QUESTION PERIOD — Fisheries and Oceans
Marine Protected Areas
June 5, 2024
Senator Gold, as marine and coastal areas face increasing threats from pollution, overfishing and climate change, the need for intervention to protect these vital ecosystems has become more pressing than ever.
Could you please share the latest developments on the government’s efforts to expand protected areas to meet the goal of conserving 30% of our marine and coastal areas by 2030?
Thank you for your question.
As of May 2024, Canada has protected 14.67% of its oceans, totalling 842,822 square kilometres. The government achieved this through the Oceans Act marine protected areas led by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, National Wildlife Areas led by Environment and Climate Change Canada, national marine conservation areas led by Parks Canada and other effective area‑based conservation measures.
