Canada Commits to Science-based Siting of New Marine Protected Areas

Canada has now committed to ambitious targets for setting aside 5% of its oceans for special protection by next year and aim,s to reach 10% protection by 2020. Several sites under the eye of marine conservation organizations have already been proposed, including the glass sponge reefs residing in BC’s own Hecate Strait. Although many competing interests will be at play in these regions, Federal Fisheries Minister Hunter Tootoo has stressed that which areas will be protected and what activities, if any, will be permitted in those areas will ultimately be determined by sound scientific guidance.

For more information on Canada’s renewed commitment to marine protection and to view video of Minister Tootoo’s can be accessed via the CBC and the Globe and Mail.