Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced Thursday that the federal government is creating the first marine protected area in the Arctic.

About 1,800 square kilometres in three separate areas of the Mackenzie River Delta and estuary in the Beaufort Sea are being set aside.

Beluga whales feed, socialize and raise their calves in the area every summer.

The protected zone will also allow for the harvesting traditions of the Inuvialuit culture in three nearby communities.

Harper made the announcement of the protected area during an appearance in Tuktoyaktuk, N.W.T.

"The government is dedicated to protecting and conserving the magnificent environment and unique wildlife of Canada's Arctic," Harper said in a statement.

"Today we are ensuring these Arctic treasures are preserved for generations to come."

The Tarium Niryutait Marine Protected Area will be the first of its kind in the Arctic, but the eighth in Canada.

Harper is on his annual northern tour and will fly into Whitehorse later Thursday with plans to drop in on a First Nations program designed to keep kids in school.