WE NEED YOUR HELP to protect Nova Scotia’s Ocean Playground!

WE NEED YOUR HELP to protect Nova Scotia’s Ocean Playground!

The federal government has just released a draft plan that identifies 38 areas of high conservation value off the coast of Nova Scotia and is recommending protection for these ecologically significant places. This includes sites in the Bay of Fundy, habitats for rare and endangered species, concentrations of cold-water corals, spawning grounds, tidal salt marshes, eelgrass meadows, kelp beds, upwelling zones, biodiversity hotspots, and important places for migratory birds.

This proposed plan is an important step to save our ocean. A public consultation is underway right now and it is crucial that the federal government receives letters of support for protecting these 38 sites. Canada has a target of protecting 25% of the ocean by 2025, and 30% by 2030. We are running out of time to achieve these important targets to ensure our ocean will thrive for generations to come. Our ocean is threatened by climate change and biodiversity loss, as well as destructive industrial practices, like open-net pen fish farming. Your voice is urgently needed to protect these very important marine areas. Please take a moment to submit a letter to the public consultation.

In your submission, you may want to consider the following points:

The 38 sites are important for conservation
The plan is a step in the right direction
You care about protecting the ocean

The best letters are short and personal. We’ve created a template for the letter, but please add your own comments. Saying things like “this matters to me”, explaining why you care about the ocean, or providing a first-hand experience of being on the coast, are all super important. Please take a few moments to speak up. This plan has been in the works for years and we are pleased that it is finally going through public consultation. Letters can also be emailed directly to [email protected].

The public comment period is open until June 29th, 2024. Thank you.

To view the draft conservation proposal, click here.

To: DFO Maritimes Public Consultation

Dear DFO Maritimes Public Consultation,

I am pleased that the federal government has identified 38 sites of high conservation value for possible protection within the Maritimes Region. These sites include ecologically significant places, such as cold water coral concentrations, spawning grounds, habitats for rare and endangered species, and important coastal ecosystems such as salt marshes, kelp beds, and eelgrass meadows.

This draft plan is a step in the right direction, and I welcome the actions that the government is taking to ensure these 38 ecologically significant areas are protected. Canada has a commitment to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030. I want this target to include places off the coast of Nova Scotia too.

Our ocean is facing the devastating effects of climate change, biodiversity loss, and destructive industrial activities. I want to see effective and well-managed marine protected areas established in Nova Scotia that conserve the marine environment and recognize the importance of these places to Nova Scotians and our way-of-life.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

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