Marine wildlife area, Baffin Island, Northern Canada

Question 1

How is the sanctuary sustainable?

Answer 1

• The area is rich in zooplankton, a main food source for bowhead whales.
• Up to 2000 whales stop over annually on their migration around the coast of northern Canada.
• Shallow shelf at the entrance prevents predatory orcas entering.
• Other species that benefit from its protection include polar bears, ringed seals and arctic char.
• Inuit able to hunt and kill bowhead whales.
• eco-tourism creates employment opportunities for the Inuit.

Question 2

What are the problems?

Answer 2

• Global warming causes bowhead whales to migrate further north to cooler waters, out of the protection of the sanctuary.
• There has been an increase in orcas killing bowheads in the sanctuary.
• Norway and Japan continue to hunt whales claiming it’s for scientific purposes.