Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound Glass Sponge Reefs one step closer to becoming a Marine Protected Area
June 26, 2015 - Ottawa, Ontario
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced that the Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound Glass Sponge Reefshave reached a new step toward their designation as a Marine Protected Area.
The proposed Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound Glass Sponge Reefs Marine Protected Areas Regulations have been pre-published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, for a 30-day public comment period, ending on July 26, 2015.
These glass sponge reefs are unique as they are the only living examples of the large sponge reefs that have existed since the Jurassic Period. Some of the reefs today date back over 9,000 years. Today the sponge reefs provide refuge, habitat, and nursery grounds for many aquatic species.
The protection of this area directly coincides with the Government of Canada’s priority to strengthen marine and coastal conservation, as demonstrated under the National Conservation Plan. The National Conservation Plan, launched in 2014 by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, included dedicated funding of $37 million over five years for marine and coastal conservation.
Frank Stanek
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-990-7537
Sophie Doucet
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
NR-HQ-15-36E
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