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- Press Release
Rebuilding Plan for Depleted Cod Stock Welcome, But Details Come up Short
While DFO has met its responsibilities under the Fisheries Act, the timeline is not ambitious enough given the health of the stock. Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Oceans North Welcomes Release of Long-awaited Ocean Noise Strategy
Addressing the threat of ocean noise will require listening to and learning from the people who are most affected—as well as taking concrete actions to manage it. Read more > -
- Press Release
Groundbreaking Zero-Emission Research Vessel Project Launched by Oceans North, Miawpukek Horizon, Allswater, and MEOPAR
The project will provide the conceptual design for a Canadian ocean research vessel that would set a new standard for deep ocean and remote area research in Canadian waters. Read more > -
- Press Release
New Decision on Atlantic Herring Provides Some Relief for Beleaguered Stock
While today's decision is significant, a robust rebuilding plan is still necessary. Read more > -
- Press Release
Oceans North Bids Farewell to Executive Director, Welcomes New Leadership Model
Oceans North is bidding farewell to former Executive Director Louie Porta today as it transitions to a new leadership structure. Read more > -
- Press Release
Northern Cod Decision Repeats Mistakes of the Past
Reopening the commercial fishery risks undoing any progress made to rebuild this important stock. Read more > -
- Press Release
New Paper Highlights Risks to Marine Life in Warming Northwest Atlantic—and What We Can Do to Help
Species threatened by climate change include some of Atlantic Canada's most lucrative fisheries. Read more > -
- Press Release
Central Arctic Ocean Fisheries Agreement Meeting Ends with Step Forward for Conservation
Parties agreed no exploratory fishing would be permitted until full conservation and management measures are established. Read more > -
- Press Release
Oceans North Welcomes Action on Marine and Freshwater Environments in Canada’s New Nature Strategy
The plan incorporates both fisheries sustainability and the management of aquatic ecosystems, which must be tackled urgently. Read more > -
- Press Release
Management Measures for Redfish Offer Opportunity to Implement Best Practices
While the quota is higher than Oceans North recommended, the management and monitoring measures could represent a major step forward for this and other fisheries. Read more > -
- Press Release
Industry, Government, and Community Leaders Unite to Advocate for Marine Electrification Opportunities in Atlantic Canada
More than 40 marine sector leaders from across the value chain reached a consensus on the urgent need to support and advocate for marine electrification initiatives. Read more > -
- Press Release
As Deep-sea Mining Discussions Continue, Organizations Call on Canada to Stand Up for Its Principles
30 environmental and Indigenous organizations are asking the government to defend human rights, Indigenous participation, and transparency. Read more > -
- Press Release
Oceans North Applauds Canada Infrastructure Bank’s Investment in New Zero-Emission Ferries in BC
Electrifying harbour craft and near-shore vessels is essential to mitigating the impacts of climate change, and ferries are an excellent place to start. Read more > -
- Press Release
Reopened Bait Fishery for Struggling Atlantic Mackerel Stock Raises Monitoring Concerns
Without a plan for monitoring and data collection, it’s not obvious how DFO will ensure that the catch limit isn’t being exceeded or how the quality of existing data will be improved for science assessments. Read more > -
- Press Release
Oceans North Calls for Ecosystem-based Approach to Recovery of Cod and Capelin Stocks
Links between the two species mean a decrease in the total allowable catch for both offers best chance for sustainable, profitable fisheries. Read more > -
- Press Release
Industry Member Displays Unacceptable Behaviour towards Oceans North Staff Member at Recent Capelin Advisory Meeting
Subsequent walkout by FFAW and others threatens to derail advisory process Read more > -
- Press Release
Oceans North Celebrates Canada’s Signing of High Seas Treaty
The signing is an important step towards protecting marine ecosystems that make up nearly half the planet. Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Oceans North Celebrates Next Step Towards Protection for Western James Bay and Southwestern Hudson Bay
Today, the Mushkegowuk Council and Parks Canada announced they have completed the feasibility study for a new National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) in western Weeneebeg (James Bay) and southwestern Washaybeyoh (Hudson Bay). Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Conservation and Safety Concerns Give Grounds for Closure of Elver Fishery, Oceans North Says
Given the conservation and safety concerns, Oceans North supports the proposed closures of the elver fishery for the 2024 season. Read more > -
- Press Release
As DFO Lifts Moratorium on Redfish, Oceans North Welcomes Low and Slow Approach
HALIFAX—The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans announced that Canada is reopening the Unit 1 redfish fishery in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, ending the official moratorium that has been in place for nearly three decades. The department has set... Read more > -
- Press Release
New Report Highlights Barriers and Opportunities for Green Shipping on West Coast
On the heels of a global agreement to transition away from fossil fuels, a new report is shedding light on the challenges when it comes to decarbonizing shipping on Canada’s West Coast—as well as some of the solutions. Read more > -
- Press Release
Oceans North Says Launch of Canada’s Green Shipping Corridor Fund Will Help Maritime Sector Compete Globally
The new fund will support the development of clean fuels and technologies at major ports, as well as the development of zero-emission vessels. Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
International Fisheries Meeting Delays Progress on Swordfish Sustainability and Climate Change
The commission needs to agree on concrete ways to manage fisheries and their impacts in a changing climate. Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Oceans North Calls for Temporary Closure of Commercial 3Ps Cod Fishery Following Latest Assessment
Given dire predictions for the stock’s future, a closure is one of the few things that can improve the likelihood of recovery. Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
DFO’s Continued Failure to Properly Monitor Fisheries Puts Sustainability and Biodiversity at Risk
HALIFAX—A new report from the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development (CESD) has found serious problems with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)’s approach to monitoring marine fisheries catch. “Unfortunately, the findings are not surprising to us,” says Katie... Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Environmental Organizations Call on Canada to Sign and Ratify New High Seas Treaty
OTTAWA—Twenty-six Canadian environmental organizations and nine international groups are calling on Canada today to sign and ratify the new treaty to protect high seas biodiversity. Treaty negotiations concluded last March, and it was opened for signature at the September... Read more > -
- Press Release
Vancouver Event Aims to Connect Words with Action on Green Shipping Corridors
A multi-stakeholder workshop on New Energy Markets in West Coast Shipping will help link clean energy projects with the marine value chain. Read more > -
- Press Release
New Science for Depleted Northern Cod Stock Highlights Importance of Evidence-based Management, Oceans North Says
Updated model includes further historical data and information about capelin abundance. Read more > -
- Press Release
Agreement Between Canada and Greenland Marks Major Step Forward for Protection of Shared Arctic Ecosystem
The North Water Polynya supports vast amounts of marine life and is important to Inuit communities in both countries. Read more > -
- Press Release
Supreme Court Decision on Impact Assessment Act Puts Ocean and Vulnerable Ecosystems at Risk
As we develop resources in a more sustainable manner, we need strong frameworks to help protect the environment and each other. Read more > -
- Press Release
Lektrike’l Walipotl Electric Boat Project Now in Final Design
Membertou, Oceans North, Allswater, and BlueGrid by Rimot have officially launched Lektrike’l Walipotl—a project to develop Canada’s first electric lobster fishing boat. Read more > -
- Press Release
International Fisheries Organization Agrees to Further Ecosystem Protections and Climate Considerations
Tackling the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change will require action both within and beyond national waters. Read more > -
- Press Release
New Report Charts Course towards an Electric Future for Nova Scotia’s Lobster Fleet
The study found that over 2000 boats were prime candidates for battery-electric propulsion systems. Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Oceans North and Oceans North Kalaallit Nunaat Celebrate Inuit Circumpolar Council – Greenland’s Equator Prize Win
OTTAWA—Oceans North (ON) and Oceans North Kalaallit Nunaat (ONKN) are thrilled to jointly extend sincere congratulations to the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC) – Greenland for winning the prestigious United Nations Development Programme Equator Prize. ICC – Greenland’s remarkable work... Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
DFO delays rebuilding of largest herring population in Canada, jeopardizing recovery and the ecosystem
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced last week that the 2023 quota for the largest herring fishery in Canada would be 21,000 tonnes, considerably higher than the maximum of 14,000 recommended by science. Read more > -
- Press Release
DFO must rebuild largest herring population in Canada for the benefit of coastal communities and the ecosystem
Last year, the Minister reduced the quota but failed to choose a harvest strategy in line with stock rebuilding. Read more > -
- Press Release
Oceans North Welcomes Canada’s Support for Deep Sea Mining Moratorium in International Waters
The announcement comes as an important meeting gets underway that could decide the industry's future. Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Oceans North Recognizes Importance of Continued Mackerel Fishery Closure to Rebuild Stock
Fisheries and Oceans Canada announced that the commercial and bait fisheries for Atlantic mackerel will remain closed for another year. Read more > -
- Press Release
New Poll Shows Strong Support for Zero-emission Ships over Liquefied Natural Gas
Decarbonizing the shipping sector is an essential part of fighting climate change, and Canadians want urgent action. Read more > -
- Press Release
Oceans North Disappointed in DFO Decision to Rollover Catch Levels for Critically Depleted Capelin Stock
HALIFAX—Today Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced that the 2023 2J3KL commercial capelin fishery will open with a total allowable catch at 14,533 tonnes, a rollover of last year’s decision. “The capelin stock is deep in the critical zone... Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
New Poll Shows Widespread Support for Investment in Zero-Emission Shipping
HALIFAX—More than 8 in 10 Canadians support investment in the zero-emission ports, fuels and vessels that will help fight climate change, according to a recent poll by Abacus Data. “As wildfires burn across the country and the impacts of... Read more > -
- Press Release
Oceans North Supports Calls to Restore Avon River Fish Passage
Oceans North echoes concerns expressed by Mi’kmaq, fishermen, and community members for fish populations. Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Canada Failing to Protect At-Risk Sharks and Skates
The latest round of consultations on aquatic species at-risk highlights Canada’s unacceptable delays when it comes to protecting sharks and skates, Oceans North says. Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Oceans North Welcomes Decision by Arctic Cruise Operators to Avoid Sensitive Narwhal Habitat
The decision could provide relief to Eclipse Sound’s struggling narwhal population. Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Jenseeraq Poulsen Named New Executive Director of Oceans North Kalaallit Nunaat
NUUK—The Oceans North Kalaallit Nunaat Board of Directors has appointed Jenseeraq Poulsen as the Greenland-based organization’s new executive director. Oceans North Kalaallit Nunaat (ONKN) promotes marine protection and sustainable use of marine living resources in partnership with Greenlandic stakeholders... Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Oceans North Celebrates Historic Global Treaty That Will Help Protect Half the Planet
Countries have come to an agreement on a new treaty that fills a major gap in our collective ability to protect the high seas. Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Oceans North Calls on DFO to Follow Science and Continue Mackerel Closure
To give the fishery the best chance at recovery, the Minister should keep it closed until the next assessment. Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Oceans North Welcomes Strong Statement from Canada on Deep-sea Mining
"Conservation is often about reacting to problems—here we have a chance to stop one before it starts." Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
New Global Biodiversity Framework Offers Opportunity to Protect Our Ocean
Given that the ocean covers more than two-thirds of the planet, it’s crucial that efforts to protect biodiversity include marine and coastal ecosystems. Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Oceans North Celebrates Progress on Indigenous-led Protection of Seal River Watershed
The announcement comes as countries are gathered to draft new goals that will help stop and reverse the loss of nature globally. Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Oceans North Welcomes Moves to Reduce Emissions from Marine Industries in Nova Scotia’s Climate Plan
The new measures will help address emissions from fishing and ports while increasing the province's economic competitiveness Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Oceans North, Membertou First Nation Partner on Development of Zero-Emission Lobster Vessel
An environmental charity and a First Nation in Nova Scotia are partnering on a project to develop the first generation of zero-emission fishing vessels in Canada. Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Tuna Commission Agrees to Historic Management Procedure for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Sustainability
The new approach will help ensure that future quota decisions balance stock health with desirable catch levels in the face of uncertainties and competing objectives. Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
International Fisheries Organization Agrees to Groundbreaking Fisheries Management Measures, Historic Protections for Greenland Sharks
Today’s decisions represent important progress towards the long-term sustainability of fisheries throughout the NAFO area. Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Green Hydrogen Deal Marks Major Step Forward for Canada’s Climate and Economy
HALIFAX—Oceans North is celebrating today’s high-level agreement between Germany and Canada to encourage the development of green hydrogen and hydrogen-derived fuels. “If we’re going to meet our climate goals and remain competitive in a decarbonized world, we need to... Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Cod in the Northern Gulf of St. Lawrence Need Long-term Rebuilding Plan
HALIFAX—Yesterday, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard (DFO) made the long-overdue decision to close the commercial fishery for Northern Gulf (NAFO division 3Pn4RS) cod this year. The population has been in the critical zone since... Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Herring Quota Decision Not Enough to Rebuild the Fishery
HALIFAX—Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced today that the quota for the largest herring fishery in Canada would be cut from 35,000 tonnes to 23,450—a 33 per cent reduction that on its own will not be enough to rebuild... Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Oceans North Kalaallit Nunaat Gets a New Executive Director and Focuses on the Future
Danish and Greenlandic versions of the release follow below. NUUK—The board of the environmental organization Oceans North Kalaallit Nunaat has just held a meeting in Nuuk, Greenland, where they decided on a new executive director. “We have had several... Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
New Protections for Eastern Canyons off Nova Scotia Will Benefit Deep-Sea Ecosystems
HALIFAX—Oceans North welcomes the announcement today of the largest new fisheries closure off Nova Scotia, an area called the Eastern Canyons Marine Refuge covering 43,976 square kilometres off Nova Scotia. Announced on World Ocean Day, this closure will protect... Read more > -
- Press Release
Fishing for Climate Solutions: New Study Will Examine How Nova Scotia’s Lobster Vessels Can Achieve Net-zero Emissions
HALIFAX—Today, Oceans North and Net Zero Atlantic announced the launch of a new study that will look at how lobster vessels in Nova Scotia can reduce carbon emissions. Countries around the world—including Canada—have pledged to reach net-zero emissions by... Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Oceans North says Baffinland mine decision reflects concerns for impacts on narwhal
OTTAWA—The Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) has recommended that Baffinland’s Mary River mine—the largest industrial development in the Canadian Arctic—should not be allowed to expand at this time, citing the potential for “significant adverse ecosystemic effects” that “cannot be... Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
New Regulations Bring Canada Closer to Rebuilding Depleted Fisheries
OTTAWA—Oceans North is celebrating a new milestone in Canada’s approach to fisheries management that could help bring exhausted fish stocks back from the brink. Last week, new regulations on the rebuilding of depleted fish populations were posted under Canada... Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Oceans North Recognizes Importance of Difficult Decision on Herring, Mackerel Fisheries in Atlantic Canada
Herring and mackerel play a crucial role in Atlantic ecosystems and are commonly used as bait in the region's lucrative lobster fisheries. Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Oceans North Applauds Inclusion of Ocean-Based Solutions in New Federal Plan to Reduce Emissions
OTTAWA—Earlier today, the federal government announced a new plan to tackle emissions as part of its legislated commitment to reach net zero by 2050. The 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan – Canada’s Next Steps for Clean Air and a Strong... Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Canadians Call for a Moratorium on Deep Seabed Mining
OTTAWA—As the International Seabed Authority meets in Jamaica, a petition asking for a global moratorium on deep seabed mining, signed by more than 4000 Canadians, goes to the government for a response. On December 20, 2021, Oceans North, MiningWatch... Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Condolences To Those Affected By Sinking Of Spanish Trawler
Oceans North sends its condolences to the crew and families of the Spanish fishing trawler Villa de Pitanxo that sunk earlier today in rough seas off the coast of Newfoundland. Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Canadians ask Federal Government to Support Moratorium on Deep Seabed Mining
Six Canadian NGOs and charities launch a parliamentary petition calling on the Canadian government to support a moratorium on deep seabed mining in international waters Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
New Report Highlights Role of Seaports in Growing the Economy and Fighting Climate Change
Halifax, NS: To help fight climate change and seize new economic opportunities in the transition to net-zero emissions by 2050, Canada should harness the transformative power of the maritime sector and begin the transition to low-carbon fuels, a new... Read more > -
- Press Release
New Protections for Fragile Deep-sea Ecosystems Agreed to by the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization
Halifax [K’jipuktuk]: The 43rd Annual Meeting of the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO) closed today, with an agreement on new protections for seamounts and coral and sponge grounds. The deep seas are home to rich, fragile ecosystems that are... Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Oceans North Greenland Applauds Naalakkersuisut’s Decision to Halt Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration
Scroll down for Danish and Greenlandic versions of the release. Nuuk: Oceans North Greenland is congratulating the Naalakkersuisut on its recent decision to stop oil exploration in Greenlandic waters. The decision puts an end to fears about the impacts... Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Video about Sustainable Fishing that Was Banned from KNR Did Not Violate the Law, Ombudsman Says
Scroll down for Danish and Greenlandic versions of the release. Nuuk—Inatsisartut’s Ombudsman has found that the Naalakkersuisut should not have stopped a video about sustainable fishing from airing on KNR. At the beginning of 2021, Oceans North Greenland launched... Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Collective Push in Canada for an International Moratorium on Deep Seabed Mining
Canadian NGOs and charities launch Parliamentary Petition calling on the Canadian government to support a moratorium on deep seabed mining in international waters. Read more > -
- Press Release
DFO Raises Quota for Struggling Northern Cod Stock—and Raises Questions about its Commitment to Conservation
Almost 30 years after the cod collapse, we need to learn from past mistakes and break the cycle which has been repeating for decades. Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
In Good News for Conservation, DFO Halves Atlantic Mackerel Quota to Favour Rebuilding the Stock
Kjipuktuk [Halifax]—Earlier today, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced that the total allowable catch (TAC) for Atlantic mackerel will be 4000 tonnes for the 2021 fishing year, half of the 8000-tonne TAC from 2020. “We know that it’s tough... Read more > -
- Press Release
New report forecasts far-ranging climate impacts on fisheries in Atlantic Canada and Eastern Arctic
Kjipuktuk [Halifax] — The impacts of climate change on fisheries in Atlantic Canada and the Eastern Arctic are far reaching and grave, says a new report released today by Oceans North. These regions are home to some of Canada’s... Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Oceans North applauds federal government’s major investment in protecting nature and oceans
OTTAWA—Oceans North applauds the government’s unprecedented investment of over $4 billion to protect nature as part of the new federal budget. “Supporting conservation is an excellent investment in our future,” said Louie Porta, executive director of Oceans North. “Protecting... Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Supreme Court Ruling on Carbon Price Is a Win for the Arctic and Our Oceans
It’s time to put aside partisan politics and work together as a country to harness the economic and environmental benefits of acting on climate change. Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
New Report Highlights Need for Better Arctic Waste Management
Ottawa—Urgent action is needed to improve waste management in Arctic communities, a new Oceans North report has found. The report, Towards a Waste-Free Arctic, collected data about the amount of waste accumulated over the last 25 years in the 51 communities... Read more > -
- Press Release
New short film advocates for sustainable Greenlandic halibut fishery
Nuuk — A new short film released by Oceans North on Monday February 1 outlines what can be done to ensure a sustainable halibut fishery in Greenland. The inshore halibut fishery is one of Greenland’s most important resources and... Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Northern Cod rebuilding plan fails to live up to expectations
At this point, it is unclear if the rebuilding plan that was released adheres to the proposed regulations and recent law amendments. Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Maritime Sector Should Be Key Part of Implementing New Hydrogen Strategy for Canada
OTTAWA—Earlier today, the federal government released the Hydrogen Strategy for Canada, a roadmap for how this country can position itself as a leader in the emerging market for hydrogen and use this alternative fuel to help lower emissions. “The... Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Oceans North Supports New Measures to Fight Climate Change, Protect Nature and Grow the Economy
OTTAWA—Oceans North applauds the federal government’s new climate plan that recognizes the urgent need for action to address climate change and protect crucial ecosystems that underpin our economic wellbeing. “Canada’s economic future ultimately depends on our ability to protect... Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
What Canada’s New Climate Accountability Legislation Could Mean for Shipping Emissions
Oceans North urges the Government of Canada to develop a 2025 emissions target and action plan. Read more > -
- Press Release
Millions at stake in DFO’s failed actions to rebuild the depleted Atlantic mackerel stock
Inaction by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) on measures to rebuild the Atlantic mackerel stock is reducing the long-term value of the fishery by more than $50 million, according to a new cost-benefit analysis. Atlantic mackerel support both natural... Read more > -
- Press Release
Hope for a sustainable halibut fishery on Greenland’s northwest coast
Oceans North congratulates Naalakkersuisoq Minister of Fisheries, Hunting and Agriculture Jens Immanuelsen for his commitment to abolish the quota-free fishing for Greenland halibut in Northwest Greenland by January 2021. “This is an important step towards introducing a sustainable inshore... Read more > -
- Newsroom
- Press Release
Atlantic Canadians think ocean protection can help grow the economy, says newly released polling
For immediate release January 29, 2020 — Recently released polling reveals Atlantic Canadians recognize the ocean’s importance to Atlantic Canada’s economy while strongly supporting increased marine protection. The polling was conducted in August and September of 2019, with 1500... Read more > -
- Press Release
Ottawa and Inuit Reach Historic Agreement to Co-Manage Arctic Waters in Canada’s Largest New National Marine Conservation Area
Ottawa and Qikiqtani Inuit Assocation (QIA) today announced an historic agreement that finalizes a joint governance model for the long-sought Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area which will protect more than 109,000 square kilometres of biologically rich Arctic waters. Read more > -
- Press Release
Modernized Fisheries Act is a win for aquatic ecosystems, species, and the communities that depend on them
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 20, 2019 K’jipuktuk [Halifax], Nova Scotia — A modernized Fisheries Act will soon receive Royal Assent, marking the first time since 1868 that the law has had an extensive overhaul. The Fisheries Act helps protect our... Read more > -
- Press Release
Canada prohibits industrial activities, including oil and gas and bottom trawling in marine protected areas, makes progress towards international targets
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: APRIL 25, 2019 Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Nova Scotia: Canadian environmental organizations are applauding new steps towards stronger protection of the marine environment. Today, the government of Canada announced that it has adopted strong standards for marine protected... Read more > -
- Press Release
Marine protected area process undermined by oil and gas activity say Canada’s leading environmental organizations
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 14, 2018 K’jipuktuk [Halifax] November 13, 2018 — Protecting Canada’s marine and coastal environment has been a significant priority for the government of Canada, however many sites labelled as protected remain vulnerable to industrial activity.... Read more > -
- In the News
Conservation groups hope to educate Canadians with new Arctic marine atlas
Faced with dramatic shifts in the Arctic due to joint pressures of climate change and industrial development, a trio of Canadian NGOs released Monday an educational tool they hope will help shape the conversation about protecting the region’s fragile environment and its Indigenous peoples.
The 122-page trilingual – English, French and Inuktitut – Canada’s Arctic Marine Atlas released by Oceans North, Ducks Unlimited Canada and World Wildlife Fund- Canada provides a comprehensive overview of complex interactions between humans and various Arctic marine species.
Read the article at Radio Canada International. -
- Press Release
New Arctic Marine Atlas Surveys a Spectacular Region at Risk
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 17, 2018 OTTAWA—Oceans North, Ducks Unlimited Canada and World Wildlife Fund- Canada are thrilled to release Canada’s Arctic Marine Atlas, a 122-page publication that relies on the latest data to describe an extraordinary ecosystem undergoing... Read more > -
- In the News
Halifax G7 meeting to promote ocean plastics charter to UN
A G7 ministers meeting in Halifax will promote the Canadian-led oceans plastic charter, with Ottawa planning to take the accord to the United Nations General Assembly, says the federal environment minister.
The non-binding accord was agreed-to by five of the G7 leaders and the European Union at the G7’s Charlevoix summit in June, though neither the United States nor Japan have signed on yet.
Read the article at CP/Toronto Star. -
- In the News
Environmental groups release results of 3-year project that shows how Arctic being altered by climate change
A vast array of scientific knowledge about Canada’s Arctic has been compiled by three of the country’s largest environmental organizations into an electronic document that tracks the story of humans, animals and marine ecosystems across the Far North.
Canada’s Arctic Marine Atlas, more than three years in the making, was released on Monday – two days before Group of Seven environment ministers are scheduled to meet in Halifax to discuss oceans, clean energy, global climate action and fisheries.
Read the article at Globe and Mail. -
- In the News
Canada to push ‘plastics charter’ at G7
Canada will use its presidency of the G7 to try to persuade the world’s richest and most industrialized countries to adopt ambitious goals for plastics recycling and waste reduction.
“We are looking at a zero-plastics-waste charter,” Environment Minister Catherine McKenna said Wednesday from Cancun, Mexico, where she was at an international conference on the world’s oceans.
Read the article at the National Post/Canadian Press. -
- In the News
New protected ocean areas aimed at conserving coral, sea bottom dwellers
The Disko Fan and the Funk Island Deep. Most Canadians might be excused for thinking they could be the names of pop-rock bands.
They are, in fact, the monikers of two of Canada’s newest marine refuges where the federal government hopes to protect sensitive ocean habitats in the Eastern Arctic.
Fisheries Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced the creation of seven new marine refuges Thursday, adding more than 145,000 square kilometres to the ocean areas along Canada’s coasts that are deemed off limits to fishing gear that makes contact with the ocean floor.
Read the article at the National Post. -
- In the News
Nations agree to ban fishing in Arctic Ocean for at least 16 years
Nine nations and the European Union have reached a deal to place the central Arctic Ocean (CAO) off-limits to commercial fishers for at least the next 16 years. The pact, announced yesterday, will give scientists time to understand the region’s marine ecology—and the potential impacts of climate change—before fishing becomes widespread.
“There is no other high seas area where we’ve decided to do the science first,” says Scott Highleyman, vice-president of conservation policy and programs at the Ocean Conservancy in Washington, D.C., who also served on the U.S. delegation to the negotiations. “It’s a great example of putting the precautionary principle into action.”
Read the article at Science Magazine. -
- In the News
Ice Bridge’s Troubled Waters: Inuit seek to save Canada-Greenland link
The Inuit of the western edge of Greenland call the tip of Baffin Bay that lies between them and their distant relatives in Canada the Pikialasorsuaq, or “the great upwelling,” because the water is open all year round and teems with the wildlife that has been the staple of their diet for thousands of years.
Along the northern edge of the Pikialasorsuaq is an ice bridge that was the migration route from North America taken centuries ago by the ancestors of the Inuit who now live along Greenland’s coast.
Read the article at Globe and Mail. -
- In the News
Inuit will write marine management plan for eastern end of Northwest Passage
The Inuit of Labrador and the federal government have signed a deal that will see the Inuit use their traditional knowledge to develop a marine-management plan covering more than 380,000 square kilometres of coastal waters on the far eastern end of the Northwest Passage.
The plan, which is expected to govern shipping, resource extraction, water quality, species management, conservation of historical sites and other matters of importance to the Inuit, comes as climate change and the decline of Arctic sea ice are opening the passage to an increasing amount of ship traffic.
Read the article at The Globe and Mail. -
- In the News
Arctic waters get long-sought protection
The federal government has reached an agreement with local Inuit that will lead to the protection and management of a massive swath of northern sea in one of the most ecologically sensitive regions of the Canadian Arctic.
The new proposed boundaries of a national marine conservation area in Lancaster Sound, which has sometimes been called the Serengeti of the Arctic because of the breadth of its biodiversity, would encompass more than 131,000 square kilometres of ocean.
Read the article at The Globe and Mail.
Poetry and images explain why Lancaster Sound needs to be protected.