Canadian government officials will be revisiting a portion of the Northwest Passage this coming summer to install and test a sophisticated surveillance detection system.  Under the Northern Watch military program, officials are in the process of completing an underwater maritime detection system at Gascoyne Inlet on Devon Island (key choke point within the Passage).  The technology will enable better detection methods of both surface and underwater vessels and allow a more accurate picture for Canada as to what is transiting across its icy Arctic waters.

According to Coast Guard figures, some 62 commercial and re-supply vessels transited portions of the Northwest Passage in 2008.  Government officials feel that if testing goes smoothly the Northern Watch program will be fully operational by 2012.

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The Canadian government will keep an ear on its frigid Arctic waters – Canadian Press