Much of Canada’s North is made up of marine and coastal environments. If you look at a map of Canada you can see that the coastline in the North is very long. The marine environment of the North is home to many unique animals. Many arctic marine animals are only found in the frigid waters of the North. They have developed adaptations to survive in these conditions, and would not be able to live in southern climates.

Much of the marine environment in the North is covered by sea ice. Sea ice that forms on the Arctic Ocean can be up to one-third of a metre thick. Sea ice provides habitat for many arctic animals including seals, walruses, and polar bears. Other animals such as the narwhal and bowhead whale spend all of their time in the water. Fish, squid and sea plankton are the main food of whales and seals.