Activity application for the St. Anns Bank Marine Protected Area

1. Overview

The St. Anns Bank Marine Protected Area (MPA) is located to the east of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, extending from the coast to the outer slope of the Laurentian Channel. It was established to conserve and protect biodiversity, ecosystem function and special natural features by minimizing risks posed by anthropogenic activities. This MPA has four management zones, with different fishing activities permitted in each zone. Refer to the St. Anns Bank Marine Protected Area Regulations and schedules for precise restrictions and coordinates.

With certain exceptions, the regulations prohibit any activity that disturbs, damages, destroys or removes any living marine organism or any part of its habitat or is likely to do so. Activities that may be permitted to occur in the MPA are listed under the 'exceptions' section of the regulations and include:

• Certain types of fishing, according to the prescribed regulations and zones (section 5);
• Navigation; and
• Activities carried out for public safety, national defence, national security, law enforcement, or in response to an emergency.

In addition, scientific research or monitoring, educational, or commercial marine tourism activities may be allowed to occur within the MPA if a proponent submits an activity plan to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and receives Ministerial approval. The conditions for approval are outlined in the MPA regulations.