National Marine Conservation Area

National Marine Conservation Areas (NMCAs) is a Parks Canada programme responsible for marine areas managed for sustainability and containing smaller zones of high protection. They include the seabed, the water itself and any species which occur there. They may also include wetlands, estuaries, islands and other coastal lands.[1] They are protected from dumping, undersea mining and oil and gas exploration and development, which may damage the aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems in the conservation area. However, not all commercial activities are prohibited in these zones. Shipping, commercial and sport fishing, and recreational activities are allowed.[2][3]

Marine conservation at Nature Canada

In 1996, Nature Canada[4] developed its Marine Conservation Program in recognition that marine ecosystems were as affected by human activity as terrestrial ecosystems. At that time, Canada’s National Parks Act[5] was designed to guide conservation and protection only on land. So that year, Nature Canada began advocating for new legislation that would enable the creation of national marine conservation areas.[6] Over the next several years we met with federal government policy decision-makers, gave testimony at hearings, and conducted a public awareness campaign about marine conservation areas.[7]

Current NMCAs

See also

References

  1. ↑ Canada, Parks Canada Agency, Government of. "National Marine Conservation Areas". www.pc.gc.ca. Retrieved February 7, 2018.
  2. ↑ "Ottawa to create protected zone in northern Lake Superior". CBC News. 2007-10-24. Retrieved 2007-10-25.
  3. ↑ "Canada sets largest freshwater conservation area". Reuters. 2007-10-25. Retrieved 2007-10-26.
  4. ↑ "Nature Canada". NatureCanada.ca. Retrieved February 7, 2018.
  5. ↑ Branch, Legislative Services. "Consolidated federal laws of canada, Canada National Parks Act". laws-lois.justice.gc.ca. Retrieved February 7, 2018.
  6. ↑ Canada, Parks Canada Agency, Government of. "Find a National Marine Conservation Area". www.pc.gc.ca. Retrieved February 7, 2018.
  7. ↑ "Nature Canada – National marine conservation area". NatureCanada.ca. Retrieved 2017-10-18.


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