NIRB’s project dashboard records that its screening decision was issued, screening was completed and the file was closed on Aug. 19 for ICENAV, project number 26YN044. The Board’s registry lists the Aug. 19 screening decision report as the direct record. ᓇᑭᓐᖔᖅᓯᒪᓂᖏᑦ↗

The decision clears the NIRB screening stage for a research voyage affecting North Baffin and Kitikmeot waters. ICENAV is intended to collect data on floating sea and glacial ice using ship-mounted sensors, a drone, satellites, an autonomous underwater vehicle and manual work on selected ice floes. The work is described as supporting safer and more efficient navigation in ice-covered waters and reducing reliance on crewed helicopter ice reconnaissance. ᓇᑭᓐᖔᖅᓯᒪᓂᖏᑦ↗

According to the project record, field research is planned for Aug. 20–30 in and around Lancaster Sound, Parry Channel, Peel Sound, M'Clintock Channel and Prince Regent Inlet. The registry lists the NIRB file as closed, so this is no longer an open public-comment opportunity. ᓇᑭᓐᖔᖅᓯᒪᓂᖏᑦ↗

Project number: 26YN044. Project name: ICENAV. Applicant: José Lagunas, listed with Defence Research and Development Canada contact information. Project type: scientific research. Regions: North Baffin and Kitikmeot. Submission date for the screening decision report: Aug. 19, 2026. Document type: Screening Decision Report. The dashboard also records receipt of a Nunavut Research Institute licence on Aug. 19. ᓇᑭᓐᖔᖅᓯᒪᓂᖏᑦ↗