September 1,  1998

MINISTER OF FISHERIES AND OCEANS ANNOUNCES PILOT MARINE PROTECTED AREAS FOR PACIFIC COAST

VANCOUVER

David Anderson, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced that Race Rocks and Gabriola Passage will be the first pilot Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Canada.

“We are making history today,” Mr. Anderson said. “These pilot MPAs are the first in a national network covering Canada’s three oceans. In Canada, and around the world, there is growing recognition that marine protected areas have a critical role to play in the conservation and protection of marine life and habitats. These pilot projects exemplify the importance that we place on oceans conservation.”

"Our goals are to protect and conserve the natural beauty and richness of our marine areas, develop ecological diversity, and preserve the many diverse recreational, national and cultural features of our Pacific coastline for all time," said Minister Anderson. "Marine Protected Areas form part of an integrated approach to the conservation and protection of marine ecosystems. MPAs are a vital part of Canada's commitment to our oceans."

Pilot MPAs at Race Rocks and Gabriola Passage will provide an opportunity to learn and test different applications of MPA identification, assessment, legal designation, and management. Formal designation of pilot areas will require further consultation and collaboration with local communities, First Nations, stakeholders and the public. Throughout the MPA pilot process, opportunities will be provided for public review and input.

Today's announcement follows the February release of a policy on MPAs by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, under Canada's Oceans Act, and a national framework for establishing Marine Protected Areas. Also last week (August 28^th), Canada and British Columbia released a discussion paper titled "Marine Protected Areas, A Strategy for Canada's Pacific Coast." This paper reflects the common objectives of both governments for a more integrated approach to marine protection and conservation. This will allow for the development of a system of Marine Protected Areas on the Pacific Coast of Canada by the year 2010, which is interlinked with the marine component of the British Columbia Protected Areas Strategy.

The discussion paper reflects extensive advice and feedback from federal and provincial officials, local governments, First Nations, community stakeholders and industry gathered during a number of public forums and meetings during the past three years. All interested parties are invited to review the paper and comment on the draft strategy. These comments will be used to develop a final MPA strategy for the Pacific Coast for endorsement by both governments in late 1998 or early 1999.

“These pilot projects are part of the continuing dialogue with stakeholders to effectively create a national framework for MPAs,” said the Minister. “The lessons we learn will better enable us to establish full-fledged Marine Protected Areas in the future."

“This initiative is a positive example of effective cooperation and consultation among provincial and federal agencies. This collaboration will ensure that our marine environment and resources are protected in an efficient and effective manner for future generations.”

Marine Protected Areas will be an important tool to help conserve and protect Canada’s oceans environment and resources. During the upcoming months, MPA pilot projects will be announced both in the Arctic and the Atlantic Oceans.

Copies of the discussion paper "Marine Protected Areas, A Strategy for Canada's Pacific Coast" are available on the Department of Fisheries and Oceans website at http://www.pac.dfo.ca/comm/pages/commhome.htm.

For more information on the Marine Protected Areas Pilot Project please see:

1. Race Rocks Fact Sheet
2. Gabriola Passage Fact Sheet
   

For Information:
 

Editor's Note - February 24, 1999:  The information contacts for Marine Protected Areas have changed since this news release was published.  Please use the contacts listed below:

		Fisheries and Oceans Canada - Pacific Region Contact Communications Branch Important Notices and Disclaimers Questions Contact: Webmaster Updated: 2006-05-23