Activity application for SG̲áan K̲ínghlas-Bowie Seamount MPA

1. Overview

The SG̲áan K̲ínghlas-Bowie Seamount Marine Protected Area (SK̲-B MPA) was established to protect the unique habitats and areas of high biological diversity and biological productivity found there. The conservation objectives were developed specifically to ensure protection for the complex of three submarine volcanoes.

With certain exceptions, the SK̲-B 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 SK̲-B MPA are listed under the ‘exceptions’ section of the Regulations and include:

• Certain types of fishing and vessel travel, as prescribed in the Regulations;
• Activities carried out for public safety, national defence, national security, law enforcement, or in response to an emergency; and
• Marine scientific research activities carried out or sponsored by a foreign government with the consent of Global Affairs Canada under the Coasting Trade Act.

In addition, scientific research, monitoring, educational or commercial marine tourism activities may be allowed to occur within the MPA if a proponent submits an activity plan to the SK̲-B Management Board for review. The conditions for approval are outlined in the SK̲-B MPA Management Plan.