Strategies for Managing Arctic Pleasure Craft Tourism: A Scoping Study, Report to Transport Canada

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to provide information to Transport Canada to aid in the management of the growing pleasure craft sector in Arctic Canada. The report is based on material gathered through a literature review, an examination of data sources, and a series of stakeholder interviews. Analysis of the material is aimed at understanding the nature of the sector and potential management strategies. Pleasure craft vessel numbers have increased dramatically since 2010. Vessel numbers more than doubled between 2009 and 2012 and are expected to continue to grow. Considerable research is needed to understand the nature of pleasure craft travel in the Canadian Arctic and notes that Transport Canada has access to a range of potential management strategies, including some already in use in other polar regions. Recommendations for Transport Canada are provided in four categories (management, research, information provision, and regulation) and they include the need to examine all possible strategies, to coordinate with other managing bodies, and to support further research and/or data collection efforts.