July 20th, 2009

Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society's Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter (CPAWS-NL) is pleased to announce the release of a marine guide titled Special Marine Areas in Newfoundland and Labrador: Areas of Interest in our Marine Backyard on July 23rd, 2009 at Government House.

"We're really excited to be presenting a marine guide for the province's special marine and coastal areas." says Julie Huntington, CPAWS-NL Executive Director. "It was July 1992 that Canada had to declare a moratorium on fishing cod. It's even more important now, seventeen years later, that we protect our ocean to ensure that we have healthy breeding, nursery and living areas for our different marine species. This guide will help all the stakeholders in the fishery and in mining and oil exploration know where these special marine areas are."

The Special Marine Areas in Newfoundland and Labrador guide outlines a number of areas that are of particular interest from ecological, social or economic perspectives. It is the first document to pull together research conducted by governments, academics,non-governmental organizations and community members. A total of 73 sites are illustrated in this marine guide. Each summary outlines a site description, including descriptions of marine habitats, marine wildlife, special features, existing protection and current or potential threats in each site. Although all of the sites differ, there are several common concerns such as the effects of existing and potential oil and gas development and the use of non-selective and destructive fishing gear. The marine guide provides an explanation of why it is important to protect such areas and how to reduce and eliminate negative impacts on these marine environments. The guide promotes the use of public education and engagement as tools to aid in the conservation and preservation of these marine areas.

CPAWS-NL invites any interested press to come out on Thursday, July 23rd at 2:30pm at the Government House for the launch of the Special Marine Areas in Newfoundland and Labrador Guide along with the Lieutenant Governor John Crosbie and Mrs. Crosbie. The Lieutenant Governor will be speaking at this event.