Marine Protected Areas

Canada has committed to protecting our oceans by implementing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). MPAs are a clearly defined geographical space, recognized, dedicated, and managed, through legal or other effective means. They are meant to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values.

They are usually implemented to conserve a specific species or ecosystem. This can involve banning certain fishing practices as well as closing off specific fishing areas. However, there are local communities and fishers depending on these same marine ecosystems for their livelihoods who are rarely considered when MPAs are established.

For MPAs to be effective, they must have good regulatory backing, effective management, compliance, and funding. Local communities must be directly involved in any type of MPA decision making process before they are implemented. Without the support of the local community who are key stakeholders, MPAs can cause more harm than good.

Stakeholders and Coastal Champions

  • Oceans north is a registered charity with a mission to support and advocate for marine conservation, partnering with First Nations and coastal communities throughout Canada. They help plan to protect the coasts and waterways from the increasing pressure from a changing climate. Find them here.

  • The Southern Ocean is home to many unique and fascinating species, from penguins and seals to glass sponges and colossal squid. ASOC supports the creation of marine protected areas and marine reserves to ensure that these species and the habitats they depend on are fully protected. Find them here.

  • The Institute’s research focuses on advancing ecosystem-based fisheries management, a strategy that recognizes that the oceans’ problems are interconnected and that species and habitats cannot be successfully managed in isolation; as well as on advancing knowledge about vulnerable and ecologically important marine animals that are understudied. Find them here.

  • The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) is an informal partnership between Nations and organizations which strive to preserve coral reefs and related ecosystems around the world. Although the Initiative is an informal group whose decisions are not binding, its actions have been pivotal in continuing to globally highlight the importance of coral reefs and related ecosystems to environmental sustainability, food security, and social and cultural wellbeing. The work of ICRI is regularly acknowledged in United Nations documents, highlighting the Initiative’s important cooperation, collaboration, and advocacy role within the international arena. Find them here.

  • The Nature Conservancy is working to protect ourselves and our planet by conserving 650 million hectares of healthy land, 30 million hectares of freshwater, and 4 billion hectares of oceans. Through protected areas, sustainable fishing, forest management, and working with Indigenous peoples, we're taking action to shape a better future for people and the planet. Find them here.

  • The Conservation Council of New Brunswick is an environmental organization that does extensive work in freshwater, marine, and forest ecosystems. The council works to raise awareness among citizens, other environmental organizations, and government institutions. Find them here.