Canadian east coast marine-protected areas: A review

The proposed Canada Oceans Act, Bill C-26, includes provisions for the establishment of marine-protected areas in Canadian waters for purposes of marine conservation and biodiversity. Furthermore, two existing federal acts, the Canada Wildlife Act and the National Parks Act, allow for the establishment of marine protected areas focusing on seabirds and marine parks, respectively. Most existing protected areas off the east coast of Canada, however, have been established under other mechanisms, both federal and provincial. This paper itemizes and reviews Canadian east coast marine protected areas including proposed and suggested sites, sites under consideration, and sites previously identified but not proceeded with. It also provides examples of the types of issues and challenges that must be faced in the establishment of a network of marine-protected areas.