WWF-Canada: Prime Minister must Postpone Beaufort Sea Oil and Gas Sale to Protect Polar Bears and Whales

(Toronto: May 27, 2008)

WWF-Canada today called on Prime Minister Stephen Harper to postpone the proposed June 2, 2008 sale of oil and gas rights in five large portions of the Beaufort Sea, until a management plan is available for the region that takes into account which industrial activities may be appropriate in which areas. The current areas up for lease overlap known key habitat for ice-dependent species like polar bear, beluga and bowhead whales, threatening their future.“This sale is premature due to the absence of a completed Beaufort Sea management plan that would protect sensitive habitats, which polar bears, beluga and bowhead whales need for their survival,” said Dr. Peter Ewins, Director, Species Conservation, WWF-Canada. “In addition, there is no proven technique for recovering oil spills in such dangerous iced waters. The Canadian government has promised firm and swift actions to protect polar bears and their habitat – to keep this commitment, the proposed June 2nd sale must be delayed until the government has proper management measures in place.”

“This setting is the northern equivalent of the Saguenay region in Quebec, where belugas and other whales feed all along an underwater cliff,” said Craig Stewart, Director, Ottawa Bureau, WWF-Canada. “Imagine the impact of a line of oil rigs poised offshore of Tadoussac and you will understand our concerns.”

Canada’s Oceans Act requires the development of integrated management plans and marine protected areas networks in all of Canada’s oceans. This process is underway, but not yet complete in the Beaufort Sea. WWF-Canada is in agreement with leaders in the oil and gas sector that an expedited regional environmental assessment could satisfy planning requirements within a shorter time-frame and streamline future approvals creating a win-win-win situation for conservation, industry and the Inuvialuit.

“Canada is on the record as wanting to be a world leader in oceans management,” continued Stewart. “However, you wouldn’t see development rights of this scale sold off in any province without a land-use plan in place. It would be considered poor governance on land and the ocean should be no different.”

In the Alaskan offshore, a few hundred miles to the west, the U.S. government is now being sued by Alaskan native organizations and environmental conservation groups, due to last winter’s $2.6 US billion premature sale of prime polar bear and whale habitat to large oil companies. Federal U.S. authorities estimate that there is a 31-40% likelihood of a major oil spill if these leases are developed – too high a risk for local Alaskans and wildlife. (…/2)
“We’ve had mammoth oil spills in Alaska devastating local communities and wildlife,” said Bill Eichbaum, Vice President, Marine Portfolio, WWF-US. ”We have seen the consequences of premature oil and gas development without proper conservation plans. Canadians have an opportunity to learn from our mistakes and avoid these types of conflicts.”

“We are honored to join with WWF in the struggle to protect the traditional way of life of indigenous Arctic Peoples,” said Lily H. Tuzroyluke, Executive Director, Native Village of Point Hope – Tribal Government of the village of Point Hope, Alaska. “Our Council has continued a long-standing and honorable duty to defend our lands for subsistence and ensuring whaling traditions are passed on to future generations. For centuries, our people have perpetuated a sacred relationship with our oceans and marine mammals for our nutritional, cultural, and emotional well-being.”

WWF-Canada is calling on Prime Minister Harper to:

· Immediately postpone the June 2, 2008 Beaufort Sea oil and gas lease sale;
· Complete integrated regional planning/assessment processes for the entire Canadian Beaufort Sea that fully protects sensitive areas for key species such as polar bears and beluga and bowhead whales;
· Ensure that an oil spill response capacity can quickly clean up any spill under all weather conditions.

“WWF-Canada is not opposed to economic development of the Arctic. However, there’s a right way and a wrong way to proceed”, said Stewart. “We look forward to working with federal officials and all stakeholders to quickly put the proper plan in place that prescribes where Beaufort development could proceed and where it should not.”

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For more information contact:
Kyle Ferguson, Manager, Communications, WWF-Canada
(c) 416-819-5631