Prince Rupert, BC - The Government of Canada is safeguarding the long-term health and productivity of Canada's oceans and fisheries, by protecting our country's wildlife, biodiversity, and the habitats that support them.
The glass sponge reefs in the Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound were designated a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in 2017, and are contributing to Canada's conservation goal to protect 25 per cent of our oceans by 2025. Illegal commercial groundfish harvesting in the Northern Reef Core Protection Zone and Adaptive Management Protection Zone of the reefs has resulted in the first conviction under the Oceans Act nationwide. MPAs are legally protected from certain activities that can cause harm to its specific marine ecosystem.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada has a mandate to protect and conserve marine resources and to prosecute offenders under the Fisheries Act. It ensures and promotes compliance with the Act and other laws and regulations through a combination of land, air, and sea patrols, as well as education and awareness activities. These actions are to ensure Canadians can continue to enjoy and benefit from our country's natural riches for generations to come.
