Clyde River and the National Energy Board
In June 2014, the National Energy Board approved an application from a consortium of three international companies to do seismic testing in Baffin Bay and Davis Strait. To conduct a seismic test survey, loud air guns are shot toward the ocean floor every 10 seconds, 24 hours a day, for days to weeks at a time.
There is concern that these loud blasts, could serious effect hearing in whales that critically depend on their ability to hear in order to feed, navigate and care for their young. According to David Suzuki, seismic testing can also damage fish with air bladders, destroy marine wildlife eggs and larvae, and incite fish and other marine species to temporarily migrate away from the affected area.
Although the proposal was opposed by the mayors of five Inuit communities, the regional Inuit organization and Nunavut’s environmental review board, Ottawa approved energy exploration. In a letter to the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, federal Aboriginal Affairs Minister Bernard Valcourt says he sees no reason to deny proposed seismic tests off the coast of Baffin Island.
David vs. Goliath
Refusing to accept the decision, the hamlet of Clyde River, Hunters & Trappers organization and mayor, Jerry Natanine, initiated a challenge in the Federal Court of Appeal to ask for a judicial review. They said the NEB did not properly consult their community.
Clyde River mayor, Jerry Natanine, talks about his appreciation for Narwhals, the effects of Seismic Cannon Mapping, the Federal Court in Toronto and his Appeal against the Canadian National Energy Board’s decision to allow oil & gas exploration to begin in the summer 2015, in Baffin Bay which threatens the marine mammal ecosystem and narwhals in particular.
To add strength to Clyde River’s battle, Greenpeace launched an international petition. The Youth Arctic Coalition and youth from around the world showed their support and stood in solidarity with Clyde River.
Inside the Federal Court of Appeal, Clyde River’s lawyer argued that the NEB decision is a breach of Section 35 of the Constitution, which guarantees existing Aboriginal rights, and a breach of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.
Northern New Service reported that Nader Hasan, lawyer for the Clyde River parties said. “We got a very fair hearing. The judges were prepared. They asked intelligent and incisive questions, and we made all the points we wanted to make. It’s now in the court’s very capable hands, and we look forward to the decision.”
Outside the of the Federal Court of Appeal dozens gathered rallying for the small community of Clyde River.
“The appeal should not be confused with opposition to development”, Jerry Natanine said. “We’ve been fighting not just to keep our life unchanged, but expressing our desires to be part of such a thing if it ever happens, to be partners and to work with the companies that want to do seismic testing,” he said. “We want to do things right. If it’s going to happen, we want it done right and protective measures taken and Inuit to benefit directly from such projects.” read full article
In a very unexpected turn of events, the energy consortium has cancelled its plans to conduct seismic testing off of Baffin Island this summer.
High Five !!!
Clyde River’s mayor Jerry Natanine says he’s surprised by the companies’ decision to postpone the project. “I was not expecting that they would agree to our request that they do not do the seismic cannon blasting this year until the court has ruled on the case, and it was wonderful news that they agreed to it.”
Update: Aug 18/15
Clyde River loses fight to block seismic testing. Federal Court of Appeal denies hamlet’s request for a judicial review of permit. Read More
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