One new MPA and eight Marine Refuges announced

On March 6, 2019, the Government of Canada announced one new Marine Protected Area in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and eight new marine refuges in Howe Sound, British Columbia.

Banc-des-Américains MPA

The Banc-des-Américains Marine Protected Area Regulations (the Regulations) under the Oceans Act were published in Part II of the Canada Gazette, and the Regulations came into force on that date.

The Regulations, along with the Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement (RIAS), may be viewed here. The RIAS summarizes the regulatory approach, the consultations conducted and feedback received throughout the process, as well as the anticipated costs and benefits of this initiative.

The governments of Canada and Quebec are committed to the joint establishment of a Marine Protected Area network in Quebec. The Banc-des-Américains Marine Protected Area is the first project carried out under this joint initiative, and it is intended to encourage productivity and diversity of fisheries resources as well as the recovery of marine species at risk.

If you have any questions on the background or status of the Banc-des-Américains MPA, please contact Susanne Mark, Senior Biologist, Oceans Management Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, by email: susanne.mark@dfo-mpo.gc.ca or phone: 418-775-0593. You may also visit the Banc-des-Américains web page.

Howe Sound Marine Refuges

Also on March 6, eight new marine refuges were established in Howe Sound, between mainland British Columbia and Vancouver Island. These fisheries area closures are designed to protect fragile and slow-growing glass sponge reefs that provide refuge, habitat, and nursery grounds for many species. There are now 17 glass sponge reef closures in the Strait of Georgia and Howe Sound. For more information on these new marine refuges, visit Strait of Georgia and Howe Sound Glass Sponge Reef (17 fisheries area closures). If you have further questions, please contact Deirdre Finn at Deirdre.finn@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.