New Marine Protected Areas in Canada

12 by 2012 The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society wants Ottawa to complete or significantly advance 12 new marine protected areas by the end of 2012. Lancaster Sound 5) Home to narwhal and bowhead whales, as well as millions of seabirds. 2012 goal: NMCA established. Tawich 9) Home to beluga whales, polar bears and a variety of seabirds. 2012 goal: Candidate NMCA announced. Gaspésie Home to endangered blue whale and important wetland habitats. 2012 goal: MPA close to completion. Îles de la Madeleine 8) The waters and shores of these beautiful islands shelter roseate terns and many other types of seabirds. 2012 goal: Move toward NMCA. South Coast Fjords Largest undeveloped alpine coastline in Canada, leatherback turtles (the largest sea turtles in the world) are a summer resident of note. 2012 goal: Move toward NMCA. (3 8. 10 11 (12 Laurentian Channel 10 Critical nursery area for Atlantic wolffish and important migration route for many marine mammals. 2012 goal: MPA established. Hecate Strait Glass Sponge Reefs These ancient reefs are globally unique. 2012 goal: MPA established. Southern Strait of Georgia Home to the endangered southern resident orca and long-lived rockfish. 2012 goal: NMCA established. St. Anns Bank Variety of cold water corals and a key migra- tion route for fish and marine mammals. (1) (3 2012 goal: MPA established. Bay of Fundy The highest tides in the world, and a nursery for the endangered right whale. 2012 goal: Candidate NMCA announced. Big Eddy One of the richest marine areas on the Scott Islands 2) 12 Globally significant area for birds like tufted puffins and Cassin's auklets. 2012 goal: MNWA established. West Coast of North America. 2012 goal: Candidate NMCA announced, leading to international marine peace park. Marine Protected Area (MPA) Established by Fisheries and Oceans Canada to protect and conserve important fish and marine mammal habitats, endangered marine species, unique features and areas of high biological productivity or biodiversity. Marine National Wildlife Area (MNWA) Established by Environment Canada to protect and conserve habitat for wildlife, including migratory birds and endangered species. National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) Established by Parks Canada to protect and conserve representative examples of Canada's natural and cultural marine heritage, and to provide opportunities for public education and enjoyment. GLORIA GALLOWAY AND MATTHEW BAMBACH/THE GLOBE AND MAIL » SOURCES: GRAPHIC NEWS, CANADIAN PARKS AND WILDERNESS SOCIETY 6. 4+ 2)