Canada - Sirmilik National Park and Tallurutiup Imanga (proposed) National Marine Conservation Area

Sirmilik National Park and Lancaster Sound (proposed) National Marine Conservation Area is an exceptional representation of the high Arctic coastal ecosystem. The proposed property illustrates the outstanding cultural heritage of Paleo-Eskimo, Thule, Inuit and European peoples over the last three thousand years and exhibits a living culture that is integral to the surrounding marine environment. It is a vast land-, sea-, and ice-scape of glaciers, wetlands, coastal, marine, and freshwater environments. Ice is the predominant feature, providing ecological and cultural connectivity across the entire region. Polynyas play a crucial role in the development of ice edge ecosystems. Intense primary production by algae creates biological 'hotspots' that marine mammals and birds rely on as overwintering sites, migratory stop-overs and spring feeding areas. The incomparable abundance and productivity of the region has ensured the survival of Inuit culture and traditional subsistence living. Approximately 3600 people live in five adjacent communities (Pond Inlet, Arctic Bay, Resolute Bay, Grise Fiord and Clyde River). Primarily Inuit, they continue to use the travel routes and hunter gatherer traditions of their seasonal round.