Community Perspectives on Environmental Assessment Scoping for Shipping and Associated Activities Around Sirmilik National Park of Canada
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Community Perspectives on Environmental Assessment Scoping for Shipping and Associated Activities around Sirmilik National Park of Canada David Michael Claxton Lane A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of: MASTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT Natural Resources Institute Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth and Resources University of Manitoba 70 Dysart Road Winnipeg, Canada David Lane © 2011 THE UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES ***** COPYRIGHT PERMISSION Community Perspectives on Environmental Assessment Scoping for Shipping and Associated Activities around Sirmilik National Park of Canada By David Michael Claxton Lane A Thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies of The University of Manitoba in partial fulfillment of the requirement of the degree Of Master of Natural Resources Management (M.N.R.M) © 2011 by David Lane Permission has been granted to the Library of the University of Manitoba to lend or sell copies of this thesis, to the National Library of Canada to microfilm this thesis and to lend or sell copies of the film, and to University Microfilms Inc. to publish an abstract of this thesis/practicum. This reproduction or copy of this thesis has been made available by authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research, and may only be reproduced and copied as permitted by copyright laws or with express written authorization from the copyright owner. ABSTRACT This thesis considers the environmental, economic, social, and cultural effects of increasing shipping activities around Sirmilik National Park of Canada, in order to develop possible scoping questions for future environmental assessments. Using a qualitative approach, 25 semi-structured interviews, two focus groups, observation, and field notes were used to collect data which are then analyzed for linkages between valued environmental and social components and the potential effects from shipping and associated activities. The most prominent concern that emerged regarded the potential impacts to migrating and breeding narwhal in the area. Many respondents also discussed economic and social issues because they perceive increasing shipping as a signal of economic growth. In total, 124 scoping questions were developed in 17 direct environmental impact areas identified by participants, as well as 53 scoping questions relating to cumulative effects and strategic issues. The thesis concludes with some broader management implications that flow from the analysis. i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The completion of this thesis would not have been possible without the support, insight, knowledge, and kindness of many people. First, I would like to thank the community of Pond Inlet and the many individuals that helped to make my field work interesting and enjoyable. I was welcomed with open hearts and have many fond memories of our interactions together. In particular, I would like to thank the staff of Sirmilik National Park (Carey, Isreal, Samson, Brian) for allowing me to experience the incredible beauty of the area and for providing me with the once in a lifetime opportunity of travelling safely through a foggy and iceberg laden Northwest Passage. I would also like to thank Shelly for providing me with many of the contacts that I interviewed in Pond Inlet, as well as for helping to focus and improve the efficiency of the field work. Finally, I owe a great debt of gratitude to all of the interview respondents who shared their knowledge, stories, and personal experiences that make up the bulk of the data and conclusions. I hope that I have presented your voices accurately and honorably. Back home in Winnipeg, I would like to thank my thesis advisory committee and the Natural Resources Institute, for guiding this research and sharing their knowledge about the many facets of environmental management. Specifically, I wish to acknowledge the incredible insight, guidance, and empowerment that were provided by Dr. Sinclair, who constantly made this journey of growth and learning so positive and rewarding. I would also like to thank Katherine Cumming and Parks Canada for providing the opportunity and funding for this project. Finally, thank you to my friends and family for your honest perspectives, understanding, and motivation. I particularly want to say thank-you to my parents for continually supporting and encouraging me, and for providing me with the opportunity to achieve this goal as well as the values to achieve it. And a special thanks to Shauna, for your enduring love, compassion, and inspiring creative dialogue. ii DEDICATION This thesis is dedicated in loving memory of Doreen Marion Gauthier For instilling in me the values that took me down this fruitful path. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT ..................................................................................................................................................................................... i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................................................................................................... ii DEDICATION .............................................................................................................................................................................. iii LIST OF FIGURES ..................................................................................................................................................................... vii LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................................................................................... vii LIST OF PLATES ....................................................................................................................................................................... vii ACRONYMS ............................................................................................................................................................................... viii CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................ 1 1.1 BACKGROUND ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 PURPOSE ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 1.3 OBJECTIVES ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 8 1.4 APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY........................................................................................................................................................... 8 1.5 ORGANIZATION OF THESIS ..................................................................................................................................................................... 9 CHAPTER 2: A REVIEW OF THE EFFECTS OF SHIPPING ACTIVITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SCOPING IN CANADA .................................................................................................................................. 10 2.1 OVERVIEW OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF SHIPPING ........................................................................................................ 10 2.2 DETAILED REVIEW OF IMPACT ISSUES .............................................................................................................................................. 11 2.2.1 Impacts of Icebreaking Activities ...................................................................................................................................... 11 2.2.2 Accidents ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 13 2.2.3 Effects of Discharges ............................................................................................................................................................... 13 2.2.4 Direct Mortality ........................................................................................................................................................................ 14 2.2.5 Cruise Ships ................................................................................................................................................................................ 15 2.2.6 Assessment of Shipping in the North ................................................................................................................................ 16 2.3 SCOPING IN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS .................................................................................................................................. 16 2.3.1 Overview ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 16 2.3.2 Context and Purpose of Scoping .......................................................................................................................................