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Designated Marine Protected Areas

Oceans Act Marine Protected Areas are established through a step-by-step process which includes the identification of an Area of Interest, a series of ecological, social and economic assessments followed by extensive consultations and the development of a regulation to formally designate the area.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada will continue working with its partners to extend Canada’s federal network of marine protected areas.

The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced the designation of three Atlantic Marine Protected Areas on October 11, 2005. These three Marine Protected Areas are located in: Basin Head (PEI), Gilbert Bay (NL), and Easport (NL). This announcement marks the continuation of the development of a network of marine protected areas across Canada – from coast to coast to coast.

News Release

• Minister Regan Announces Three New Marine Protected Areas in Eastern Canada
  (October 11, 2005)

Background Information

• Final Consultations Launched for Four Marine Protected Areas
  (June 10, 2005)
• Eastport Marine Protected Area (June 2005)
• Gilbert Bay Marine Protected Area (June 2005)
• Basin Head Marine Protected Area (June 2005)

Photo Gallery

Orders in Council

To learn more about the Basin Head, Gilbert Bay and Eastport Marine Protected Areas, click on the links below.

Eastport Fact Sheet

Gilbert Bay Fact Sheet

Basin Head Fact Sheet

The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced the designation of the Gully Marine Protected Area on May 14, 2004.

To learn more about the Gully Marine Protected Area, click on the links below.

The Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents: Canada’s First Marine Protected Area

On March 7th, 2003, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced the designation of Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents as Canada’s first Marine Protected Area. This marked the first step in a effort to develop a network of protected areas across Canada – from coast to coast to coast.

To learn more about Canada’s first officially designated Marine Protected Area – the Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents, click on the links below.