Shallow Bay is a significant and expansive saltwater embayment on the western side of the Mackenzie River Delta within the Inuvialuit Settlement Region of the Northwest Territories. It forms a key part of the Tarium Niryutait Marine Protected Area, Canada's first Arctic MPA, established to protect beluga whales and the rich biodiversity of fish and bird species. The bay is characterized by its very shallow waters, which are heavily influenced by the immense freshwater outflow of the Mackenzie River during the summer months. This creates a dynamic estuarine environment where the mixing of river water and the Beaufort Sea supports a unique and productive ecosystem. The area is of vital cultural and subsistence importance to the residents of Inuvik and Aklavik, serving as a traditional fishing ground. Seasonal land-fast sea ice defines the winter landscape, with the bay serving as an overwintering habitat for several fish species.