Conservative members of the House committee on fisheries and oceans have expressed concerns regarding the establishment of marine protected areas by the federal government to achieve its conservation objectives by 2030. They have highlighted the lack of consultation with fishermen in their coastal areas and fear that the plan could lead to the closure of fishing grounds, impacting their livelihoods.
During a recent committee meeting, Aaron Gunn, Conservative MP for North Island-Powell River on Vancouver Island, criticized the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), stating that there is widespread resentment towards the department among fishermen. Officials from DFO, Parks Canada, the Department of the Environment, and the Office of the Auditor General of Canada defended the establishment of marine protected areas but acknowledged the need for better engagement and communication with the fishing industry.
Kathy Graham, director general of marine planning and conservation at DFO, emphasized the efforts to minimize the socioeconomic impacts of marine protected areas by adjusting boundaries and allowing fishing activities in designated areas where conservation objectives are not at risk.
Conservative MP Clifford Small raised questions about the 30×30 conservation objective, which aims to protect 30% of Canada’s land and water by 2030. Small highlighted the limited fishing access in the St. Anns Bank Marine Protected Area off Cape Breton, expressing concerns about the trust in the process among fishermen.
The debate also touched on the scientific basis of the 30×30 goal, with Gunn questioning whether it is driven by science or politics. Officials clarified that the target was established as part of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework agreed upon at the COP15 United Nations Biodiversity Conference in Montreal. The framework aims to address climate change and biodiversity loss by committing countries to protect a significant portion of the Earth’s land and water.
Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development Jerry DeMarco explained that while the 30×30 target involves negotiation, it reflects the need to intensify conservation efforts to combat biodiversity loss effectively. Despite acknowledging that the U.S. is ahead of Canada in meeting the 30×30 targets, officials expressed optimism that Canada is on track to achieve its conservation goals.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced plans to release an updated national nature strategy to fulfill Canada’s biodiversity commitments. The committee is scheduled to commence a study on marine protected areas in the upcoming year.
