Conservation Biology​​​ in the Boreal
HOW DOES NEWFOUNDLAND and LABRADOR COMPARE??​
Newfoundland and Labrador and MPAs
Newfoundland and Labrador have been heavily involved in the cod fishery for over 450 years. Newfoundlanders fished for cod (Gadus morhua) while creating a unique culture, which prospered relying solely the sustainable fishery that lasted almost 500 years. (1)
As a result of the expansion of commercial fishing operations, the unique marine environment found in Newfoundland and Labrador is in trouble. Due to the depletion of fish stocks including Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), lobster (Homarus americanus) and capelin (Mallotus villosus), along with others, the future of the Newfoundland and Labrador fishery is very uncertain. (1)
This map outlines the Federaly and Provincially protected waters in Atlantic Canada. Note the two red areas found in Newfoundland and Labrador, these are the MPAs. Retrieved from: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans/marineareas-zonesmarines/mpa-zpm/spotlight-pleinsfeux/index-eng.htm (1)
This map shows all federally and provincially protected marine waters across Canada. Retrieved from: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans/marineareas-zonesmarines/mpa-zpm/spotlight-pleinsfeux/index-eng.htm (1)
This chart shows the distribution departmentally of total marine area protected by MPAs across Canada. Note: Chart created in 2010, DFO now manages 8 MPAs. Retrieved from: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans/marineareas-zonesmarines/mpa-zpm/spotlight-pleinsfeux/index-eng.htm (1)​
References:
(1) http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans/marineareas-zonesmarines/mpa-zpm/spotlight-pleinsfeux/index-eng.htm
(2) http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2005-294/FullText.html
During the 16th century, the Atlantic Oceans great richness lured many Europeans to settle along the shores. East of Newfoundland, throughout the Grand Banks, the waters are among the most prolific found throughout the world, making fishing activities successful. Mixing of the Labrador current and the Gulf stream create the perfect habitats for all trophic levels, giving species ideal feeding and spawning conditions. (2)
Newfoundland and Labrador has two of the eight federally protected MPAs. They are the Eastport and Gilbert Bay MPAs. The Eastport MPA was created in 2005 and was setup to protect sustain the dwindling numbers of lobster (Homarus americanus) for future use in the lobster fishery of the region. The Gilbert Bay MPA created in 2005, is 47 square kilometers and was set up to protect the genetically distinct reddish-brown cod found in the area. (1)​
Canada is lagging behind other countries in terms of progress in the area of MPAs, even though Canada is amongst the countries with the most marine area under it's jurisdiction. Newfoundland and Labrador is lagging behind the rest of Canada with less than 200 square kilometers of MPA, where as British Columbia has over 20000 square kilometers. (2)