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Because of significant environmental changes underway in the Arctic region, institutional change for Northwest Passage management is receiving increased attention. Due to the potential environmental and security impacts of regularized ship transits through the Northwest Passage, a number of informed observers have discussed the need for considering alternative means of governing the waterway. This article assesses four approaches to governing the use of the Northwest Passage, including the current institutional arrangement. Following an overview of the environmental change underway in the Arctic region and its impacts on the Northwest Passage, the controversy surrounding the international legal status of the waterway and the possibility that it may in future become a commercial resource are discussed. Advantages and disadvantages of three alternative institutional models of resource governance recommended for application in the Northwest Passage case are presented, along with those surrounding the Arctic Cooperation Agreement, the current institution in use. The analysis suggests maintenance of the status quo institution appears to be the most likely outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article focuses on environmental issues and policies in Canada from the perspective that the U.S. can learn from the Canadian model. Discussion topics include an overlap of resources and a shared border with similar landscapes between the two countries, the development of natural resources such as oil sands in the western regions of both nations, and a coordination of access to fisheries and sustainability of fish stock in shared coastal waters. Canada's position on climate change and the commercial development of a Northwest Passage across the Arctic region are noted.

The article reflects on the industry perspectives on barriers, hurdles, and irritants preventing development of frontier energy in Canada's Arctic Islands. The Canadian Arctic Islands and intervening channels are rich in hydrocarbon resources. Interviews with exploration and development managers representing six medium-to-large domestic and multinational energy companies operating on the Arctic frontiers of North America show that the principal barriers to development of proven gas reserves are social and environmental issues and a hostile regulatory regime.