Laurentian Channel

The Laurentian Channel has been identified as containing the highest levels of biodiversity off the Newfoundland shores. The variety of depths within the Channel creates great diversity of habitats. These habitats allow many different species to live, spawn and migrate through the area.

The Laurentian Channel is an area from 45°N to 47.5°N, from the slopes of the banks into the Laurentian Channel to the western boundary of the Placentia Bay-Grand Banks Large Ocean Management Area, as seen as area 23 on the map to the right.

It is…

• known to be home to deep water corals
• the only known wintering area for cod and winter grounds for entire groundfish populations
• a spawning ground for many different fish species
• a major summer feeding area for marine mammals
• a breeding area for many seabirds
• the only site for pupping area for the black dogfish in North America

Additionally many at risk species can be found, such as:

• Harbour Porpoise
• Blue Whale
• Atlantic Cod
• Nothern Wolfish
• Atlantic Wolfish

Resources

• More information
• Department of Fisheries and Oceans - Ocean Division powerpoint presentation on the Laurentian Channel
• Government takes action to protect sensitive land, water and species at risk on World Oceans Day.
• World Oceans Day

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