Global warming and industrial development will dramatically influence this region. Now is the time to bring together scientific and traditional knowledge to map out the Beaufort ecosystem for its future health and sustainable use.
About the Beaufort Sea
The Beaufort Sea stretches across the northern coasts of Alaska, Yukon and the western Northwest Territories. It is rich in fish, birds and marine mammals such as beluga, bowhead whale, walrus and polar bear. Today it continues to support the livelihood and culture of the Inupiat, Inuvialuit and Gwich’in peoples.
Oil and gas in the Beaufort Sea
The Beaufort Sea is also rich in oil and gas deposits. As global warming reduces sea ice, these resources are becoming more and more accessible. Now, the rush is on to develop them. The Canadian and US governments have already issued more than 50 exploration and discovery licenses in the Beaufort Sea.
The need for good planning
Development can bring many benefits if it is done right. However, it takes good planning to maximize opportunities while minimizing risks and conflicts.
Managing the Beaufort Sea well means taking into account:.
- economic development
- resource extraction
- hunting and fishing
- conservation of wildlife and sensitive areas
Today, decisions are being made that will have far-reaching impacts on the people, wildlife and ecosystems of this region. This creates an exciting and urgent opportunity for governments, local communities, and other stakeholders to work together. Through collaboration, we can protect the health of this shared ecosystem before major industrial development goes ahead.
Cross-border collaboration
The Beaufort Sea ecosystem straddles the waters of the US and Canada. To manage it effectively, we need to share information and harmonize plans across borders — and communities have a key role to play.
