Canada's Species at Risk Act (SARA) was created to protect wildlife species at risk, including fish, reptiles, marine mammals and molluscs. Find out what it means for you, especially if you are a commercial fisher, aquaculturist, recreational fisher, recreational boater, Aboriginal, scientist, researcher or involved in an activity that might impact the habitat of aquatic species at risk.
This report provides estimates of these economic impacts for 2006, using conventional indicators: GDP, employment and labour income. The analysis covers all major private sector activities with a direct dependence on the oceans.
The National Aerial Surveillance Program (NASP) helps meet the Government of Canada’s objective to protect and preserve the environment for future generations. The NASP observes the activities of commercial vessels that transit waters under Canadian jurisdiction. Aerial Surveillance serves to protect the environment from both intentional illegal and accidental pollution. TC owns and operates two Dash 8s and one Dash 7 surveillance aircraft capable of surveying all types of actives on the sea surface, each equipped with a state of the art Maritime Surveillance System (MSS6000). The NASP ultimately strives to protect Canada’s ocean resources and fragile marine ecosystems for the benefit of coastal communities and all Canadians.
The Northern Abalone is a marine mollusc whose meat has great commercial value as it is considered a gourmet delicacy. Due to commercial overfishing and poaching, it is now listed as threatened in Canada. Parks Canada, the Haida Nation and other partners are working to restore this species.
Demands on our oceans and marine resources are growing fast. While offshore oil & gas, marine transportation and fishing continue to be very important to Canada's economy, there are many new ways in which we are using our oceans. Today, key economic activities in Canada's oceans include: commercial fishing, aquaculture, oceans energy and marine transportation.
There are many ocean sciences, ranging from those centred on biological aspects to others that deal with the physical and chemical facets of the discipline. This section of the DFO website focuses specifically on ocean observations, modelling and climate sciences.
Parks Canada's Species at Risk web feature. This feature is a great source of useful and interesting information on species at risk protection and recovery efforts in our national parks, national marine conservation areas and national historic sites.
The Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA) covers an area of approximately 88,000 square kilometers in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of British Columbia. The area currently supports diverse marine activities including: commercial and recreational fisheries, First Nations' traditional use, marine tourism, shipping and transportation and aquaculture. Alternative offshore energy projects, new commercial fisheries and shellfish aquaculture initiatives are also emerging industries in the region. The PNCIMA process will bring the area's stakeholders together to apply integrated management practices to the region.