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MPA Designation Process
“A marine protected area is an area of sea that forms part of the internal waters of Canada, the territorial sea of Canada or the exclusive economic zone of Canada and has been designated under this section for special protection for one or more of the following reasons:
(a) the conservation and protection of commercial and non-commercial fishery resources, including marine mammals, and their habitats;
(b) the conservation and protection of endangered or threatened marine species and their habitats;
(c) the conservation and protection of unique habitats;
(d) the conservation and protection of marine areas of high biodiversity or biological productivity; and
(e) the conservation and protection of any other marine resource or habitat as is necessary to fulfil the mandate of the Minister (of Fisheries & Oceans Canada). Section 35 (I) of Canada’s Oceans Act
The National Framework for Establishing and Managing Marine Protected Areas (DFO 1999) presents the general approach that DFO follows to establish and manage MPAs across Canada. This general approach has been adhered to for the Gilbert Bay MPA designation process. In some cases steps may be taken out of sequence or taken concurrently. The following section shows the general procedure and summarizes the process that is followed for each step, and is intended as a summary only. Step 1 - Identification of Areas of Interest
The MPA program accepts nominations of areas for consideration as MPAs, and in doing so, provides a mechanism for interested parties to work with DFO in identifying possible MPA sites. A wide range of stakeholders and / or interested parties may propose to DFO an area for consideration as an MPA. This area is initially described as an Area of Interest (AOI).
Step 2 - Initial Screening of AOIs
The AOI is initially assessed to determine if the proposed site should be evaluated in more detail. Such screening also helps ensure that the reason(s) for the proposed MPA are compatible with those set out in the Oceans Act. General information such as location, rationale and purpose of establishing an MPA are gathered, along with general biophysical and socioeconomic descriptions of the area.
Step 3 - AOI Evaluation and Recommendations
The AOI is then subject to in-depth evaluation through a series of assessments to determine its suitability as a MPA:
· An ecological assessment evaluates the ecological merits of the proposal, reviews the existing human activities and, if applicable, considers any restoration needs or recovery potential of the ecosystem; · A technical assessment evaluates the practical and administrative aspects of designing and managing an area and considers the relationship and role of other stakeholders in the process; and · A socio-economic assessment evaluates the affect that a MPA proposal might have on human activities.
Based on the evaluation process, public input, and general consultation with stakeholders, DFO makes a recommendation as to whether the site is designated as a candidate MPA or if it should be considered for other forms of protection.
Please click to enlarge image.
Step 4 - Development of a Management Plan for a Candidate MPA Site
A MPA management plan provides information and guidance on how the MPA should be managed to help ensure that the conservation objectives of the site are achieved. The management plan states the reasons for the MPA, its goals and objectives, how they will be reached, and provides a framework that outlines how the success of the MPA will be measured. The management plan is to be based on proposals and assessment reports, and on comments of all stakeholders, thereby, reflecting the special character of the site and the purpose for which it was designated.
Step 5 - Designation of a MPA
The formal process of MPA designation under Canada’s Oceans Act is through the creation of Regulations under Section 35 of the Act. The Regulations may prescribe measures prohibiting or restricting activities that could compromise the reason for the designation of the MPA or the integrity of all or part of the site.
Implementation and enforcement of the Regulations and other provisions within the management plan are key considerations. This may require completion of partnership or co-management agreements and / or Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), allocation of various resources, and other commitments between DFO and partnering governments and organizations. The designation step may proceed at the same time as the development of a management plan.
Step 6 - Management of a MPA
Management of a MPA will proceed through the use of existing information, on-going research, traditional ecological information and other means, as appropriate. Each individual MPA will have its own unique management plan reflecting the special character of the site as well as the purpose and interest features for which it was designated. Guidance on management of the MPA will be provided by the Regulations designating the MPA, the management plan, and other conservation policies and regulations.
Activities necessary for achieving the objectives as outlined in a MPA management plan may include, but are not limited to:
· Site planning; · On-going research; · Monitoring; · Public awareness; · Enforcement and stewardship initiatives; and · Review and evaluation.
Reviews and evaluations are designed to determine whether management of the MPA is fulfilling the purpose(s) for which it was designated. If not, changes to specific MPA regulations or other provisions of the management plan may be recommended.
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