Beaufort Sea Strategic Regional Plan of Action

The idea for preparing a strategic plan began about three years ago. The present cycle of oil and gas activity in the Delta caught many people unaware when it began. If the Mackenzie Gas Project (MGP) goes ahead industry will be looking to the Beaufort Sea for additional reserves, and we need to prepare for that, and for the critical coastal zone area where development will occur and where the Inuvialuit are pursuing traditional activities.

The Inuvialuit Game Council stimulated the initiative by writing to the Minister of Environment suggesting the need to begin planning for offshore development. It is important for Inuvialuit communities because people are living off the land in coastal areas, so it is necessary to get everything right. Certain amounts of development can occur, but the Inuvialuit are concerned about wildlife.

This site will serve as a point of contact for information and progress related to developing a plan of action for addressing the effects of resource exploration and development in the Beaufort Sea and adjacent nearshore.