In June 2015, Fisheries and Oceans Canada published the draft regulations for the proposed Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound MPA for public review. CPAWS, alongside other conservation groups, 40 leading international marine scientists and almost 2000 Canadians say that the proposed regulations are not good enough.
In the draft regulations Fisheries and Oceans Canada allowed for some fishing activities including bottom trawling to continue around the reefs, and other types of fishing to continue above them, while they conduct monitoring and research. Cable laying and anchoring within the MPA are also permitted according to the draft regulations.
CPAWS was joined by WWF Canada, Living Oceans Society, David Suzuki Foundation and BC Nature, as well as 40 leading international marine scientists and almost 2000 Canadians, in expressing our concern over the risks that these permitted activities will pose to the reefs and asking Fisheries and Oceans Canada to amend the regulations and prohibit all potentially harmful activities from the MPA.
As yet, we do not know the outcome of the public consultation, a final decision has not been made on the MPA.
For more information, read:
- Our media release
- Official feedback letter from the conservation sector
- Letter from 40 leading marine scientists
Take action
Ask the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and Canadian Coastguard to make sure that the Hecate Strait glass sponge reefs are fully protected
Send your letter today – https://secure2.convio.net/cpaws/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=201