State of the River 2005-2006
Seal River, Manitoba
Through the “Land of Little Sticks”
Designated 1992
"Waves, Whales and Wolverines"
A Monitoring Report for the Seal River (1992-2006) was completed in March 2006. The report concluded that there has been little change on the river since its designation to the CHRS, largely due to its remoteness. The river has maintained its outstanding natural, cultural and recreational values, and continues to be an excellent destination for canoeing and wildlife viewing. Use of the river remains low.
Beluga whale, seal, polar bear and caribou populations in the area appear to be healthy. Surveys flown by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in 2004 in the Hudson Bay, including the Seal River (Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat Research Document 2005/017) concluded that beluga populations were essentially unchanged from the estimated population in 1987. Two photo counts estimate groups of 4,074 and 5,253 whales in the Seal River estuary.
In 2005-06, a Nunavut-Manitoba Route Selection Study was initiated to determine the best route for a road link between Rankin Inlet and Manitoba. The study is jointly funded by the governments of Canada, Nunavut and Manitoba. Consultation has involved Manitoba Parks and Natural Areas since a bridge crossing would be required on the Seal River, should the project proceed in the future.
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