Fisheries and Oceans Canada
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St Anns Bank Area of Interest
About the AOI
- A variety of habitat types, which range from the shallow waters of the Bank to the deeper waters of the Laurentian Channel;
- High diversity of fish species;
- Important habitat for species at risk (e.g., Atlantic wolffish), depleted species (e.g., Atlantic cod), and several commercial species that are at low biomass levels (American plaice, white hake, redfish, witch flounder);
- Sensitive ocean bottom habitats and species, such as corals and sponges;
- A summer foraging area for the endangered leatherback turtle; and
- A migration corridor for many fishes and marine mammals.
The St Anns Bank area was selected from three candidate areas following a seven-month public consultation period that took place between October 13, 2009 and May 14, 2010. This area was chosen because of its natural features and the support it received during the consultation period.
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
The selection of an Area of Interest marks the beginning of the Marine Protected Area establishment process, which will be led by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The process includes completing detailed ecological and socioeconomic assessments, setting conservation objectives, determining boundaries and management measures, and eventually developing the regulations under the Oceans Act.
As a first step, Fisheries and Oceans Canada will hold a series of meetings with ocean industry groups, Aboriginal organizations, coastal communities, environmental groups, and federal and provincial government agencies to initiate their participation in the Marine Protected Area designation process. The Eastern Scotian Shelf Integrated Management process will help guide the establishment process and advance effective coordination and management of activities around St Anns Bank. A multi-stakeholder advisory body will also be formed to provide advice throughout the establishment process.
As another important step in designation process, Fisheries and Oceans Canada will assess the potential impacts of different activities on the key components of the St Anns Bank ecosystem. The Department will work with stakeholders so informed decisions can be made regarding what activities are considered compatible with the Marine Protected Area. Establishing a Marine Protected Area could limit future activities in the St Anns Bank area if the activities have the potential to cause serious damage to the ecosystem.
While existing fisheries and other activities in the Area of Interest will be allowed to continue during the Marine Protected Area designation process, St Anns Bank will receive some interim protection. Fisheries and Oceans Canada will also monitor activities in and around the site and work with other regulators to ensure any proposed new activities in other industry sectors take into account the ecological importance of the area.
For more information contact
Maxine Westhead
Section Head, Protected Areas and Conservation Planning
Oceans and Coastal Management Division
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Maritimes Region
Telephone: 902-426-4215
Maxine.Westhead@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
