Beluga habitat opened to oil and gas development

The Canadian government is opening up part of some protected beluga whale habitat in the Mackenzie Delta and Beaufort Sea to oil and gas companies.

Ottawa recently announced that companies have until the beginning of May to place their bids on two parcels in the region, both of which contain protected whale habitat. The parcels comprise about 156,300 hectares, one about 70 kilometres west of Tuktoyaktuk, and the other off the northern coast of the Yukon. The government is offering nine-year exploration licences to the successful bidders, in consecutive terms of five and four years.

Between 20,000-40,000 beluga whales migrate into the area every summer, and depend on the shallow and relatively warm waters for easy access to prey. Drilling is currently prohibited in the most sensitive areas, but is allowed in the surrounding waters, with some restrictions.

Officials say environmental screening processes will ensure gas explorers don't damage whale habitat. "They have to be aware that it's not full blown or 100 per cent business as usual if they get a license in this area," says Richard Casey of the department of Indian and Northern Affairs, which regulates oil and gas development offshore in the North. "There might be some specifics that will be asked of them. If the migratory route happens during a specific period of time, they won't be allowed to pursue any activity during those months."

However, the move has environmentalists concerned who say the government should be thinking more about protecting habitat, and less about making money. Pressure is building on the beluga whale habitat in the Delta. One company wants to dredge through the protected area so it can move its gas production facility into the area.

Much of the surrounding water is already leased to gas companies.