Anguniaqvia Niqiqyuam in Darnley Bay is a site of great cultural importance to the Inuvialut people as a subsistence hunting and fishing ground. It is also an important feeding ground for Arctic char, beluga whales, polar bears, ringed and bearded seals and is home to the only thick billed murre colony in the Canadian Arctic.

Since the nomination of Anguniaqvia Niqiqyuam a number of scientific assessments, local and traditional knowledge workshops and a socio-economic analysis were completed. In 2013 a draft regulatory intent was developed which has been under review by the local community and stakeholders. The regulatory intent requires Ministerial approval, and then specific regulations must be drafted.

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