Quebec Maritime Strategy: safeguard St. Lawrence ecosystem and communities

WWF

Montreal (June 30, 2015) – The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Canada) welcomes Quebec’s first Maritime Strategy, but cautions that the infrastructure-heavy plan needs to also deliver on promised investments in the province’s natural heritage.  

The new $9-billion strategy aims at supporting the development of industry and commerce along the St. Lawrence River for the next 15 years. Investments in conservation are also mentioned, but not clearly defined.    
“The St. Lawrence contains 1,700 plant and animal species and provides drinking water for 3.7 million people in Quebec. It is crucial that this strategy is implemented in a way that safeguards the health of the ecosystem and the communities that depend on it,” says Sophie Paradis, WWF-Canada’s Director for Quebec.

The strategy also includes $2.2 million in funding for 2015 – 2016 for the creation of the Quebec Maritime Network to promote the development of scientific knowledge. Other objectives include the development of alternative energy, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel for ships, and support for fishing fleets who wish to obtain green accreditation.

WWF-Canada believes that Quebec needs to consider new and emerging science on the long-term health of the St. Lawrence ecosystem to ensure this important area develops sustainably.

The new plan also reiterates intentions to expand the number of Marine Protected Areas in the province to help protect at risk species and critical habitats. With only 1.3% of Quebec’s marine area now under official protection, new protected areas in the province and across the country are needed for Canada to reach its international commitment to protect 10% of its oceans by 2020. 

“Protecting the St. Lawrence ecosystem will contribute to the development of marine tourism, improve management of marine resources, improve science and lead to the development of a sustainable economy,” says Ms. Paradis.

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For more information:
Sophie Paradis, Director for Quebec – WWF-Canada, [email protected], 514-603-7627.