March 7, 2007
SAINT JOHN, N.B. The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans
Affairs, on behalf of the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans,
and the provincial Minister of Environment, Roland Haché, today jointly
announced that Musquash Estuary is Canada's newest Marine Protected Area (MPA) under
Canada's Oceans Act. It is the first MPA designated in New Brunswick.
"By creating the first Marine Protected Areain New Brunswick, our new
government is showing its commitment to protect special places in Canada's oceans
for future generations," stated Minister Thompson. "I am encouraged by the commitment
and cooperation shown by the provincial government and the community to protect
the Musquash Estuary ecosystem so that we can all enjoy and benefit from it now
and for generations to come. ThisMarine Protected Area is unique. This is
the first time a provincial government has transferred property to the federal government
for this purpose."
The New Brunswick provincial government has transferred 1150 hectares (or 11.5
square km) of Musquash Crown lands to the federal government.
"The Musquash Estuary MPA designation complements existing provincial protection
and management strategies throughout the watershed," Minister Haché said. "This
is truly a special part of the province; one that will continue to be enjoyed by
the people of New Brunswick for years to come."
Formal MPA designation celebrates the substantial and longstanding efforts of
dedicated individuals and local conservation organizations to protect Musquash estuary
and the surrounding coastal lands.
Musquash Estuary is located along the coast of the Bay of Fundy, approximately
20 kilometres southwest of Saint John, New Brunswick. Given its large size and relatively
undisturbed condition, Musquash is unique among Bay of Fundy estuaries. It is one
of the last ecologically intact estuaries in a region where human activities have
modified most of the original salt marshes.
Another initiative that will soon be in place is a partnership between Canada's
New Government and the community to preserve the Musquash Head Lighthouse adjacent
to the new Martine Protected Area. Plans are being finalized for present and future
use of the site.
An MPA is a unique marine area designated for special management and protection
under Canada's Oceans Act. With the Musquash designation, there are now six
MPAs throughout Canada.
More information on the Musquash Estuary MPA can be found online at:
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/infocus/2007/20070307_e.htm
Backgrounder
The Musquash Estuary Marine Protected Area
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For more
Information:
Communications Branch
Fisheries and Oceans Canada,
Maritimes Region
902-426-3550
CommEnquire@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Richard Roik
Special Assistant, Communications
Office of Minister Thompson
Ottawa
613-996-4649
New Brunswick Government Contact
Mike Wesson, Communications
Environment
506-457-7206
