Le changement climatique fait rapidement fondre les glaces de mer de l’Arctique, entraînant une saison de navigation plus longue et un plus grand accès que jamais à cette région. Au cours de la dernière décennie, la circulation maritime a plus que doublé. Mais l’Arctique canadien – et, en particulier, son archipel – demeure l’un des milieux de navigation les plus difficiles, dangereux et éloignés au monde.
À certains endroits, les couloirs de navigation se trouvent très près de zones d’habitat essentiel ou partagent des passages étroits avec des plaisanciers locaux, des espèces sauvages et des glaces flottantes dangereuses. Des approches novatrices sont requises pour gérer la circulation maritime, protéger les habitats marins et améliorer les mesures de sécurité.
ressources connexes
What's That Sound? How Underwater Noise Hurts Arctic Wildlife
The Arctic is one of the quietest places on Earth, and beneath its frigid waters is a vibrant ecosystem filled with life. Walrus, narwhal, seals, and belugas all communicate through complex vocalizations. But more recently, there’s been a change. Ship noise affects the Arctic, its ecosystems and its communities: if you’re an animal trying to be heard in this noisy environment, it’s going to be difficult amongst ship noise. So what are we doing about it? In this new video from Oceans North, you’ll learn everything about the issue of underwater noise and its impact, and how we can work together to research and implement best practices for noise reduction in the Arctic and across Canadian waters.
Underwater soundscape and radiated noise from ships in Eclipse Sound, NE Canadian Arctic
This January 2021 acoustic monitoring report documents a substantial increase in underwater noise, at levels known to disturb narwhal, as a result of ships from Baffinland’s Mary River iron ore mine traveling through the Arctic’s Eclipse Sound. A summary of the report is available in English and Inuktitut.
The Integrated Arctic Corridors Framework Planning for responsible shipping in Canada’s Arctic waters
The Integrated Arctic Corridors Framework proposes a comprehensive system of tiered, risk-based shipping routes, and an associated governance structure, that would integrate safe shipping, Inuit rights, and environmental protection, and provide benefit to Canada, the shipping industry, and Arctic communities.