Anguniaqvia niqiqyuam Marine Protected Area

To maintain the integrity of the offshore marine environment of the Cape Parry Migratory Bird Sanctuary and to support populations of key species like beluga whales, Arctic char, and ringed and bearded seals.

Regulations prohibit activities that disturb, damage, destroy or remove living marine organisms or any part of their habitat from this area, unless listed as exceptions in the regulations or approved by the Minister.

An ecologically important area that provides critical habitat for Arctic char, cod, beluga whales, ringed and bearded seals, polar bears and sea birds. It is also culturally important for Inuvialuit people, as it supports subsistence harvesting of Arctic char, beluga, birds and other species. 

In open-water season, near-shore water provides migratory and feeding habitat for Arctic char and other fish species that migrate from the sea to fresh water to spawn. Offshore waters support a variety of marine invertebrates, fish, marine mammals and birds. 

During winter, the sea ice provides breeding and feeding habitat for polar bears and seals. Areas of open water within sea ice (polynyas) offer critical feeding areas and promote aggregations of marine mammals and their prey.