Activity application – Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents MPA

1. Overview

The Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents Marine Protected Area (MPA) was established to protect the five known vent fields and the high level of microbial diversity and animal abundance found in the Area. The conservation objectives were developed to ensure no unacceptable reduction or human-caused modification in the productivity, biodiversity, or habitat in the area. Refer to the Regulations for precise requirements and coordinates.

With certain exceptions, the Regulations prohibit any activity that disturbs, damages, destroys or removes any living marine organism or any part of its habitat or is likely to do so. Activities that may be allowed to occur in the Marine Protected Area are listed under the ‘exceptions’ section of the Marine Protected Area regulations and include:

• Certain types of fishing, according to the Fisheries Act, s.35(2);
• Activities having consent under the Coasting Trade Act, or authorization under the Oceans Act, Coastal Fisheries Protection Act, or other provisions of the Fisheries Act; and
• Activities carried out for public safety, national defence, national security, law enforcement, or in response to an emergency.

In addition, scientific research may be allowed to occur within the MPA if a proponent submits a research plan to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) for Ministerial approval. The conditions for approval are outlined in the MPA Regulations. A research plan is not required if the information required (see checklist) has previously been submitted in writing to obtain consent for scientific research under the Coasting Trade Act.