Lancaster Sound, known as Tallurutiup Tariunga to Inuit, is a unique Arctic ecosystem known around the world for its rich biodiversity and abundant marine life. Polar bears, narwhals, belugas, bowheads, walrus, seals and seabirds all make their home in Lancaster Sound. A refuge for marine mammals and fish, Lancaster Sound is also important as a food source for neighbouring communities, which include Pond Inlet and Arctic Bay. While governments and communities have been discussing protecting the regions biodiversity for nearly 30 years, today it remains unprotected.

Lancaster Sound is located between Baffin Island and Devon Island and represents the southern point of the Last Ice Area – the only region of the Arctic that is expected to retain its summer sea ice until 2050. In the coming years, with impacts of climate change becoming more apparent, the Last Ice Area and Lancaster Sound will be essential as an enduring home for ice-dependent species and people.

WWF in the Arctic

WWF has been working in the Arctic for over 40 years, supporting key research, providing on-the-ground support for wildlife conservation initiatives, and collaborating with local communities. WWF is working to ensure that key Arctic habitats are conserved for important wildlife species and the people who depend on them. From the Beaufort Sea to Baffin Bay, WWF-Canada is working with local communities to ensure that ecologically significant areas are conserved - to protect key wildlife and habitats, and respect cultural values. In some cases, this will involve determining which areas are too sensitive or important to support some types of development, such as mining or oil and gas development.