Ocean protection in Nova Scotia’s backyard lags far behind: study

WWF
The study found that the current set of protected areas adds up to only one half of one per cent of the marine environment, and protects only a fraction of the Region’s habitat types. 
“The results are alarming,” says Dr. Robert Rangeley, Vice-President Atlantic for WWF-Canada. “We know that marine protected areas make a difference. Global experience has proven that a network of protected areas offers a powerful prescription for ecological and economic health. But while other parts of the world are already seeing the benefits, we are missing out on our best chance to help our oceans recover.”
Over the next few months, WWF-Canada, EAC and CPAWS NS will be calling for a dramatic increase in the number of marine protected areas in the coming months, as Fisheries and Oceans Canada launches a public consultation on the selection of one new candidate protected area in the region. 
This first step will be to involve the public by inviting them to get more information about the issue by visiting www.wwf.ca/oceansaction, join the Facebook Group:” Oceans Action for the Scotian Shelf and Bay of Fundy”, and attend a free screening of the Atlantic Canadian Premiere of “The End of the Line”, the world’s first major documentary about the devastating effect of overfishing.
Marine protected areas (MPAs) are areas of the ocean designed to protect biodiversity. The benefits of marine protected areas include: more plants and animals per square metre of ocean, a wider range of species, and larger fish that produce more young – which could lead to a rebound of overfished stocks and mean long-term profits for fishing communities. 
WWF-Canada, EAC and CPAWS advocate a well-planned network of MPAs that protects ecologically significant areas, preserves the natural flows of species and nutrients, has an impact far beyond its boundaries, and streamlines rules for resource users while boosting opportunities for eco-tourism. Protected area networks are recognized by scientists as the most important tool for helping ecosystems cope with climate change impacts on our oceans.
Shannon Arnold, Marine Coordinator for Halifax’s Ecology Action Centre, says: “Keeping some of our forests, wetlands and coastal barrens wild and free from intensive industrial use seems like common sense to most people. In Nova Scotia, we even have a legislated commitment to protect 12 per cent of our land base by 2015.    But despite the threats they face, conserving our oceans has been an afterthought.”
“While we are supportive of any progress, this kind of one-at-a-time protection has been slow, costly, and frustrating for everyone. Even some of the industries that might be affected want to see a more businesslike approach,” says Ashley Sprague, Marine Coordinator for CPAWS-NS. “And compared to the level of protection scientists say our oceans need, it’s simply a drop in the bucket.”
 
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For further information:
Stacey McCarthy
Communications Specialist
WWF-Canada, Atlantic Region
Tel: 902.482.1105 x 41
Cell: 902.209.6457
 
Robert Rangeley
Vice President, Atlantic
WWF-Canada
Tel: 902.482.1105 x 23
Cell: 902.401.1569
 
Jennifer Smith
Manager, GIS/Conservation Planning
WWF-Canada
Tel: 902.482.1105 x 25
Cell: 902.877.7073
 
 
About WWF-Canada
WWF-Canada is part of WWF, the world’s largest conservation organization. At WWF we advocate and promote lasting solutions to the challenge of balancing growing human need and environmental sustainability. In collaboration with business, government, communities and individuals we take a science-based approach to the protection, management and restoration of environmentally sensitive parts of our planet. Our work includes visionary projects focused on climate change, freshwater and the health of habitat and species across Canada and around the world. For more information about WWF-Canada visit wwf.ca.