Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO)

Founded in 2003, AECO represents the concerns and views of arctic expedition cruise operators. AECO is dedicated to managing responsible, environmentally friendly and safe tourism in the Arctic and strives to set the highest possible operating standards. Access the AECO website to review guidelines for visitors to the Arctic, as well as biodiversity guidelines, wildlife guidelines, and operational guidelines for the expedition cruise industry.

Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS)

The Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) is a directorate of Environment Canada. CWS is responsible for the implementation of the Canada Wildlife Act; the Species at Risk Act; the Migratory Birds Convention Act; and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (for the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora or CITES).

Environment and Climate Change (ECCC)

Environment and Climate Change Canada informs Canadians about protecting and conserving our natural heritage, and ensuring a clean, safe and sustainable environment for present and future generations.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is the federal lead for safeguarding our waters and managing Canada’s fisheries, oceans and freshwater resources. DFO helps ensure healthy and sustainable aquatic ecosystems through habitat protection and sound science.

Oceans North

Oceans North promotes science- and community-based conservation of Canada’s Arctic Ocean and the resulting well-being of indigenous Arctic residents who rely upon its natural wealth. Oceans North works with Arctic residents in Canada to support science-based policies consistent with indigenous land claims and traditional practices for sustainable commercial fishing, environmentally responsible offshore hydrocarbon development and oil spill standards, and appropriate Arctic shipping safety rules.

Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR)

Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR) is on the cutting edge of Arctic issues and strengthens Canada’s position internationally as a leader in polar science and technology. POLAR also promotes the development and distribution of knowledge of other circumpolar regions, including Antarctica. It will provide a world-class hub for science and technology research in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut called the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS).

Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME)

Established as a working group of the Arctic Council, PAME’s mandate is to address policy and non-emergency pollution prevention and control measures related to the protection of the Arctic marine environment from both land and sea-based activities. These include coordinated action programmes and guidelines complementing existing legal arrangements.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

WWF-Canada is a science-based conservation organization working to conserve species at risk, protect threatened habitats and address climate change.