Activity application for the St. Anns Bank Marine Protected Area
2. The application process
Who should apply for an activity approval?
Answer
Anyone wishing to conduct scientific monitoring, educational, or commercial marine tourism activities in the MPA are required to submit an activity plan that addresses the information required by the regulations governing the MPA. It is advisable to consult the regulations (section 10.1) to learn more about activity approvals in the MPA before starting the application process.
How do I apply?
Answer
Those proposing to conduct a scientific research or monitoring activity, educational activity or commercial marine tourism activity in the St. Anns Bank MPA should contact the MPA Management Team to obtain the current Activity Plan Application Form by email at SABMPA-BSAZPM@dfo-mpo.gc.ca. The regulations (section 9) and the checklist should be reviewed by applicants prior to submission to ensure that all required information has been included.
When should I apply?
Answer
Please submit your proposed activity application to the MPA Management Team at least 60 days in advance of proposed activities. It is strongly recommended that you discuss the activity with the Management Team well in advance of submitting your application to confirm requirements for the application. To obtain the activity application template or to submit a post-activity report, contact the MPA Management Team by email at SABMPA-BSAZPM@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
How does the application process work?
Answer
Fully completed applications must be submitted to the St. Anns Bank MPA Management Team by email in order to be processed. The application will be reviewed by DFO, representatives of the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia, the St. Anns Bank Advisory Committee, and other subject-matter experts (as required). The MPA regulations, the St. Anns Bank Management Plan, and other documents provide conditions against which the application is evaluated; applicants will be contacted if clarification is needed on any aspects of the application or proposed activities.
What is required for an activity to be approved?
Answer
Activities within this MPA are limited to scientific research or monitoring, educational, or commercial marine tourism. The basic requirements for activity approval are described in section 9 of the regulations. Scientific research and monitoring activities will be approved in the MPA if they are not likely to destroy the habitat of any living marine organism, and serve to either:
- increase knowledge of the biodiversity, the biological productivity, or the habitat of any living marine organism in the MPA
- assist in the management of the MPA. Educational and commercial marine tourism activities have different approval conditions. These activities will be approved in the MPA if they are not likely to damage, destroy, or remove any living marine organism or any part of its habitat in the MPA, and if they serve to increase public awareness of the MPA.
Use the checklist to ensure that all required information is included. Other information may be requested by the MPA Management Team to ensure appropriate management of the area. While your application will be evaluated only on the basis of the required elements, the speed and ease with which the application is reviewed can be advanced when more information is provided.
How long does it take to receive a decision?
Answer
The Minister must make a decision on the activity plan within 60 days after the day on which the completed activity plan application is received by the MPA Management Team. Proponents will be notified of the decision by email.
Is a follow-up report required?
Answer
There is a regulatory requirement for a post-activity report to be submitted within 90 days after the last day of the activity. A reporting template is provided to successful applicants with their approval letter. Information requested includes descriptions of the types of samples and/or data collected; an assessment of the effectiveness of mitigation measures used to minimize environmental impacts; and a description of any unexpected incidents/impacts. Researchers are also encouraged to share their results with the Canadian public, international communities, and interested parties.
To obtain the activity report template or to submit a report, contact the MPA Management Team by email at SABMPA-BSAZPM@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
- Date modified: