Seismic testing presentations this month in Baffin region

A group of companies seeking to conduct a seismic survey off the coast of Nunavut in search of oil and gas is holding a series of community presentations on the project this month.

The National Energy Board has issued a notification for the proposed survey in the Baffin Bay-Davis Strait area, which will be led by a group of companies including TGS-Nopec Geophysical.

The seismic testing was originally proposed for last summer, but the companies postponed the project.

The Qikiqtani Inuit Association has already expressed its concern about seismic testing in the area and its possible negative effects on marine life. The organization previously went to court to block seismic work in Lancaster Sound.

The QIA has also expressed concern over the timing of these consultations in a letter to the NEB, saying it had advised the companies that late spring and summer sessions will be poorly attended.

Other Nunavut groups have also expressed concerns about the project, including the Baffin Fisheries Coalition, the Arctic Fisheries Alliance and the community of Clyde River, which submitted a petition to the NEB against the seismic survey.

The first community presentation took place Monday night in Kimmurut. The next is set to take place in Pangnirtung on Thursday. The companies will be in Qikiqtarjuaq, Clyde River and Pond Inlet next week, and the final presentation will be in Iqaluit on June 25.