Fisheries and Oceans Canada
www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Common menu bar links
Archived – Musquash Estuary is New Brunswick's First Marine Protected Area
Archived Content
Information identified as archived on the Web is for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It has not been altered or updated after the date of archiving. Web pages that are archived on the Web are not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards. As per the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, you can request alternate formats on the "Contact Us" page.
March 7, 2007
SAINT JOHN, N.B. –The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, on behalf of the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and the provincial Minister of Environment, Roland Haché, today jointly announced that Musquash Estuary is Canada’s newest Marine Protected Area (MPA) under Canada’s Oceans Act. It is the first MPA designated in New Brunswick.
"By creating the first Marine Protected Area in New Brunswick, our new government is showing its commitment to protect special places in Canada’s oceans for future generations," stated Minister Thompson. "I am encouraged by the commitment and cooperation shown by the provincial government and the community to protect the Musquash Estuary ecosystem so that we can all enjoy and benefit from it now and for generations to come. This Marine Protected Area is unique. This is the first time a provincial government has transferred property to the federal government for this purpose."
The New Brunswick provincial government has transferred 1150 hectares (or 11.5 square km) of Musquash Crown lands to the federal government.
"The Musquash Estuary MPA designation complements existing provincial protection and management strategies throughout the watershed," Minister Haché said. "This is truly a special part of the province; one that will continue to be enjoyed by the people of New Brunswick for years to come."
Formal MPA designation celebrates the substantial and longstanding efforts of dedicated individuals and local conservation organizations to protect Musquash estuary and the surrounding coastal lands.
Musquash Estuary is located along the coast of the Bay of Fundy, approximately 20 kilometres southwest of Saint John, New Brunswick. Given its large size and relatively undisturbed condition, Musquash is unique among Bay of Fundy estuaries. It is one of the last ecologically intact estuaries in a region where human activities have modified most of the original salt marshes.
Another initiative that will soon be in place is a partnership between Canada’s New Government and the community to preserve the Musquash Head Lighthouse adjacent to the new Marine Protected Area. Plans are being finalized for present and future use of the site.
An MPA is a unique marine area designated for special management and protection under Canada’s Oceans Act. With the Musquash designation, there are now six MPAs throughout Canada.
More information on the Musquash Estuary MPA can be found online at: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/infocus-alaune/2007/20070307-eng.htm
Backgrounder
-30-
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
| Communications Branch Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Maritimes Region 902-426-3550 CommEnquire@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca |
Richard Roik Special Assistant, Communications Office of Minister Thompson Ottawa 613-996-4649 |
New Brunswick Government Contact Mike Wesson, Communications Environment 506-457-7206 |
NR-MAR-07-4E
