how are marine protected areas created? a guide for the lay person

How Are Marine Protected How Are Marine Protected Areas Created?Areas Created?

A Guide for the Lay PersonA Guide for the Lay Person

Legislation for Marine Protected Legislation for Marine Protected AreasAreas

• MPAs are created MPAs are created under the under the Oceans Oceans Act Act – It confirms Canada’s It confirms Canada’s

role with respect to role with respect to oceans management, oceans management, specifying the need specifying the need to integrate marine to integrate marine conservation with conservation with development development activities to maintain activities to maintain healthy ecosystems.healthy ecosystems.

Legislation for Marine Protected Legislation for Marine Protected AreasAreas

• The The Oceans ActOceans Act – identifies three complimentary initiatives for identifies three complimentary initiatives for

the conservation and protection of the oceans. the conservation and protection of the oceans. These legislated initiatives are:These legislated initiatives are:• Integrated Management program.Integrated Management program.

• Marine Ecosystem Health program.Marine Ecosystem Health program.

• Marine Protected Areas program.Marine Protected Areas program.

Marine Protected Areas (MPA)Marine Protected Areas (MPA)

““A marine protected area A marine protected area is an area of the sea is an area of the sea that forms part of the that forms part of the internal waters of internal waters of Canada, the territorial Canada, the territorial sea of Canada or the sea of Canada or the exclusive economic exclusive economic zone of Canada and zone of Canada and has been designated has been designated under this section for under this section for special protection.”special protection.”

Section 35. (1)Section 35. (1)

Why Do We Need MPAs?Why Do We Need MPAs?

• MPAs are needed to conserve and protect:MPAs are needed to conserve and protect:– commercial and non-commercial resources and commercial and non-commercial resources and

supporting habitats;supporting habitats;– endangered or threatened species and endangered or threatened species and

supporting habitats;supporting habitats;– unique habitats;unique habitats;– areas of high biodiversity or productivity;areas of high biodiversity or productivity;– areas to fulfil mandate of Minister.areas to fulfil mandate of Minister.

The Approach to the MPA ProgramThe Approach to the MPA Program

• The approach to be used in the MPA The approach to be used in the MPA program consists of the following key program consists of the following key elements:elements:– Effective partnering;Effective partnering;– Information sources;Information sources;– Ecosystems overviews;Ecosystems overviews;– Public awareness and education; andPublic awareness and education; and– Learning-by-doing.Learning-by-doing.

Effective PartneringEffective Partnering

• Cooperation is encouraged in all steps in the Cooperation is encouraged in all steps in the process. A great deal of effort is put into process. A great deal of effort is put into identifying stakeholders and getting them identifying stakeholders and getting them involved in the process. involved in the process.

• Key program areas dependent on Key program areas dependent on partnering:partnering:– Gathering of information;Gathering of information;– Development of public awareness of Development of public awareness of

environmental issues;environmental issues;– Conducting of research; andConducting of research; and– Enforcement of regulations.Enforcement of regulations.

Effective PartneringEffective Partnering

• Prospective partners in the MPA Program:Prospective partners in the MPA Program:– Coastal communities and non-government Coastal communities and non-government

conservation organizations;conservation organizations;– Fishing and aquaculture interests;Fishing and aquaculture interests;– Aboriginal communities and organizations;Aboriginal communities and organizations;– Ocean industries;Ocean industries;– Provincial and municipal governments;Provincial and municipal governments;– Federal departments.Federal departments.

Information SourcesInformation Sources

• A major constraint in planning for MPAs is A major constraint in planning for MPAs is the limited understanding of the dynamics the limited understanding of the dynamics of our marine ecosystems.of our marine ecosystems.

• Where knowledge is limited, management Where knowledge is limited, management decisions will be made on a precautionary decisions will be made on a precautionary approach.approach.

Information SourcesInformation Sources

• Information deficits will be addressed by:Information deficits will be addressed by:– Pursuing sustainable development, integrated Pursuing sustainable development, integrated

management, and the precautionary approach;management, and the precautionary approach;– Using MPAs as a learning opportunity by Using MPAs as a learning opportunity by

applying the adaptive management principle;applying the adaptive management principle;– Establishing a monitoring component as part of Establishing a monitoring component as part of

some MPAs; andsome MPAs; and– Using MPAs as natural laboratories to conduct Using MPAs as natural laboratories to conduct

enviromental research.enviromental research.

Ecosystem OverviewsEcosystem Overviews

• Studies will be used to characterize Studies will be used to characterize ecosystem types.ecosystem types.

• These studies will:These studies will:– Enable MPAs to be developed in a systematic Enable MPAs to be developed in a systematic

manner;manner;– Assist in the evaluation and selection of MPAs; Assist in the evaluation and selection of MPAs;

andand– Contribute to initiatives such as integrated Contribute to initiatives such as integrated

management.management.


• These overviews include information on:These overviews include information on:– Existing and planned uses (fishing activities, Existing and planned uses (fishing activities,

resource extraction, recreation);resource extraction, recreation);– Environmental conditions;Environmental conditions;– Ecological characteristics such as key species Ecological characteristics such as key species

distribution and critical habitats.distribution and critical habitats.

• May consider scientific and traditional May consider scientific and traditional knowledge.knowledge.


• Will provide important information for Will provide important information for managing human activities affecting managing human activities affecting sensitive ecosystems, habitats, and sensitive ecosystems, habitats, and species.species.

Public Awareness and EducationPublic Awareness and Education

• Public awareness and education of DFO’s Public awareness and education of DFO’s Marine Protected Areas program is of Marine Protected Areas program is of utmost importance.utmost importance.

• Successful partnering requires that Successful partnering requires that interested parties are well-informed and interested parties are well-informed and knowledgeable.knowledgeable.

• The aims of the program must be clearly The aims of the program must be clearly defined and understood.defined and understood.


• Various materials will be required for Various materials will be required for different audiences including:different audiences including:– Schools;Schools;– Resource users;Resource users;– DFO and other government agencies;DFO and other government agencies;– Communities; andCommunities; and– Non-government agencies.Non-government agencies.


• Various educational tools can include:Various educational tools can include:– Public meetings;Public meetings;– Brochures;Brochures;– Booklets;Booklets;– Educational videos;Educational videos;– Computer presentations; andComputer presentations; and– Web-based materialsWeb-based materials


• Effective education and stakeholder Effective education and stakeholder support can reduce enforcement support can reduce enforcement requirements by:requirements by:– Encouraging participation by interested Encouraging participation by interested

parties;parties;– Creating an understanding that leads to better Creating an understanding that leads to better

compliance; andcompliance; and– Providing a forum, through the partnering Providing a forum, through the partnering

arrangements, for addressing concerns.arrangements, for addressing concerns.

Learning-by-doingLearning-by-doing

• The evolving MPA framework is to be The evolving MPA framework is to be adaptable and to be phased in, thus adaptable and to be phased in, thus providing practical experience in providing practical experience in establishing and managing MPAs.establishing and managing MPAs.

• The framework design will be constantly The framework design will be constantly examined to consider ways of streamlining examined to consider ways of streamlining and adapting it to meet the needs of and adapting it to meet the needs of regions and stakeholders.regions and stakeholders.

The Framework to Establish a MPAThe Framework to Establish a MPA

• The steps to be followed in the process of The steps to be followed in the process of designating a marine protected area:designating a marine protected area:– Identification of an Area of Interest (AOI)Identification of an Area of Interest (AOI)– Initial screening and evaluation;Initial screening and evaluation;– AOI recommendation;AOI recommendation;– Development of a Management Plan and MPA Development of a Management Plan and MPA

recommendation;recommendation;– Formal designation as a MPA.Formal designation as a MPA.

Identification of an Area of InterestIdentification of an Area of Interest

• An AOI may be identified by:An AOI may be identified by:– DFO and other government agencies;DFO and other government agencies;– Community groupsCommunity groups– Coastal communities and Aboriginal Coastal communities and Aboriginal

organizations;organizations;– The fishing sector;The fishing sector;– Environmental organizations;Environmental organizations;– Academic institutions;Academic institutions;– Other stakeholders;Other stakeholders;– The general public.The general public.

Identification of an Area of InterestIdentification of an Area of Interest

• The MPA program accepts nominations of The MPA program accepts nominations of areas for consideration as MPAs.areas for consideration as MPAs.

Initial screening and evaluationInitial screening and evaluation

• The initial screening involves an The initial screening involves an assessment of an AOI to determine if it assessment of an AOI to determine if it should be evaluated in more detail.should be evaluated in more detail.

• Suggested AOIs will be screened to ensure Suggested AOIs will be screened to ensure that the purposes stated for the proposed that the purposes stated for the proposed area conform to the reasons stated for area conform to the reasons stated for MPAs under the MPAs under the Oceans ActOceans Act..


• Types of information that may be required Types of information that may be required for initial screening:for initial screening:– The location of the proposed AOI;The location of the proposed AOI;– An outline of the purposes and rationale for An outline of the purposes and rationale for

establishing an MPA in this location and how establishing an MPA in this location and how these related to Section 35 of the these related to Section 35 of the Oceans ActOceans Act;;

– A brief biophysical description and socio-A brief biophysical description and socio-economic profile of the AOI and surrounding economic profile of the AOI and surrounding areasareas


• Types of information that may be required Types of information that may be required for initial screening:for initial screening:– The types of management measures and The types of management measures and

regulations that might apply to the area;regulations that might apply to the area;– The suggested involvement of stakeholders or The suggested involvement of stakeholders or

sponsors in the future management of the sponsors in the future management of the area;area;

– Contact person, group or agency leading or Contact person, group or agency leading or facilitating the MPA process.facilitating the MPA process.


• Proposed areas of interest that may Proposed areas of interest that may qualify for MPA status are placed on an qualify for MPA status are placed on an AOI List.AOI List.– The AOI List is made available to the public.The AOI List is made available to the public.– Areas that are on the AOI List are monitored to Areas that are on the AOI List are monitored to

ensure that the ecological integrity of an area ensure that the ecological integrity of an area remains intact while awaiting a final remains intact while awaiting a final recommendation concerning MPA status.recommendation concerning MPA status.


• Where it is believed that the ecological Where it is believed that the ecological integrity of an AOI is being threatened by integrity of an AOI is being threatened by activities, interim protection measures activities, interim protection measures may be implemented.may be implemented.

• The AOI evaluation consists of:The AOI evaluation consists of:– Ecological Assessment;Ecological Assessment;– Technical Assessment; andTechnical Assessment; and– Socio-economic Assessment.Socio-economic Assessment.


• Ecological AssessmentEcological Assessment– The ecological assessment addresses the The ecological assessment addresses the

following questions:following questions:• Does the proposed MPA comply with the reasons for Does the proposed MPA comply with the reasons for

MPAs stated in the MPAs stated in the Oceans ActOceans Act??

• What are the ecological merits of the proposal?What are the ecological merits of the proposal?

• How significant are these?How significant are these?


• Ecological AssessmentEcological Assessment– In addition to the ecological knowledge, the In addition to the ecological knowledge, the

assessment should include:assessment should include:• a list of human activities which may need to be a list of human activities which may need to be

controlled, controlled,

• any restoration needs for the area, and any restoration needs for the area, and

• the potential for recovery of natural ecosystem the potential for recovery of natural ecosystem functions, if applicable.functions, if applicable.


• Technical AssessmentTechnical Assessment– The technical assessment addresses the The technical assessment addresses the

following questions:following questions:• Is the proposal feasible from a management and Is the proposal feasible from a management and

technical perspective?technical perspective?

• What adjustments can be made to improve feasibility What adjustments can be made to improve feasibility and practicality?and practicality?

• What should the boundaries of the AOI be?What should the boundaries of the AOI be?

• Is there public and stakeholder support?Is there public and stakeholder support?


• Technical AssessmentTechnical Assessment– The technical assessment determines:The technical assessment determines:

• The prior recognition of the conservation value of the The prior recognition of the conservation value of the site, such as international recognition of a site’s site, such as international recognition of a site’s importance;importance;

• The contribution of the site to integrated The contribution of the site to integrated management purposes;management purposes;

• The availability of the site for designation;The availability of the site for designation;

• The appropriateness of proposed area boundaries The appropriateness of proposed area boundaries and management regulations for meeting the and management regulations for meeting the proposed management objectives; proposed management objectives;


• Technical AssessmentTechnical Assessment– The technical assessment determines:The technical assessment determines:

• The capacity of management resources for planning The capacity of management resources for planning and management;and management;

• The public and stakeholder support for the proposal;The public and stakeholder support for the proposal;

• The nature of cooperative partnering or co-The nature of cooperative partnering or co-management arrangements that might support management arrangements that might support management of a MPA;management of a MPA;

• Possible conflicts with adjacent uses, and measures to Possible conflicts with adjacent uses, and measures to lessen these;lessen these;

• The demonstration value of the site for conservation The demonstration value of the site for conservation purposes.purposes.


• Technical AssessmentTechnical Assessment– It also refines the proposal:It also refines the proposal:

• To improve its acceptability;To improve its acceptability;

• To minimize technical problems; andTo minimize technical problems; and

• To ensure the design for the proposed MPA is To ensure the design for the proposed MPA is appropriate.appropriate.


• Technical AssessmentTechnical Assessment– It also develops partnering, co-management, or It also develops partnering, co-management, or

co-designation with other agencies to meet site co-designation with other agencies to meet site objectives.objectives.

– It considers whether other measures or It considers whether other measures or regulations might be more appropriate for regulations might be more appropriate for conserving and protecting resources (e.g., conserving and protecting resources (e.g., fisheries closures or harvest regulations).fisheries closures or harvest regulations).


• Socio-economic AssessmentSocio-economic Assessment– A socio-economic assessment answers the A socio-economic assessment answers the

following questions:following questions:• How would the establishment of a MPA affect human How would the establishment of a MPA affect human

activities in and around the proposed MPA?activities in and around the proposed MPA?

• How can socio-economic benefits of the MPA be How can socio-economic benefits of the MPA be enhanced or the costs reduced?enhanced or the costs reduced?


• Socio-economic AssessmentSocio-economic Assessment– The socio-economic assessment determines The socio-economic assessment determines

how the establishment of a MPA may affect:how the establishment of a MPA may affect:• Fishing uses;Fishing uses;

• Community uses (local recreation, anchoring, food Community uses (local recreation, anchoring, food gathering);gathering);

• Aboriginal interests (claims, commercial uses, food Aboriginal interests (claims, commercial uses, food fishery, cultural or traditional activities);fishery, cultural or traditional activities);


• Socio-economic AssessmentSocio-economic Assessment– The socio-economic assessment determines The socio-economic assessment determines

how the establishment of a MPA may affect:how the establishment of a MPA may affect:• Economic and transportation uses (oil and gas, Economic and transportation uses (oil and gas,

minerals, sand and gravel, aquaculture, resort uses, minerals, sand and gravel, aquaculture, resort uses, shipping, docks, defence and maritime security shipping, docks, defence and maritime security interests, aircraft facilities);interests, aircraft facilities);

• Cultural, recreation, and tourism values and uses Cultural, recreation, and tourism values and uses (seascapes or landscapes, wildlife viewing, (seascapes or landscapes, wildlife viewing, shipwrecks, educational opportunities, recreational shipwrecks, educational opportunities, recreational seashores or water areas).seashores or water areas).

how are marine protected areas created? a guide for the lay person

Documents