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 are apprehensive that these areas may impact fishermen in their coastal regions, potentially leading to the closure of fishing grounds and threatening 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 fishermen have not been adequately consulted, leading to deep-seated resentment among them.
While officials from DFO, Parks Canada, Department of the Environment, and the Office of the Auditor General of Canada refuted claims that all fisheries in marine protected areas would be shut down, they acknowledged the need for improved outreach and communication with the fishing industry. Kathy Graham, director general of marine planning and conservation at DFO, emphasized efforts to minimize the socioeconomic impacts of these areas by adjusting boundaries accordingly.
Conservation objectives must be clearly defined for protected areas, with all human activities evaluated, according to Graham. Fishing is permitted in many marine protected areas, with restrictions only in areas where it may conflict with conservation goals.
The Conservative MPs questioned the 30×30 conservation target, which aims to protect 30% of Canada’s land and water by 2030, expressing doubts about its scientific basis. Gunn described the target as seeming arbitrary and questioned its scientific validity. Officials clarified that the target was established based on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted at the COP15 United Nations Biodiversity Conference in Montreal in December 2022.
Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development Jerry DeMarco explained that while the 30×30 target involves negotiation, it is a response to the failure of lower percentages to address biodiversity loss effectively. DeMarco highlighted the global commitment to protect the Earth’s biodiversity and address climate change by increasing conservation efforts.
DeMarco noted that the U.S. is currently ahead of Canada in meeting the 30×30 targets but expressed optimism that Canada is on track to achieve its conservation goals. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced plans to unveil an updated national nature strategy to fulfill Canada’s biodiversity commitments, with the committee set to commence a study on marine protected areas in the coming year.