Proceedings 2020/014
Proceedings of the Regional Science Peer Review on the Biophysical and Ecological Overview of the Southampton Island Ecologically and Biologically Significant Area; December 5–6, 2018
Co-chairpersons: Jason Stow and Joclyn Paulic
Editor: Karen Dunmall
Summary
In 2011, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) identified Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs) in the Canadian Arctic including in the Eastern Arctic Biogeographic Region. Since then the Government of Canada has agreed to a suite of international biodiversity conservation goals and targets, including the conservation of 10% of coastal and marine areas by 2020. The designation of new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Canadian waters has been identified as one part of the national strategy to meet these targets. A regional site selection process was initiated in the Central and Arctic Region and the Southampton Island EBSA has been proposed as an Area of Interest (AOI) for potential MPA development and recommendation for MPA designation. A regional science advisory meeting was held December 5–6, 2018 at the Freshwater Institute in Winnipeg, MB. The purpose of the meeting was to prepare and conduct a review of the Ecosystem Overview Report for Southampton Island EBSA, identify science based conservation priorities, and provide advice on the formulation of conservation objectives for this area.
Participants at the meeting included experts from DFO Science, Oceans Management and Fisheries Management, Environment and Climate Change Canada, University of Manitoba, Laval University, McGill University, Coral Harbour Hunters and Trappers Organization, Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. These proceedings summarize the meeting discussions. Additional publications from this meeting will be posted on the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Science Advisory Schedule as they become available.
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