Davis Strait Conservation Area

Ecological Components of Interest

Species of regional importance: Corals, sea pens and sponges.

• Why they are important: Corals, sea pens and sponges are fragile, slow to recover, structure providing species.

Habitat that is important to biodiversity conservation: Significant concentrations of small gorgonian corals, large gorgonian corals, sea pens and sponges.

• Why it is important: These species play an important functional role for numerous forms of marine life.

Prohibitions

The ecological components of interest are effectively conserved through the following prohibitions:

All bottom-contact fishing activities.

Other Considerations

No human activities that are incompatible with the conservation of the ecological components of interest may occur or be foreseeable within the area.

Environmental Context

The Davis Strait Conservation Area is within the Hatton Basin/Labrador Sea/Davis Strait Ecologically and Biologically Significant Area.

The closure protects significant concentrations of small gorgonian corals, large gorgonian corals, sea pens and sponges. Conservation benefits are also conferred to benthic fish species and invertebrates, including those of commercial importance (e.g., Greenland halibut, northern shrimp). Many species use the structural habitat for various purposes, including spawning, breeding, and nurseries.

Prohibiting bottom-contact gear can protect not only the corals, sea pens and sponges but also diverse populations of other species of fish and invertebrates that use the habitat. This area can act as a natural refuge area that may contribute to increased species productivity, which in turn, could potentially lead to increased abundance within and adjacent to the area.