MPAs are: - Areas of the ocean that are set aside to help restore populations of fish and marine species whose numbers have dropped because of overexploitation and other industrial activities. MPAs allow rare and endangered species to recover, and protect sensitive habitats, spawning and rearing grounds.
- Sanctuaries for conserving healthy, diverse and productive ocean ecosystems, along with fisheries and a host of other precious marine gems.
- In 2002, the World Parks Congress recommended that 20-30% of every habitat in the oceans be given full protection from extractive uses. These areas are known as
- As a signatory to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Canada has a duty to uphold its commitment to establish and maintain a comprehensive, effectively managed and ecologically representative national system of MPAs.
Glossary of MPA Terms
MPA Articles & Reports
Resources for Fishermen
Resources for Government
Resources for First Nations
Resources for Educators
