Activity application for Basin Head: 1. Overview

1. Overview

The Basin Head Marine Protected Area (MPA) has been designated to protect a unique type of Irish moss, most likely endemic to this area. Basin Head is a coastal lagoon and is home to many different species of animals and plants. The Basin Head MPA has three zones; refer to the Schedule in the Regulations for precise requirements and coordinates.

Regulations prohibit all activities that disturb, damage, destroy or remove living marine organisms or any part of their habitat, with some exceptions. Activities that are allowed in the Basin Head MPA are listed in the ‘exceptions’ section of the MPA Regulations and include:

• Certain types of fishing, according to MPA zones (refer to the Regulations and the Schedule for zoning exceptions and coordinates);
• Navigation activities; and
• Activities carried out for public safety, public health, national defence, national security, law enforcement or in response to an emergency.

In addition, scientific and educational activities are allowed in the MPA if a proponent submits an activity plan to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) for Ministerial approval. The conditions for approval are outlined in the MPA Regulations.