Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers (CCFAM) Report on Canada’s Network of Marine Protected Areas, June 2017

Table of Contents

• Complete Text
• Executive Summary
• Introduction
• The Importance of Healthy Oceans
• Benefits of Marine Protected Areas and Marine Protected Area Networks
• Marine Protected Area Network Planning
• Progress in Priority Marine Bioregions
• Marine Conservation Targets: 2017 and 2020
• Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OEABCM)
• Conclusion

Marine Protected Area Network Planning

Canada’s national network of MPAs will eventually be composed of 13 networks in spatially-defined bioregions that cover Canada’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the Great Lakes. Each of the 13 networks will be a collection of clearly defined areas that operate cooperatively in order to achieve the three overarching national goals set out in the 2011 Framework.

These networks are intended to enhance the benefits of individual MPAs, thereby achieving greater ecological outcomes, such as:

• conserved biodiversity and productivity;
• conserved ecosystem processes and habitats;
• protected species at risk and their habitats; and
• enhanced ecosystem resilience.

Ultimately these outcomes support long-term economic prosperity derived from the sustainable use of our marine resources, improved social well-being, and the practice of cultural customs. However, the OTG also recognizes that a well-planned MPA or network needs to be accompanied by ongoing science and monitoring to measure the MPA’s effectiveness at meeting design objectives.

How does network planning work?

As outlined in the 2011 National Framework, individual MPA networks are developed through governance processes in bioregions through collaboration and consultation among federal, provincial and territorial governments and with Indigenous communities, industry and other stakeholders, and academia.

Key elements of MPA network planning include:

Governance: Establishing decision-making and consultation processes to ensure that all parties are identified and engaged in the development of an MPA network at the outset. The participation of government agencies, Indigenous groups, economic stakeholders, environmental stakeholders and other interested parties will vary bioregionally.

Data and Information Gathering: Current MPAs or other spatial conservation measures, as well as existing ecological, social, cultural and economic data and information are collected, mapped and validated. Science needs and data gaps are also identified and prioritized with available and, possibly, new resources. In making these assessments, local and traditional knowledge will be integrated with science.

MPA Network Design: Network objectives and conservation priorities are established based on available data, information gathered, local and traditional knowledge, and stakeholder input. Data gaps continue to be addressed where resources are available. A draft network design is developed that considers the network objectives, the economic context in the bioregion, and the contributions of MPAs and spatial conservation measures that already exist. A network design is refined in consultation with provinces, territories, Indigenous groups, stakeholders and other interested parties.

Implementation: Government agencies, Indigenous groups and industry partners work together to prioritize areas within the final network design for protection; then areas are designated on a site-by-site basis (as resources permit) using the appropriate regulatory or legislative tool. It is in this phase that a process to advance individual MPA sites is put forward, whether as an Oceans Act MPA, a National Marine Conservation Area, a marine National Wildlife Area, provincial parks or reserves, or through another mechanism. All partners work together to incorporate their own conservation measures, taking into account socio-economic and cultural considerations.

Management and Monitoring: Management of individual MPAs within a network is the responsibility of the federal, provincial, municipal or Indigenous body that has the regulatory or legislative authority. Management of bioregional MPA networks varies depending on the governance structures in place in the bioregion. Management activities are ongoing, often in collaboration with local stakeholders and Indigenous groups, to ensure the effectiveness of both the MPAs in meeting their conservation objectives and the bioregional network in meeting its goals. The network and individual MPAs and approaches to their management are adapted, as required, through ongoing research and ecological monitoring.

Compliance and Enforcement: Engaging interested parties in the development of the MPA management approach is a key step to promoting compliance with the conservation objectives and regulatory requirements set for any MPA. Compliance promotion is conducted through education and shared stewardship, monitoring, control, and surveillance activities. Enforcement activities are also carried out across Canada.

Working with Indigenous Groups

Indigenous rights and interests are always considered when advancing MPA network planning and MPA establishment. Many marine areas hold significant cultural value for Indigenous groups and some of these groups may have land claims agreements or treaties in adjacent or overlapping MPAs.

Stewardship partnerships with Indigenous groups, established through agreements, are integral to meeting our common marine conservation goals. Indigenous groups are important partners in science research, knowledge collection and monitoring projects, adding their traditional knowledge perspectives to scientific approaches. In addition, Impact Benefit Agreements may be required to move forward with MPA establishment in some bioregions, subject to individual land claim agreements.

Indigenous protected areas are becoming better known for their unique characteristics and important contribution to biodiversity conservation. Future collaboration with Indigenous groups is needed to better understand these areas and their role in MPA network planning.

Working with Marine Stakeholders

A participatory process with marine industry stakeholders, community groups, conservation groups, the public and others is required to develop and manage MPAs and MPA networks. The process includes ongoing engagement and information exchange with fish harvester groups, aquaculturalists, offshore petroleum boards and oil and gas sector leaders, the marine transportation industry, and other marine resource sectors. Working with a wide range of marine stakeholders generates new knowledge and understanding while helping to identify common goals and alternative options and solutions.

The OTG emphasizes the importance of governments working with Indigenous groups and stakeholders during the development of marine conservation activities.