Conservative lawmakers on the House committee for fisheries and oceans are expressing worries regarding the establishment of marine protected areas by the federal government to achieve its conservation objectives by 2030. They are particularly concerned that fishermen in their coastal regions have not been consulted and fear that the initiative could lead to the closure of fishing areas, impacting their livelihoods.
During a recent committee meeting, Aaron Gunn, Conservative MP for North Island-Powell River on Vancouver Island, criticized the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), stating that there is significant resentment towards the department among fishermen. Responding to these concerns, officials from various government departments emphasized that not all fishing activities would cease in marine protected areas, but acknowledged the need for improved communication with the fishing industry.
Kathy Graham, the director general of marine planning and conservation at DFO, highlighted the importance of clearly defining conservation goals and assessing human activities in protected areas. She explained that fishing is still permitted in many marine protected areas, with restrictions only in areas where it could conflict with conservation objectives.
The debate also touched on the 30×30 conservation target, with Clifford Small, Conservative MP for Central Newfoundland, questioning the scientific basis for the goal. He cited the case of halibut fishing in the St. Anns Bank Marine Protected Area in Nova Scotia, where restrictions have limited commercial fishing activities, leading to concerns about trust in the process.
Officials clarified that the 30×30 target was established based on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, agreed upon at the COP15 United Nations Biodiversity Conference. While acknowledging the negotiation aspect of the target, Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development Jerry DeMarco stressed the need to escalate conservation efforts to address biodiversity loss effectively.
Despite the challenges, officials expressed optimism about Canada meeting its 30×30 targets and highlighted the forthcoming release of a national nature strategy by Prime Minister Mark Carney to fulfill the country’s biodiversity commitments. The committee is set to commence a study on marine protected areas in the upcoming year.