An Impact Assessment on Shipping in the Canadian Eastern Arctic: A Baffinland Mine Case Study – Phase 2 Project Proposal

• Main Author: Cucinelli, Jessica
• Format: Report
• Language: unknown
• Published: 2021
• Subjects: Arctic; Baffin Bay; Eclipse Sound; Milne Inlet; Nunavut; Pond Inlet; Sound Pond; Baffin; inuit; Sea ice
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10222/80261

Sea ice is melting at an unprecedented rate, improving access to the Arctic and greatly increasing development opportunities such as mining. The Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation Phase 2 project proposal aims to expand iron ore production at the Baffinland mine facility in Nunavut. If approved, this development will extend the shipping season beyond open-water season as well as increase vessel traffic from the port in Milne Inlet, through Eclipse Sound and out into Baffin Bay. This will increase the likelihood of shipping hazards such as the introduction of aquatic invasive species, underwater noise pollution, chemical pollution, habitat disturbance, and vessel strikes (with marine mammals), likely posing serious environmental and socio-cultural impacts, threatening local wildlife and neighbouring Inuit communities (e.g. the Hamlet of Pond Inlet). This study is threefold as it identifies shipping hazards and their potential impacts on valued-ecosystem components; reviews Baffinland’s proposed management measures to reduce adverse impacts; and provides a high-level assignment of the likelihood and severity of impacts from shipping given Baffinland’s proposed management plans. This study addresses the above research objectives through employing both a literature and policy review, while an impact matrix was developed to identify potential management gaps and areas of management priority. Recommendations were provided to further minimize adverse impacts from shipping hazards. The results suggest a need for Baffinland to strengthen their proposed management plans prior to project approval. Keywords: Arctic shipping, shipping hazards, Baffinland Iron Ore Mine, impact assessment, impact management, Arctic wildlife, Inuit, Eclipse Sound, Pond Inlet