Conservative lawmakers on the House committee overseeing fisheries and oceans are expressing worries about the establishment of marine protected areas by the federal government as part of its conservation targets for 2030. They are specifically concerned about potential impacts on fishermen in their coastal districts, citing a lack of consultation and fears that fishing grounds may be closed, affecting their livelihoods.
During a recent committee meeting, Aaron Gunn, Conservative MP for North Island-Powell River on Vancouver Island, voiced strong discontent towards the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) for the perceived lack of engagement with the fishing community.
Government officials from various departments, including DFO, Parks Canada, the Department of the Environment, and the Office of the Auditor General of Canada, responded by clarifying that not all fishing activities would cease in marine protected areas. However, they acknowledged the necessity for improved communication and outreach efforts towards the fishing industry.
Kathy Graham, director general of marine planning and conservation at DFO, emphasized the importance of defining conservation goals and assessing human activities in protected areas. She noted that fishing is allowed in many marine protected zones unless it poses a risk to conservation objectives.
Conservative MP Clifford Small raised concerns about the 30×30 conservation target, which aims to protect 30% of Canada’s land and water by 2030. Small pointed out instances where promises made to fishermen regarding continued fishing activities were not fully upheld, leading to mistrust in the process.
Questions were also raised by Conservative MPs regarding the scientific basis of the 30×30 goal, with some suggesting it may have political motivations. Officials clarified that the target was derived from the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, agreed upon during 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 involved negotiation, it aimed to address the failure of lower conservation percentages in the past to halt biodiversity loss effectively.
DeMarco highlighted that the U.S. is currently ahead of Canada in meeting the 30×30 objectives 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 soon.
The committee is set to commence a comprehensive examination of marine protected areas in the coming year to further address these conservation challenges.