The High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy recommends protecting 30% of the ocean in fully protected Marine Protected Areas

December 2, 2020, OTTAWA, Ontario – The Canadian Parks and Wilderness and Society (CPAWS) is encouraged by today’s report from the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (the Ocean Panel), which emphasizes the importance of effective ocean protection and fully protected areas at the heart of a sustainable blue economy.

The Ocean Panel, established in 2018, is a coalition of 14 world leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, with the goal of developing a blueprint for a sustainable ocean economy. “We are thrilled to see Canada and the other members of the Ocean Panel recognize the need to ensure at least 30% of our ocean is fully protected in effective Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in order to support a sustainable ocean economy,” said Alex Barron, National Director of CPAWS’ Ocean Program.

The report represents the culmination of two years of research and analysis, and provides guidance for improved management of ocean resources. Effective protection and restoration of ocean ecosystems is one of three key principles that frame their recommendations.

With the world’s longest coastline, there is a keen interest in growing Canada’s Blue Economy. However, with declining fisheries, ongoing habitat loss, and the biodiversity crisis, strong conservation measures are needed to ensure that Canada’s ocean economy is sustainable. “The Ocean Panel report makes clear the benefit of making sure we’re protecting and restoring our most vulnerable and important ecosystems with effective MPAs when assessing the potential for commercial and industrial activities,” said Barron. “We’re glad to see the Ocean Panel emphasize protection as the first of their three principles.”

Fully protected MPAs that are well managed and monitored are not only one of the most effective conservation tools for restoring and supporting biodiversity, but they also produce significant benefits for coastal communities and economies. Effective MPAs can increase fish biomass by up to 600%, help species and ecosystems adapt to climate change, and protect ecosystems like salt marshes and eelgrass that store carbon and protect communities from storms and floods.

“One of the report’s main recommendations is that nations need to do a better job of valuing and accounting for the many benefits that healthy ocean ecosystems provide,” said CPAWS National Executive Director, Sandra Schwartz. “This includes Canada.”

“Recent studies have calculated that if we do protect 30% of the ocean in effective MPAs we could recover ocean health within a few decades, with a financial return of $10 for every $1 dollar invested and the creation of tens of thousands of jobs,” added Ms. Schwartz. “We see this report as a significant step towards recognizing that MPAs can be about much more than ocean health – they are also a good investment and, as noted by the Ocean Panel, a critical component of a strong blue economy.”

Background

• Evidence shows that at least 30%, and as much as 70% or more, of ecosystems need to be conserved to reverse nature’s decline and safeguard a healthy planet for people and nature. This is consistent with CPAWS’ long-standing goal of protecting at least half of Canada’s ocean, public land and fresh water.
• A recent paper summarizes the benefits of effective and strongly protected MPAs, including increasing fish biomass by 600% and helping to mitigate climate change and its effects.
• Research recently published in Nature calculated that protecting 30% of the ocean in strong MPAs could help to restore ocean ecosystems as soon as 2050, with significant economic benefits.
• In response to recommendations from a National Advisory Panel on Marine Protected Area Standards, Canada announced its commitment to establish minimum protection standards for all federally designated MPAs in April 2019.
• In June 2020, Canada joined the Global Ocean Alliance and committed to protect 30% of its ocean by 2030. In September 2020, Canada joined the High Ambition Coalition (HAC) for Nature and People, reiterating this commitment.
• Learn more about the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy.
• Read the Ocean Panel’s full report and executive summary.
• Read the Ocean Panel’s call to action.
• Learn more about CPAWS’ work to support the establishment of effective Marine Protected Areas in Canada.

About CPAWS

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is Canada’s only nationwide charity dedicated solely to the protection of our public land, ocean, and freshwater, and ensuring our parks and protected areas are managed to protect nature. Since 1963, we have played a leading role in protecting over half a million square kilometres. Our vision is to protect at least half of Canada’s public land and water in a framework of reconciliation – for the benefit of wildlife and people. For more information about CPAWS and the work we do to safeguard Canada’s natural heritage, visit cpaws.org. Join our community on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Donate today. Take action.

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For more information, please contact:

Jenn Brown
Communications & Events Coordinator, Ocean Program, CPAWS
jbrown@localhost
416-389-6668