Stewardship & Sustainability

Gilbert Bay Marine Protected Area

The effort to protect Gilbert Bay began with local fishers and residents. They observed that the “Golden cod,” later confirmed to be a genetically distinct population of Atlantic cod found only in these waters, was unique and potentially at risk. The concern for the cod and its habitat sparked the early conversations that eventually led to the establishment of the MPA.

Gilbert Bay stands as a testament to what can be achieved when science and community come together. For two decades, local knowledge holders, researchers, and fishers have worked side by side to monitor changes, protect habitats, and keep these waters healthy for future generations of the people and the fish.

Today, the MPA continues to be guided by a collaborative advisory committee made up of representatives from government, local knowledge holders, and fishers. This partnership ensures that decisions reflect both scientific research and the lived experience of those who know the bay best.

Since its designation, the Gilbert Bay MPA has supported long-term monitoring, habitat research, and youth engagement programs that celebrate the bay’s ecological and cultural significance. The collaboration has deepened understanding of coastal ecosystems and demonstrated how community leadership and traditional knowledge can guide effective marine conservation.

As one of the country’s earliest MPAs, Gilbert Bay continues to lead by example, showing how Inuit stewardship, shared knowledge, and collective care can protect marine life and sustain coastal communities for generations to come.

To read more on the story of the Gilbert Bay MPA, please visit our story map page found here.

Communal Fishery

NunatuKavut Inuit have a deep cultural and economic connection to the fishery. Each year, NCC issues designations for salmon, trout, char and cod. Members are strongly encouraged to return catch logs, which provides crucial information for the monitoring and analysis of designations, as well as fish stock variations. NCC continues to collaborate with DFO through the implementation of a Contribution Agreement under the Federal Aboriginal Fishing Strategy to accomplish mutual objectives while protecting and promoting our rights to harvest fish.

Below are the catch logs for each species that forms part of our Communal Fishery Program:

NCC Cod Catch Log 2025 Form

NCC Salmon Catch Log 2025 Form

NCC Halibut Catch Log 2025 Form

NCC Seal Catch Log 2025 Form

Department of Environment and Natural Resources staff also oversee the Community Freezer Program. More information on this important program can be found here.

4Right Community Energy Planning

This research project sought to extend NunatuKavut’s sustainability initiative to consider and address energy-related challenges in the pilot communities.

The primary goal of the research program is to develop community-driven sustainable energy actions plans for each pilot community. The action-plans will outline the impacts of existing energy systems; community member concerns; preferences for renewable energy and energy efficiency options; as well priorities for the future. A report was released the end of October 2018 to share the preliminary findings of the research. It can be downloaded at the following link:

The Executive Summary can be downloaded here:

Partner Community Expansion: ‘4RIGHT’ Energy Planning in NunatuKavut, Labrador

The goal of this current research is to expand beyond the initial three partner communities (Black Tickle, St. Lewis [Fox Harbour], and Norman Bay) to include six new communities in energy planning research: Port Hope Simpson, Mary’s Harbour, Lodge Bay, Charlottetown, Pinsent’s Arm, and Cartwright. The research seeks to determine:

How do existing energy systems (based off diesel-fired electricity and home heat) affect the economic, environmental, and societal sustainability of communities?

How can a participatory and community-based assessment of sustainable energy technologies facilitate the improvement of energy sustainability in NunatuKavut Inuit communities?

A copy of the preliminary report can be downloaded by clicking on the link below:

Geothermal Greenhouse Feasibility Study

The Department of Energy has secured funding to explore the feasibility of geothermal heating for greenhouse development in NunatuKavut diesel-dependent communities. This work is supported through:

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada’s Northern REACHE Program
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Green Transition Fund

Together, these programs are enabling the NunatuKavut Community Council to assess whether geothermal-heated greenhouses could be a sustainable and practical solution for local food production.

NCC is partnering with Net Zero Atlantic for this work, and we are pleased to provide the following update on recent community engagement work completed in January 2026.

What This Project Aims to Do

The feasibility study will:

Research heating technologies that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from food systems while improving food security in diesel-dependent communities
Engage community members to better understand local greenhouse needs and priorities
Conduct early-stage fieldwork to support future project development, where appropriate
Provide clear recommendations on whether geothermal greenhouses are viable, and outline potential next steps

Community Engagement Update

Community engagement sessions began in January 2026. Across all sessions so far, there has been support for geothermal heating. Community members highlighted:

Its environmental benefits
Its ability to provide consistent, reliable heat year-round

What We’re Learning

Geothermal greenhouses are not a new concept—they have been successfully used in northern climates. However, each NunatuKavut community is unique. Careful planning will be essential to ensure any future greenhouse:

Fits the local environment
Reflects community needs and priorities
Is sustainable and practical to operate long-term

What’s Next

Engagement and research will continue as we gather more information. Community input will remain central to this process, helping guide decisions and shape recommendations.

For more information, click here: Geothermal Greenhouse Feasibility Study