Canada Moves Closer To Goal For New National Marine Conservation Areas

By NPT Staff - February 9th, 2023

In this 2017 file photo, Haida Watchman David Dixon stands in Gwai Haanas National Park Reserve/Jennifer Bain

Canada has announced a new policy to help it reach its goal of creating 10 new national marine conservation areas.

Parks Canada is working to expand the network of NMCAs beyond the five it now has, which include Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site. There are active proposals for seven in Quebec’s Magdalen Islands, British Columbia’s Southern Strait of Georgia and Central Coast, Labrador’s northern coast, and along James and Hudson Bays. Work continues to confirm at least three more candidate sites.

Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced the new NMCA Policy Framework last week to kick-off the Fifth International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC5) in Vancouver.

“Canada’s coastline is as long as six trips around the earth. Marine waters in Canada are vast, home to countless species and relied upon by thousands of coastal communities to work, live and play,” the government said in a news release. “With a target of protecting 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030, Canada must take bold action to ensure marine areas are protected.”

A 2017 floatplane trip takes us over Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site/Jennifer Bain

The new framework emphasizes the importance of collaboration and co-management with Indigenous peoples.

Some highlights:

• It articulates eight interconnected, mutually reinforcing management goals for the NMCA program. These management goals uphold Parks Canada’s commitment to reconciliation and working in partnership with Indigenous peoples, while prioritizing the protection of marine ecosystems and biodiversity.

• It highlights and provides direction around NMCAs contributing to the well-being of Indigenous peoples and coastal communities.

• It brings clarity on the management of NMCAs, along with a new zoning framework that is more responsive to both protection and ecologically sustainable use objectives.

• It identifies a suite of management tools for NMCAs, including regulatory tools to be developed under the Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act.

Public consultation on the scope and content of its regulatory proposal will be launched this spring.

Guided by science, Indigenous Knowledge and local perspectives, Canada is committed to conserving 25 per cent of lands, freshwater and oceans by 2025, and 30 per cent by 2030.

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures.

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks