Western Arctic
WCS Canada's Western Arctic Program is focused on the Arctic marine environment, which is facing major changes like sea ice loss, increased ship traffic, and development pressures.
How we work
Our goal is to change land-use and conservation planning approaches so that they take a more holistic approach to protecting key areas and reducing development impacts instead of relying on piecemeal project approvals that can lead to steadily growing cumulative impacts.
Where we work
We are working with our international colleagues to address conservation challenges across three nations in Arctic Beringia – the Russian Federation, United States, and Canada – while working with local indigenous governments and communities in both Alaska and Canada.
WCS Canada is particularly involved in working with local Inuvialuit communities to assess potential shipping noise impacts on marine life in the Bering, Chukchi and Beaufort Seas as more ships begin to travel through the previously ice-choked Northwest Passage. We are using our findings to put forward specific harm-reduction practices -- such as slowing ships or avoiding migration corridors during key periods -- to both the international Arctic Council and the Canadian government.
