Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area

In 2009, the governments of Canada and Nunavut and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) signed a memorandum of understanding to begin assessing the feasibility of establishing a NMCA in Lancaster Sound. It also established the Steering Committee to conduct consultations with local communities and key stakeholders. In 2010, Parks Canada announced a potential future boundary of for an NMCA in Lancaster Sound. Additional studies and consultations were performed in the years that followed to determine what marine areas should be included or excluded from the proposed NMCA. The Senior Mineral and Energy Resource Assessment Committee approved of the Steering Committee’s recommended boundary the following May. With the signing of the IIBA, Parks Canada and QIA will begin to operationalize the NMCA. As of January 2023, formal establishment under the Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act has yet to occur. ==Geography==

The NCMA covers an area of stretching from Baffin Bay between Buchan Gulf and southeastern Ellesmere Island, to the 96th meridian west between Cornwallis Island and Somerset Island. It would surround the marine portions of Sirmilik National Park, Nirjutiqavvik National Wildlife Area, Bylot Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary, and Prince Leopold Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary. ==Ecology==

The ecological importance of Lancaster Sound is due to the presence of polynyas in its waters. These small pockets of open water provide refuge for Arctic marine and bird species during winter months. These winter refuges are also areas where Inuit undertake many traditional activities. ==See also==