Canada has the longest coastline in the world, and a marine area that is half the size of our country. But our marine ecosystems tend to be out of sight and out of mind, and they are in serious trouble.
Emerging science demonstrates that, like their terrestrial counterparts, marine and freshwater protected areas need to be connected so marine species can thrive.
Not only do these networks protect habitats from destructive activities like bottom trawling and mining, but they also ensure that species can reach breeding age and rear their young safely -- thus maintaining healthy populations inside and outside protected areas.
Scientific evidence shows overfishing is the single most serious threat to the health of our marine ecosystems.
Trawling, or fishing by dragging a net along the ocean floor, profoundly disturbs marine ecosystems. Both target and non-target fish and other organisms are killed by the trawl, and the seabed is physically altered. Frequent trawling prevents the intricate physical and biological structure of the seabed ecosystem from fully recovering.
The impacts of salmon fish farming have recently received much public attention. Pollution escapes the net cages; infectious diseases are spread to wild fish, and freshwater are colonized by escaped farm fish (including non-native Atlantic species). These are very real threats not only to the native salmon population, but to other fish, shellfish and marine mammals.
Seabirds, fish, shellfish, and eggs and larvae of all marine species are extremely vulnerable to oil spills. CPAWS is a member of the BC Alliance for the Preservation of the Offshore Oil and Gas Moratorium.
The entire marine realm - from estuaries and coastal waters to the open ocean and the deep sea - is at risk from climate change. As marine biodiversity declines, the remaining species are more vulnerable to changes in their habitat.
CPAWS chapters working on oceans and great freshwater lakes
Dare to be Deep
Attracting hundreds of people nationwide, CPAWS' Fall 2010 Dare to be Deep tour showcased the success of Gwaii Haanas and the importance of marine protected areas.
See photos, videos and more from the tour.
SeaChoice: Healthy Choices, Healthy Oceans
SeaChoice is a comprehensive seafood markets program with the primary goal of realizing sustainable fisheries in Canada and abroad.
www.seachoice.org
Science Based Guidelines for Marine Protected Area
In a report commissioned by CPAWS, these science-based guidelines were developed to inform the design and implementation of effective networks of MPAs throughout Canada’s oceans. Click here to view the full report, summary, press release and more.
CPAWS applauds the December 2009 announcement that the Inuit, Nunavut Government, and the federal government have agreed to launch a feasibility study towards establishing a Parks Canada National Marine Conservation Area in Lancaster Sound, one of the richest marine ecosystems in the Canadian Arctic.
Areas of Interest in our Marine Backyards.
CPAWS information brochure about BC'S Glass Sponge Reefs.
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