Progress report for
Protecting Canada's Marine and Coastal Environment: A collaborative plan towards meeting and exceeding 10% protection by 2020
Achievement at a glance
Following a commitment in the mandate letter of the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans to protect 5% of Canada’s coastal and marine environments by 2017 and 10% by 2020 – the latter goal consistent with international commitments by Canada under the Convention on Biological Diversity- Canada announced today that it has met it’s interim target.<br>
<br>As protecting marine areas under Canada’s Oceans Act takes between 6-8 years, if past processes is any indication – Canada has used additional tools under the Fisheries Act to protect vulnerable marine areas such as coral, sponge and seapen habitats as well as seamounts and hydrothermal vents from the impacts of fishing activity. As part of reaching the 5% target, DFO announced 11 new areas in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and a large area on the west coast as fisheries closures.
<br>
<br>Additionally, Canada is pursuing amendments to its Oceans Act to improve its MPA designation process by making the process faster and being able to freeze the footprint of activities while an area is being designated.