Marine Protected Area Network Strategy for the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence Bioregion

Table of Contents

• Complete Text
• List of Initialisms and Acronyms
• Introduction
• Geographic Scope
• Vision
• Definitions
  • Marine Protected Area
  • Network of Marine Protected Areas
• Expected Benefits of the Network
• Guiding Principles
• Design Elements of the Network
  • Goals
  • Network Design Properties and Components
  • Strategic Conservation Objectives
  • Economic, Social and Cultural Considerations
• Network Design Phases
  • Identify and Involve Interested Parties Throughout the Process
  • Determine the Strategic Conservation Objectives and Guiding Economic and Social Principles
  • Gather, Map and Analyse the Best Available Ecological, Economic, Social and Cultural Information
  • Define Marine Protected Area Network Design Options
  • Develop a Marine Protected Area Network Design
  • Implement the Network Design by the Responsible Authorities
  • Manage and Monitor the Marine Protected Area Network
• Bibliography
• Appendix 1
  • Glossary of Terms
• Appendix 2
  • Network Design Phases

Guiding Principles

The process of developing the MPA network will apply the following principles: ^{Footnote 6}

Working in Conjunction with Aboriginal Groups

Aboriginal groups can contribute to the development of the MPA network, providing a platform to voice their concerns and interests. The provisions of this document respect Aboriginal groups’ rights, potential or established, as set out in agreements, titles and treaties and will not abrogate or derogate these rights.

Working in Conjunction with Key Stakeholders in the Area

Interested parties can contribute to the network development. Strong communication and the active participation of key stakeholders are considered an important component of the process. This engagement promotes the integration of ecological, social, economic and cultural considerations into the network. Targeted engagement activities help to increase awareness and encourage key stakeholders’ participation and support.

Respecting Existing Regulatory Authorities and Legislation

Federal, provincial, territorial and other government bodies’ existing jurisdictions and mandates are respected, as are existing rights and activities related to permits, regulations and other legal arrangements.

Applying the Precautionary Approach

Management decisions are based on the best information available, and the absence of full scientific certainty is offset by employing a precautionary approach.

Adopting a Holistic, Ecosystem-based Approach

Networks of marine protected areas contribute to broader integrated ocean management initiatives, including those implemented in marine and adjacent land areas, and are based on principles of sustainable development.

Taking into Account Existing Conservation Initiatives

Existing and potential MPAs, and other effective area-based conservation measures, are considered in order to achieve the goals of the MPA network.

Making Use of the Best Available Knowledge

It is necessary to include scientific, Aboriginal traditional, industrial and local community knowledge.

Acknowledging and Considering Economic, Social and Cultural Aspects

The configuration of the network takes into account both ecological data and social and economic information. Specific areas of social, cultural and educational importance could also be included in the MPA network.

Minimizing the Economic, Social and Cultural Impacts on Aboriginal Groups, Stakeholders and Coastal Communities

Economic, social and cultural values are integrated in the MPA network design to minimize potential economic and social consequences. In addition, the network is intended to make a positive contribution to the sustainability of coastal communities, economic activities, and cultural and spiritual values.

Using Adaptive Management

New ecological or economic, social and cultural data related to the design or implementation of the network are used to support continuous improvement of management practices.

Defining Types of Effective Protection for Marine Protected Areas

• Promote marine protected area statutes that are most effective from a conservation standpoint and manage activities that are contrary to the conservation objective(s) set;
• Adopt the latest peer reviewed scientific recommendations on marine protected areas;

Encourage adoption of a variety of management approaches, including more flexible area-based conservation measures where appropriate, based on the opportunities and constraints within the bioregion.