Marine conservation network sites for the Scotian Shelf-Bay of Fundy Bioregion
Call for public feedback
Public engagement on the marine conservation network plan is open from April 29 to June 29, 2024.
Please visit our consultation page to learn how you can get involved or submit a survey.
A marine conservation network plan has been created for the Scotian Shelf-Bay of Fundy Bioregion. Use our interactive map below to explore the existing and proposed sites that make up the conservation network.
Feedback will be considered to finalize a marine conservation network plan for the bioregion. This conservation network plan is an important part of marine spatial planning in the region and will be periodically updated to guide regional spatial marine conservation work for years to come.
Map of proposed and existing sites in the Marine Conservation Network for the Scotian Shelf-Bay of Fundy Bioregion
Disclaimer
The maps and data contained in this application have been made available for information purposes only. Boundaries are preliminary and subject to change following public consultation.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada does not warrant the navigational reliability, currency, positional or thematic accuracy of any data or information published in these maps. Misalignment of some datasets may occur due to the methods used to produce the original product. Fisheries and Oceans Canada assumes no responsibility for errors in the content of the provided information.
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In this section
- Marine conservation network map
- Proposed conservation sites
- Marine conservation network development
- Activities in conservation areas
- Contact us for help
- Related information
Marine conservation network map
This map shows existing and proposed conservation sites in the bioregion, which taken together form the marine conservation network plan. The proposed conservation network sites are organized into 2 tiers:
- Tier 1 sites are a higher priority for implementation and are among the sites that could be selected for advancement by 2030. These sites have high conservation value based on the confirmed presence of key ecological features. The lead federal agency is specified for all tier 1 sites.
- Tier 2 sites are important to create a representative conservation network but will not be considered for advancement by 2030. These sites require more research and information on ecological features and human uses before implementation.
Other sites have also been identified through network planning. These are not considered part of the conservation network plan at this time.
Legend
Existing or proposed conservation areas are found within the coloured areas. The map shows:
- Existing sites, including Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and marine refuges
- Areas of Interest (AOIs)
- Proposed sites
- Tier 1 conservation sites and their lead agency
- Tier 2 conservation sites
Proposed conservation sites
Marine conservation network development
A marine conservation network is made up of many individual conservation areas, including Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs).
Creating a well thought out bioregional network plan will result in better protection for marine species, habitats, and ecosystems. Networks support conservation over the long term, while also minimizing impacts on ocean users. Learn more about the approach used for creating the marine conservation network plan.
Activities in conservation areas
Every conservation area (MPA or OECM) is unique. The management measures in each new site depend on site-specific conservation objectives. These will be determined through a separate establishment process with additional in-depth consultation.
In 2019, the MPA Protection Standard was developed to provide greater consistency and clarity on prohibited activities in federal MPAs. The standard prohibits oil and gas exploration and exploitation, mining, dumping, and bottom trawling in all new federal MPAs. There is more flexibility with OECMs. Activities are assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure effective biodiversity conservation.
Low-impact activities are often compatible with MPAs and OECMs. For example, sustainable coastal fisheries using fixed-gears (e.g., lobster) and ecotourism activities (e.g., kayaking, whale watching) are usually permitted in coastal conservation areas. Food, Social and Ceremonial (FSC) fishing by First Nations and Indigenous communities is also generally permitted.
Contact us for help
Marine Planning and Conservation Program
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
MaritimesMPAs@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Related information
- Marine conservation networks
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
- Marine refuges across Canada
- Marine spatial planning
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