Fisheries and Oceans Canada
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American Bank Area of Interest
About the AOI
American Bank is a submarine bank lying off the eastern tip of the Gaspé Peninsula in the Quebec portion of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It has a least depth of 12 m and comprises two shelves separated by a sharp ridge. American Bank lies entirely within the 1000-km2 Area of Interest. The area is characterized by the diversity of its habitats, seasonal or year-round occurrence of many commercially important species and whales, the presence of species at risk and a high diversity of molluscs and crustaceans. The area also has significant potential as a feeding ground for various species of fish and marine mammals and as refuge habitat for declining groundfish populations, including the southern Gulf cod stock. It has traditionally been a much sought-after fishing area.
The establishment of a Marine Protected Area would promote the productivity and diversity of species including many commercial ones and the recovery of species at risk found in this particular area.
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA ANNOUNCES PROGRESS ON MARINE PROTECTION
Minister Ashfield announces three new Areas of Interest
"Our government remains committed to working with stakeholders and other levels of government to ensure the health of our oceans and World Oceans Day is a time to affirm the importance of our oceans to Canadians," said Minister Ashfield. "The identification of these three new Areas of Interest demonstrates not only our commitment to conservation and protection, but also our commitment to ensuring that ocean resources thrive for the benefit of our communities."
Steps to Designation
Identification of an Area of Interest is the first step in the process. An Area of Interest will undergo a detailed biophysical and socio-economic evaluation and comprehensive public consultations before a Marine Protected Area is formally designated. The Quebec government and First Nations will also be consulted. A consultation committee made up of representatives of various industries including the fishing industry and whale-watching cruise operators will be formed to identify the appropriate conservation or management measures to reach the conservation objectives. Consultations will be held subsequently to make the public more aware of the importance of raising the protection level for habitats, commercial species, species at risk and key species in the food chain, and to hear public concerns and comments for improving the project.
For more information contact
Oceans Management Division
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Quebec Region
Tel.: 418-775-0854
E-mail: gestiondesoceans@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
