Marine Protected Areas
Healthy ecosystems are the heart of Canada's North Pacific Coast. Currently less than one percent of Canada's Pacific coastal waters are protected, and the pressures on the ecosystems in the area are increasing.
Science has demonstrated that many species benefit greatly from protected areas, and that there are significant social, cultural and economic benefits that result from protecting marine habitat.
Numerous studies indicate that at least 30 percent protection is necessary to ensure the benefits from the protected areas.
Canada must make immediate and timely commitments to catch up to countries like the U.S. and Australia, who already have strong protection on large and ecologically significant ocean areas. Canada's current open-ended policies are unacceptable. Canadian governments must develop targets and timelines that mirror international recommendations and commitments.
There are unique environments on the west coast of Canada that require special protection, such as the ocean feeding grounds of the Scott Islands seabird colonies. The Scott Islands host the west coast’s largest seabird colonies, which depend on robust ocean ecosystems to nourish the millions of birds that live there.
Canada must work to meet its international commitments by establishing marine protected areas in at least 30 per cent of our coastal waters within the next decade. The current PNCIMA process being undertaken by the Canadian government and provincial government of British Columbia is the perfect opportunity to begin to meet these obligations.
Local economies on Canada's North Pacific Coast are dependent on a healthy ocean environment. Economic activity from the marine environment contributes $11 billion to British Columbia's GDP, amounting to 168,000 person-years of employment-about 8 per cent of the provincial economy.
Establishing a network of Marine Protect Areas in Canada's North Pacific waters will ensure that these incredible ecosystems remain as economic drivers for the long term.
Strategically positioned networks can protect vital ecosystem components and ensure that the connectivity between these components and larger ecosystems is maintained. Establishing this network must be part of an integrated plan. They must not be created in isolation.
Source:
School of Resource and Environmental Management. Simon Fraser University (2009), Vancouver, BC: Canada. Chris Joseph, Thomas I. Gunton. Benefits of Marine Planning: An Assessment of Economic and Environmental Values.
