Terms of Reference

Identification of Key Biophysical and Ecological Features of the Tuvaijuittuq Marine Protected Area (MPA)

Regional Science Response Process – Ontario and Prairie Region

October 6–7, 2020
Virtual Meeting

Chairperson: Shannon MacPhee

Context

The Tuvaijuittuq Marine Protected Area (MPA) was established by Ministerial Order on August 21, 2019 based on its importance to ice-associated species and in response to increasing accessibility for human activities in the Arctic. Protection via Ministerial Order under the Oceans Act allows the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard ("the Minister") to freeze the footprint of human activities in the area for a period of up to five years while a feasibility assessment is undertaken to determine appropriate long-term protection tools (e.g., designation as an Oceans Act Marine Protected Area [MPA] by Governor–in-Council and a National Marine Conservation Area under the Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act).

The Government of Canada, in partnership with the Qikiqtani Inuit Association and Government of Nunavut, requires a feasibility assessment for the area. This includes a biophysical and ecological overview of the Tuvaijuittuq MPA. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the most current and available information for the area, including information to support the identification of significant ecosystem components (SECs), ecologically significant species and community properties (ESSCPs), and the identification of important areas (Charette et al. 2020). The advice arising from this review will inform the decision-making process for establishment of long-term protections in Tuvaijuittuq and will assist in delineating the proposed boundary (and zones if required). The advice will also inform DFO’s risk analysis and development of the regulatory approach for selected long-term conservation tool(s), identifying priority areas for protection, and refine existing conservation objectives using the most current published information available. This review will also inform subsequent advice on monitoring protocols and strategies, identification of information gaps requiring further research, and the development of a management plan for the area.

Objectives

The objectives of the peer review are to:

1. describe and map (where possible) key biophysical and ecological features of the MPA and adjacent areas (if applicable), including:
1. predominant and unique physical and biological oceanographic and sea ice characteristics;
2. predominant, unique, and sensitive habitat features; and
3. key species of interest, and the abiotic and biotic factors influencing these.
2. identify known sensitivities/vulnerabilities of habitats and species of interest within the MPA.
3. identify key uncertainties and knowledge gaps as they pertain to the current understanding of the existing environment and species of interest within the MPA, and recommend research to address these gaps, where possible.
4. provide science advice for consideration in the development of conservation objectives and priorities, and boundaries identified for the Tuvaijuittuq MPA.

Expected Publication

• Science Response Report

Expected Participation

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) (Science, and Aquatic Ecosystems sectors)
• Parks Canada Agency
• Government of Nunavut
• Qikiqtani Inuit Association
• Academia
• Other invited experts

References

Charette, J., Melling, H., Duerksen, S., Johnson, M., Dawson, K., Brandt, C., Remnant, R. and Michel, C. 2020. Physical and Ecological Overview of the Tuvaijuittuq Area. Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci. XXXX: 119 p. submitted. [Final, full reference to come; This will be distributed as a background report for meeting participants.]