Audubon Applauds Progress Towards Establishing Western Hudson Bay Marine Conservation Area

This week in Churchill, Manitoba’s Premier Wab Kinew announced that the Government of Manitobs is investing $250,000 to explore the establishment of a national marine conservation area (NMCA) in Western Hudson Bay. This is an important step in efforts to conserve and protect one of the planet’s most ecologically significant marine ecosystems, even as the area experiences the effects of climate change. The habitats of Western Hudson Bay support a number of globally important wildlife species, including migratory birds like the Red Knot. This species depends on healthy marine breeding habitats like those in Western Hudson Bay before migrating all of the way to the southern tip of South America, making it one of the world’s longest migratory journeys. Audubon looks forward to supporting a feasibility study process that is informed by science, and grounded in the rights, knowledge, and leadership of Indigenous communities. Indigenous-led stewardship and local support are essential to establishing an NMCA that protects wildlife while strengthening livelihoods and long-term stewardship of natural resources in rapidly changing Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. 

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The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive.

Media Contact: Rebecca Sentner, rebecca.sentner@audubon.org