Source: http://www.newswire.ca/
Canada identified a new ‘Area of Interest’ off its Pacific Coast, covering ~140,000 km2 and containing several seamounts and hydrothermal vent fields, for potential designation as an MPA by 2020.
The Government of Canada is moving forward on its plan to reach its domestic and international targets of protecting 5% of Canada’s marine and coastal areas by 2017 and 10% by 2020 to ensure a healthy environment and economy for current and future generations.
Today, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Burnaby North – Seymour, Terry Beech, on the behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced a new Area of Interest (AOI) off the coast of British Columbia, with the intention of making it one of Canada’s largest Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) by 2020.
The AOI aims to protect ecologically and biologically significant areas, including underwater seamounts and a series of hydrothermal vents. Fisheries and Oceans Canada identified the area as a priority for protection through a peer-reviewed science advisory process.
For further, go to: http://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/government-of-canada-identifies-large-ocean-area-off-the-coast-of-british-columbia-for-protection-624113904.html
