OTTAWA, June 8, 2017 /CNW/ - One year ago, the Government of Canada announced its five point plan to increase the amount of protected marine and coastal areas to 5% by 2017 and to 10% by 2020. That is why the Government of Canada is proud to designate St. Anns Bank as a new Marine Protected Area that will provide long-term protection of an important part of our oceans.
The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., Q.C., M.P., Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard announced the establishment of the St. Anns Bank Marine Protected Area today at the Canadian Museum of Nature. With this year's World Oceans Day theme "Our Oceans, Our Future" in mind, Minister LeBlanc highlighted the strides made for the long-term protection of Canada's oceans.
Located east of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, this Marine Protected Area helps conserve and protect many ecologically and biologically significant features, including important habitats, areas of high biodiversity and biological productivity, and endangered and threatened marine species, including the leatherback turtle. Four management zones have been established within the boundaries of the Marine Protected Area, balancing protection with economic sustainability for the area. The Core Protection Zone represents 75% of the total size of the St. Anns Bank Marine Protected Area, offering the most stringent protection to the areas that need it most. Most human activities, such as commercial fishing, are prohibited within this zone.
As science and consultations continue to guide what kind of protection is needed and where, the progress on our five point plan to achieve our marine conservation targets is proof that Canada is well underway to reaching its targets:
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"St. Anns Bank is the third Marine Protected Area to be designated in Canadian waters in less than 8 months. Our government's accomplishments in marine conservation come thanks to close collaboration with all levels of government, local communities, Indigenous communities, industry, and environmental non-governmental organizations. Our government is working toward conservation while contributing to the social and economic sustainability of coastal communities. Canada will continue to take a leadership role on marine conservation at the international level as work continues here at home on ocean protection and conservation initiatives."
The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, P.C., Q.C., M.P., Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
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Backgrounder: St. Anns Bank Marine Protected Area
Associated Links
Ocean Protection Plan
Meeting Canada's marine conservation targets
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SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada
For further information: Media Relations, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 613-990-7537, Media.xncr@dfo-mpo.gc.ca; Laura Gareau, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 613-992-3474, Laura.Gareau@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
RELATED LINKSFisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada
Government of Canada
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