Canada has announced the establishment of three new National Wildlife Areas on and around Baffin Island, protecting local species and habitat including the bowhead whale.

The sanctuaries are the end result of negotiations between the federal government and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., three regional Inuit associations and the Nangmautaq Hunters and Trappers organization. The agreement allows for the creation of three new National Wildlife Areas on and around Baffin Island to protect local species and habitat. Under the agreement, Canada's Government is committing $8.3 million.

The Niginganiq (nee geen ga nik) National Wildlife Area (Isabella Bay) is internationally recognized for providing key bowhead whale habitat, and the Akpait (ak pa eet) and Qaqulluit (ka koo loo eet) National Wildlife Areas near Qikiqtarjuaq (kick-ih-TAR-jew-ack) (Broughton Island) are known for housing significant populations of seabirds including one of Canada's largest Thick-billed Murre colonies and Canada's largest colony of Northern Fulmars. These areas also provide habitat for a number of marine animals including walruses, seals and polar bears.

Each new area on Baffin Island provides an opportunity to protect unique and important habitat.

Niginganiq National Wildlife Area (Isabella Bay) - 336,200 hectares
This area includes important summer habitat for a population of bowhead whales that has been assessed as threatened in Canada. The bowhead whale is a large and powerful marine mammal that can break through ice over 20 cm thick with the crown of its head.

Akpait National Wildlife Area - 77,400 hectares
Akpait is an important area for a number of migratory birds including one of Canada's largest Thick-billed Murre colonies. It is a nesting site for Black-legged Kittiwakes and a breeding ground for Glaucous Gulls and Black Guillemots. It is also home to polar bears, walruses and a variety of seal species.

Qaqulluit National Wildlife Area - 39,800 hectares
The area is home to Canada's largest colony of Northern Fulmars (birds), representing an estimated 22 percent of the total Canadian population.

SOURCE: MarketWire