Ottawa, Ontario– On the occasion of World Oceans Day, the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, issued the following statement:
“As we celebrate World Oceans Day on June 8, it is an opportunity for us all to reflect on the importance of oceans to life on the planet. Canada’s oceans are central to the way of life and livelihoods of many communities, and are valued as an essential resource by all Canadians.
World Oceans Day reminds us of the role that we all play in conserving and protecting our marine environment. It is a celebration that was first held in Canada two decades ago and has since been declared an international event by the United Nations.
The three oceans that surround Canada are national treasures and a life-giving resource. They supply us with fish, seafood, oxygen and recreation. They provide a natural highway for shipping and transportation, and are the source for both oil and gas and renewable energy.
We continue to make progress in the responsible management and protection of our oceans.
Integrated Oceans Management Plans have been completed in two ocean areas and three more are nearing completion. These plans provide a basis for decision-making recognizing natural ecosystems and the needs of all resource users.
There are currently eight Marine Protected Areas, and eight additional areas are currently in varying stages of completion. In fact, between federal, provincial and territorial governments,
810 marine conservation and marine protected areas have been established to date. Our government will continue to work together with provinces, territories, Aboriginal peoples, industry and all our stakeholders in developing Canada’s network of Marine Protected Areas.
And, we have made significant progress on Canada’s Oceans Strategy, in collaboration with other levels of government and stakeholders. We have worked together with our partners to deliver results: increased surveillance of marine pollution through acquisition of specialized equipment, and provision of emergency and safety services to local operators.
We have also developed tools for more effective and efficient environmental assessment, established collaborative partnerships to conserve corals and sponges, and continued to address emerging oceans management issues.
We are all connected to the oceans no matter where we live. Being aware of this connection is what World Oceans Day is all about.”
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Frank Stanek
Media Relations Manager
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Erin Filliter
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
613-992-3474
