Thursday, June 23, 2011

Canada Areas of Interest for Potential Marine Protected Areas

In June, Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans, announced three Areas of Interest for potential designation as Marine Protected Areas under the Oceans Act.

Officials named St. Anns Bank as an Area of Interest in Eastern Nova Scotia, and two Areas of Interest in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, American Bank and Shediac Valley.

DFO called the move a key step towards fulfilling the Government’s commitment to establish a national network of Marine Protected Areas.

A Marine Protected Area (MPA) is a protective designation for an area that significantly contributes to the health of marine ecosystems and their resources.

The Government of Canada has established three new Marine Protected Areas, two National Marine Conservation Areas and three National Wildlife Areas in the marine environment.

The first step in MPA establishment is the identification of an Area of Interest. The area will then undergo detailed evaluation, and public consultation before a decision is made to formally designate it as an MPA.

source: Canada Department of Fisheries and Oceans

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