New marine protected area to deliver important forage-fish measures, WWF-Canada says

MONTREAL, June 28, 2018 — World Wildlife Fund Canada welcomed today’s announcement of the designation of Banc-des-Américains as a “double-protected” marine protected area (MPA) under both the federal Oceans Act and as an aquatic reserve in Quebec. The establishment of this MPA is the first project under an agreement between the province and the federal government to move forward more rapidly together on marine protection in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. 

About Banc-des-Américains MPA 

• The area off the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, recognized for its marine productivity, is approximately 1,000 square kilometres. 
• It’s home to many species at risk, such as the harlequin duck, and is a feeding area for seabirds and the endangered blue whale. 
• It’s an important area for forage fish such as capelin and includes breeding areas for Atlantic mackerel. 
• The proposed MPA regulations will restrict commercial and recreational fishing to one zone of the MPA.  
• Fishing for certain forage species will not be allowed anywhere in the MPA.  

Sigrid Kuehnemund, WWF-Canada vice-president of oceans conservation, said: 
“The Banc-des-Américains marine protected area will make a meaningful difference for species that live in and migrate through the area. We’re also very glad to hear the province of Quebec and the federal government will be working together on marine protection, since alignment between provinces and the federal government is the best way to make lasting progress toward marine-protection goals.” 

About World Wildlife Fund Canada 
WWF-Canada creates solutions to the environmental challenges that matter most for Canadians. We work in places that are unique and ecologically important, so that nature, wildlife and people thrive together. Because we are all wildlife. For more information, visit wwfcastg.wwf.ca. 

For further information 
mediarequests@wwfcanada.org, +1 416-453-0092