Five sightings during mid August.

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1 Page 39 Table 5-1.Selected summary of bird observations during the geophysical site survey off northwest Greenland, 11 August 18 September (Common and scientific names are from Gill and Donsker 2010.) (Table adapted from Abgrall and Harris 2011.) Species Scientific Name Summary of observations Common eider Somateria mollissima Uncommon. King eider Somateria spectabilis Four sightings of small flocks. Unidentified eider (common or king) Somateria sp. Five sightings during mid August. Harlequin duck Histrionicus histrionicus One sighting of a flock of 8 flying on 12 August. Northern fulmar Fulmarus glacialis Common. Seen during all survey days. Gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus Two sightings: 30 August and 2 September. Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus One sighting of a flying immature on 17 September Baird s sandpiper Calidris bairdii One seen 5 September, circling ship. Red-necked phalarope Phalaropus lobatus Two sightings: a flock of 7 on 30 August, and another flock of 7 on 2 September. Both sightings were of birds on the water. Red phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius Uncommon. Most records 19 August 2 September. Pomarine jaeger Stercorarius pomarinus Uncommon: 10 sightings, most of single birds. Recorded throughout study area. Parasitic jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus Total of 8 sightings, each of single birds, between 12 August and 18 September. Six sightings during August; 2 during September. Long-tailed jaeger Stercorarius longicaudus Uncommon, but most abundant jaeger species. All sightings during August. Ivory gull Pagophila eburnea Uncommon. Total of 15 individuals seen, all during August and all in northern portion of study area. Sabine's gull Xema sabini One sighting of a single juvenile on 24 August. Black-legged kittiwake Rissa tridactyla Iceland gull Larus glaucoides Uncommon. Eight sightings, most of single birds. Common. Seen most survey days and throughout survey area. Highest densities in southern portion of survey area.

2 Page 40 Species Scientific Name Summary of observations Glaucous gull Larus hyperboreus Common. Seen most days and throughout survey area, but more sightings closer to coast. Usually single birds seen. Arctic tern Sterna paradisaea Uncommon. Seen only during 9 days. Most often seen as single birds. Thick-billed murre Uria lomvia Common, but in low densities throughout the survey area. Black guillemot Cepphus grylle Uncommon. All sightings 12 August 5 September. Most sightings were of single birds. Little auk Alle alle Very common, but primarily N. Atlantic puffin Fratercula arctica One sighting: 1 individual, 3 September, 75 35'N, 65 10'W.

3 Page 41 Table 5-2. Density of selected seabirds (number/km 2 ) by monthly period and latitude during the geophysical site survey off northwest Greenland, 11 August 18 September (Table adapted from Abgrall and Harris 2011.) Latitude N N Monthly Period August September August September No. of Counts Common eider King eider UnID. eider Northern fulmar Red phalarope Long-tailed jaeger Ivory gull Black-legged kittiwake Iceland gull Glaucousgull Arctic tern Thick-billed murre Black guillemot Little auk All birds Combined Table 5-3. List of offshore species and their conservation status (based on Table 3 in Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). Importance of Species Greenland Red List Status Study Area to Population 1 Fulmar Least Concern High Red-necked Phalarope Least Concern Low Red Phalarope Least Concern Low Parasitic Jaeger Least Concern Low Black-legged Kittiwake Vulnerable High Glaucous Gull Least Concern Medium Iceland Gull Least Concern Low Sabine s Gull Near Threatened Low Ivory Gull Vulnerable Medium Arctic Tern Near Threatened High Thick-billed Murre Vulnerable High Razorbill Least Concern High Atlantic Puffin Near Threatened High Black Guillemot Least Concern High Little Auk Least Concern High 1 Importance of study area to population (conservation value) indicates the significance of the population occurring within the Baffin Bay assessment area in a national and international context.

4 Page Marine Mammals Twenty species of marine mammals have been found in the Baffin Bay assessment area (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). The twenty species include eight odontocetes (toothed whales), six mysticetes (baleen whales), five pinnipeds (seals and walrus), and one carnivore (Table 5-4). According to the Greenland Red List, three of the species (beluga, narwhal, and walrus) are considered Critically Endangered, the bowhead whale is considered Near Threatened, and the polar bear is considered Vulnerable (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). Five of the species the narwhal, walrus, bearded seal, ringed seal, and polar bear could be found there throughout the year. These five species rely on the Baffin Bay area for all aspects of their biology, although all but ringed and bearded seals spend part of the season outside of Baffin Bay proper. These five species, along with the beluga and bowhead whale, are the identified marine mammal Valued Ecosystem Components (VECs) for this assessment (Table 5-4; Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). The following discussion focuses mainly on these VECs. To our knowledge, the only available survey data of the offshore waters in the 2012 Study Area is from the 2011 geophysical survey, which included ~3690 km and 464 h of marine mammal monitoring effort during 10 August 19 September Overall (including transit to and from Nuuk), there were 62 sightings of a total of 127 marine mammals (Abgrall and Harris 2011). Of the 62 sightings, 5 (8%) were cetaceans and 57 (92%) were pinnipeds. No polar bears were sighted. There was only one cetacean sighting near the Study Area, an individual unidentified baleen whale (Figure 5-1). An additional four baleen whale sightings, all minke whales, were made during transit to and from Nuuk (Abgrall and Harris 2011). Twenty pinniped sightings occurred in the proposed 2012 Study Area (an additional 18 and 19 seal sightings were made near the Study Area and during transit to and from Nuuk, respectively). These included 12 harp seal sightings (14 individuals), three ringed seal sightings (3), and five unidentified seal sightings (5) (Figure 5-1; Abgrall and Harris 2011). Odontocetes Eight species of odontocete are found in the Baffin Bay assessment area (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). The narwhal and beluga whale are only common in arctic waters, whereas the remaining odontocetes are not restricted to the Arctic and are only present in the Study Area during ice-free periods of the summer. Changes in sea ice cover associated with a warming climate could allow these species to become more frequent occupants of the assessment area for extended durations (Laidre et al. 2008; Moore and Huntington 2008), as has been demonstrated for killer whales in Hudson Bay, Canada (Higdon and Ferguson 2009). There is limited information on the occurrence of most odontocetes in Greenland waters; available data from recent surveys are discussed in Boertmann and Mosbech (2011) and summarized below.

5 Page 43 Beluga Whale. Beluga whales are distributed throughout arctic and sub-arctic waters with the exception of ice-covered waters extending from Northeast Greenland to Svalbard (Jefferson et al. 2008). The International Whaling Commission (IWC) currently recognizes 29 beluga stocks, and the global population could be >150,000, although many regions have been poorly surveyed or not surveyed (IWC 2000). Most populations maintain distinct summer geographic ranges, but some populations mix during spring and autumn migrations, and sometimes more than one population shares common winter areas associated with loose ice conditions or recurring polynyas. Globally, beluga whales are considered Near Threatened (IUCN 2012), and they are listed as Critically Endangered on the Greenland Red List (Table 5-4).

6 Page 44 Table 5-4. Marine Mammals in the Baffin Bay Assessment Area and Study Area (adapted from Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). Common Name Scientific Name Cetaceans Odontocetes Beluga 3 Delphinapterus leucas Period of occurrence Oct-Nov, April- June Narwhal 3 Monodon monoceros Whole year Sperm whale N. bottlenose whale Physeter macrocephalus Hyperoodon ampullatus Main habitat Banks Winter: edge of banks, deep water; Summer: fjords, coastal waters; Migrants; along 1,000 m contour Distribution & occurrence Abundant migrant Abundant summer &winter and as migrant May Nov Deep waters Unknown Summer Deep waters Unknown Killer whale Orcinus orca Jun Aug Ubiquitous Rare Pilot whale Globicephala melas Jun Oct Deep waters Rare White-beaked dolphin Lagenorhynchus albirostris Summer Shelf waters Rare Harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena April Nov Coastal waters Rare Cetaceans Mysticetes Bowhead whale 3 Balaena mysticetus Feb Jun Pack ice/marginal ice zone Locally abundant migrant Study Area Greenland IUCN Importance Protection/ to Red List Red List exploitation population status 1 status 2 Hunt regulated Hunt regulated Protected (1985) Protected (1985) Hunt unregulated Hunt unregulated Hunt unregulated Hunt unregulated Hunt regulated High CR NT High CR NT Low NA VU Low NA DD Low NA DD Low LC DD Low NA LC Low DD LC Medium NT LC Humpback whale Megaptera Hunt Jun Nov Edge of banks, coastal Rare novaeangliae regulated Low LC LC Minke whale Balaenoptera Hunt Apr Nov Coastal waters and banks Rare acutorostrata regulated Low LC LC Sei whale Balaenoptera borealis Jun Oct Offshore Rare Protected Low DD EN Fin whale Balaenoptera Jun Oct Edge of banks, coastal Rare Hunt Low LC EN

7 Page 45 Common Name Blue whale Pinnipeds Walrus 3 Scientific Name physalus Balaenoptera musculus Odobenus rosmarus Period of occurrence Main habitat Distribution & occurrence Jul Oct Edge of banks Rare Winter & spring, maybe fall Polynyas, marginal ice zone, shallow water Bearded seal 3 Erignathus barbatus Whole year Waters with ice Ringed seal 3 Phoca hispida Whole year Waters with ice Hooded seal Cystophora cristata Jun Oct Mainly deep waters Harp seal Phoca groenlandica Jun Oct Whole area Carnivores Polar bear 3 Ursus maritimus Whole year Drift ice and ice edges Migrants from adjacent areas Widespread & abundant Common & widespread Common in summer Numerous in summer Common, mainly with ice Study Area Greenland IUCN Importance Protection/ to Red List Red List exploitation population status 1 status 2 regulated Protected (1966) Low DD EN Hunt regulated Hunt unregulated Hunt unregulated Hunt unregulated Hunt unregulated Hunt regulated Low EN/CR DD Medium DD LC High LC LC Medium LC VU Medium LC LC High VU VU 1 Boertmann and Mosbech (2011). NA=Not Applicable; DD=Data Deficient; LC=Least Concern; NT=Near Threatened; VU=Vulnerable; EN=Endangered; CR=Critically Endangered. 2 IUCN (2012). DD=Data Deficient; LC=Least Concern; NT=Near Threatened; VU=Vulnerable; EN=Endangered. 3 Valued Ecosystem Component (VEC)

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9 Page 47 Belugas that occur in and near the Study Area during part of the year are found in Lancaster Sound, Barrow Strait, Peel Sound, and Baffin Bay during the summer ice-free period (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). During September and October, they migrate toward Melville Bay (Richard et al. 2001), parts of the coast of West Greenland, and the North Water Polynya, where part of the population over-winters (Figure 5-2). The rest of the population continues south, primarily in October and November, and winters in the loose pack ice west of Disko Island (Finley and Renaud 1980; Koski and Davis 1979; Richard et al. 1998a; Heide-Jørgensen et al. 2003a). Belugas are common along the banks in the Disko Bay area from November to May, using shallow waters and looser pack ice closer to the coast than do narwhals (McLaren and Davis 1981, 1983; Heide-Jørgensen et al. 1993, 2010a; Mosbech et al. 2007). Their northward migration starts in April and extends through June. Migration routes are primarily along the coast and through nearshore waters (Koski et al. 2002; Heide-Jørgensen et al. 2010a), so few whales are expected in the Project Area during the 2012 program. The primary winter range and migration routes of belugas along West Greenland are shown in Figure 5-2. Aerial surveys of West Greenland from 1981 to 1994 indicated that beluga whale abundance had decreased by ~62% (Heide-Jørgensen and Reeves 1996). Surveys in 1998 and 1999 confirmed population declines and estimated an abundance of 7941 in West Greenland (Heide-Jørgensen and Aquarone 2002). The abundance of belugas in West Greenland was last estimated as 10,595 in 2006, and concentrations of whales were located in Disko Bay on the northern shore of Store Hellefisk Bank as well as along the eastern edge of the pack ice covering Baffin Bay and Davis Strait (Heide-Jørgensen et al. 2010a). Belugas could be encountered in the Project Area during the fall migration, when movements are primarily near the coast. They could also occur there during the spring migration, including some animals that travel through loose pack ice in offshore areas. Belugas could be encountered, but in low numbers, during the proposed program based on the 2012 temporal boundaries. Narwhal. The narwhal occurs in arctic waters from eastern Canada to the European Arctic, but is rare in the East Siberian, Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas (Jefferson et al. 2008). There are likely >80,000 narwhals globally, including a large proportion in the Canadian High Arctic (NAMMCO 2005a). Narwhals are considered Near Threatened globally (IUCN 2012) and Critically Endangered on the Greenland Red List (Table 5-4); however, results of recent aerial surveys of summering areas in West Greenland suggest that populations in those areas could be larger than previously thought, and that the status should be re-examined (Heide-Jørgensen et al. 2010b; Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). Narwhals are among the most abundant cetaceans in Baffin Bay, where estimates are at least 50,000 (Koski and Davis 1994; Innes et al. 2002). Narwhals can be found in particular portions of the Study Area year-round, and they migrate seasonally among areas of concentration (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). However, satellite telemetry data indicate that movements in the Baffin Bay region are complex and still not fully understood.

10 Page 48 Two narwhal population are found near the Study Area during summer, one in Melville Bay and another in Inglefield Bredning (Heide-Jørgensen 2004; Dietz et al. 2008; Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). However, only the Melville Bay population is found in the proposed Study Area, and they are found to the northeast of the Project Area during summer. The size of the Melville Bay population was estimated at 6024 in 2007, but the very large confidence interval of ,860 (Heide- Jørgensen et al. 2010b) suggests that there is considerable uncertainty of the actual population size. More surveys are needed to confirm the size of this population, but it appears to be larger than previously thought.

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12 Page 50 By fall, Greenland populations and those from the Canadian High Arctic migrate through central Baffin Bay, along coastal West Greenland, and along the east coast of Baffin Island (Koski and Davis 1980, 1994; Heide-Jørgensen et al. 2002, 2003b; Dietz et al. 2008). The migration appears to follow the 1000-m contour southward, and narwhals from the Canadian High Arctic can migrate as early as late September early October. Narwhals from Melville Bay migrate south from mid October to mid December, depending on the year. At least one Canadian population also winters in central Baffin Bay and another winter aggregation of narwhals occurs in Uummannaq Fjord and Disko Bay, south of the Study Area (Mosbech et al. 2007; Dietz et al. 2008; Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). The summer range of narwhals wintering in Uummannaq Fjord is currently unknown. The winter feeding area is in a deep basin of Baffin Bay, south of the Project Area. Whales are found in the wintering area from November to June (Heide-Jørgensen et al. 2002, 2003b), but migration toward summering areas can begin as early as mid March and is gradual. Narwhals that summer in the eastern Canadian High Arctic also use this wintering area (Laidre et al. 2003). Narwhals from the Melville Bay population can be found in the northeast corner of the Study Area during summer, but are found primarily east of the Project Area. Narwhals from several populations are found to the south of the Project Area during winter, but are most frequently found along the 1000-m contour during the spring and fall migrations between wintering and summering areas. Protection areas have been established in order to minimize impacts of various activities on narwhals (Figure 5-3); these areas are in and adjacent to the Project Area. Sperm whale. Sperm whales have a broad worldwide distribution, ranging from the edges of polar pack ice to tropical and temperate waters (Jefferson et al. 2008). Sperm whales are considered Vulnerable on a global scale (IUCN 2012), but are listed as Not Applicable on the Greenland Red List (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011; Table 5-4). Sperm whales were caught in Davis Strait as early as 1812; one report in 1870 indicated that sperm whales were reportedly rare in the region, and another paper reported a catch of 181 males by a fleet of seven boats in 1937 (Berzin 1971). Unpublished data in Boertmann et al. (2011) suggest that sperm whales still occur regularly in ice-free areas of Davis Strait and in Baffin Bay, as far north as Upernavik. Sperm whales likely will not be encountered in the Project Area. Rare encounters are possible to the south of the Study Area throughout the survey period. Northern bottlenose whale. Northern bottlenose whales are found only in the North Atlantic, ranging primarily from eastern Canada to the ice edge in southern Davis Strait in the west, and from the Strait of Gibraltar to Svalbard in the east (Jefferson et al. 2008). Globally, northern bottlenose whales are considered Data Deficient (IUCN 2012), but they are listed as Not Applicable on the Greenland Red List (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011; Table 5-4) because they are not believed to occur regularly in waters near Greenland. Northern bottlenose whales likely will not be encountered in the Project Area. Rare encounters are possible to the south of the Study Area throughout the survey period.

13 Page 51 Killer whale. Killer whales have a cosmopolitan distribution and are found in all oceans, from polar pack ice to the Equator (Jefferson et al. 2008). However, they appear to be most common in coastal waters and in higher latitudes. The status of the killer whale is considered Data Deficient globally (IUCN 2012), but they are listed as Not Applicable on the Greenland Red List (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011; Table 5-4).

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15 Page 53 Killer whales are considered occasional visitors to the Baffin Bay assessment area (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). Since 1996, there have been three reports of killer whale takes in the Baffin Bay assessment area. Out of a group of killer whales hunted in September 2008 in Upernavik, six were landed (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). They have been observed occasionally throughout West Greenland waters, although sightings have been more numerous in Qaanaaq, Disko Bay, Nuuk, and Qaqortoq (Heide-Jørgensen 1988). Killer whales encounters would be considered rare in the Project Area and Study Area. Long-finned pilot whale. The long-finned pilot whale is widespread in the North Atlantic, ranging into southern Baffin Bay in the west and across Iceland and the Faroes to mid Norway in the east (Jefferson et al. 2008). It is thought that there is a single, very large population in the North Atlantic. The most recent estimate of the size of this population was 778,000, from data collected in 1987 and 1989 (Buckland et al. 1993). Off West Greenland, the abundance of long-finned pilot whales was estimated to be 7440 (Hansen 2010). Long-finned pilot whales are considered Data Deficient globally (IUCN 2012) and Least Concern on the Greenland Red List (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011; Table 5-4). Pilot whales seem to avoid ice-covered areas and only occur close to the Greenland coast in years with very little ice (Heide-Jørgensen and Bunch 1991). Pilot whales typically occur as far north as Uummannaq and Upernavik (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). Long-finned pilot whales likely would not be encountered in the Project Area. White-beaked dolphin. White-beaked dolphins occur in cold temperate and subarctic waters in the North Atlantic, exhibiting a generally more northerly distribution than most other dolphin species (Jefferson et al. 2008). Reeves et al. (1999) estimated that high tens to low hundreds of thousands of white-beaked dolphins occur in the North Atlantic. Off West Greenland, the abundance of white-beaked dolphins was estimated to be 11,801 in 2007 (Hansen 2010). White-beaked dolphins are listed as Least Concern globally (IUCN 2012) and Not Applicable on the Greenland Red List (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011; Table 5-4). In the northwest Atlantic, Disko Bay is at the northern range of the published distribution of white-beaked dolphins in West Greenland (Reeves et al. 1999; Kinze et al. 1997). However, there are unpublished catch statistics that suggest that white-beaked dolphins occur farther north, reaching as far north as Upernavik (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). White-beaked dolphins likely would not be encountered in the Project Area. Harbour porpoise. Harbour porpoises occur in cool temperate to sub-polar, typically shallow or nearshore, waters in the Northern Hemisphere (Jefferson et al. 2008). Harbour porpoises are considered abundant and widespread in the North Atlantic. There is an unknown number of harbour porpoises in Greenland (Teilmann and Dietz 1998), but ~28,514 are estimated north of 60 N in the northeast Atlantic (Sigurjónsson and Víkingsson 1997). They are listed as Least Concern globally (IUCN 2012) and Data Deficient on the Greenland Red List (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011; Table 5-4). Harbour porpoises have historically ranged from Upernavik to the southwestern tip of Greenland, with the main portion of their distribution extending from Sisimiut to Paamiut (Teilmann and Dietz 1998). Fewer animals are sighted or caught in communities farther north or south of there. Harbour porpoises likely would not be encountered in the Project Area.

16 Page 54 Mysticetes Six species of mysticete or baleen whale are found in the Baffin Bay assessment area (Table 5-4; Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). Bowhead whales, the only baleen whale species considered to be a VEC for this project, can be present in the area during winter and spring. Bowhead whale. There are four (until recently five) recognized stocks of bowhead whales that are found in the North Pacific (Bering-Chukchi-Beaufort or BCB and Okhotsk stocks) and North Atlantic waters (Eastern Canada-Western Greenland and Spitzbergen stocks; Heide-Jørgensen et al. 2006). All of these stocks were severely reduced during the whaling period and it appears that only two of these stocks (BCB and Eastern Canada West Greenland) have recovered significantly. The size of the worldwide pre-whaling population is estimated to have been a minimum of 50,000 (Woodby and Botkin 1993), and could have been substantially larger. The current estimate of the size of these combined stocks is on the order of ~18,000. Globally, the bowhead whale is listed as Least Concern (IUCN 2012). According to the Greenland Red List, the Eastern Canada West Greenland Stock is listed as Near Threatened (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011; Table 5-4). The Eastern Canada-Western Greenland stock of the bowhead whale is found off West Greenland during winter and spring, and migrates north and east into Canadian waters during late spring and summer (Figure 5-4). The stock remains in Canadian waters during summer and fall, and most are believed to over-winter in Hudson Strait (Koski et al. 2006). A few bowheads may over-winter in the North Water Polynya in northern Baffin Bay (Richard et al. 1998b) and in the Disko Bay region (Reeves and Heide-Jørgensen 1996; Heide-Jørgensen et al. 2006, 2007a; Koski et al. 2006). Bowheads that overwinter in Hudson Strait probably arrive in the Disko Bay area in March and April, and many feed there before continuing their migration to Canadian waters. The whales that linger in the Disko area are primarily adult females without calves (Laidre et al. 2007; Wiig et al. 2011). Few calves have been seen in West Greenland, so the majority of adult females seen there must be either pregnant, resting, or in oestrus. Bowheads mate during March and April (Koski et al. 1993; Reese et al. 2001). The Eastern Canada-Western Greenland stock has increased in size from the early 1980s (Koski et al. 2006; Heide-Jørgensen et al. 2007a) to the present; the currently accepted estimate of the size of this stock by the International Whaling Commission is 6344 (IWC 2009), but that estimate could be negatively biased. Based on genetic mark-recapture analyses, Wiig et al. (2011) estimated the size of the population of bowhead whales that occurs in spring off West Greenland to be 1410 (999 females); not all of these would be present in any given year because females with calves travel to Foxe Basin in years when they calve. Despite the recent signs of recovery (Heide-Jørgensen and Laidre 2010), the size of this stock is still much lower than the pre-whaling population size (Allen and Keay 2006). Bowhead whales are present in the Project Area during their spring migration (May and June) toward summering areas in Canadian waters, but are uncommon during early summer and rarely seen there at other times of the year. The migration is dispersed throughout the Project Area and whales follow leads through the offshore pack ice. By late June, most bowheads have moved west to the east coast of Baffin Island or the Canadian High Arctic (Figure 5-4; Boertmann and Mosbech 2011).

17 Page 55 Humpback whale. Humpback whales are found in all oceans of the world from the Antarctic to the Arctic. They were heavily exploited during the whaling period but most populations are recovering. The global pre-whaling population is believed to have been ~125,000, and currently they number ~80,000. Off West Greenland, the abundance of humpback whales was estimated at 3272 in 2007 (Hansen 2010). Globally, and on the Greenland Red List, humpback whales are listed as Least Concern (IUCN 2012; Boertmann and Mosbech 2011; Table 5-4).

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19 Page 57 In recent years, humpback whale sightings have become more abundant and widely distributed in West Greenland, and sightings have extended farther north than in earlier years. It is likely that the range of humpback whales in West Greenland will continue to expand as the populate size continues to increase (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). Humpback whale encounters would be considered rare in the Project Area. Minke whale. Minke whales have a cosmopolitan distribution spanning polar, temperate, and tropical waters (Jefferson et al. 2008). Similar to other rorquals, minke whales migrate into established feeding areas in Greenland during summer from winter breeding grounds (Horwood 1990). There are an estimated ~188,000 minke whales in the North Atlantic, comprised of four managements stocks including the Canadian East Coast, West Greenland, Central North Atlantic, and Northeastern North Atlantic stocks (Donovan 1991; IWC 2007). Off West Greenland, the abundance of minke whales was estimated to be 16,609 in 2007 (Heide-Jørgensen et al. 2010b). This is considered an underestimate, as the survey did not cover the entire potential habitat. Globally, and on the Greenland Red List, the minke whale is listed as Least Concern (IUCN 2012; Boertmann and Mosbech 2011; Table 5-4). Minke whales occurring in or near the Study Area are part of the West Greenland stock recognized by the IWC (Donovan 1991), and are generally only present in summer, mainly to the south of the Study Area. Observations have occurred as far north as Siorapaluk, north of the Study Area, in recent years (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). No minke whales were observed with the Study Area during a geophysical marine mammal monitoring program off northwest Greenland in August and September 2011, although four minke whale sightings (totalling five individuals) were recorded between Disko Bay and Nuuk (Abgrall and Harris 2011). Minke whale encounters would be considered rare in the Project Area. Sei whale. The distribution of sei whales is not well known, but they are found in all oceans and appear to prefer mid-latitude temperate waters (Jefferson et al. 2008). Sei whale populations were depleted by whaling, and their current status is generally uncertain (Horwood 1987). The global population is thought to be ~80,000 (Horwood 2002), and there are an estimated 12,000 13,000 in the North Atlantic (Cattanach et al. 1993). The sei whale is listed globally as Endangered (IUCN 2012) and on the Greenland Red List as Data Deficient (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011; Table 5-4). Sei whales observed off West Greenland are part of a mid-atlantic oceanic population with little site fidelity that uses ice-free waters from June to October (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). Ship-based surveys conducted in 2005 estimated the abundance of sei whales off West Greenland at 1599 (Heide-Jørgensen et al. 2007b). This estimate is low, as the entire potential habitat was not covered and corrections for whales missed by observers or diving whales were not applied. Sei whale likely would not be encountered in the Project Area because none were seen north of Disko Bay during the 2005 survey.

20 Page 58 Fin whale. The fin whale is found in all of the world s oceans (Jefferson et al. 2008), but typically occurs in temperate and polar regions from 20 to 70 north and south of the equator (Perry et al. 1999). Fin whales mate and calve in temperate waters during winter, but migrate to northern latitudes during summer to feed (Mackintosh 1965 in Gambell 1985). However, recent satellite tracking data suggested that some individuals can remain in northern latitude waters throughout the year (Mikkelsen et al. 2007). The fin whale is listed globally as Endangered (IUCN 2012), and on the Greenland Red List as Least Concern (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011; Table 5-4). Fin whales use the ice-free waters of West Greenland from June to October (Table 5-4). Ship-based surveys conducted in 2005 estimated the abundance of fin whales off West Greenland at 1980 (Heide-Jørgensen et al. 2007b). During aerial surveys conducted off the western coast of Greenland in August and September 2005, 78 sightings of 231 individuals were observed and an uncorrected line transect estimate of 1660 fin whales was calculated (Heide-Jørgensen et al. 2008). When considering a correction for perception bias, this estimate increased to 3234 (Heide-Jørgensen et al. 2008). Sightings ranged from a single individual to groups of up to 50 (Heide-Jørgensen et al. 2008). The estimate from an aerial survey in September 2007 was 4468 (Heide-Jørgensen et al. in press in Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). Vessel-based and aerial surveys occurred mainly in waters off the southern portion of Greenland. Waters north of Disko Bay received little survey effort, especially during aerial surveys. Fin whale encounters would be considered rare in the Project Area and none were seen north of Disko Bay during the 2005 ship-based survey (Heide-Jørgensen et al. 2007b). Blue whale. The blue whale has a cosmopolitan distribution, but tends to be a pelagic species only coming nearshore to feed and possibly to breed (Jefferson et al. 2008). All blue whale populations have been exploited commercially, and many have been severely depleted as a result. The worldwide population has been estimated at 15,000, with 10,000 in the Southern Hemisphere (Gambell 1976), 3500 in the North Pacific, and up to 1400 in the North Atlantic (NMFS 1998). The blue whale is listed globally as Endangered (IUCN 20012) and Data Deficient on the Greenland Red List (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011; Table 5-4). Blue whales use the ice-free waters of West Greenland from July to October (Table 5-4). No blue whales were sighted during ship-based or aerial surveys conducted in 2005 off the coast of West Greenland (Heide-Jørgensen et al. 2007b, 2008), and their distribution and numbers there are poorly known. Blue whales likely would not be encountered in the Project Area.

21 Page 59 Pinnipeds Atlantic walrus. The walrus has a disjunct circumpolar distribution in the northern Hemisphere, with two subspecies recognised. The Atlantic walrus inhabits coastal areas of northeastern Canada, Greenland, and Svalbard (NAMMCO 2005b). The Atlantic walrus population was estimated at 18,000 20,000 (COSEWIC 2006). The Atlantic subspecies is separated into eight sub-populations, two of which could occur off West Greenland: the West Greenland and the North Water populations, although there is also movement between the West Greenland and a third population, the North Hudson Bay Hudson Strait SE Baffin Island North Labrador Population, also known as the Eastern Hudson Bay-Hudson Strait Population (see Figure 19 in Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). The West Greenland Population is listed as Endangered and the North Water Population as Critically Endangered on the Greenland Red List (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011; Table 5-4). Globally, the walrus is listed as Data Deficient (IUCN 2012). An aerial survey conducted during late March mid April 2006 by the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources resulted in an estimate, corrected for animals submerged and therefore out of sight, for the West Greenland wintering stock of 3085 for the area between 65.5 N and 70.5 N (Heide-Jørgensen et al in Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). There is no estimate of the abundance of walruses in the North Water proper (NAMMCO 2005b). Only small numbers of walruses are found in the Study Area, and they appear to be transients from one of the two adjacent populations (Born et al. 1994, 1995). They can occur during winter in cracks and leads along the shear zone between the fast ice and the offshore pack ice. The Study Area is adjacent to the wintering area for the North Water Population, and the West Greenland Population winters along the west coast of Greenland to south of Disko. The separation of wintering areas for these two populations is not clear. During aerial surveys in late March and April 2006, two small groups of walruses were observed at ~71.2 N (Mosbech et al. 2007) and ~73 N (Heide- Jørgensen et al. 2006); based on observations noted below, these animals may belong to the North Water Polynya Population. A large fraction of the North Water Population winters in recurring polynyas at the west end of Jones Sound in the Canadian High Arctic (Davis et al. 1978). During spring, northward migrating walruses are observed along the edge of the fast ice in the Uummannaq area and along the ice edge at the outer archipelago of the Upernavik area (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). Small numbers of walruses arrive in the eastern parts of the North Water area from the south during spring (Born et al in Boertmann and Mosbech 2011), and these migrants join the animals that have overwintered there (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). During summer (May June until October November), only occasional stragglers occur in the eastern parts of the North Water Polynya (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). They could summer in Jones Sound and Lancaster Sound because migrations into these areas from the North Water occur during late spring and early summer (Davis et al. 1978; Koski and Davis 1979). Few to no walruses are expected to occur in the Project Area, and any that do occur are likely to be found on pack ice during winter and spring and possibly during fall. Important feeding and overwintering areas are either south or north of the Project Area (Figure 5-5).

22 Page 60 Bearded seal. Bearded seals have a circumpolar distribution in the northern Hemisphere south of 80 N. The worldwide population of bearded seals has been estimated at >500,000 (Reeves et al. 2002). The global population is listed as Least Concern (IUCN 2012). The population occurring in West Greenland is listed as Data Deficient on the Greenland Red List because of a lack of knowledge (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011; Table 5-4). The population size is unknown, but their uniform and widespread distribution indicates that they might adapt to several habitats (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). Pupping occurs during April and May (Rosing-Asvid 2010). Bearded seals are widespread in relatively shallow waters in the Arctic, and usually occur in low densities. Whereas they can be found in all parts of the Study Area through the year, they are most often seen (and caught) to the south of the Study Area during spring, along the ice edge (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). None were observed during a geophysical marine mammal and seabird monitoring program in 2011, but five sightings of unidentified seals (totalling five individuals) were recorded in the Study Area (see Figure 5-1; Abgrall and Harris 2011). Bearded seal encounters could be common in the Project Area and Study Area throughout the survey period. Ringed seal. Ringed seals have a continuous circumpolar distribution in the northern Hemisphere, and are closely associated with sea ice (Reeves et al. 2002). There is no up-to-date accurate estimate of the global population size; estimates are million (Jefferson et al. 2008). Finley et al. (1983) estimated that ~787,000 ringed seals inhabited the offshore pack ice in Baffin Bay during June , but this estimate did not include seals in fast-ice areas along West Greenland or eastern Baffin Island. The population in West Greenland is listed as Least Concern globally and on the Greenland Red List (IUCN 2012; Boertmann and Mosbech 2011; Table 5-4). Pupping occurs during March and April (Rosing- Asvid 2010). Densities of ringed seals on fast ice and consolidated pack ice in the Baffin Bay area in June were /km 2 (Finley et al. 1983; Kingsley 1998). Seventeen sightings (totalling 57 individuals) were recorded during a geophysical marine mammal and seabird monitoring program in Three of those sightings (totalling three individuals) were recorded in the Study Area and the others were observed near the Study Area or in transit from Nuuk to the Study Area and back to Nuuk (see Figure 5-1; Abgrall and Harris 2011). Ringed seal encounters could be common in the Project Area and Study Area throughout the survey period.

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24 Page 62 Hooded seal. Hooded seals are large migratory seals that assemble in whelping and moulting areas on the ice in the North Atlantic from Svalbard in the east to the Gulf of St. Lawrence in the west. The total hooded seal population is currently estimated to be 450, ,000 (Jefferson et al. 2008). The seals occurring in the Study Area are part of a very large population that occurs throughout the Davis Strait/Baffin Bay region. The global population is listed as Vulnerable (IUCN 2012). Hooded seals that inhabit the Study Area are listed as Least Concern on the Greenland Red List (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011; Table 5-4). The West Atlantic population does not breed in the Study Area. Hooded seals travel north into Baffin Bay in September and may remain until November to feed on the steep shelf (Andersen et al. 2009). None were observed during a geophysical marine mammal monitoring program in 2011, but five sightings of unidentified seals (totalling five individuals) were recorded in the Study Area (see Figure 5-1; Abgrall and Harris 2011). The annual catch in and near the Study Area is about 500 seals per year (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). Hooded seal could be encountered in the Project Area throughout the survey period, but are more likely to be encountered to the south of the Study Area. Harp seal. Harp seals are distributed in the pack ice of the North Atlantic and Arctic oceans, from Newfoundland to northern Russia. The harp seal population is divided into three separate stocks based on specific breeding sites (Reeves et al. 2002). The largest stock is located in the western North Atlantic off eastern Canada and is divided into two breeding herds: the Front herd breeds off southern Labrador and northeastern Newfoundland, and the Gulf herd breeds in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The global population size of harp seals is unknown. The stock that whelps on the ice off Newfoundland and in the Gulf of St. Lawrence in early March was estimated to contain million seals in 2009 (Hammill and Stenson 2010). The population occurring in West Greenland is listed as Least Concern globally (IUCN 2012) and on the Greenland Red List (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011; Table 5-4). Many of these seals spend the summer and autumn foraging in Davis Strait and Baffin Bay. The proportion of seals that enter or border the Baffin Bay assessment area is unknown and probably variable, but could be in the region of 10% of the population (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). Most harp seals that enter Baffin Bay appear to follow the east coast of Baffin Island to northern feeding areas rather than the west coast of Greenland (Koski and Davis 1979). Eighteen sightings (totalling 35 individuals) were recorded during a geophysical marine mammal and seabird monitoring program in Twelve of these sightings (totalling 14 individuals) were recorded in the Study Area and the others were observed near the Study Area or in transit from Nuuk to the Study Area and back to Nuuk (see Figure 5-1; Abgrall and Harris 2011). Harp seal encounters could be common in the Project Area and Study Area throughout the survey period.

25 Page 63 Carnivores Polar bear. Polar bears have a continuous circumpolar distribution in the northern Hemisphere, and occur in most seasonally ice-covered areas where their primary prey, the ringed seal, is found (Stirling et al. 1993; Stirling and Øritsland 1995; Amstrup et al. 2000). The global population is estimated at ~20,000 25,000, distributed among 19 stocks or subpopulations (Aars et al. 2006; DNM 2009; USFW 2009). Although between-population movements are not uncommon (Born 1995; Durner and Amstrup 1995; Wiig 1995; Durner et al. 2007, 2009), most movements by bears are within their sub-population boundaries (Stirling 2002; Regehr et al. 2006). One subpopulation, the Baffin Bay Stock, occurs within the boundaries of the Study Area. The species is listed as Vulnerable globally (IUCN 2012) and on the Greenland Red List (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011; Table 5-4), because of forecasts of declining sea ice concentrations during the next years. The Baffin Bay sub-population size was estimated at 2074 in 1977; it is declining in numbers because of over-harvesting (Aars et al. 2006; DNM 2009) and was estimated at ~1600 in 2004 (Anonymous 2007). Polar bears are generally abundant on sea ice off West Greenland during the period from October through June. During this period, they have a preference for ice edges and shear zones where they can capture immature ringed seals (Ferguson et al. 2000). Satellite telemetry during indicated that as the ice receded the majority of polar bears moved west of the Study Area and spent the open-water season on Bylot and Baffin islands on the Canadian side of Baffin Bay (Figure 5-6; Taylor et al. 2001). However, in some years, the ice remains in the Melville Bay area during summer and some polar bears remain on that ice. Even during years when little ice is present in Melville Bay in summer, some bears are found along the northwest coast of Greenland or by the glaciers in Melville Bay (see Figure 5-5; Born et al. 2008). During winter, spring, and summer, polar bears in Baffin Bay select areas with more than 95% ice cover of thick first-year ice found in large floes. During autumn, after most first year ice has melted, they select areas with 95% multi-year ice (Ferguson et al. 2000). The same distribution relative to ice cover was seen during aerial surveys of the western and northwestern parts of Baffin Bay (Koski 1980). Polar bears are found throughout the Project Area from October to June but they are most abundant along the landfast ice edge and nearshore polynyas that occur to the east of the Project Area (see Figure 5-5). Most den sites are found on islands in western Baffin Bay far from the Project Area, but some sites are used in Melville Bay to the east of the Project Area.

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27 Page Human Activities and Resource Use Commercial Fisheries Fisheries are extremely important to Greenland s economy. Export of fish and fish products accounts for about 90% of Greenland s total export value. In 2000, the export value of fish and fish products was about US$ 270 million (DKK 1992 million, with the use of year 2000 conversion rate) and the total export value about US$ 285 million (DKK 2103 million with the use of year 2000 conversion rate). The contribution of fisheries to the gross national income (GNI) could be as high as 25 30%. Adding forward and backward linkages with the economy of Iceland, as well as multiplier effects, could bring the total contribution of the fishing industry to the Greenland economy to >50%. Greenland halibut and northern shrimp are the primary commercially exploited species in the Baffin Bay assessment area (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). Figures 42 and 43 in Section 5.1 of Boertmann and Mosbech (2011) show the distributions of Greenland halibut catches and northern shrimp catches in West Greenland waters. Some of the Greenland halibut fishery but none of the shrimp fishery is carried out in the Study Area. According to the Greenland Ministry of Fisheries, Hunting, and Agriculture (GMFHA 2011), 2011 inshore and offshore commercial fishing quotas pertain to five and seven species or species groups, respectively. For the inshore commercial fishery, the official quotas, in descending order of size, were established for (1) shrimp, (2) Greenland halibut, (3) Atlantic cod, (4) snow crab, and (5) Iceland scallop. For the offshore fishery, the official quotas, in descending order of size, were established for (1) shrimp, (2) Greenland halibut, (3) Atlantic cod, (4) roughhead grenadier, (5) redfish, (6) Atlantic halibut, and (7) wolffish. Northern Shrimp The catch off West Greenland peaked at 155,000 mt during 2005 and 2006 but has since decreased (GINR 2011). Estimated annual northern shrimp catch weights during period range from about 135,000 mt in 2009 to more than 152,000 mt in 2008 (GINR 2011). In the Baffin Bay assessment area, northern shrimp have recently been fished in a small area off Upernavik. The catch in was <1% of the total Greenland shrimp catch, and much less than in the 1980s (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011).

28 Page 66 Greenland Halibut The Greenland halibut fishery in the Baffin Bay assessment area is carried out inshore and offshore. The offshore catches are made exclusively by trawlers and the inshore catches are made by long lines and gill nets (GINR 2011). The inshore catch from Uummannaq and Upernavik in 2004 was 5500 tonnes, ~18% of the total Greenland catch. In the Upernavik district, there are a total of about 400 fishermen who sell their halibut catches to Upernavik Seafood. The offshore fishery, on the shelf slope, has catches increasing from 575 tonnes in 2001 to in Subsistence and Recreational Fisheries and Hunting Subsistence hunting and fishing are very important to the communities in and near the Study Area because these activities provide a source of income, and most of all are considered a vital source of food for families and their sled dogs (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). Fishery Besides the commercial fishery, subsistence and recreational fisheries are also conducted in the Study Area. Arctic char occur throughout the Baffin Bay assessment area and are fished in spring and summer near the shoreline. A variety of other species is used on a subsistence basis: spotted wolffish, Greenland halibut, redfish, Atlantic cod, polar cod, Greenland cod, and Greenland shark (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). Hunting Seabirds and marine mammals are hunted in coastal areas of the Study Area. Boertmann and Mosbech (2011) overviewed these hunting activities in the larger Baffin Bay assessment area. The marine mammals that are regularly hunted in the Study Area include the narwhal, beluga whale, minke whale, ringed seal, harp seal, bearded seal, and polar bear. With the exception of seals, marine mammal hunts are regulated or prohibited (see Table 5-4). Preliminary quotas for 2012 and the number of reported marine mammals harvested in 2010 are presented in Table 5-5. Of particular relevance to this EIA are the hunts for narwhals in Melville Bay during summer and fall, ~June October. Narwhals and belugas are hunted with harpoons from kayaks. In the Study Area, the 2010 quotas for narwhals in Melville Bay (Upernavik and Savissivik) and for belugas for Upernavik were 81 and 115, respectively. Table 5-5. Marine mammal quotas (preliminary) for 2012 and numbers hunted in 2010 for areas in and near the Study Area. Species/District 2012 Quota a 2010 Catch c Timing of Hunt in the Study Area Narwhal 236 d Summer/fall Qaanaaq 85 W. Greenland 225 Beluga 110 d Summer/fall Qaanaaq 20 W. Greenland 290 Minke Whale W. Greenland Summer/fall

29 Page 67 Species/District Quota a Catch c Timing of Hunt in the Study Area Fin Whale W. Greenland 10 5 Summer/fall Humpback Whale W. Greenland 9 9 Summer/fall Bowhead Whale W. Greenland 2 3 Summer/fall Polar Bear Baffin Bay 65 b 61 Winter/Spring Walrus N. Area Spring W. Greenland Spring a These quotas are considered preliminary ( Ministry of Fisheries, Hunting and Agriculture). b This includes deduction of 3 polar bears because of overhunting in c d Catch for all of West Greenland. During 2008 in Qaanaaq (which includes Savissivik), 3886 ringed seals, 238 harp seals, and 11 hooded seals were hunted (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). Hunting for ringed seals can occur year round and occurs in fjords and coastal areas of open water. Harp seals are primarily hunted during August November and the hooded seal hunt occurs primarily during July October. Bird hunting is a specialized activity in the Study Area. During spring and summer, Savissivik residents use nets on land to hunt little auks, which are considered a delicacy. In addition, thick-billed murres and eiders (primarily common eiders) are hunted in coastal regions during summer and fall fishing and hunting trips Tourism As noted in Section 5.3 of the SEIA (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011), tourism is increasing in importance in the Baffin Bay assessment area and is one of the major sectors in the Greenland economy. Nature-based tourism in coastal regions is the primary component of this industry; this mostly occurs south of the Project Area. The number of cruise ships visiting the Baffin Bay assessment area has increased in recent years. In 2007, Upernavik reported ~800 tourists, 700 of which arrived on cruise ships; the remainder were kayakers and independent travelers (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). Cruise ships travel along the coast primarily in August and September (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011). 5.6 Protected Areas and Threatened Species As noted above in Section 5.4, Biological Environment, and shown in Figure 5-7 below, the coastal and offshore waters of northwest Greenland provide important habitat for many marine species. Boertmann and Mosbech (2011) overviewed the protected areas and threatened species in the Baffin Bay assessment area. The sections below summarise the relevance of these areas and species to the proposed Project.

30 Page Protected Areas The most relevant protected areas to the Project are those that have been established for narwhals. The southern end of the Study Area and Project Area occur within Narwhal Protection Zone (NPZ) II (Figures 5-3 and 5-7) and the Study Area (but not the Project Area) slightly overlaps NPZ I. NPZ II was established to protect narwhals (and belugas) during their fall migration, and seismic activities are required to be kept to a minimum during the protection period (15 October 1 December; Kyhn et al. 2011). Shell s proposed shallow coring program will be completed before 15 October. NPZ I was established to protect narwhal summering habitat; shallow coring will be conducted adjacent to this zone. NPZ I limits seismic activity in the area from 15 June 15 October (Kyhn et al. 2011). NPZs III (winter habitat) and IV (summer habitat in Inglefield Bay) are not relevant to the proposed Project because they do not overlap temporally or spatially with shallow coring activities. Other protected areas have been established for walruses, but these areas occur well north of the Project Area 105 km from the Project Area; Figure 5-7). The Melville Bay Reserve (or Melville Bay Nature Protection Area) occurs to the northeast of the Project Area (closest point is 32 km from the Project Area), and was designated primarily to protect polar bears. Also, an area important to polar bears has been designated by BMP (see Figure 5-7). Numerous areas have been identified as important to seabirds by BMP (Figure 5-7), including breeding colonies; these areas are protected under Bird Protection Executive Order. In addition, there are several Important Bird Areas (IBAs) as identified by Birdlife International in coastal areas of the Study Area (Boertmann and Mosbech 2011).

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