Our Oceans need you to speak up!

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Send the letter now to advocate for the creation of marine protected areas that not only put nature and coastal communities first but also respect Indigenous rights and support Indigenous-led visions for marine conservation.

A strong network of Marine Protected Areas will work to reduce habitat degradation, slow the loss of endangered species, and restore depleted fish stocks. It’s clear that protecting 30 percent of our ocean by 2030 will go a long way to ensure Canada preserves the nature and way of life we know and love.

From February 3rd to 9th, the International Marine Protected Areas Conference (IMPAC5) will be happening in Vancouver, as the world’s best scientists, policymakers, academics, and conservationists from around the world will gather to find ways to safeguard the ocean and its wildlife now and for the future. IMPAC5 is a key global moment to advance protection of the ocean.

Restoring and protecting our ocean is crucial to tackling climate disruption, reversing biodiversity loss, and supporting human wellbeing. To achieve it all, the creation of Marine Protected Areas with high-ecological standards is our best bet.

Let the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans know that meeting 30 percent by 2030 is important to you, and NOW, at IMPAC5 is the perfect time for action.

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Minister

Diane

Lebouthillier

Government of Canada

I was thrilled to see the government recommit to protecting 30 percent of the ocean by 2030 at COP15 as part of the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework. It gives me hope for the future.

At the same time, we know that the ocean is under severe threat from climate change and biodiversity loss. The ocean cannot withstand any more degradation and that’s why I want to stress the importance of acting on our commitment to expand Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) with strong protection standards. IMPAC5 provides Canada the perfect opportunity to announce progress  towards these goals. MPAs contribute to a healthy marine environment and offer a nature-based solution to address the impacts of climate change by protecting marine ecosystems, their habitats, and their species. MPAs also contribute to Canadian culture while supporting the economic prosperity of local economies and coastal communities.

Wherever possible, new MPAs should be Indigenous-led and all MPAs must respect Indigenous rights. Fisheries and Oceans Canada must recognize the authority of Indigenous Peoples to steward their waters and it is important that Indigenous peoples have the opportunity to co-govern MPAs in Canada.

When it comes to ocean protection, both quality and quantity matter. In your effort to advance protections for 30% of the ocean in Canada, high ecological standards must be in place. This is critical to ensuring that conservation efforts effectively recover ocean ecosystems. I am urging you to ensure Canada takes the opportunity of IMPAC5 to announce concrete action to protect the ocean including:

- Laying out a clear pathway for how we will protect 25 percent of Canadian ocean waters by 2025, and 30 percent by 2030, including progress on major sites such as the ‘Deep Sea Oasis’ in the Pacific Offshore Area of Interest.
- Demonstrating a commitment to support Indigenous leadership in ocean conservation through co-management.
- Committing to implementation of strong standards for protection in Marine protected areas.
- Building momentum for the protection of the global ocean by announcing a moratorium on deep sea mining in Canadian waters and committing with other nations to finalize and ratify a High Seas treaty.

Thank you, I am counting on Canada for leadership at IMPAC5.

Sincerely,

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Speak up for our ocean!

Canada has just recommitted to protect 30 percent of the ocean by 2030. Now, we have a chance to show the world we mean it—send a letter today to hold them accountable.

About this
initiative

Read the Letter

Nature Needs Your Voice

Take Action

Speak up for our ocean!

Canada has just recommitted to protect 30 percent of the ocean by 2030. Now, we have a chance to show the world we mean it—send a letter today to hold them accountable.

About this initiative

Read the Letter

Nature Needs Your Voice

About this
initiative