The St. Anns Bank Oceans Act Marine Protected Area (MPA) provides protection from the impacts of human activities, adding an additional 0.08% (4 364 km2) of protection to Canadas oceans. Located to the east of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, St. Anns Bank contains ecologically and biologically significant features including unique habitats, areas of high biodiversity, and areas of high biological productivity. It is an important habitat for several commercial and non-commercial species.
Within St Anns Bank, any activity that disturbs, damages, destroys or removes a living marine organism or any part of its habitat is prohibited with exception. Four management zones are established including a core protection zone of minimal human activity and three adaptive management zones where current low-impact activities would be permitted, including but not limited to fishing by rod and reel, and pot gear. Together these zones would provide for the conservation and protection of biological diversity, habitat and biological productivity of the St. Anns Bank area.
Progress reports
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
Type of commitment
- Ecosystem-based Adaptation
By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information
Type of commitment
- Multiple use marine protected area
December 2016
Canada
