Conservative members of the House committee on fisheries and oceans are expressing concerns regarding the establishment of marine protected areas by the federal government to achieve its conservation objectives by 2030. They argue that fishermen in their coastal constituencies have not been adequately consulted and fear that the plan could result in 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. However, officials from the DFO, Parks Canada, Department of the Environment, and the Office of the Auditor General of Canada defended the claim that all fisheries within marine protected areas would be shut down.
Acknowledging the need for improved outreach and communication with the fishing industry, Kathy Graham, director general of marine planning and conservation at DFO, emphasized the department’s efforts to minimize the socioeconomic impacts of the marine protected areas by adjusting boundaries accordingly.
Addressing concerns about the 30×30 conservation objective, which aims to protect 30% of Canada’s land and water by 2030, Conservative MP Clifford Small from Central Newfoundland highlighted the limitations imposed on fishing activities within certain marine protected areas. Despite promises made to fishermen, commercial fishing is restricted in most parts of the St. Anns Bank Marine Protected Area off Cape Breton, N.S., leading to questions about trust in the process.
Challenging the scientific basis of the 30×30 goal, Conservative MPs questioned whether it is driven by scientific considerations or political motives. Officials clarified that the target was established based on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted during the COP15 United Nations Biodiversity Conference in Montreal in December 2022.
Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development Jerry DeMarco emphasized that while the 30×30 target is a negotiated agreement, it reflects a global recognition of the need to intensify conservation efforts to address biodiversity loss and climate change. Despite the U.S. making progress towards its 30×30 targets, Canadian officials remain optimistic about Canada’s ability to meet its conservation goals.
In response to these discussions, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced plans to release an updated national nature strategy to fulfill Canada’s biodiversity commitments. The committee is set to commence a study on marine protected areas in the coming year.