Every year, on June 8, the world focuses on the importance of our world’s oceans.
Today, the 15th annual Oceans Day, I encourage you to celebrate our oceans.
As a maritime nation built on the fishery, we must do what we can to protect
our water.
Ten years ago, the Oceans Act was enacted creating a new and innovative
way for our nation to manage its oceans. A lot of things have happened since then.
We’ve improved our scientific knowledge of our three oceans and are working with
our partners to set clear conservation objectives which respect the needs of all
users.
We’ve designated six Marine Protected Areas (MPA) to ensure that special places
in Canada’s oceans are protected for future generations. The most recent area designated
was the Musquash Estuary on the Bay of Fundy. And we’re not done yet.
Last week, we announced an agreement with the Council of the Haida Nation to
work together on the planning and management of the Bowie Seamount, a proposed MPA
on the West Coast.
Implementation plans are already under way to support the Gilbert Bay and Eastport
MPAs. Work is also being planned to develop a national MPA network in Canada’s three
oceans.
In the Budget, Canada’s New Government announced a new National Water Strategy
to ensure that our water is safe and clean, and that the sustainable development
of our oceans is done responsibly.
This year’s Oceans Day theme is Rivers to Oceans, and is intended to increase
our understanding of both freshwater and saltwater environments.
As Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, I encourage all Canadians to celebrate Oceans
Day by remembering and respecting the nourishing and life-giving properties of water
all around you.
The Honourable Loyola Hearn
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
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