonal Travel ...........................................................................................81
6.0 POTENTIAL INTERACTIONS.......................................................................................83

6.1 CLIMATE.......................................................................................................................85
6.2 MARINE MAMMALS .....................................................................................................86
6.2.1 Polar Bears ..................................................................................................86
6.2.2 Ringed Seal and Bearded Seal ....................................................................87
6.2.3 Narwhal ........................................................................................................88
6.2.4 Beluga Whale ...............................................................................................88
6.2.5 Bowhead Whale ...........................................................................................89
6.2.6 Walrus..........................................................................................................90
6.3 MARINE BIRDS ............................................................................................................91
7.0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS ................................................................................93
8.0 REFERENCES ..............................................................................................................95
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1 Location of seal species in the Qikiqtaaluk Region (see Figure 1 for location) .........13
Table 2 Inuit Place Names and their Meaning ......................................................................20
Table 3 Territorial AAQS in Applicable Jurisdictions Surrounding the Northwest
Passage Route ........................................................................................................23
Table 4 NAPS Maximum Measured Concentration Data for Inuvik and Iqaluit Stations
in 2016.....................................................................................................................24
Table 5 Ambient air quality Baseline Concentration of the Mine Site measured in July
2007 ........................................................................................................................24
Table 6 30-year Climate Normals for Weather Stations Near the Northwest Passage ..........25
Table 7 Conservation Status of Marine Mammals within the potential NWP shipping
routes ......................................................................................................................38
Table 8 Seabirds Known to Regularly Occur Within Study Area During Open-Water
Season: Conservation Status, Diet and Marine Habitat Use, Breeding
Presence, and Relative Abundance .........................................................................58
Table 9 Waterfowl known to use marine environments within the study area during
the open-water season: conservation status, diet and marine habitat use,
breeding presence, and relative abundance ............................................................61
Table 10 Shorebirds Likely to Use Marine Environment Within Study Area During
Open-Water Season: Conservation Status, Diet and Marine Habitat Use,
Breeding Presence, and Relative Abundance ..........................................................65
Table 11 Raptors Known to Use Marine Environments Within Study Area During Open-
Water Season: Conservation Status, Diet And Marine Habitat Use, Breeding
Presence, And Relative Abundance ........................................................................69
Table 12 Ecological and Biological Sensitive Areas Along Routes* ........................................70
Table 13 Important Habitat Areas for Marine Birds Directly Applicable to the Proposed
NWP Shipping Routes .............................................................................................75
Table 14 Consideration of Potential for Substantive Interactions Between the Shipping
in the Northwest Passage and VCs .........................................................................83
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Potential Shipping Routes......................................................................................... 2
Figure 2 Existing Shipping Route from Milne Port going East ................................................. 5
Figure 3 Inuit Seasonal Calendar as reported in QIA’s Uqausirisimajavut Report (QIA
2019b). ....................................................................................................................10
Figure 4 EBSAs identified within the five Arctic geographic regions within Canadian
Arctic waters as reported in DFO’s Identification report (2011) ................................17
Figure 5 Low impact shipping corridors in the Northwest Passage as identified in the
Arctic Corridors and Northern Voices report (Carter et al. 2018a). ...........................21
Figure 6 Ocean Currents and Polynyas of the CAA ...............................................................30
Figure 7 Near Surface Circulation ..........................................................................................31
Figure 8 Bowhead populations: Eastern (left) and Western population (right) (DFO
2019b, c) .................................................................................................................41
Figure 9 Narwhal Populations (DFO 2019d) ..........................................................................43
Figure 10 Beluga populations; Eastern High Arctic-Baffin Bay (left), Eastern Beaufort
Sea (right) (DFO 2019e, NOAA 2017) .....................................................................45
Figure 11 Subpopulations of Polar Bears that overlap with proposed shipping routes .............46
Figure 12 Summer distribution of various stocks of the Atlantic walrus O. r. rosmarus.
From NAMMCO (2019a) ..........................................................................................49
Figure 13 Distribution of the Atlantic Walrus, O. r. rosmarus and Pacific Walrus O. r.
divergens. From NAMMCO (2019a)) .......................................................................50
Figure 14 Walrus Haulouts in the Vicinity of Shipping Routes. From Higdon (2016). ...............51
Figure 15 Distribution of the five subspecies of the ringed seal (In Canadian Arctic
waters only one subspecies occurs, P.h. hispida). From NAMMCO 2019b ..............53
Figure 16 Habitat range of Erignathus barbatus barbatus and Erignathus barbatus
nauticus. From NAMMCO 2019c. ............................................................................55
Figure 17 Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas.........................................................72
Figure 18 Important Habitat Areas for Marine Birds .................................................................74
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Acronyms and Abbreviations
AAQS Ambient Air Quality Standards (AAQS)
AIRSS Arctic Ice Regime Shipping System
AWPPA Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act
BC Black carbon
COSEWIC Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada
DFO Fisheries and Oceans Canada
EBSA Ecological biological and sensitive areas
EPP Environmental Protection Plan (EPP)
IQ Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit
Mtpa Million tonnes per annum
NIRB Nunavut Impact Review Board
NWP Northwest Passage
QIA Qikiqtani Inuit Association
SARA Species at Risk Act
SMWMP Shipping and Marine Wildlife Management Plan
SSRP Spill at Sea Response Plan
TSD Technical Support Document
VC valued component
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Introduction
July 12, 2019
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Baffinland’s Mary River Project (the Project) is an operating iron ore mine located on northern Baffin
Island, in the Qikiqtani Region of Nunavut and the Canadian Arctic (Figure 1). Baffinland’s initial Project
consisted of mining iron ore from the reserve at Deposit No. 1 with a production rate of 18 Million tonnes
per year (Mtpa) and transporting the ore to market along a newly constructed railway from the mine site to
port at Steensby Inlet. The Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) issued Project Certificate No. 005 for
this initial Project on December 28, 2012, although the South Railway to Steensby Inlet is yet to be built.
In 2013-2014, Baffinland prepared an addendum to the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for
the Early Revenue Phase (ERP) and the Project Certificate was subsequently amended to include
trucking of ore to the north by existing road (the Tote Road) and exporting via Milne Port and then Milne
Inlet (Figure 1).
In 2018, Baffinland submitted an addendum to the FEIS for the Phase 2 Proposal. The Phase 2 Proposal
involves increasing the quantity of ore shipped through Milne Port by 12 Mtpa (i.e., for a total 30 Mtpa),
via the construction of a new railway running parallel to the existing Tote Road (i.e., the North Railway).
During the Technical Review period of the Phase 2 Proposal, Baffinland committed to providing additional
information about marine shipping routes through Navy Board Inlet and the Northwest Passage (NWP)
(Figure 1). Committed to NIRB?
The objective of this report is to review potential shipping routes through the NWP for ore carriers from
Milne Port, the existing biophysical conditions along those routes, and identify issues of greatest potential
concern with respect to potential interactions between Project-related shipping and the environment.
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Project Location Project Number 121414789
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Notes
1. Coordinate System: Canada Lambert Conformal Conic
> 3000 E - M’Clintock Channel Shipping through the Northwest Passage
2. Data Sources: DataBC, Government of British Columbia;
Natural Resources Canada F - Prince of Wales Strait Figure No.
1
G - Southern Route (Victoria Strait, Title
Larsen Sound, Queen Maud Gulf, Potential Shipping Routes
Coronation Gulf, and Amundsen Gulf)
Disclaimer: Stantec assumes no responsibility for data supplied in electronic format. The recipient accepts full responsibility for verifying the accuracy and completeness of the data. The recipient releases Stantec, its officers, employees, consultants and agents, from any and all claims arising in any way from the content or provision of the data.
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Shipping Activity Description

July 12, 2019
When did the need for this
2.0 SHIPPING ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION potential alternate route
come up? Was it during
technical hearings — its
2.1 POTENTIAL PROJECT SHIPPING noted that this EA was
promised at the hearings.
Pond Inlet will remain the primary transit corridor for the Project; however, some Ore Carriers may
proceed through Navy Board Inlet under several specific circumstances and subject to prevailing ice
conditions and Arctic Ice Regime Shipping System (AIRSS) calculations to access the North West
Passage and customer ports in the Pacific Ocean.
It is possible that, to reduce the number of ships transiting past Pond Inlet or due to other considerations
including ice conditions, some ships may use Navy Board Inlet to travel east to Baffin Bay.
Inbound and outbound transits via Navy Board Inlet would be regulated in the same manner as for Pond
Inlet, including speed restrictions and standard waypoints. Shipping through the NWP would occur only
during Upirgaaq and Aujaq (the Inuit late spring and summer seasons), which are characterized by ice-
free waterways (e.g. <1/10 ice cover). Also, Project vessels will not empty or exchange ballast water
within the NWP, nor will they release grey water or other effluent.
Instructions to ships, prepared by Fednav Limited (2019), provide waypoints to navigate into and out of
Milne Port, along with approved anchorage locations, vessel speed restrictions, and other information
related to safe navigation to the port. The need for seasonal changes to this routing have not been
identified to date, nor have navigational aids been required. The standing instructions require vessels to
reduce speed to a maximum of 9 knots beginning at the entrance to Pond Inlet (at 75° longitude) through
Eclipse Sound and Milne Inlet.
2.2 POTENTIAL SHIPPING ROUTES THROUGH THE NORTHWEST

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The shipping routes considered in this report involve Project vessels leaving Milne Inlet, travelling north-
northwest through Navy Board Inlet and then west through the NWP to the Beaufort Sea and beyond.
Multiple routing options through the NWP have been identified and are shown in Figure 1. Route selection
for each transit will depend on many factors, including navigational safety, ice conditions, ecological and
biological sensitivities, and the destination of the vessel. This report reviews these potential routes in the
context of biophysical attributes, seasonal animal movements, socio-economic values, and potential
sensitivities assuming interactions with Project-related vessels.
2.2.1 Regulatory Overview
Shipping is undertaken in accordance with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) International
Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code) and the Canada Shipping Act and the Arctic
Waters Pollution Prevention Act (AWPPA). One of the key regulations of the AWPPA is the Arctic
Shipping Safety and Pollution Prevention Regulations (ASSPPR), which concerns navigation in coastal
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waters within Canadian jurisdiction north of latitude 60°N. The ASSPPR covers various aspects related to
safe shipping in Arctic waters, such as: ship construction requirements, navigation equipment, bunkering
stations, Ice Navigators, fuel, sewage, and oil handling, and restrictions on releases (TSD 02 – Project
Description). ASSPPR also mandates nominal seasons (zone/dates) for the various zones vessels will
traverse through the NWP. Navigation in the zones outside of the nominal dates is permitted to the
extent that vessels remain within ice conditions consistent with their structural capability as determined
under the Arctic Ice Regime Shipping System (AIRSS) or POLARIS. Both of which are recognized risk
assessment tools incorporated by reference in the ASSPPR and the Polar Code.
The Canadian Ballast Water Control and Management Regulations require ships to have ballast water
management plans, and either exchange or treat their ballast prior to discharge into Canadian receiving
waters. At this point in time, ships calling at Milne Port use ballast water exchange as the preferred What is ballast water
method of ballast water management. As the D-2 Standard is implemented in Canadian waters for exchange?
international ships, Baffinland’s ships will be expected to perform ballast water treatment.
The QIA, Government of Nunavut, and Government of Canada finalized the boundary for the protection
area of Tallurutiup Imanga. This National Marine Conservation Area will protect important polar bear,
beluga whale, bowhead whale, and narwal habitat. It consists of Lancaster Sound (from Baffin Bay to
beyond Somerset Island) and adjoining waters (e.g. Navy Board Inlet, Admiralty Inlet). The area
intersects the proposed routes, and activity will become subject to management plans, which are in
development.
2.2.2 Existing Project-Related Shipping
Supramax (approximately 55,000 deadweight tonnes [DWT]) to post-Panamax (approximately

110,000 DWT) ore carrier vessels are currently chartered for Project-related shipping activities. The
eastern shipping route from Milne Port is well-established, extending from the head of Milne Port through
Milne Inlet, Eclipse Sound, and Pond Inlet into Baffin Bay before proceeding to the North Atlantic Ocean
(Figure 2). The approximate, shipping window out of Milne Port heading east is from July 15 to October
15. Ore carriers accessing Milne Inlet exchange ballast in the North Atlantic or Labrador Sea as per the
Ballast Water Control and Management Regulations administered under the Canada Shipping Act.
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July 12, 2019
Source: TSD 02 – Project Description

Figure 2 Existing Shipping Route from Milne Port going East
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2.2.3 Existing shipping activity through the Northwest Passage
The Northern Canada Vessel Traffic Services (NORDREG) considers a full transit of the NWP to include
Baffin Bay to the Beaufort Sea, while a partial transit includes traveling westward as far as Cambridge
Bay or eastward as far as Resolute.
NORDREG also keeps records of local shipping within the Arctic Canada Traffic Zone. NORDREG
requires reports from ships over 300 gross tonnes, tug and ship combinations over 500 gross tonnes, and
ships with pollutants or dangerous goods. From 2012 to 2014, the number of shipping trips within the
Arctic Canada Traffic Zone averaged 862 per year, including Canadian Coast Guard ships, fishing
vessels, pleasure crafts, tankers, tugs, and special purpose vessels (ERM Rescan 2015).
Within Nunavut Territory, the shipping traffic through the Nunavut Marine Area more than doubled
between 1990 and 2015, increasing from 345,567 total km travelled annually in 1990 to 793,684 km in
2015 (Dawson et al. 2017). Dawson et al. (2017) analyzed available NORDREG data and observed that
the voyage count remained relatively consistent from 1990 until approximately 2005, and then increased
sharply over the following ten years. In recent years, the majority of shipping traffic overall has been from
general cargo ships, government vessels and icebreakers, and tankers (Dawson et al. 2017). Vessel
types in the Kitikmeot region were primarily government (including ice breakers) and pleasure crafts; in
the Qikiqtaaluk region, vessels were primarily government ships (including ice breakers) and cargo ships;
in the Kivalliq region, vessels were primarily general cargo ships, bulk carriers, and tankers (Dawson et al.
2017).
2.3 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND RESPONSE PLANS

Existing environmental management, response, and monitoring plans that are in place for the approved
Project and recently updated for the Phase 2 Proposal would apply to shipping in the NWP. As required,
these plans could be updated to mitigate any new and potentially adverse interactions with the
environment along specific route options. The existing plans include:
• Environmental Protection Plan (EPP)
• Shipping and Marine Wildlife Management Plan (SMWMP)
• Ballast Water Management Plan
• Emergency Response Plan
• Spill at Sea Response Plan (SSRP)
The following subsections describe the purpose of these plans.
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July 12, 2019
2.3.1 Environmental Protection Plan (EPP)
The purpose of the EPP is to place a high-level of importance on the protection of the environment by
Project Personnel throughout the lifecycle of the Project. The EPP provides Operational Environmental
Standards to identify and address Project environmental issues and concerns and to provide guidance
and control measures, to reduce/limit potential adverse interactions with the environment, and to mitigate
potential interactions or impacts to the extent necessary to prevent undue harm or adverse effects.
The EPP includes direction on vessel speeds.
2.3.2 Shipping and Marine Wildlife Management Plan (SMWMP)
The SMWMP has been developed to:
• address the issues of concern to Inuit with respect to shipping;
• establish rules and procedures applicable to shipping during the construction, operational and
decommissioning phases of the Project; and
• provide for Inuit involvement in the planning, environmental management, and decision-making
processes related to shipping.
This would require significant updating
Specifically, the SMWMP: as new routes, with new potential wildlife
interactions and local concerns occur,
correct?
• describes the means whereby Baffinland transports construction materials and equipment to the site,
and exports iron ore from Milne Port;
• describes the management of the shipping operation, including vessel specifications and procedures
for chartering and operating suitable vessels for exporting iron ore on a seasonal basis;
• addresses the management, routing, and operation of ships and describes how the vessels will
navigate through and in the vicinity of ice; and
• describes monitoring and mitigation measures, and adaptive management procedures, to be

employed in addressing potential adverse interactions between Project-related vessels and marine
mammals, fish, and seabirds.
2.3.3 Ballast Water Management Plan
A Ballast Water Management Plan has been drafted for the Phase 2 Proposal to address:
• the increased risk from invasive species and requirements of the International Convention for the
Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments;
• ballast water monitoring and reporting requirements specific to the Project; and
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July 12, 2019
• management and reporting procedures in the event of non-compliance.
2.3.4 Emergency Response Plan
The Emergency Response Plan identifies potential environmental, health and safety emergencies that
could arise during the construction and operation phases of the Project. This plan establishes the
framework for responding to emergency situations and applies to all aspects of the operation. The
Emergency Response Plan also defines Baffinland’s organizational roles and responsibilities, internal and
external contact information, training, resources, and reporting requirements, to which Project personnel
are directed.
2.3.5 Spill at Sea Response Plan (SSRP)
The SSRP provides guidance on the actions and reporting requirements to be followed in the unlikely
event of a fuel spill from Baffinland’s shipping operations. The SSRP offers guidance on the necessary
actions to prevent or reduce the probability of an accidental discharge of fuel and to mitigate negative
effects to the environment should one occur. Specifically, the SSRP supplies Baffinland’s Mine Rescue
Teams and Emergency Management Teams with the tactical and strategic action plans, main
procedures, and information and reporting requirements during a fuel spill response.
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Methods
July 12, 2019
3.0 METHODS
This report provides an overview of the existing environmental conditions within Navy Board Inlet and the
multiple NWP shipping route options as shown in Figure 1. Descriptions of the existing biophysical and
socio-economic environments use information gleaned from Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) sources where
available (Section 4) and information from published scientific literature, government databases, and
other reports, including those previously prepared for the Project (Section 5).
The potential interactions between Project-related shipping along these routes and the existing
biophysical and socio-economic valued components (VCs) of the region are discussed in Section 6. This
discussion assumes Project-related vessels abide by relevant rules and regulations of shipping in the
region (Section 2.2.1), and Baffinland’s Environmental Management and Response Plans (Section 2.3);
relevant mitigative measures are in place and act as designed to protect environmental receptors from
potential adverse effects. At the beginning of Section 6, a table is provided to identify interactions that
may be substantive (i.e., where there is potential that an interaction may result in an adverse
environmental effect that warrants specialized mitigation or additional planning). Where potential exists
for a substantive interaction, additional discussion and information is provided in the subsequent
subsections to describe the interaction. This report is not an environmental assessment, and does not
present conclusions as to the significance of residual environmental effects.
The discussion of the existing environment is organized by VC and focuses on issues of greatest
potential concern, consistent with other Project reports.
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Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ)

July 12, 2019
Would consultation with the
4.0 INUIT QAUJIMAJATUQANGIT (IQ)

Kitikmeot Inuit Association, as
well as Inuvialuit also be
necessary as you look at
shipping in the NWP?
In its recently developed IQ Statements document, the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) identified core
principles for the collection, use, and protection of IQ (QIA 2019a). Baffinland recognizes the need for an
Inuit lens to be applied to planning all Project activities and to meaningfully incorporate IQ into this review
of shipping routes through the NWP. Baffinland is also involved in ongoing engagement with the Qikiqtani
Inuit Association (QIA) and is developing an IQ Management Framework to guide its ongoing collection
and use of IQ to support the project. It is important to Baffinland that IQ is considered on par with western
science when addressing potential interactions between the Project and regional resources, including the
use of IQ for identifying VCs and how potential Project-related interactions with those VCs may vary
across the region and seasonally. The IQ reported here is the intellectual property of the Inuit knowledge
holders who participated in the cited reports.
4.1 INUIT SEASONAL CALENDAR

The Inuit seasonal calendar reflects environmental conditions such as the length of daylight and ice
conditions (QIA 2018, 2019a). The ice conditions are reflected in four different ways: pan ice and
polynyas, floe edge, open water, and freeze up (QIA 2019b). There are six seasons in the Inuit calendar;
Upirgaaq (early winter), Ukiuq (winter), Upirngasaaq (early spring), Upirngaaq (late spring), Aujaq
(summer), Ukiassaq (early fall) (QIA 2019b). Shipping along the proposed routes will only take place
during Aujaq and Upirgaaq in open water conditions.
Figure 3 Inuit Seasonal Calendar as reported in QIA’s Uqausirisimajavut Report

(QIA 2019b).
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4.2 MARINE ICE

Floe edge (Sinaaq), Icebergs (Piqalujat), and Polynyas (Aukkarniit) facilitate life in the Arctic by
supporting marine species through open water spaces and offering landmarks and various environmental
cues to hunters and harvesters for locating potential prey (QIA 2018). For example, harvesters use
Icebergs to locate the floe edge. In Upirnagaaq (late Spring), the Inuit know that the widening and
disappearance of ice will lead to hunting basking seals at floe edge and breathing holes (QIA 2018; QIA
2019a). Inuit have specific terms for ice and navigation (QIA 2018). First year ice, when it is land-locked
for winter, is named tuvaq, the sound of ice rubbing is called niiqquluktaq, and the hard snow under soft
snow that would convey whether it was safe to travel is called pukajaak (QIA 2018).
Nutrient-rich waters near icebergs and floe edges stimulate the growth and reproduction of primary
producers, such as phytoplankton, which support the food web for apex feeders like the polar bear (QIA
2018; York et al., 2016). Because of the abundance of food resources, the floe edge is where wildlife
typically goes to feed, find mates, and reproduce. The predictable patterns of wildlife using floe edges,
therefore, draws hunters and harvesters (QIA 2018). The floe edge is also where harvesters compare
conditions year-after-year and gather useful information for evaluating the changing states of ice and
hunting conditions across seasons (QIA 2018). The distance to the flow edge is determined by tunnguniq
(water sky), where the fog rises from floe edge in the winter (QIA 2018). Icebreaking can prevent the
formation of floe edge by damaging the ice pack and causing early break-up. As a result, harvesters can
be trapped on the damaged floe edge that has drifted from its original place (Nunavut Planning
Commission 2016).
Polynyas are areas of the ocean that do not freeze over. Wildlife that are found in these over-wintering
areas are ringed and bearded seals, beluga, and narwhal (QIA 2018).
4.3 MARINE HABITAT AND BIOTA

4.3.1 Qikiqtaaluk region
4.3.1.1 Fish
Fish are an important part of Inuit culture and survival, and also represent economic and commercial
opportunities for communities (QIA 2018, 2019). As part of the Inuit seasonal harvesting cycle, harvesters
take note of fish behaviours throughout the year (QIA 2018). For example, fish are used as an indicator of
where and when to find marine mammals (QIA 2018). Four fish species that are most commonly
harvested in the Qikiqtaaluk region are; Arctic char, Arctic cod, sculpin and Greenland halibut (NWMB
2004). For detail on concentrations of fish during different seasons, please refer to TSD 03 – Community
Workshops.
Three species of cod are located in the Qikiqtaaluk region: Atlantic cod, Arctic cod, and Greenland cod
(QIA 2018). Cod near the floe edge during spring migration play an important role in the food web (QIA
2018). Cod gather near the ice edge and just below the landfast and first year ice (QIA 2018). The main
sources of food for cod are amphipods and krill.
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Inuit use Arctic char to find ringed seal, bearded seal, harp seal, walrus, narwhal, and beluga (QIA 2018).
Arctic char can be found in inlets and fjords, or in freshwater lakes while spawning. Inuit have reported
char in all communities in the Qikiqtaaluk region and in the open ocean areas off the coast of Qikiqtajuaq,
Clyde River, and Pond Inlet (QIA 2018). Tugaat Lake, Qinngua, Trembly Inlet and surrounding areas are
also abundant in Arctic Char and harvesters consider these as valued fishing locations (QIA 2019a).
Capelin is another indicator used by hunters to track marine mammals moving closer to shore (QIA 2018).
When capelin are present, whales and seals typically follow (QIA 2018). Harvesters have also reported
fishing for American eel, Atlantic salmon, Greenland shark, herring, Northern wolfish, sand lance,
Greenland halibut and the Grenadier in the Qikiqtaaluk region (QIA 2018).
4.3.1.2 Benthic species

Benthic and demersal species are important to the diet and culture of all Inuit communities (QIA 2018).
Inuit harvest many benthic species such as barnacles, clams, starfish, urchins, crabs, and mussels and
use them for food and/or medicinal treatments. Kelp and other marine algae are also used for medicinal
purposes (QIA 2018).
4.3.2 Kitikmeot region
4.3.2.1 Fish
Arctic Char are the main fish species for the Inuit in the Ktikmeot region. Harvesters consider the majority
of the rivers that flow into the ocean as “Char rivers.” During July and August, nets are set along the
southern shore of Victoria Island between Byron and Anderson bays where Arctic char, cod and sculpin
are caught for sustenance (Canadian Circumpolar Institute, 1992).Other important fish species for Inuit
hunters and harvesters include lake trout, Arctic Cisco, Broad Whitefish, Grayling, Burbot, Arctic and
Saffron Cod, Capelin, Herring, Eels, Wolffish, and Pacific Salmon (Banci and Spicker 2014).
4.3.2.2 Benthic Species

Benthic and demersal species are important to the diet and culture of all Inuit communities (QIA 2018).
Inuit harvest many benthic species such as barnacles, clams, starfish, urchins, crabs, and mussels and
use them for food and/or medicinal treatments. Kelp and other marine algae are also used for medicinal
purposes (QIA 2018).
4.4 MARINE MAMMALS

4.4.1.1 Seals
Ringed seals are present year-round and critical to the Inuit diet (QIA 2018, 2019). Seals are found near
breathing holes in Upirngasaaq (late spring), moving toward open water in Aujaq (summer) and reach the
floe edge in Ukiaq (fall/early winter) (QIA 2018, 2019). Several other species can be found in the
Qikiqtaaluk region, too, including bearded seal, harbour seal, harp seal, and hooded seal (Table 1).
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Table 1 Location of seal species in the Qikiqtaaluk Region (see Figure 1 for location)
Species Location
Ringed Seal • Abundant year round in Jones Sound, Arctic Bay, Pond Inlet, Clyde River,
Pangnirtung, Cumberland Sound, Qikiqtarjuaq
• Found in fjords near Grise Fjord during open water season.
Bearded Seal • Found on the western side of Admiralty Inlet in Aujaq (summer), Pond Inlet, Clyde
River, Pangnirtung, Qikiqtarjuaq, Cumberland Sound
Harbour Seal • Found in Clyde River
• Rare to see in Grise Fjord, Pangnirtung and Clyde River
Harp Seal • Found in Pond Inlet, Clyde River, Cumberland Sound
• Have been seen passing through Qikiqtarjuaq during open water periods
Hooded Seal • Found in Pond Inlet, Clyde River
• Have been seen passing through Qikiqtarjuaq during open water periods
• Rare in Clyde River and Grise Fjord
Source: QIA (2018, 2019a)
4.4.1.2 Walrus
Walruses are found year-round in the Qikiqtaaluk region (QIA 2018). Walrus are known by several names
by the Inuit, such as “aiviq” (their common name), “tiqlaralik”, which means “the animal that has
something to pierce with,’ or “kauligjuaq”, meaning “the big one with thick skin” (QIA 2018). Walrus have
similar behavioural patterns as many of the seals in the Qikiqtaaluk region; for example, they move
inshore from open water to pack ice in wintering grounds (QIA 2018). Walrus give birth between
Upirngasaaq (late spring) and early Aujaq (summer) (QIA 2018). While males stay offshore in deep and
open water, females often travel inshore (QIA 2018). In Ukiuq (winter), walruses are located in the north
water polynya, on pack ice in the David Strait, and outside Cumberland Sound in Davis Strait (QIA 2018).
Pups are often spotted south of Clyde Inlet during Upirngasaaq (early spring) (see Figure 1 for location)
(QIA 2018).
4.4.1.3 Whales
There are three species of whale that are regularly harvested by the Inuit: beluga, narwhal, and bowhead
(QIA 2018). Whales are often spoken about by Inuit as animals that move together (QIA 2018). They tend
to move north as the ice begins to melt and the daylight becomes longer in Upirngaaq (late spring) (QIA
2018). In the Qikiqtaaluk region, all three species overlap geographically along the coasts of Pond Inlet,
Clyde River, Qikiqarjuaq, Pangirtung, Iqaluit, Hall Beach, Igloolik, Arctic Bay, Grise Fiord, and Resolute
Bay (QIA 2018).
Narwhal are known to have a distinct migratory path and return to the same summering grounds in inlets
and fjords each year (QIA 2018). Narwhal migrate into Eclipse Sound from both Navy Inlet and Pond
Inlet, large male narwhals are often the first to enter the leads, ahead of females and calves (TSD 03 –
Community Workshops). Harvesters have noted that narwhal behaviour has been influenced by shipping,
changes in ice, and tidal currents (QIA 2018, 2019). Harvesters believe that narwhal increase their food
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intake in the fall before migration and fast during migration (QIA 2018). Narwhal tend to swim in deeper
waters and feed on fish such as Arctic char and cod (QIA 2018).
The Inuit in Arctic Bay and Grise Fjord refer to narwhal as a shared resource and identify them in two
forms; the population of those scared from harpoons and chipped tusks in shallow waters, and those in
deep waters of Admiralty Inlet (QIA 2018). During Upirngaaq (late spring), narwhal give birth in fjords and
inlets (QIA 2018). Calving occurs in Eclipse Sound, Baffin Bay, Home Bay, Cumberland Sound, and Navy
Board Inlet (QIA 2018; Section 4.2 of QIA 2019a).
Beluga inhabit shallow waters near the floe edge where they feed on Arctic cod and Greenland halibut
(QIA 2018). In the fall, beluga tend to swim along river mouths where the Arctic char will stage prior to
migrating into the freshwater lakes to spawn (QIA 2018). Cumberland Sound, and especially Clearwater
fjord, provide an important habitat for beluga. Clearwater fjord connects to freshwater rivers where Arctic
char migrate, which tends to attract hunting beluga (QIA 2018).Belugas mate and give birth between
Upirngaaq and Aujaq (late spring to summer); known birthing areas include Jones Sound, Admiralty Inlet,
southern Navy Board Inlet, southern Milne Inlet, and Koluktoo Bay (QIA 2018). Moulting takes place in
Aujaq (summer) (QIA 2018), which is also a season when calves are often seen (QIA 2018). Harvesters
have observed that the behavioral patterns of beluga are different in Clyde River and Qikiqtarjuaq and
believe that increased shipping may be moving them off their migratory paths (QIA 2018).
In the eastern Arcitic, bowhead whales travel east toward the Baffin coast as ice retreats (QIA 2018).
Bowhead whales generally arrive at the floe edge during Upirngaaq (late spring). However, bowhead
whales are not regularly harvested because they are under a harvesting quota system (TSD 03 –
Community Workshops). By Ukiassaaq (fall) the bowhead whales will have had made their way into
inlets and then back into open waters (QIA 2018). Harvesters stated that the bowhead whales return to
the North Water Polynya before freeze (QIA 2018).
The Qikiqtaaluk region is also inhabited on occasion by pods of killer whales (QIA 2018). Killer whales are
not harvested but they are used as a reference marker for other whales as they drive them to shallower
areas, making it easier for harvesters to access the beluga, narwhal, and bowhead (QIA 2018). Killer
whales are viewed as a competitor to hunters because they hunt narwhal, beluga, and seals. Killer
whales generally stay in open waters and are not noted to be at floe edges or leads (QIA 2018).
Harvesters and communities reported that killer whales surround the Arctic Bay and Pond Inlet areas
(QIA 2018).
4.4.1.4 Polar Bears

Polar Bears can be spotted throughout the Northern regions of North America. In the Qikiqtaaluk region,
they can be found along Baffin, Devon, and Ellesmere Island coastlines (QIA 2018). Their primary food is
ringed seals and, consequently, their lifestyle and distribution is closely linked to the ringed seal (QIA
2018). Qikiqtaaluk harvesters have commented that polar bear move inland in the summer as much as 25
kilometers, that they hunt seals on pack ice and at floe edges during winter and spring, and den in the
snow during fall and winter (QIA 2018, Section 4.2 of QIA 2019a).
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4.4.2 Ktikmeot region
4.4.2.1 Seals
Seals are found near breathing holes in Upirngasaaq (late spring), moving toward open water in Aujaq
(summer), and reach the floe edge in Ukiaq (fall/early winter) (Banci and Spicker, 2014). Ringed seals are
the most important marine mammal to inhabitants of the Ktikmeot region (Banci and Spicker, 2014).
Although it is rare, bearded seals have been captured as well. Inuit have reported seeing them in river
mouths, specifically in Hiukkittak and Tahikyaoknahik (Banci and Spicker, 2014). Bearded and ringed
seals have been reported off the Northern coast of Kent Peninsula by Inuit in the Ktikmeok region (Banci
and Spicker, 2014).
4.4.2.2 Walrus
Few walruses have been reported in the Ktikmeok region. Walruses that have been seen were located in
the opening of Bathurst Inlet (Banci and Spicker, 2014).
4.4.2.3 Whales
During spring migration, pods of belugas move southward through Peel Sound and Franklin Strait into
Larsen Sound. Harvesters have reported Franklin Strait as the southern limit of summer range for
narwhals and belugas which move into the Peel Sound area from Barrow Strait (Canadian Circumpolar
Institute, 1992). According to the Canadian Circumpolar Institute (1992), approximately 1,500 belugas
concentrate in the Peel Sound-Franklin Strait area. In addition, large groups of beluga whales have been
reported in Melville Sound, Cambridge Bay, and Bathurst Inlet (Banci and Spicker, 2014, Canadian
Circumpolar Institute 1992). Narhwals have been seen east of Kent Peninsula and north of Ekooktok
(MacAlpine Islands) (Banci and Spicker, 2014). In the western Arctic, belugas can be found in the East
and West areas of the Mackenzie River Delta and Shallow Bay in July. Belugas are also said to give birth
and feed in this estuary (Inuuvik Community Corporation 2006).
4.4.2.4 Polar Bears

There are four subpopulations of polar bears in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (ISR); Southern Beaufort
Sea, Northern Beaufort Sea, Viscount Melville Sound, and Arctic Basin (Joint Secretariat 2017). Their
location is typically dependent on sea ice conditions and availability of prey. Traditional knowledge
findings indicate that the ice conditions matter, and type, thickness, and location will determine where
bears are found (Joint Secretariat 2017). The increase in marine mammals seems to coincide with higher
occurrences of polar bear (Banci and Spicker, 2014). Polar bears have been found in Peel Sound along
the eastern coast of Prince of Wales Island. In addition, Hadley Bay, on the eastern side of Victoria
Island, has been reported as an important feeding area for polar bears in Upirngasaaq (spring) (Canadian
Circumpolar Institute 1992). Marine birds
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Marine birds often arrive in the Qikiqtaaluk region during Upirngasaaq (late spring) and emigrate at the
end of Aujaq (summer) (QIA 2018). Three species remain in the region year-round, such as the black
guillemot, thick-billed murre, and eider duck (QIA 2018). Black guillemot and thick-billed murre are
typically found in open-waters during the winter. Eider ducks are located in Pangnirtung (QIA 2018).
Although it is rare, the harlequin duck has also been spotted in some areas on Baffin Island (Gilchrist et
al. 2005). In addition, eider ducks that reside in the polynyas are not able to forage for mussels on the
seafloor for several hours each day due to the strong tidal currents (Gilchrist et al. 2005).
4.4.4 Ktikmeot region
In the Ktikmeot region, birds are an important source of food for coastal Inuit (Banci and Spicker 2014).
Birds present in the region include mergansers, gulls, jaegers, shorebirds, loons, ducks, and geese
(Banci and Spicker 2014). In addition, important nesting habitat for raptors are available on cliffs and
include species such as rough-legged hawks, gyrfalcon, and peregrine falcons. Cliffs are also used by
some colonial nesting birds such as gulls and cliff swallows (Banci and Spicker 2014). Coastal raptor
nesting areas are identified in the south in Kiligiktokmik, north of Hanningayuk (Beechey Lake), and on
the islands in Elu Inlet and near the mouths of Kolgaok (Tingmeak River), Kunayok (Ellice River),
Kugyoak (Perry River), Kingaok, and Omingmaktok (Banci and Spicker 2014). Eider ducks are common
in the Cambridge Bay area and relatively more abundant in Bathurst Inlet. Large numbers of eider ducks
have also been reported on the islands of Melville Sound and Malighiovik (Banci and Spicker 2014).
4.5 ECOLOGICAL BIOLOGICAL AND SENSITIVE AREAS (EBSA)

DFO has identified a number of potential EBSA’s in the Canadian Arctic region (Figure 4) (DFO, 2011).
The process of identifying EBSAs included a review of traditional knowledge and IQ reports and a
community tour by DFO to gather feedback (Newton et al, 2012); some of that community feedback is
reflected in the following text.
The Cape Dorset community identified areas of greatest importance to be in the Hudson Complex region
(EBSA’s 1.11,1.12,1.13). Inuit expressed concerns about interactions between ships and marine
mammals and the increasing likelihood of collisions due to increased shipping. They also reported that
DFO scientists did not identify important wildlife in this area, including harp seals, harbour seals, and
bearded seals (DFO 2011 and Newton et al. 2012). The community of Pangnirtung identified the Hatton
Basin-Labrador Sea-Davis Strait (EBSA 2.8) to be of importance and lacking information on key marine
species to the Inuit, including red fish, shrimp, and ringed seal (DFO, 2011 and Newton et al, 2012). The
Hunters and Trappers Organization (HTO) of Gjoa Haven acknowledged the need for Sherman Basin to
be included in the Queen Maud Gulf Coastline (EBSA 3.3), as it is an important habitat for whitefish. King
William Island (EBSA 3.5) is a high-density area for polar bear pupping, denning, and feeding and the
EBSA does not adequately highlight this. The HTO reported that this is likely the area that would be most
affected by increased shipping (DFO, 2011 and Newton et al, 2012). Taloyoak HTO identified a number
of marine species that were not reflected in the Peel Sound region (EBSA 2.5), including harp seals,
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ringed seals, walrus, polar bears, and northern fulmars (DFO, 2011 and Newton et al, 2012). Prince
Regent Inlet (EBSA 2.3), Gulf of Boothia (EBSA 2.4), and Peel Sound (EBSA 2.5) should all highlight
polar bear and northern fulmar as key species (DFO, 2011 and Newton et al, 2012). In addition, it was
noted that there is a large population of bearded seals on King William Island (EBSA 3.5) (DFO, 2011 and
Newton et al, 2012). The HTO of Kugaaruk stated that the Gulf of Boothia (EBSA 2.4) is an important
area for walrus and beluga whales (DFO, 2011 and Newton et al, 2012). In addition, Peel Sound (EBSA
2.5) should include all seal species and it is a very important feeding area for marine mammals in general
(DFO 2011 and Newton et al. 2012).
In April 2019, the Qikitani Inuit Association (QIA), Government of Nunavut and the Government of
Canada formally began consideration of establishing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) for the Nunavut
region, including Lancaster Sound. EBSAs have also been used for supporting ongoing efforts to
establish MPAs in the Ktikmeot region;Peel Sound and Bellot Strait. The MPA efforts are ongoing; and
are focused on preserving specific marine ecosystem characteristics for ice dependent and culturally
important resources; such as polar bear, walrus, and seals. While several of the proposed routes overlap
the short-listed areas (D1/D2 – See Figure 1) it is important to note that shipping is not inconsistent with
the protection of the features that have been the grounds for selecting the MPA’s.
Figure 4 EBSAs identified within the five Arctic geographic regions within Canadian
Arctic waters as reported in DFO’s Identification report (2011)
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4.6 HUMAN ENVIRONMENT

4.6.1 Marine hunting in the Qikiqtaaluk region
Several hunting-related values have been identified in the Eclipse Sound region between Bylot Island and
northern Baffin Island (QIA 2019a), including (a) migration corridors for seal, polar bear, and narwhal,
migration corridors, (b) important habitats for polar bear, seals, narwhal, and walrus, and (c) refuge,
feeding, gathering areas, and calving grounds for narwhal (QIA 2019a, TSD 03 – Community
Workshops). This area also includes a cache for fish and other food items, kill sites for multiple prey
species, and butchering and meal processing sites (QIA 2019a). For detail on the location of harvesting
areas in the Eclipse Sound and Navy Board Inlet region, please refer to TSD 03.Inuit harvest beluga and
narwhal along the flow edge and open water periods, primarily between Upirngaaq and Aujaq (i.e., May to
September) (QIA 2018). Under certain weather conditions, narwhal may remain into Ukiassaaq (i.e.,
October and November) (QIA 2018). Bowhead whales arrive during Upirngaaq (i.e., May/June) and
harvesters report that they travel to the eastern Baffin coast near the floe edge (QIA 2018). Harvesters
have observed that bowheads tend to move offshore when in the vicinity of boats, which appears to be
occurring more often as shipping increases in the northern regions (QIA 2018).
Seals and walrus have been noted to be important in Inuit survival and culture (QIA 2018, 2019). Seal
hunting takes place year-round in the east Baffin communities. Depending on the seasons, hunting takes
place at breathing holes, the floe edge, newly formed ice, or in open water (QIA 2018, 2019). Walrus was
traditionally hunted from the floe edge in Ukiuq through Upirngaaq (i.e., November to early July) and in
open water in Aujaq (i.e., July to August) (QIA 2018, TSD 03 – Community Workshops). Polar bears are
hunted in all Baffin-region communities and the number of bears hunted is dependent on the quota
management system that has been established by the Government of Nunavut (QIA 2018).
Arctic char is the most common and important fish to the Inuit diet in the Qikiqtaaluk region and is
harvested year round (QIA 2018; Section 4.4 of QIA 2019a). Arctic char are typically harvested at the
mouths of rivers while migrating from freshwater lakes to the sea, which takes place during Upirngaaq
(spring) (QIA 2018). In Ukiuq (fall), Arctic char is harvested as they return to freshwater lakes to spawn
(QIA 2018). Tugaat Lake, Qinngua, Trembly Inlet and the surrounding areas are abundant in Arctic char
and Inuit consider these to be valued fishing locations (QIA 2019a).
Bird and egg harvesting are important activities that occur in the Eclipse Sound and Navy Board Inlet
areas during Upirngaaq. This includes harvesting of snow geese, Canada geese, swans, and sandhill
cranes. Eider ducks (eggs, mostly) are harvested during June and July (TSD 03 – Community
Workshops). In addition, the black guillemot and thick-billed murre, are in the Baffin Bay region year-
round (QIA 2018).
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4.6.2 Marine hunting in the Kitikmeot Region
The eastern Beaufort Sea is one of Canada’s largest beluga populations. The belugas migrate between
the Bering and Beaufort Sea bringing them in close proximity to communities in the western Arctic region.
In the western Arctic region, hunting takes place in July and may continue as late as October. Beluga
have been reported as being harvested in Aktarvik, Inuuvik, Tuktuuyaqtuuq, Tuktoyaktuk and Kugmallit
Bay (Waugh et al 2018, Inuuvik Community Corporation 2006).
The Kent Peninsula and adjacent waters are considered to be one of the best seal harvesting areas
available to residents of Cambridge Bay. Seal are hunted in the coastal waters by boat in the spring and
summer (Canadian Circumpolar Institute 1992). In addition, the offshore areas of Queen Maud Gulf and
Coronation Gulf are visited periodically to hunt seal, however, most of the seal hunting occurs closer to
shore (Canadian Circumpolar Institute, 1992).
As previously noted in section 4.4.2.4, there are 4 subpopulations of polar bears. The two subpopulations
with the highest estimated population for hunting are the Northern Beaufort and the Southern Beaufort
(Joint Secretariat 2017). Hunting in the Northern Beaufort has historically been focused in the Amundsen
Gulf and western coast of Banks Island (with a focus near Sachs Harbour). The Southern Beaufort
population has declined substantially as harvest increased in the late 1950s/early 1960s due to sport
hunting by non-aboriginals and fur price increases (Species at Risk Committee 2012).
Major fishing areas in the Kitikmeot region are Hanningayuk (Beechey Lake) and Tahikafalok (Bathurst
Lake). However, harvesters report fishing occurs in most freshwater lakes and inlets within the region
(Banci and Spicker 2014).
Birds in the Kitikmeot region are an important source of food and spring hunts for migratory waterfowl is
an important harvesting activity (Banci and Spicker, 2014). Sandhill cranes are hunted when they first
arrive in Upirngasaaq (early spring) and eider duck and loon are hunted while they are on open water and
between ice floes (Banci and Spicker 2014). In Aujaq (summer), Inuit will go to nesting areas on the coast
to collect eggs (Banci and Spicker 2014).
4.6.3 Seasonal Travel
Inuit place camp and habitation sites near key resources, such as fishing and hunting locations (QIA
2019a). A substantial number of travel routes are used during winter months on sea ice. For example, in
the Pond Inlet region, the majority of the travel and trails can be found on the sea ice in Eclipse Sound
along the floe edge of Guys Bight, down to Navy Board Inlet to the floe edge at Lancaster Sound and
from Eclipse Sound to Qinngua (QIA 2019a). The Phillips Creek watershed is also an area where Inuit
have travelled on trails to Igloolik and into the interior regions of Baffin Island (QIA 2019a). Because of
global warming, ice is melting earlier each year and the periods of open water are getting longer (ITK
2017); as a result, travelling long distances and navigating on ice to hunt is becoming more challenging
as the ice disappears, and some traditional camps have become inaccessible (ITK 2017, QIA 2009).
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During Aujaq, marine mammals are harvested throughout Eclipse Sound. As stated in TSD 03, more than
50 boats per week could be hunting for seals and narwhals during this time. July is noted to be the month
that people switch from using a snowmobile to a boat. Furthermore, in the Qikiqtaaluk region, only limited
inland travel occurs in Aujaq and inter-community travel generally does not happen in this season (TSD
03 – Community Workshops). Aujaq is also noted as a period when some non-traditional types of land
use will occur. Tourists (e.g. kayakers) can be present in Eclipse Sound at this time of year and some
cruise ships and sailboats may arrive (usually in August) (TSD 03 – Community Workshops). In
Ukiaksaaq up to 20 boats a week may be out hunting Narwhal in the areas closest to Pond Inlet.
However, ocean travel is generally limited during this period as the water is often too rough (TSD 03 –
Community Workshops).
4.6.4 Inuit Place Names
Inuit name places descriptively or to reflect the events that took place in the area (QIA 2018). Therefore,
place names are cultural markers that often hold information pertaining to navigation, hunting, sacred
places, and the location of trails (QIA 2018). Proposed NWP shipping routes by this Project travel through
several important regions with traditional Inuit place names (Table 2). From an IQ perspective, these
place names can help give a better overview of existing conditions.
Table 2 Inuit Place Names and their Meaning
English Name Inuit Place Name Meaning
Pond Inlet Mittimatalik “the place where Mittima is buried”

Resolute Qausuittuq “place with no dawn”
Cambridge Bay Iqaluktuuttiaq “good fishing place”
Bathurst Inlet Qingaut “nose mountain”
Sachs Harbor Ikahuak “where you go across to”
Source: QIA (2019a), IHT (2016)
In addition to the Inuit place names along the NWP shipping routes, there are several other Inuit place
names that are highlighted in the IQ sources. Marine-related place names include Nattiqsujug (i.e., lots of
seals), Uuttualuktalik (i.e., point of many seals on the ice in the spring), Naujaaruluit (i.e., nest place of
seagulls), and Arviqtujuq Kangiqtua (i.e., place of bowhead whales) (QIA 2018).
4.6.5 Important Areas
Along the proposed NWP shipping routes, there are important marine areas that contribute to community
members’ subsistence harvesting and livelihood activities. In Pond Inlet, important marine areas are
identified as Milne Inlet and Eclipse Sound (Carter et al. 2018a). In Cambridge Bay, important marine
areas are off the Northern coast of Kent Peninsula, where ship traffic has increased the most in recent
decades (Carter et al. 2018b). In Paulatuk, important marine areas are identified as Darnley Bay and the
Amundsen Gulf (Carter et al, 2018c). In Sachs Harbour, important marine areas are identified as the
Amundsen Gulf, in the NWP (Carter et al. 2018d). In addition, Cape Bathurst Polynya, located near Cape
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July 12, 2019
Kellet, is a feeding ground for beluga and Bowhead whales in spring and early summer (Carter et al.
2018d). This area is important to migratory sea ducks and has high densities of seals and polar bears
throughout the winter (Carter et al. 2018d).
Figure 5 identifies a network of low-impact shipping corridors that will mitigate the impact of shipping on
important marine areas, communities, and the existing environment (Carter et al, 2018a). The low impact
shipping corridors include Inuit perspectives on the potential impact on marine areas used for cultural and
livelihood activities, and on community members (Carter et al. 2018a).
Low impact shipping

id
Legend
Figure 5 Low impact shipping corridors in the Northwest Passage as identified in the
Arctic Corridors and Northern Voices report (Carter et al. 2018a).
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Existing Environment
July 12, 2019
5.0 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
This section summarizes the baseline conditions in the potential Project shipping routes, providing the
baseline for the analysis of potential interactions between the shipping and the environment in Section 6.0.
The spatial region of analysis spans the NWP (Figure 1), from Navy Board Inlet to the west coast of Banks
Island; and the potential shipping around Somerset Island, Prince of Wales Island, Victoria Island, and Banks
Island.
5.1 ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT

5.1.1 Regulatory Overview
The Government of Nunavut established Ambient Air Quality Standards (AAQS) for common air contaminants
in their Environmental Guideline for Ambient Air Quality (2011). These standards are based on the Canada-
wide standards approved by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) and on the
Canadian National Ambient Air Quality Objectives. The proposed NWP shipping route also goes through the
Northwest Territories, regulated by their own set of territorial AAQS set out in the Guideline for Ambient Air
Quality Standards in the Northwest Territories (2014). The provincial air quality standards for both the
Northwest Territories and for Nunavut are presented in Table 3. The air quality standards are applicable in
areas beyond the Project’s property boundary.
There are no current greenhouse gas (GHG) regulatory requirements for international marine shipping or for
shipping in Canada. However, Canada has committed under the Paris Agreement to reducing its GHG
emissions by 30% below the 2005 level of 732 Mt CO2 eq by 2030 (ECCC 2019d). In addition, Canada
ratified the Protocol to Abate Acidification, Eutrophication and Ground-level Ozone (Gothenburg Protocol) to
the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP) under the United Nations Economic
Commission for Europe (UNECE) in November 2017 (ECCC 2018). Upon ratification, Canada submitted
reduction commitments for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds and fine particulate
matter for 2020 onwards. The Gothenburg Protocol is the first international instrument to include short-lived
climate pollutants by calling on Parties to submit black carbon inventories and prioritize emissions reductions
in sources of fine particulate matter that are also significant sources of black carbon.
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July 12, 2019
Table 3 Territorial AAQS in Applicable Jurisdictions Surrounding the Northwest

Passage Route
NWT AAQS Nunavut AAQS

Averaging Standard Standard Standard
Compound Standard (ppb)
Period (µg/m3) (µg/m3) (ppb)
1-hour 15,000 13,000 — —
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
8-hour 6,000 5,000
24-hour 120 — 120 —
Total Suspended Matter (TSP)
Annual 60 — 60 —
24-hour 28 — 30 —
Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
Annual 10 — — —
Ground Level Ozone (O3) 8-hour 126 63 — —
1-hour 400 213 400 213
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) 24-hour 200 106 200 106
Annual 60 32 60 32
1-hour 450 172 450 172
Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) 24-hour 150 57 150 57
Annual 30 11 30 11
5.1.2 Background Air Quality
The air quality in the Canadian Arctic is generally good due to the scarcity of emission sources in the region
and the vast distance to existing sources. This is validated by monitoring results in the region, discussed
below. Ambient air quality is monitored at multiple stations across Canada as part of the “National Air
Pollution Surveillance Program” (NAPS). There are limited number of NAPs stations in the Canadian Arctic;
the two closest to the potential shipping routes being the station in Inuvik, Northwest Territories and the
station in Iqaluit, Nunavut.
The maximum concentrations for the averaging periods of the respective standards measured through NAPS
in 2016 at Inuvik and Iqaluit are presented in Table 4. Total suspended particulate (TSP) is not monitored by
the NAPS stations. The NAPS measured concentrations are below respective standards as presented in
Table 3 above.
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July 12, 2019
Table 4 NAPS Maximum Measured Concentration Data for Inuvik and Iqaluit Stations in
2016
Averaging NO2 (ppb) CO (ppm) SO2 (ppb) PM2.5 (µg/m3)

Station
Period
1-hour 32 2.6 1.4 N/A N/A
8-hour N/A — 1.1 N/A 45
Inuvik
24-hour 14 N/A 0.7 11 N/A
Annual 3 N/A 0.1 3 N/A
1-hour 37 — 2.4 N/A N/A
8-hour N/A — 1.4 N/A 43
Iqaluit
24-hour 22 N/A 1.1 23 N/A
Annual — N/A — — N/A
Note: “—” indicates that the data is not present, whereas “N/A” indicates that it is not applicable (e.g., no standard for
the specific averaging period).
Ambient air monitoring in the vicinity of the Mine Site was conducted prior to Project activities to establish
baseline air quality (FEIS Appendix 5A, TSD-07). Monitoring was performed for sulphur dioxide (SO2),
nitrogen dioxide (NO2), total suspended particulate (TSP), and particulate matter <10 micron in size (PM10)
(Table 5). All concentrations were found to be better than established air quality standards (presented in
Table 3, Section 5.1.1), indicating good air quality in the region.
Table 5 Ambient air quality Baseline Concentration of the Mine Site measured in July 2007
Compound Averaging Period Concentration (µg/m3)

SO2 30-day 0.262
NO2 30-day 0.188
TSP 24-hour 7
PM10 24-hour 3.8
Source: FEIS Appendix 5A, TSD-07
5.1.2.1 Climate Normals

Climatological information was extracted for three weather stations along the potential NWP Routes (Pond
Inlet, Sachs Harbour, and Ulukhaktok) from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s 30-year (1981 to
2010) Canadian Climate Normals weather data records (Table 3). Ambient air temperatures were lowest at all
three stations in February (ranging from -33.4°C at Pond Inlet to -28.3°C at Sachs Harbour) and highest in
July (ranging from 6.6°C at both Pond Inlet and Sachs Harbour to 9°C at Ulukhaktok). Annual precipitation
was generally low, with the highest annual precipitation being 189 mm at Pond Inlet. Precipitation as snowfall
was higher than that of rainfall. Information for wind speed data and direction was available for Pond Inlet,
showing average windspeed to be highest in October with a dominant, southerly wind direction for nine
months of the year.
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MARY RIVER PROJECT: ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW OF SHIPPING THROUGH THE NORTHWEST PASSAGE
July 12, 2019
Table 6 30-year Climate Normals for Weather Stations Near the Northwest Passage
Pond Inlet Sachs Harbour Ulukhaktok
Avg. Wind Speed

Daily Avg. (°C)
Most Frequent
Daily Avg. (°C)
Daily Avg. (°C)

Snowfall (cm)
Snowfall (cm)
Snowfall (cm)
Rainfall (mm)
Rainfall (mm)
Rainfall (mm)
Precipitation
Precipitation
Precipitation
Direction
(km/h)
(mm)
(mm)
(mm)
Jan -33.4 0 5.8 4.8 6.9 S -28 0 5.2 4.9 -28 0 8.5 8.4
Feb -33.7 0 5 3.8 6.5 S -28.3 0 7 6.6 -28.8 0 7.5 7.5
Mar -30 0 8.6 6.6 7.2 S -26.7 0 7.7 7.1 -25.6 0 7.5 7.3
Apr -21.9 0 12.7 10.5 7.8 S -18.3 0 12.4 12.1 -17 0 5.3 5.3
May -9.3 0 14.3 9.4 8.6 S -7.6 0.1 9.3 9.1 -6.6 1.1 6.4 7.4
Jun 2.4 12.1 4.4 15.6 8.9 SW 3.1 5.1 2.4 7.5 4.6 6.9 1.2 8
Jul 6.6 31.5 0.4 32 9.2 W 6.6 16.7 0.9 17.6 9 22.2 0.2 22.4
Aug 4.8 35.9 2.8 38.8 10.1 NE 3.7 24.7 4.1 28.9 6.4 30.2 2 32.2
Sep -0.8 9.8 13.7 19.9 11.2 S -1.2 11.2 10.9 22 0.9 13.2 6.6 19.8
Oct -9.7 1.3 33.8 25.1 13.8 S -10.7 0.5 20.2 20 -8.9 0.6 16.9 17.1
Nov -21.7 0.4 17.9 13.7 10.1 S -20.5 0 9.4 9 -19.8 0 12.3 11.5
Dec -28.2 0 12.6 8.9 7.6 S -25.1 0 8.3 7 -25.2 0 8.9 8.5
Year -14.6 91 131.9 189 9 S -12.8 58.3 97.7 151.5 -11.6 74.2 83.3 155.3
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5.1.3 Climate Change
Baffinland conducted a detailed climate change assessment for the Phase 2 Proposal of the Mary River
Project, presented in the Technical Supporting Document 06, Climate Change Assessment, August 2018
(TSD 06). For detail on the impacts of climate change in the Arctic, projected climate changes in the
Arctic region, and on regulatory legislation, please refer to TSD 06.
Climate change has become measurable and noticeable over the last few decades, particularly in the
Arctic. Recent climate impact assessments on polar regions indicate a consistent pattern of climate driven
environmental, societal, and economical changes in recent decades (IPCC 2014b, Chapter 28). Arctic
land surface temperatures have increased substantially since the mid-20th century, and the future rate of
warming is expected to exceed the global rate. Sea ice extent at summer minimum has decreased in the
past decades, and the Arctic Ocean is projected to become nearly ice free in summer by mid century.
Since the late 1970s, global permafrost temperatures have increased between 0.5° and 2°C. In the
Canadian High Arctic, permafrost temperatures at depths of 12 to 15 m have increased by 1.2 to 1.7°C
between 1978 and 2008 (IPCC 2014a, Table 4.8). Rising temperatures, leading to the future thawing of
permafrost, and changing precipitation patterns have the potential to change infrastructure and related
services in the Arctic (IPCC 2014b, Chapter 28). Changes resulting from climate change will add
additional stressors to organisms and will cause a compounding effect on Inuit use of lands and
resources.
Related to shipping, the sections on sea ice, sea level and transportation are of particular importance. As
stated in TSD 06, major changes in ice-free conditions have occurred already, with important implications
for the shipping industry. The average number of days with ice-free conditions (less than 15% ice
concentration) in the NWP was 35 days in the period 1980–1999. In the period between 1979 to 1988
and 1998 to 2007, this number increased by 19 days. By mid-century (2045 to 2059), relative to the
baseline (2000 to 2014), new areas of the Arctic are expected to be accessible by Class 6 vessels (light
ice breaker) (IPCC 2014b, Figure 21-11).
5.1.4 Black Carbon
Black carbon (BC) is produced by combustion and is the fraction of aerosol particulate matter with a
diameter less than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5). The majority of BC emissions in Canada are from combustion
engines used for transportation and mobile equipment (both on and off-road), 70% of which is from diesel
engines. The second-largest source comes from commercial/residential/institutional sources, and
primarily from the burning of firewood as fuel. Marine shipping through the NWP would contribute to BC
emissions in the Arctic.
BC is a contaminant of concern as it has been linked to both adverse human health impacts and climate
change. BC is of additional concern in the Arctic as it deposits on snow and ice causing a reduction in its
albedo, increasing the absorption of solar radiation that converts to heat, which then contributes to the
accelerated melting of snow and ice (ECCC 2018). The same conversion of solar radiation to heat occurs
26
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July 12, 2019
with BC in the atmosphere. Under the Gothenburg Protocol, Canada has commitments to reduce
emissions of PM2.5 with a focus on BC.
The most recent data presented in the 2018 edition of Canada’s Black Carbon Inventory is for 2016, in
which the total BC emissions in Canada were 34,921 tonnes (ECCC 2018). In this ECCC report, BC
emissions are presented by sector; however, it does not separate emissions by region. Total marine
transportation (Canada-wide) emitted 1,279 tonnes of BC in 2016, or 3.66% of total BC emissions in
Canada. Sands et al. 2013 estimated the global annual mean (fossil fuel and biofuel) BC emissions to be
5.5 Tg/yr. Averaged over the Arctic (60–90°N) and midlatitudes (28–60°N), the emissions are 0.07 Tg/yr
(70,000 tonnes/yr) and 2.6 Tg/yr, respectively (Sand et al. 2013).
5.2 PHYSICAL MARINE ENVIRONMENT

5.2.1 Bathymetry
Bathymetry within the Canadian Arctic Archipelago (CAA) is relatively shallow, with 70% of waterways
having a depth of less than 500 m (McLaughlin et al. 2004). The NWP routes considered for this report
transit and exit Navy Board inlet, which reaches depths of 400 m before connecting to Lancaster Sound.
The northern route (Route B and C – Figure 1) through the NWP stretches from Lancaster Sound to
M’Clure Strait. In its eastern portion, where Baffin Bay meets Lancaster Sound, the water depth is ~500 m
and then gets shallower to the west; the shallowest section of this route being the Barrow Strait (~125 m
deep), south of Resolute. Viscount Melville Sound to the west of Barrow Strait reaches depths of ~550 m
from where it becomes shallower again to the west in M’Clure Strait (~375 m) (McLaughlin et al. 2004).
Heading south along Route F (Figure 1) to the Prince of Wales Strait, there is a limiting depth of 32 m
before entering the Amundsen Gulf where water depth increases >250 m (AMSA 2009). Despite this
shallow area, routes C and F are considered deep water passages within the CAA. Other proposed
routes pose more complex navigational challenges regarding bathymetry limitations as these areas
contain numerous islands, reefs, and shoals which limit a vessel’s draft to <10 m (AMSA 2009). One of
these shallow water routes (D2) diverges from Barrow Strait south through Peel Sound (~400 m water
depth), which connects to Franklin Strait (D1/2) and then along route G to Victoria Strait (~200 m water
depth) and Queen Maud Gulf, where water depths decrease within an area of many islands, reefs, and
shoals to depths ~100m. Dease Strait, a shallow strait with depths up to 100 m, connects Queen Maud
Gulf to Coronation Gulf and has many small islands throughout with the greatest depth being 180 m; the
route then continues through Dolphin and Union Strait (depths of 10 m have been recorded along this
route) into the Amundsen Gulf (AMSA 2009). Route D1 is an alternative route to D2 and stems from the
Lancaster Sound through Prince Regent Inlet and Bellot Strait, thus avoiding travel through Barrow Strait.
Prince Regent Inlet is 80 km wide and has deep waters that are island free until they connect to Bellot
Strait, which has a limiting depth of 22 m, strong currents, and narrow channels (AMSA 2009). Route E
through the M’Clintock Channel (depths in this Channel range from 100-200 m in the southern end and
>500 m in the northern end) passes to the west of the Prince of Wales Island and is an alternative route
to D1, D1/2, and D2 (Hodgson et al. 2015).
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July 12, 2019
5.2.2 Tides
Tides within the CAA are primarily semidiurnal (period of 12.42 h) and driven by the incoming tide from
the Atlantic Ocean that moves northward to the Arctic Ocean. Due to the shallow waters of the CAA, the
tide is dampened by friction of the sea floor (Kowalik 2005). The vertical excursion due to tides is complex
and highly dependent on the bathymetry and topography of localized areas. Geographic influences such
as small bays and narrow channels greatly increases the tidal effect for the given localized area (Hannah
et al. 2008).
Tidal currents and tidally induced mixing of the water column is strong in the Queen Maud Gulf, Gulf of
Boothia, and the Hell Gate/Dolphin and Union/Cardigan/Barrow Strait (McLaughlin et al. 2004). The
Barrow Strait experiences the greatest tidal influence, given its shallow waters and narrow topography
within the NWP. Waters within this region are believed to have greater vertical homogeneity then
elsewhere in the NWP due to tidal driven mixing of the water column (McLaughlin et al. 2004). This
physical mixing of the water also impacts ice formation within this area.
Tides also influence the location of the ice edge, rates and geographic patterns of ice formation, the flow
of water beneath the sea ice, and the creation of leads within the ice during the tidal cycle (Kowalik 2005).
Temporary, tide-driven openings in the pack ice allow for increased solar energy to reach the water and
for atmospheric exchange to occur.
5.2.3 Ocean Currents
The Arctic Ocean connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and also provides outflow to the Atlantic. The
waters of the Pacific enter through the Bering Strait, which is restrictive given its shallow depths (~125 m)
and narrow passage (~80 km wide) (McLaughlin et al. 2004). Through the Bering Strait, ~0.8 Sv
(Sverdrup; one Sv is equal to 106 cubic meters per second) enters the Arctic region from the Pacific
(Woodgate 2013). The Pacific origin water is a major source of nutrients, oceanic heat, and freshwater,
and zooplankton from the Bering Sea. The freshwater and heat input influence the formation of sea ice
and affect stratification within the Arctic waters (Woodgate 2013). Pacific waters also ventilate the upper
~180 m of waters in the western Arctic with influence from downwelling of Atlantic waters over continental
shelves.
The Atlantic inflow is greater than that of the Pacific with the Fram Strait and Barents Sea being the two
major sources of inflow from the Atlantic. The Fram Strait has an inflow of 7 Sv though half of this input is
recirculated back into the Atlantic through complex circulation processes within the Strait (Woodgate
2013). Inflow from the Fram Strait and Bering Sea is seasonal, with higher volumes during the winter; the
Bering Sea has an inflow of 3 Sv, in contrast to 1 Sv of inflow during the summer. The Atlantic water
creates a pan-Arctic boundary current system called the Arctic Ocean Boundary Current, which flows
counterclockwise along basins and ocean ridges at a depth of ~500-3000 m and is topographically driven
(Woodgate 2013; Bezeau 2015). Outflow from the Arctic occurs through two main passages, the Fram
Strait and the CAA. The passage through the CAA is complex with narrow straits and shallow depths
altering current flow within the given area (Woodgate 2013).
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July 12, 2019
Currents within the Arctic also create and maintain localized features that provide essential services to
the CAA. Waters moving through the CAA are a contributor to the creation and maintenance of polynyas,
which are important to the physical and biological systems within the Arctic (Figure 6). Polynyas are fixed
geographically and are intermittent throughout the Arctic Archipelago remaining primarily ice-free.
Currents move newly formed ice within the polynya beneath the surrounding ice pack or the prevention of
ice formation due to wind produced waves in combination with strong currents (referred to as latent heat
polynya). Heat from the warmer subsurface water can also prevent ice formation (referred to as sensible
heat polynya); however, this heat alone without currents could not maintain a polynya (Figure 7)
(McLaughlin et al. 2004).
Eddies are also a common feature in the CAA and form due to local instabilities of Pacific and Atlantic
boundary currents. Within Arctic waters, eddies transfer heat and alter salinities through layer mixing and
are often located at ~50-300 m of depth. Eddies create anomalies within the stratification of the water
column and are not permanent features within the Arctic waters. Halocline eddies, however, have long
lifespans with Padman et al. 1990 estimating an eddy at a depth of 115m would last 10 years.
Timmermans et al. 2008 estimated that eddies within the CAA have a lifespan of 6-18 months. The
quantity of eddies within the Arctic is regionally variable. Within the Beaufort Sea, Manley and Hunkins
(1985) estimated that eddies occupy 25% of the surface waters versus Timmermans et al. (2008) findings
in the Canadian Basin (between ~76.8° and 77.7°N), which estimated that eddies occupied 10% of
surface waters.
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Notes
1. Coordinate System: Canada Lambert Conformal Conic E - M’Clintock Channel Shipping Through the Northwest Passage
2. Data Sources: DataBC, Government of British Columbia;
Natural Resources Canada F - Prince of Wales Strait Figure No.
G - Southern Route (Victoria Strait, 7

Title
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Coronation Gulf, and Amundsen
Gulf)
Disclaimer: Stantec assumes no responsibility for data supplied in electronic format. The recipient accepts full responsibility for verifying the accuracy and completeness of the data. The recipient releases Stantec, its officers, employees, consultants and agents, from any and all claims arising in any way from the content or provision of the data.
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July 12, 2019
5.2.4 Seawater Properties
5.2.4.1 Salinity and Temperature

The Arctic Ocean’s waters contain relatively high levels of fresh water within its upper layers (McLaughlin
et al. 2004). This freshwater input is primarily derived from ice melt, precipitation, and local river discharge
(https://arcticgreatrivers.org/). Stratification of the Arctic Ocean is influenced by these freshwater inputs
affecting salinity profiles within the region. This freshwater input increases during the summer melt
thereby slightly decreasing salinity levels in the upper water layer. This seasonal mixed layer stems to a
depth of ~40 m with low salinity (salinity>24) (McLaughlin et al. 2004).
The Atlantic water enters through Fram Strait and Bering Sea occur at depths of 200-1600 m and
consists of three components within the water column: a lower halocline, Fram Strait Branch, and Barents
Sea Branch. Water originating from the Pacific can be found to a depth of >200 m and is comprised of a
seasonal mixed layer, Pacific-origin summer water (~40-75 m deep), and Pacific-origin winter water
(~125-180 m deep). Arctic waters from the Canada Basin underly the Atlantic and Pacific waters and are
referred to as Arctic deep water (McLaughlin et al. 2004; Howell et al. 2008).
Waters within the NWP are restricted by the shallow depths of the Barrow Strait (~125 m in depth), which
constrain the flow of Atlantic and Pacific waters. These waters experience mixing as they move through
the NWP and undergo geochemical transitions. Seawater flow from Baffin Bay east towards the Barrow
Strait becomes colder and more saline with nutrient concentrations varying with depth. Generally, as
waters move from east to west through the NWP, nutrient concentrations decrease in the mid-depth
nutrient maximum layer and increase within the near-bottom layer (McLaughlin et al. 2004).
The components of the Atlantic and Pacific waters vary in temperature and salinity dependent upon
environmental factors of the NWP. The Atlantic components of the water column begin with the lower
halocline layer, which is at a depth of ~225 m and has a salinity of 34.0 to 34.4 ppt (McLaughlin et al.
2004). The Fram Strait Branch water has a maximum temperature of ~0.4 °C and underlaid by the
Barents Sea Branch water. The Barents Sea Branch water is located at ~900 m of depth, has a salinity of
34.9 ppt, and has higher nutrients and oxygen concentrations than other Atlantic water. Salinity is lowest
in the Arctic waters within the seasonal mixed layer (the first ~40 m of depth) of the Pacific waters. Input
from freshwater sources lowers the salinity to <24 ppt with high oxygen concentrations. Wind driven
surface currents can substantially modify water column structure creating upwelling events and advecting
deeper saline Atlantic waters onto the shelf in the Beaufort Sea (McLaughlin et al. 2004).
5.2.4.2 Acidity
Increases in ocean acidity has been noted in the Arctic Ocean due to increased levels of CO2 present in
the atmosphere from anthropogenic sources (AMAP 2018). The Arctic Ocean experiences some of the
fastest acidification rates of the world’s oceans due to low temperatures, inflow of low pH seawater from
the Pacific Ocean, and an increasing freshwater input from ice melt (AMAP 2018; Greenan et al. 2018).
Processes such as increased air-sea interactions due to reduced ice cover also have a role to play in this
rate (Steiner et al, 2014). Acidification in the Arctic poses both physiological and geochemical stresses on
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the system. The reduction in pH leads to changes in biogeochemical cycles of certain elements and
seawater carbonate chemistry (Doney et al. 2009). Certain photosynthetic organisms, however, have
increased carbon fixation rates due to increased levels of CO2 (AMAP 2018; Doney et al. 2009). Although
the effects of ocean acidification will vary regionally, Greenan et al (2018) predict that the Arctic will be
the first place where the surface waters will become undersaturated (Ω<1), during the summer months
when increased water temperatures cause a seasonal minimum in saturation levels.
5.2.5 Sediment Properties
Sediments within the NWP have experienced strong glacial influence through deposition and
transportation processes. Niessen et al. (2009) found that five different sediment layers existed from the
continental slopes of Baffin Bay to the Beaufort Sea traveling through the M’Clure Strait, as follows:
bedrock (Devonian sedimentary rocks) overlain unconformably by subglacial till, in-turn overlain by
proglacial diamicton (deposited during deglaciation), and topped by Holocene muds. Along the
continental slopes of Baffin Bay and the Beaufort Sea, subglacial tills (the counterpart of thick stacked
debris-flow deposits) are interfingering with stratified deep-sea sediments at the start of the continental
rise. The depositional thickness of the post-glacial Holocene sediments has a relatively thick layer of
>0.2 m and sediments are lain in the depressions of the Lancaster Sound and Barrow Strait (Niessen et
al. 2009).
Sediment entrainment around the Arctic region is primarily facilitated by ice. Ice has been observed to
carry muddy sediment interlaced with pebbles/cobbles, ostracods, algae, mollusks, and sea urchins
(Reimnitz et al. 1992). This entrainment occurs in shallow water depths during freezing storms when ice
attaches to the ocean bottom and eventually lifts the contents to the surface. This cycle is known as an
important process in the Beaufort Sea as it transports organisms around the Arctic region (Reimnitz et al.
1992).
5.2.6 Sea Ice
Sea ice exists year-round in this region, but the extent, concentration, and thickness vary by season.
Minimum ice cover occurs during early September after ice break-up begins in mid-June. Ice flows in from
areas outside of the NWP providing another source of freshwater input within this region.
Significant ice formation begins in January and is landfast until late July when major ice deformation
occurs. Open water from the melting season begins to appear from late spring to early fall. The Eastern
regions of the CAA have larger areas of open water then the west does during this period (McLaughlin et
al. 2004).
The thickness of ice pack is highly variable dependent upon seasonality and climatic variables. Variables
include ice ridging and transport, snow accumulation, cloud cover, wind speed and direction, surface
temperature, and ocean heat flux (Mclaughlin et al. 2004; Melling 2002First-year ice thickness is highly
variable latitudinally; thickness can range from 2.5 m in the northern region of the CAA and 2.0 m in the
southern region (McLaughlin et al. 2004). Multi-year ice is on average 3-5 m thick and originates from a
heavy ridging zone near the Beaufort Gyre. Pack ice exists in the CAA year-round with the northern
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July 12, 2019
regions experiencing year-round ice whereas the southern regions often become mostly ice-free during
the summer break-up.
The total spatial extent of sea ice in the Arctic regions has been declining 7% per decade over the 1968-
2018 period, with multi-year sea ice areas measured during the summer season (June 25 -October 15)
declining by 7.4% over the same time period. The NWP has experienced decreasing trends in sea ice
extent, similar to other Arctic areas, within both the northern (through the M’Clure Strait) and southern
(through the Amundsen Gulf) routes. The southern route has primarily been free of multi-year ice during
the summer season in recent years providing easier access to any passing ships (ECCC 2019e). The
northern route continues to have multi-year ice year-round in the M’Clintock Channel and the Franklin
regions as these areas act as a trap for ice within the CAA (McLaughlin et al. 2004; Howell et al. 2008).
5.3 BIOLOGICAL MARINE ENVIRONMENT

5.3.1 Phytoplankton
Phytoplankton and microalgae (ice algae) are the base of the Arctic food web (Stern and Gaden 2015). In
the potential shipping routes, phytoplankton can be characterized by an oligotrophic flagellate-based
system over the eastern Beaufort Sea, the periphery of Amundsen Gulf and central region of the CAA,
and a eutrophic diatom-based system located in Lancaster Sound and central Amundsen Gulf (Ardyna et
al. 2011). In Lancaster Sound, there is a high export of ice-algae supporting the benthic community (Bell
and Brown 2018). The oligotrophic flagellate system is distinguished by low production and biomass of
large phytoplankton cells, and relatively high abundance of eukaryotic picophytoplankton and
nanoflagellates, while the eutrophic diatom-based system is characterized by high production and
biomass of large cells and relatively high abundance of centric diatoms, mainly Chaetoceros spp (Ardyna
et al. 2011).
In the Beaufort Sea, upwelling stimulates phytoplankton productivity on interior shelves, where nutrient-
rich Pacific waters subduct below low-nutrient river waters (Williams and Carmack 2008). Blais et al.
(2017) hypothesize that the change toward larger cells and increased diatom contribution to total
phytoplankton abundance and biomass observed in the Canadian Beaufort Shelf is likely to occur
elsewhere along interior shelves. However, water stratification due to Pacific water and the freshwater
content of the surface mixed layer increases with sea ice melt as it flows toward the North Atlantic Ocean
outer shelves like the East Greenland Shelf and the CAA. As a result, these areas could experience a
decrease in their overall productivity along with a change in their algal community toward smaller cells
(Blais et al. 2017).
Ice algae develops on first-year ice and grows through the winter period into spring, forming large, algal
matts that hang under the ice. Ice-algae interactions are complex. Algal biomass was reported to be
subject to losses associated with under-ice currents that influence bottom-ice erosion and melt (Campbell
et al. 2014). Seasonal warming and melting also drives loss of under-ice algae. By early summer, ice
algae that has not been grazed by herbivores will enters the water column and eventually precipitate to
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July 12, 2019
the seafloor, providing an important food source for zooplankton and the various grazers and
decomposers associated with the benthos (Bluhm et al. 2011).
5.3.2 Zooplankton
Zooplankton provide a trophic link between primary producers (i.e., phytoplankton and ice algae) and
higher order taxa such as fishes, seabirds, and marine mammals (Nelson 2013). Zooplankton biomass is
dominated by the copepods Calanus glacialis and C. hyperboreus (Darnis et al, 2008). Other common,
Arctic zooplankton include amphipods, chaetognaths, larvaceans, hydro- and scyphomedusae, pelagic
snails (Hopcroft et al. 2005), and mysids. In the Arctic Basin, the biomass of mesozooplankton can
exceed that of phytoplankton , which both decline in biomass sharply north of approximately 83° N
(Bluhm and Gradinger 2008).
The three Arctic Calanus species (i.e., C. finmarchicus, C. glacialis and C. hyperboreus) are the most
abundant herbivores (in terms of biomass) in Arctic seas (Falk-Petersen et al. 2009). The copepod
Metridia longa is also relatively abundant in the eastern portion of the CAA (Pomerleau et al. 2011). The
under-ice metazoan zooplankton fauna is dominated by Gammaridae amphipods (Bluhm et al. 2011).
Zooplankton reported in M’Clure Strait, Prince of Wales Strait, Queen Maud Gulf, and other areas within
the CAA include tunicates, chaetognaths, and various benthic larval groups such as polychaetes,
gastropods, and arthropods (Mohammed and Grainger 1974).
Fluctuations or long-term changes in Arctic hydrographical regimes are influenced by water masses
intruding from the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, consequently altering the species composition in the inflow
shelves as Pacific and Atlantic zooplankton are entrained by currents(Bluhm and Gradinger 2008). On a
smaller scale, regional hydrographical processes, specifically freshwater runoff and consequent salinity
changes, influence the patchiness zooplankton composition and biomass (Bluhm and Gradinger 2008).
Upwelling is often associated with higher abundances of zooplankton and may be found in areas of
polynyas and on the episodically on the eastern Beaufort sea shelf . Copepods such as species in the
genus Calanus, and other copepod species such as Oithona similis, Metridia longa, Triconia borealis,
Pseudocalanus spp., and Microcalanus pygmaeus are typically the most abundant and provide the
greatest biomass in polynyas (Dvoretsky and Dvoretsky 2015).
5.3.3 Benthos
Benthic organisms include a wide array of infaunal and epifaunal organisms. The most common and
cosmopolitan benthic taxa include bivalves (mussels, clams, etc.), gastropods (whelks, snails,
nudibranchs), polychaetes (tube worms, lug worms, etc.), tunicates, crustaceans (amphipods, isopods,
crabs, etc.) , echinoderms (seastars, cucumbers, urchins, etc.), and other organisms. Arctic benthic
macrofauna is dominated by polychaete worms, bivalve mollusks, and a diversity of crustaceans (Bluhm
and Gradinger 2008).
35

08mn053 Bimc NWP Shipping Review PT 1 Ia1e

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Mary River Project:

Environmental Review of Shipping

July 12, 2019

Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation

Stantec Consulting Ltd.

Engagement with Inuvialuit?

1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 1

2.0 SHIPPING ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION ............................................................................ 3

3.0 METHODS ..................................................................................................................... 9

4.0 INUIT QAUJIMAJATUQANGIT (IQ)..............................................................................10

5.0 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ..........................................................................................22

5.2 PHYSICAL MARINE ENVIRONMENT ...........................................................................27

6.0 POTENTIAL INTERACTIONS.......................................................................................83

7.0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS ................................................................................93

8.0 REFERENCES ..............................................................................................................95

Acronyms and Abbreviations

AAQS Ambient Air Quality Standards (AAQS)

AIRSS Arctic Ice Regime Shipping System

AWPPA Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act

COSEWIC Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada

DFO Fisheries and Oceans Canada

EBSA Ecological biological and sensitive areas

EPP Environmental Protection Plan (EPP)

Mtpa Million tonnes per annum

NIRB Nunavut Impact Review Board

NWP Northwest Passage

QIA Qikiqtani Inuit Association

SARA Species at Risk Act

SMWMP Shipping and Marine Wildlife Management Plan

SSRP Spill at Sea Response Plan

TSD Technical Support Document

Viscount Melville "

aud Kugaaruk Melville

¯ Nunavut Regions 0 50 100 150 200 250

Shipping Activity Description

2.2 POTENTIAL SHIPPING ROUTES THROUGH THE NORTHWEST

2.2.1 Regulatory Overview

Shipping Activity Description

2.2.2 Existing Project-Related Shipping

Supramax (approximately 55,000 deadweight tonnes [DWT]) to post-Panamax (approximately

Shipping Activity Description

Source: TSD 02 – Project Description

Shipping Activity Description

2.2.3 Existing shipping activity through the Northwest Passage

2.3 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND RESPONSE PLANS

• Environmental Protection Plan (EPP)

• Shipping and Marine Wildlife Management Plan (SMWMP)

• Ballast Water Management Plan

• Emergency Response Plan

• Spill at Sea Response Plan (SSRP)

The following subsections describe the purpose of these plans.

Shipping Activity Description

2.3.1 Environmental Protection Plan (EPP)

The EPP includes direction on vessel speeds.

2.3.2 Shipping and Marine Wildlife Management Plan (SMWMP)

The SMWMP has been developed to:

• address the issues of concern to Inuit with respect to shipping;

• describes monitoring and mitigation measures, and adaptive management procedures, to be

2.3.3 Ballast Water Management Plan

Shipping Activity Description

• management and reporting procedures in the event of non-compliance.

2.3.4 Emergency Response Plan

2.3.5 Spill at Sea Response Plan (SSRP)