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National marine conservation areas (NMCAs) are protected marine areas administered by Parks Canada. They are established to protect and conserve representative marine areas for the benefit, education and enjoyment of the people of Canada and the world. NMCAs are managed for ecologically sustainable use overall and also contain highly protected zones. They include the seabed, subsoil and overlying water column, and may encompass islands and coastal lands.
Goals
The goal of the NMCA system is to protect examples of Canada's major marine ecosystems. Like national parks and national historic sites, NMCAs are guided by a national system plan. To this end, Parks Canada has identified 29 of these "marine natural regions" in Canadian waters: five in the Pacific Ocean, nine in the Arctic Ocean, ten in the Atlantic Ocean and five in the Great Lakes.
Unlike the preservation orientation that is typical of the national parks, NMCAs are managed for the protection and conservation of marine ecosystems. Thus, sustainable uses, such as fishing and shipping, are permitted, with due regard for ecological limits. Ocean dumping, undersea mining, and oil and natural gas exploration and development are prohibited within the boundaries of an NMCA.
History
The NMCA program began in 1986 with the approval of the National Marine Parks Policy. A revised National Marine Conservation Areas Policy was released in 1994, and the Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act became law in 2002.
Did you know?
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and National Marine Conservation Areas (NMCAs) are not the same thing. Fisheries and Oceans Canada manages Canada’s 16 MPAs under the Oceans Act, which cover about 600,000 km². Parks Canada manages Canada’s six NMCAs, which encompass both marine and freshwater environments, totalling over 123,500 km². National Wildlife Areas, Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, National Parks and provincial protected areas may also have marine or aquatic portions.
Challenges
There are a number of challenges to the establishment of NMCAs (and other marine protected areas). Among them are the general lack of awareness and understanding about marine ecosystems and the need to protect them; the complexity of working with the multiple players (regional, provincial, national and international) involved in the administration of the marine environment; and the struggle to balance economic considerations and conservation needs.
National Marine Conservation Areas in Canada
|
National Marine Conservation Areas |
Province or Territory |
|---|---|
|
British Columbia |
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|
Ontario |
|
|
Ontario |
|
|
Quebec |
|
|
Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area |
Nunavut |
|
Mia-yaltwa Ha’lidzogm Hoon National Marine Conservation Area Reserve |
British Columbia |
