NR-HQ-01-59E

Dhaliwal Closes Canadian Oceans Stewardship Conference With Key Announcements

June 8, 2001

VANCOUVER – In closing remarks today at the Canadian Oceans Stewardship Conference, on World Oceans Day, the Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, made a number of key announcements to illustrate the high priority that Canada places on sustainable oceans.

The Canadian Oceans Stewardship Conference brought together national and international experts to share ideas and set the stage for further cooperation in meeting the challenges of conservation, protection and sustainable development that are facing Canada’s and the world’s oceans in the 21^st century.

"Stewardship is a fundamentally Canadian value," Mr. Dhaliwal stated. "It encompasses cooperation, discussion and solutions based on the activities and initiatives of many different members of Canadian society. With the 21^st century upon us, our oceans have become increasingly busy places and it has become increasingly important to focus on the responsible and forward-thinking management of our marine environment."

Speaking about the importance of positive action, Mr. Dhaliwal announced that his Cabinet colleagues have endorsed his recommendation that Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents be designated as a Marine Protected Area (MPA) under Canada’s Oceans Act.

"I am very pleased and proud that this area has been put forward for designation as an MPA under the authority of the Oceans Act," said Mr. Dhaliwal. "Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents and the diverse marine species found here are the clear winners today. This ecosystem is an exciting area for continued scientific research and discovery and will be provided with a comprehensive level of conservation and protection."

Initially declared a pilot Marine Protected Area in December 1998, the Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents lie in water 2,250 metres deep, 250 kilometres southwest of Vancouver Island. A geological feature where tectonic plates diverge and new oceanic crust is formed, the Endeavour segment is considered the most biologically productive and diverse hydrothermal site along the Juan de Fuca Ridge. The many unique features of the area make it significant for scientific research internationally.

An MPA is an area of the ocean that is designated for special protection under the Oceans Act. The goals of an MPA are to conserve marine resources and their habitats, protect unique and biologically rich areas, and provide opportunities for study to better understand marine ecosystems and how to use them sustainably.

Mr. Dhaliwal also announced that Leading Tickles in Newfoundland has been identified as an Area of Interest in the MPA program under the Oceans Act. Intended to protect the vast array of marine diversity in the waters surrounding Leading Tickles, this initiative began in 1997 with a proposal presented to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) by the Town of Leading Tickles, with the support of the Leading Tickles-Glovers Harbour Fisherpersons Committee. Identification of a site as an Area of Interest is the first step in an MPA evaluation process. The Department will continue to work closely with the communities to develop Leading Tickles as a full MPA in the years to come.

Earlier in the day, Mr. Dhaliwal further announced jointly with the Honourable Brian Tobin, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), the launch of the Ocean Management National Research Network. Comprised of three new Research Teams and a National Secretariat, this program will adopt a multidisciplinary approach towards research on sustainable oceans management practices. One of the recipient Research Teams is located at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia, the site of the Canadian Oceans Stewardship Conference.

With these announcements, Mr. Dhaliwal issued a strong reminder of Canada’s view that widespread commitment and action, undertaken with a broad focus on both the scientific and social implications of oceans issues, are essential to ensure that marine resources in Canada and around the world are managed sustainably.

"The work we are pursuing on many fronts will help position Canada as a world leader in sustainable methodologies and best practices for oceans management," said Mr. Dhaliwal. "The cooperation at this conference, and the commitments that I have announced today, are essential to ensure that we leave a solid oceans legacy for the generations that follow."

The backgrounder related to this announcement is attached.