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April 13 2022

CPAWS-NL welcomes new commitments to accelerate creation of Protected Areas

Conservation combats climate change and biodiversity loss, benefits local communities

11 April 2022, ST. JOHN’S, Newfoundland and Labrador – The Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS-NL) welcomes the agreement between Canada and the province to accelerate the creation of new protected areas and decrease biodiversity loss. This recent commitment provides the opportunity to address some of our longstanding Protected Areas proposals aimed at reaching Canada’s targets to protect 30% of land and ocean by 2030, with a milestone goal of 25% by 2025.

CPAWS-NL has been actively working on both marine and terrestrial protected areas within Newfoundland and Labrador since 2003. Over that time, progress on protecting natural areas has been slow. Currently, only 6.9% of Newfoundland and Labrador’s terrestrial area is formally protected, which is well below the national average of 13.5%. Approximately, 11.3% of the province’s coastal and offshore area is protected under various provincial and federal designations, contributing 2.1% of Canada’s ocean estate.

Specifically, CPAWS NL is very happy to see the agreement include a memorandum of understanding to assess the feasibility of a South Coast Fjords national marine conservation area (NMCA) by the end of 2022 and consider an adjacent national park in the Burgeo region. CPAWS-NL has been working with communities and governments to support the establishment of an NMCA for the South Coast Fjords since our chapter’s inception. A South Coast Fjords NMCA and potential adjacent national park will create many ecological, economic, and cultural benefits for coastal communities.

Newfoundland and Labrador is known for its exquisite natural beauty and productive coastal waters, and the South Coast Fjords are exemplary of the province’s coast. As the area is haven for species like blue, humpback, fin and killer whales in the winter and leatherback sea turtles in the summer, the establishment of the South Coast Fjords NMCA will preserve endangered species and ecosystems – both of which are important criteria for Canada’s network of marine protected areas.

We are encouraged that the federal and provincial governments also recognize the opportunities to partner with Indigenous communities to advance conservation along the Labrador coastline, as well as committing to establish the long-promised Eagle River Watershed protected area, working with Indigenous communities, by 2025.

We also welcome the commitment the two governments have made to consider additional NMCAs, national wildlife areas, national parks and marine protected areas in the province.

We are excited to see both governments’ commitment to conserving and restoring nature to help combat climate change and protect biodiversity. However, we must also acknowledge that this announcement was followed by the approval of the Bay du Nord offshore oil and gas development project. The project is located in an ecologically sensitive and biologically significant area and the approval comes at a time when the world needs to move away from fossil fuels and harmful industrial activities which cause the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.

We hope that this new momentum from both the federal and provincial governments will highlight the importance of Protected Areas and advance protected area planning and establishment throughout the entire province. The implementation of the Protected Areas Plan for the Island of Newfoundland is long overdue, as is the MPA Network in the Newfoundland and Labrador Shelves. We look forward to working collaboratively with all levels of government to protect Newfoundland and Labrador’s iconic and important land and seascapes.

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For further information, contact:

Tanya Edwards Executive Director, CPAWS-Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter
709-727-7789, tedwards@cpaws.org

Suzanne Dooley Conservation Director, CPAWS Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter
709-726-5800, sdooley@cpaws.org

February 3 2022

Coastal Conservation and Environmental Opportunities: Public Opinion Survey Giveaway- 2022 Terms and Conditions

cpawsadmin Uncategorized

Survey Contest Rules – 2022

How to enter:

Complete the survey online
Don’t want to complete the survey online? No problem! You can also email mbrake@cpaws.org to request a paper copy of the survey or to complete the survey by telephone.  
Enter your name and contact information including 1.) phone number and 2.) email address if you would like to be included in the prize draws.

Contact information will only be used for the purpose of the contest.

Contest runs until March 31, 2022, at 11:59pm NST.

It is the sole responsibility of the entrant to ensure their entry is properly submitted as described above. The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society Newfoundland and Labrador (CPAWS-NL) will not be responsible for any lost, delayed, misdirected, illegible, incomplete, damaged or undeliverable entries, or any delay or failure to transmit, process, receive or consider entries.

Chances of winning are dependent on the number of entries received. Quebec residents and individuals who are not legal Canadian residents at time of entry are not eligible to win.

The Contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. You understand that you are providing your information to CPAWS-NL and not to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

The information you provide will only be used for the administration of this Contest and in accordance with CPAWS-NL privacy policies. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are completely released of all liability by each participant (and his/her parent/legal guardian if he/she is a Minor) in this Contest. Any questions, comments or complaints regarding the Contest must be directed to CPAWS-NL and not Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Questions regarding the contest or campaign can be emailed to mbrake@cpaws.org

General

These Rules and Regulations are final on all matters relating to CPAWS-NL’s Coastal Conservation and Environmental Opportunities: Public Opinion Survey prize draw (the “contest”). The contest is governed by the rules set out below. By entering the contest, you agree to abide by those rules and the decisions of CPAWS-NL staff.

You also agree to comply with all applicable laws. The contest is void where prohibited or restricted by law.

Eligibility – Entrants

You are not required to make any purchase or pay any fee to enter or win the contest. Entrants may not win more than one prize.

You may only enter the contest if you are an individual and, at the time of entry, you are a legal resident of Canada. If you do not meet the Canadian residency requirement, you may still post a photo but will not be eligible for any prizes. Quebec residents are not eligible to win.

Each eligible entrant aged seventeen (17) years or under must have his/her custodial parents’ or legal guardian’s consent to complete the CPAWS-NL survey. If a custodial parent or legal guardian does not provide the required consent, then the entry will be disqualified. Proof of identification and parental consent must be provided upon request. If a custodial parent or legal guardian does not provide consent, or if proof of identification cannot be obtained to the satisfaction of the Sponsor, the entry will be disqualified.

CPAWS-NL employees and their immediate families (i.e., their spouses, siblings, children, spouses’ parents, and the spouses of any of those individuals) and their household members (related or not) are not eligible to enter the contest.

CPAWS-NL may at any time in its sole discretion disqualify any entrant who: does not meet the contest’s eligibility criteria, fails to comply with these rules, attempts to enter the contest in any manner or through any means other than as described in these rules, attempts to disrupt the contest or attempts to circumvent any of these rules.

Prizes

The contest prizes are as follows:

EARLY BIRD PRIZE: One $100 North Atlantic Gift Card and One $100 Foodland Gift Card (an early bird prize draw, randomly selected after the deadline, where the deadline is February 15, 2022)
FINAL DEADLINE PRIZES: One of three $100 North Atlantic Gift Cards (randomly select at the end of the contest, where the final deadline: March 31, 2022)

Only entries submitted before the early bird prize deadline are eligible to win the early bird prize. All entries submitted will be eligible to win the final deadline prizes. Entrants can only win one of the prizes listed above through the contest. 

Winners

In order to be declared a contest winner and be eligible for a prize, the prize winner must have complied with, and remain in compliance with the rules. The prize winner must answer a skill-testing question and provide any other documentation that CPAWS-NL may require. Prizes will be shipped within Canada only, or delivered digitally.

The winners will be notified through email and telephone. If the selected winning entrants does not respond within fourteen (14) calendar days of the first notification attempt, if a prize is returned as undeliverable or is rejected, or if a participant is found to be ineligible, an alternate winner may be selected.

In case of dispute as to the identity of any entrant, an entry will be declared made by the authorized account holder of the email address submitted at time of entry. CPAWS-NL may request valid proof of identity, residency, age and other relevant documentation, and they may disqualify a selected winner if they determine (in their sole discretion) that the provided proof is not sufficient.

All prizes must be accepted as awarded (with no substitutions), and may not be sold, transferred, or converted into cash. All prizes will be delivered by way of postal delivery upon the winner accepting the prize as awarded or delivered digitally to the winner’s email. CPAWS-NL are not responsible for lost or undeliverable mail.

Cancellation

If for any reason CPAWS-NL cannot run the contest as planned (including as a result of bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures, infection by computer virus or any other cause that corrupts, impairs or affects the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of this contest) CPAWS-NL may cancel, modify, extend or suspend the contest. In that event, CPAWS-NL may award prizes at random from among the eligible entries received up to the time of the impairment, or award no prizes.

CPAWS-NL may also disqualify any individual who tampers with or in any way corrupts the entry process, or who attempts to undermine the legitimate operation of the contest by cheating, hacking, deception, or other unfair practices, or by attempting to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other entrants or CPAWS-NL representatives.

CPAWS-NL reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, extend, modify or suspend the giveaway.

Disclaimers, Liability, and Indemnification

CPAWS-NL does not accept liability for any loss or damage resulting directly or indirectly from your participation in the contest.

CPAWS-NL is not responsible for: (1) late, incomplete, or misdirected entries, or entries received through impermissible or illegitimate channels; (2) technical failures of any kind, including without limitation the malfunctioning of any telephone, computer, network, hardware or software; (3) the unavailability or inaccessibility of any service; (4) unauthorized human intervention in any part of the entry process or the contest; (5) electronic or human error which may occur in the administration of the contest or the processing of entries; or (6) any injury or damage to persons or property, including without limitation your computer, which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from your participation in the contest or from downloading any material from CPAWS-NL websites.

CPAWS-NL will not be liable to you for any indirect, special, consequential, or punitive damages in connection with the contest or these rules.

By participating in this contest, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless CPAWS-NL and their employees, directors, officers, members, affiliates, agents, and advertising and promotional agencies from any and all damages, injuries, claims, causes of actions or losses of any kind (including actual legal fees and expenses) arising from or related to: (a) your failure to comply with any of these rules; (b) any misrepresentation you make under these rules or otherwise to CPAWS-NL; or (c) your participation in the contest.

Personal Information

You consent to CPAWS-NL using and disclosing your personal information for the purposes of administering the contest.

Law

The Rules will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada and the federal laws of Canada applicable in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Disputes

All disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of or connected with the contest, prizes or these rules will be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by the appropriate court of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

Further Information:

CPAWS Newfoundland and Labrador
360 Topsail Rd, Suite 303
St.John’s, NL, A1E 2B6
NLinfo@cpaws.org
Tel.: (709)726-5800

January 19 2022

cpawsadmin Campaigns, Marine Campaigns, Ocean Campaigns conservation, marine, Marine Projects, Ocean Protection

Be Whale Safe

Background

Newfoundland and Labrador is considered one of the best places for whale watching in the whole world! Around 20 whale species visit our nutrient-rich waters every year to feed along the coast, including the world’s largest population of Humpback Whales. Between May and September, thousands of whales can be found close to shore feeding and frolicking. While watching whales and other marine wildlife in their natural habitat may be an opportunity for people to better appreciate these majestic creatures, it also increases the risk of disturbing or harming them. Did you know that marine mammals are protected by marine mammal regulations under the Fisheries Act? This helps to ensure that these activities can still be enjoyed but with greater protection for marine mammals including Canada’s at-risk species.

To help spread awareness on safe boating practices with marine mammals, CPAWS-NL launched a campaign in 2021 called “Be Whale Safe”. Explore this page to learn all about common and less common marine species as well as species-at-risk that are often seen in our waters, threats that they face and ways that we can all help protect them!

Be sure to download a free copy of our Marine Identification Guidebook to become an expert on marine species in the province!

Newfoundland and Labrador has an abundance of marine mammals. Many whales flock here in large numbers during the summer to feed on the huge amounts of krill, plankton, and other schooling fish. While watching them in the wild is fun, it is important to remember that our presence can disturb, stress, or harm marine wildlife.

Marine mammals including at-risk whales, are protected under Canada’s Marine Mammal Regulations under the Fisheries Act. These rules provide a minimum approach distance of 100 metres for most whales, dolphins, and porpoises among other guidelines to protect against human disturbances. When out on the water, remember to follow these guidelines to avoid fines and ‘Be Whale Safe’:

Don’t Chase and Give Space: Keep a minimum distance of 100 metres from marine mammals and 200 metres away if they are in resting position or with their calf.  

If you unexpectedly see a marine mammal closer than 100 metres, STOP and allow them to pass  

Safely Approach: Do not intercept the path of a whale or approach head on. Instead, stay parallel at a safe distance  

Slow Down: If you see a spout, fin, tail, or a ripple at the water’s surface make sure to reduce speeds and approach with caution to avoid a collision 

Don’t Interact: Never attempt to feed, swim or touch marine mammals as it puts them and yourself at risk of injury or illness  

Be Aware: Check your surroundings frequently and stay alert, especially in areas with known sightings. Avoid sudden or excessive noise when marine mammals are in the area  

For more information on Canada’s marine mammal regulations and how to safely watch marine wildlife, please visit: https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/species-especes/mammals-mammiferes/watching-observation/index-eng.html

As may be expected, marine species, including whales, face many natural and unnatural threats while spending their lives within the oceans. Natural threats can include impacts from predators, competition within their environment, and so on. A focus here will, however, be given to anthropogenic threats whales face, those which are caused by human activities. These threats stem from commercial and recreational uses of the oceans, the human tendency to pollute and disregard the health of the environment, and the excessive human contribution to climate change. This includes impacts of vessel strikes, entanglements, marine debris, and noise pollution, all of which will be covered throughout the Whale Safe Project.

Newfoundland and Labrador is surrounded by ocean waters which are teeming with marine ecosystems and diverse marine life. This includes several species of whales that are impacted by the aforementioned threats. These species and waters are an important part of the culture of Newfoundland residents, emphasizing the importance of spreading understanding about these threats, working towards preventing their exacerbation, and mitigating their impacts to preserve these important parts of our ecosystem and lives.

Vessel Collisions

The use of boats in the ocean waters around Newfoundland is an important part of our culture, economy, and industry. This includes commercial uses, such as our famous cod fishery, and recreational uses, such as private boating and fishing. Both of these pose threats to whales and other marine species through the interactions between these species and boats.

Vessel collisions and strikes are a big threat to marine species. These occur when a boat physically hits a whale or other species while travelling through ocean waters. This issue has become more prominent as the vessel traffic within our oceans has steadily increased, causing more boats and marine species to cross paths. This can cause serious harm to the animal, leaving permanent scarring or disabilities and in some cases causing death. With the high traffic of vessels within Newfoundland waters, including fishing vessels that go out on a daily basis, it is important that individuals understand how to avoid whales and other marine species and prevent harming them.

Fishing Gear Entanglements

Another prominent threat to many marine species, including whales, are entanglements. Entanglements occur when a marine animal interacts and gets caught up in fishing nets, ropes, and gear, or other marine debris including plastics. Whales are susceptible to this threat as entanglements around their fins, tail, and mouths are common. Entanglements can cause physical injuries to marine species, can prevent them from feeding if their mouths are blocked, and can even cause marine mammals to drown due to the weight of the debris responsible.

Fisheries are a cornerstone to the economy within Newfoundland and Labrador and are a massive part of our local culture and lifestyle. This does, however, lead to the occasional loss or abandonment of fishing gear which can contribute to the issue of entanglement and affect local marine species. Species can also be affected in a similar manner due to bycatch while fishing. This emphasizes the need to inform the public about their possible impact on marine species and promote safer alternatives, such as wildlife-friendly fishing gear and avoiding outdated or unsustainable fishing practices.

Pollution

Pollution within both terrestrial and marine ecosystems is another big issue that has resulted from human activities and affected marine wildlife. Marine debris describes garbage and other materials which make their way into the ocean and remain there. This can include all sorts of litter of varying sizes. Micro and macro plastics are a big part of this problem as these materials take hundreds of years to break down within the oceans.

An emotional example of this issue can be observed in The Great Pacific Garbage Patch seen below. This patch is the largest offshore plastic accumulation zone recorded and has resulted from the approximate 1.15 to 2.41 million tonnes of plastic that enter the ocean as debris each year. The collection of marine debris sits in the North Pacific Ocean.

The immense degree of marine debris in our oceans poses a risk to whales and other marine species as these animals commonly consume these materials accidentally while feeding. When this happens, the plastic debris cannot be digested by these marine species and remain within their stomach. This can make the animals feel full and can prevent them from feeding and taking in nutrients in the future. Some debris can also mimic food sources and as a result, can trick marine species into eating them. Images of beached whales with stomachs full of plastics have become more common within the media in recent years, showing the devastating impact of this issue and stressing the importance of reducing our impacts on the oceans.

Photography by Ray Boland, NOAA.

Noise pollution

Noise pollution is another pollution type that poses a threat to whales and other marine species. Anthropogenic noise describes sounds within marine environments that result from human activities, spread throughout the environment, and affects species within it. These sounds can result from vessel traffic, pile driving and seismic activities, windmills, oil and gas exploration and drilling, SONAR, and construction activities. The impacts of noise pollution are especially concerning to whales and other marine mammals which are highly vocal and rely on sound and echolocation to function in their environments. Masking, for example, is a common result of anthropogenic noise which reduces a marine animal’s ability to detect sounds of interest within their environment as these sounds are drowned out by human activities.

The impacts of marine noise pollution can include inducing behavioral changes in affected species, displacement in their environments, shifts and influences to migratory paths, avoidance, unnecessary stress on the animals, animals becoming stranded, and hearing damage or acoustic trauma. The latter of this list can include temporary and permanent threshold shifts which affect the range of sounds the animal can detect and can seriously affect their livelihood. Within Newfoundland, noise pollution created by vessel traffic in our fishery and recreational areas should be of concern. Therefore, communication of these possible impacts to boat-goers within our province is important to protect our marine species and preserve our local ecosystems.

Climate change

Climate change is a continual concern to species and environments worldwide. Within our oceans, temperatures are rising, species are shifting Northward in search of cooler waters, habitats are becoming uninhabitable due to temperature changes and ocean acidification, and ocean waters are rising as sea ice and glaciers melt. The changes in ocean distribution of species caused by these impacts of climate change affect their habitats and migratory patterns but also impacts our fisheries, culture, and tourism. These three aspects are a big part of Newfoundland life, with our long history in the fisheries, the industry founding our economy, and our use of local whale species and other marine species as tourist attractions to draw people to our province. This local example stresses the impacts that climate change can have on the ecosystem and our lives and the importance of combating these trends and working towards resolving the climate crisis.

Report animals in distress

When seeing an animal in distress, it can be a common response to want to help them right away. However, if not helped properly, the animals and the people helping them could get hurt. If boaters see animals in distress, it is important that they not try to help on their own. Calls should be made to the proper authorities that can safely free trapped animals. Calls for marine mammals in distress in Newfoundland can be made to Fisheries and Oceans or to Whale Release and Strandings. 

Report species at risk

Reporting sightings of endangered species can also help to protect marine mammals. Some species, like the North Atlantic Right Whale, are critically endangered. It is important that any time someone sees these animals to report them to proper authorities. CPAWS Marine Species Survey can be used to report sightings of all marine mammals, including those that are endangered. These reports can paint a clear picture of population numbers and population distribution of marine mammals. This in turn can help with the development of recovery strategies for species at risk. 

1) You can help save marine mammals (whale, dolphin, seal) or sea turtles in distress by reaching out to: 

Whale Release and Strandings Newfoundland and Labrador (Tangly Whales Inc.): 1-888-895-3003 or 1-709-895-3003 

2) Help us better understand marine mammals and sea turtles by reporting your sightings: 

Marine mammal signtings:  whalesighting@dfo-mpo.gc.ca 

Reducing litter and plastic use 

Garbage and plastics can end up in our waters and animals may ingest them, or they can become tangled in certain types of debris. Properly disposing of old fishing gear and reporting lost fishing gear are also a great way to help marine mammals and prevent entanglement. Some plastics can resemble the food that marine mammals eat. For example, plastic bags look a lot like jellyfish in the water. Leatherback Sea Turtles can mistake plastic for food and end up ingesting it. This can lead to an inability to feed or cause failures of their digestive tracts. Large plastic debris or fishing gear can cause marine mammals to become entangled; entanglements can result in drowning or inability to feed. Therefore, reducing litter can keep it out of our oceans and help to protect marine life. 

Beach Cleanups

Organizing and participating in local beach cleanups is another great way to help protect marine mammals. Litter from beaches can end up in the oceans and cause problems for species that live in our oceans. Volunteering in local beach cleaning events with local conservation groups like CPAWS can help to prevent waste from ending up in our oceans. Beach cleanups can also help to identify the most common types of litter on beaches and determine the sources of the litter. This can help to reduce more waste build up in the future. For example, in recent years, plastic straws were commonly found on beaches during beach cleanups, this has caused some businesses to switch to paper straws, and some individuals to carry their own metal straws.  

Share your knowledge

Sharing knowledge of Marine Mammal Regulations and ways to help with friends, family, colleagues, and everyone in between can help to protect marine life. The more people that know the information, the more species that will be protected now and well into the future. 

View The Marine Identification Guidebook Here!

Aquatic Species at Risk in Newfoundland and Labrador

Click here to access our Aquatic Species at Risk Guidebook!

Species at Risk Act (SARA)

We see many marine wildlife species in our waters, some of which are considered at risk of becoming extinct! In Canada, we protect wildlife species at risk and their critical habitats through the Species at Risk Act (SARA), which was enacted in 2003. Prohibitions under the Act make it illegal to kill, harass, capture or in any way harm a species that has been listed under SARA. The ultimate success of SARA in protecting species depends on the cooperation between the public, government and industry.

Once species are assessed, they can be classified under one of four SARA categories:

Blue Whale

Scientific Name: Balaenoptera musculus  
SARA status: Endangered 

Appearance: The largest animal living on earth, they are coloured dark to light grey, every individual has a pattern of marks on their skin called mottling.  Their dorsal fin is small compared to their bodies, it sits very far back, almost at the end of the body. Their tails are large and straight or slightly curved, with a slight notch in the middle. Their blow is very tall and slender, it can reach 9m high. 

Behaviour and Diet: Blue Whales migrate in small herds, spend summers in northern waters and winters in temperate waters. They feed on krill and need about 4 tons a day. They feed by gulping large amounts of water. They typically dive for 5 to 15 minutes, and sometimes up to 20 minutes. They swim at sustained speeds of 2 to 8 km/h but can reach top speeds of 36 km/h. They are the loudest animals on earth, their calls are louder than a jet. 

Distribution and Population: Blue Whales are found in all oceans of the world. The whales seen in Newfoundland are part of the North Atlantic subpopulation. They generally leave at the end of summer but in years of low ice they may remain in the Gulf of St. Lawrence for much of the winter. Exact population numbers for this population are unknown, between 20 and 105 are seen annually in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.  

Most Vulnerable to: Past commercial whaling of Blue Whales is the main reason for declining populations. At least 11,000 Blue Whales were killed before 1960. Since the end of commercial whaling, human threats have come from ship strikes, entanglements, and pollution, particularly oil spills. Vessel strikes can harm or kill whales, the risk is higher in shipping areas with high vessel traffic. They can also become entangled in fishing gear including traps, pots, and nets. They can end up with compromised ability to feed or serious injuries which can result in death. 

Learn more: https://species-registry.canada.ca/index-en.html#/species/152-529

Fin Whale 

Scientific Name: Balaenoptera physalus 
Local Name: Finner, Razorback, Fin Back, Flathead, Herring Whale 
SARA status: Special Concern

Appearance: They have asymmetric coloration; the right lower jaw is mostly white, and the left lower jaw is mostly dark. Their dorsal fin is sickle-shaped and curves towards their back. Their tails are very rarely seen, they are slightly rounded with a notch in the middle. Their blow is narrow and cone shaped, it can reach up to 6m tall. 

Behavior and Diet: Fin Whales are the second largest baleen whale. They are migratory, feeding in cooler northern regions and breeding in warmer southern regions. They feed on krill, small schooling fish (herring, capelin), and squid. They feed by lunging into schools of prey with their mouths open. They fast in the winter when travelling to warmer waters. They are fast swimmers, and they travel in groups of two to seven whales. 

Distribution and Population: Fin whales are found all over the world, they winter in tropical regions and feed in northern regions in the summer. Estimates of population size have not been made since commercial whaling stopped, but it is believed that the Atlantic population is recovering. There are two subpopulations in the Atlantic, one summers in Newfoundland and winters near the coast of Nova Scotia. The second summers off Nova Scotia and winters further south. Fin whales may be seen near Newfoundland all year long but are more common in early spring to late fall.  

Most Vulnerable to: Historically, whaling lowered numbers and since the end of commercial whaling, populations seem to be recovering. Depletion of capelin stocks in the North Atlantic may have an impact on whales. Chemical pollution has also been shown to cause injury and death in Fin Whales. Entanglements in fishing gear and vessel strikes also play a role. The increase of vessel traffic in the North Atlantic has increased the risk of strikes. Whales can also be entangled in pots, traps or gillnets, which can result in drowning or inability to feed. 

Learn more: https://species-registry.canada.ca/index-en.html#/species/874-592

North Atlantic Right Whale 

Scientific Name: Eubaleana glacialis 
Local Name:  Right Whale
SARA status: Endangered  

 
Appearance: Large black baleen whale, they have thick lower lips, and many callosities (thick hard areas of skin) on their snouts, lower lips and above their eyes. Males can reach approximately 15m long and females can reach approximately 17m long. Their tails are black like their bodies and can often be seen then they are diving. They do not have a dorsal fin and have short, uniquely shaped fins. Their blow is V-shaped. 

Behavior and Diet: Right Whales feed by opening their mouths while they swim through plankton. They filter the plankton out of the water using their baleen. They feed anywhere between the surface and the bottom of the water column. Groups of Right Whales can socialize on the water’s surface and mating can occur during these socializations. They communicate using low-frequency moans and groans and these noises can maintain contact between individuals or be used for other social reasons. Right Whales also swim much slower than other baleen whales. 

Distribution and Population:  The North Atlantic population of Right Whales winters near the shore of Bermuda, Georgia, and Florida. They are occasionally seen off the coasts of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the summer while they feed. Populations are extremely low, one estimate for the North Atlantic population was less than 350 whales. 

Most Vulnerable to: Whaling lowered their numbers to critically low. Their name comes from being the “right” whale to hunt since they swim so slowly and have a thick layer of blubber. They also face threats from vessel strikes, entanglements and noise pollution. Because they swim so slowly, they are very vulnerable to being hit by vessels, causing serious injury or death. Their migration routes also fall along major shipping routes, further increasing the risk of hits. Entanglement in gear also causes problems for the whales, gear can cut the whales, cause them to drown or impair their ability to feed. Noise pollution from shipping, construction and oil exploration also cause problems for the whales. Because they communicate in low frequencies, they are especially at risk to noise pollution. This can affect their ability to find food or mates and navigate in the ocean. 

Learn more: https://species-registry.canada.ca/index-en.html#/species/780-298

Northern Bottlenose Whale 

Scientific Name: Hyperoodon ampullatus 
Local Name:  Bottlenose Whale
SARA status: Endangered 
 
Appearance: They are medium-sized whales that reach between six and nine meters in length and weigh up to eight tons. They have a distinct beak, their lower jaw extends slightly further than the upper, they also have a bulb on their heads. Young whales are dark brown to black, older whales are light to yellowish brown, with white beaks and foreheads.  Their blow is small and bushy and is about 1m tall. 

Behavior and Diet: Usually travel alone or in groups of four to ten individuals. Males will fight each other, using their large heads to hit other whales. They are deep divers that feed on deep-sea squid, herring, shrimp, sea cucumbers, and sea stars. They can regularly dive to more than 800m and the longest recorded dive was 70 minutes. 

Distribution and Population: Only found in the North Atlantic, in cool and subarctic waters. There are two distinct populations: the Scotian Shelf population and the Davis Straight population. They have also been sighted off the Grand Banks and Georges Bank. The Scotian Shelf population is estimated to be about 163 whales, there are no population estimates for the Davis Straight population. 

Most Vulnerable to: Noise pollution is a threat to these whales. Disturbances include military exercises, oil and gas exploration and extraction, and vessel and aircraft traffic. Noise pollution can lead to strandings and can displace whales from their habitats.  Vessel strikes and entanglements also pose threats, though the threat seems to be low. Over 30 years, only 9 entangled bottlenose whales were documented by DFO. Some individuals were also observed to have scars from vessel strikes or entanglement in gear. 

Learn more: https://species-registry.canada.ca/index-en.html#/species/162-299

Sowerby’s Beaked Whale 

Scientific Name: Mesoplodon bidens 
Local Name: North Atlantic beaked whale 
SARA status: Special Concern 
 
Appearance: They are medium-sized whales, reaching about 4.5 to 5.5m long. They are dark grey colored with light spotting. Their blow is hardly ever seen, and they have a small, wide dorsal fin that is slightly hooked, it sits about 2/3’s down their back. They have a dolphin-like head, a long snout, and a bulge on their heads. 

Behavior and Diet: They are suction feeders that dive in deep waters to eat deep sea fish and squid. They tend to swim alone or in small groups of two to six whales. They are generally hard to spot because they are weary of humans and keep a low profile. Sightings are extremely rare, especially in Newfoundland. 

Distribution and Population: They are only found in the North Atlantic, but their distribution is poorly known due to limited sightings. There are no estimates of population size. Rarity of sightings may mean the species is in decline, or it may mean there as been little search effort and that identifying the whales is very difficult. 

Most Vulnerable to: Threatened by underwater noise pollution, particularly from sonar and seismic surveys. They rely on sounds to feed, communicate, and navigate in the ocean, therefore sound pollution can disturb their behavior, cause injury to hearing structures or drive them out of areas they use to feed and breed. Seismic noise can also lead to whales beaching themselves. They are also at risk of ship strikes and entanglements in gear. Ship strikes are less likely due to their solitary nature, but with increases in vessel traffic, the risk is still present. They are also at risk of entanglements in gear such as gillnets. Entanglements can lead to drowning or impaired ability to feed.  

Learn more: https://species-registry.canada.ca/index-en.html#/species/169-432

Leatherback Sea Turtle 

Scientific Name: Dermochelys coriacea 
Local Name: Leatherback  
SARA status: Endangered 
 
Appearance: Do not have a hard shell, instead they have a soft, leathery one. They have a pink spot on the tops of their heads that is thought to play a role in detecting seasonal changes. They can reach up to 1.8m long and weigh between 750 to 1000 pounds. They have notches on their upper jaws and no teeth. 

Behavior and Diet: Leatherbacks have the longest migration of any sea turtle. They are strong swimmers and can dive approximately 1200 meters below the surface. They can stay below the surface for up to 85 minutes. They do not have teeth to crush or chew hard food, so they eat soft bodied animals like jellyfish and salps. Their throats have backward faced spines that help to keep their food down. When not diving, they swim at the surface. 

Distribution and Population: The North Atlantic subpopulation ranges from low latitude nesting beaches to northern feeding areas. Current population estimates from the IUCN estimate the numbers of mature individuals to be between 29,000 and 34,000. While the North Atlantic population appears to be increasing, globally the species is still in decline. Over 1000 turtles are thought to visit waters off Atlantic Canada in the summer months to feed. 

Most Vulnerable to: Entanglements and vessel strikes pose a threat to Leatherbacks. Entanglements can impair their ability to swim and result in drowning and result in an inability to feed. Because they swim at the surface, vessel strike can cause both lethal and non-lethal damage.  Ingestion of marine plastics poses a big risk to Leatherbacks. Plastic bags can resemble jellyfish and the turtle may eat them. Since they have spines in their throats to keep down food, the plastic gets stuck in their stomachs, causing a feeling of “fullness” that doesn’t go away leading to malnutrition or starvation. Plastics can also block their digestive tracts, leading to death. 

Learn more: https://species-registry.canada.ca/index-en.html#/species/1191-861

Sei Whale 

Scientific Name: Balaenoptera borealis 
Local Name: Rudolphi’s rorqual or pollack whale  
SARA status: Endangered 
 
Appearance: Long, slender bodies that are bluish gray to dark grey with a white underside. They can weigh up to 20 tons and reach 14 to 15m long. They have distinct grooves on their necks which allow their throats to expand when they take in water. Their dorsal fin is tall and hooked, it is about 2/3’s down the body. They have a short blow that reaches about 3 meters high. 

Behavior and Diet: Sei whales are filter feeders that skin the surface of the water to eat. They do not lunge or take big gulps like other baleen whales. They mostly feed on plankton but will also eat schooling fish or squid. They are the fastest baleen whale, reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h. They generally travel in groups of two to five but may form larger groups during times when there is an abundance of food. 

Distribution and Population: Sei whales are found all over the world, they make seasonal migrations from tropic areas in the winter to colder waters for feeding in summer. Sei whales are found off the coast of Newfoundland in the summers for feeding. Some individuals are also present year-round. Little is known about the North Atlantic population of Sei Whales. Aerial surveys only identified 7 whales between 2007 and 2016, which suggests a population of a few hundred individuals or less. 

Most Vulnerable to: Threats to Sei whales include noise pollution from seismic surveys, shipping, and military exercises. Noise can disturb their normal behavior by drowning out their calls, it can also drive them out of their normal feeding or breeding grounds. They are also vulnerable to vessel strikes or entanglements in fishing gear. Boat strikes can kill or injure the whales and increased shipping routes across the Atlantic further increases the risk. Entanglements in fishing gear such as traps, pots or gillnets are a huge threat and entanglements can result in drowning or inability to feed. 

Learn more: https://species-registry.canada.ca/index-en.html#/species/754-836

Great White Shark

Scientific Name: Carcharodon carcharias
Local Name:  Great White, White shark, Atlantic population of White Shark
SARA status: Endangered 
 
Appearance: The Great White Shark is the largest predatory fish in the world, averaging 2 to 6 meters long. They have black eyes, a pointed dorsal fin, and a sharp colour contrast between its grey or black back and its white underside. The sharks have a sharply pointed conical head and snout with a torpedo-like body. In their mouth, they have 5 rows that house about 3000 teeth. When a tooth is lost, it’s simply replaced by a new one meaning sharks use about 20,000 teeth in their lifetime.

Behavior and Diet: These sharks are known for being highly mobile and preying upon fish and marine mammals, including whales. Great White Sharks have a specialized blood vessel structure called a countercurrent exchanger that allows them to quickly adapt to different water temperatures.

Distribution and Population: Great White Sharks travel long distances making long migrations every year. Sharks found in Atlantic Canada are likely seasonal migrants belonging to a widespread Northwest Atlantic population and are rarely seen in Newfoundland and Labrador. They are widely distributed in the sub-polar and tropical seas of both hemispheres. There are no estimates of population size in Canadian waters, however, in Atlantic Canadian waters there are 22 confirmed sightings between 2009 and 2018. Satellite and acoustic tags have recorded White Sharks in several areas throughout eastern Canadian waters including the St. Lawrence Estuary, the Grand Banks, and the Bay of Fundy.

Most Vulnerable to: Incidental mortality from fishing otherwise known as bycatch. Although measures to improve fishing practices have been introduced, the primary threat to these sharks continues to be death related to incidental capture by fishing industries. This threat perseveres due to their low reproductive rate. In some places, sharks are still targeted in commercial and recreational fisheries and harvested for their teeth and jaws for jewelry. Pollution, underwater noise, and offshore and coastal development activities also pose as threats.

Learn more: http://species-registry.canada.ca/index-en.html#/species/899-633

See More of Our Work

May 6 2021

One Year After the Protected Areas Plan has been Released, the “What We Heard” Report is Public!

cpawsadmin News

St. John’s – The Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS-NL) is pleased today to see the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, has released a “What We Heard” report on behalf of the Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Advisory Council (WERAC) (a volunteer advisory group), compiling feedback for the proposed Protected Areas Plan for the Island of Newfoundland, entitled A Home for Nature.

The “What we Heard” report has captured the concerns, comments, and recommendations brought forward by the public, whether in favor entirety, partial or in opposition of the plan.

“It is evident from this report that the majority of residents no matter their position of the plan, value our natural areas,” states Ms. Tanya Edwards, Executive Director CPAWS NL. “We urge the provincial government to provide support to WERAC and provincial staff, to adequately undertake transparent consultations with the public as we move into the next phase for implementing a long overdue Protected Areas Plan for the island of Newfoundland.”

The plan which was initially devised by the Newfoundland and Labrador government several decades ago, is based on scientific evidence and guidance over 25 years. The candidate sites represent some unspoiled areas or low impacted sites, critical habitat for various species of plants and wildlife, unique features and as well as representation of various eco-regions that may be unique.

Our provincial government is currently one of the last provinces to build such a plan; currently the province has only protected 6.7% of the Island of Newfoundland which is below the national average of 10%. Canada has committed to protect 25% of lands and inland waters by the end of 2025, a deadline that is fast approaching.

“The time is now to take action and protect our natural spaces. Open dialogue and community engagement is key to success to ensure we protect our natural environment” adds Ms. Suzanne Dooley, Conservation Director CPAWS NL. “We need to strike a balance and work together to ensure we leave space for our future generations to enjoy!”

What We Heard: Phase 1 public consultation on A Home for Nature: Protected Areas Plan for the island of Newfoundland

For further information, contact:

Tanya Edwards Executive Director, CPAWS-Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter
709-727-7789, tedwards@cpaws.or

Suzanne Dooley Conservation Director, CPAWS Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter
709-726-5800, sdooley@cpaws.org

November 19 2020

New Oil Exploration License Threatens Protection of Atlantic Canada’s Largest Marine Refuge

cpawsadmin News marine refuges, Ocean Protection, Oil & Gas

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is deeply concerned by the announcement that BP has been granted an exploratory license to drill for oil in the Northeast Newfoundland Slope “Marine Refuge.”

Exploratory oil and gas leases will now cover roughly one-quarter of the Northeast Newfoundland Slope Marine Refuge. This is in stark contrast to the strict prohibitions on bottom contact fishing, including bottom trawling, which are prohibited throughout the site to protect cold-water corals and sponges.

The Northeast Newfoundland Slope Closure was designated as a “Marine Refuge” by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) in 2017 to protect slow-growing, fragile cold-water corals and sponges that provide essential habitat for fish. At over 55,000 square kilometres, it is Atlantic Canada’s largest Marine Refuge and has made a significant contribution towards Canada reaching its goal of protecting 10% of marine and coastal areas by 2020.

“Drilling for oil and gas would destroy corals at the drill site and kick up sediments that smother corals and sponges over a large area,” said Tanya Edwards, Executive Director of CPAWS Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter. “Any infrastructure on the seafloor like rigs or anchors would also damage corals and sponges and oil leaks at the drill site would be devastating.”

In addition to direct damage from drilling, the seismic surveys used to find oil and gas deposits involve the use of high-intensity sounds which have been shown to affect everything from whales to plankton. Once in production, an oil rig poses numerous threats to marine life including chronic and catastrophic oil spills.

“Not only will this ecosystem suffer irreparable harm if oil and gas activities are allowed, but it is a double standard to ban bottom fishing activities while opening up the area to oil and gas. There needs to be comprehensive, equitable protection,” said Edwards. “The fishing community has recognized the value of this area and agreed to protect this important habitat – we want to see the oil and gas industry do the same.”

In 2019, Canada announced that it had protected almost 14% of its ocean, and recently committed to increasing its protection target to 30% of its ocean by 2030. “Marine Refuges” (or “Other Effective Conservation Measures” as they are also known) currently make up about 5% of the total area protected.

Canada also announced minimum standards for marine protected areas in 2019 which include the prohibition of all oil and gas activities. However, these standards do not currently apply to Marine Refuges. “This is despite the fact that they are intended to provide the same level of protection and biodiversity benefits as marine protected areas,” said Alex Barron, National Director of CPAWS’ Ocean Program.

Scientific studies recommend protecting at least 30% of the ocean and as much as 50-70% to restore ocean health. “But we can’t just draw lines on maps. We also need to make sure that all of those sites have effective protection in place, which means no oil and gas,” said Barron.

Background:

Evidence shows that at least 30%, and as much as 70% or more, of ecosystems need to be conserved to reverse nature’s decline and safeguard a healthy planet for people and nature. This is consistent with CPAWS’ long-standing goal of protecting at least half of Canada’s public land, freshwater, and ocean.
In June 2019, Canada joined the Global Ocean Alliance and committed to protect 30% of its ocean by 2030. In September 2020, Canada joined the High Ambition Coalition (HAC) for Nature and People and reiterated this commitment.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) or Marine Refuges may be managed for many different objectives but they must deliver effective conservation. Allowing oil and gas development does not meet international guidance/criteria for what areas can be counted towards the goal of protecting 10% of marine and coastal areas by 2020. As defined by the The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) an OECM is:

“A geographically defined area other than a Protected Area, which is governed and managed in ways that achieve positive and sustained long-term outcomes for the in situ conservation of biodiversity, with associated ecosystem functions and services and where applicable, cultural, spiritual, socio–economic, and other locally relevant values.”

Much like parks on land, marine protected areas, designed and managed properly, can serve as refuges for marine life, enhance ocean resilience, and act as an insurance policy for fisheries management. Recent studies show that protecting 30% of our ocean in effective and well-managed MPAs can restore ocean health and produce an economic return on investments of 10:1.
A 2019 analysis by SeaBlue Canada, an alliance of ENGOs working on marine protection in Canada, noted significant weaknesses in protection for many of Canada’s OECMs, in particular for oil and gas activities, and made a number of recommendations to strengthen protections.
For more information:
- Northeast Newfoundland Slope Marine Refuge https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans/oeabcm-amcepz/refuges/northeastnewfoundlandslope-talusnordestdeterreneuve-eng.html
- Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board announcement of exploration license https://www.cnlopb.ca/news/nr11042020/
- Canada’s Commitment to Minimum Protection Standards https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans/mpa-zpm/standards-normes-eng.html
- Seablue Canada Report on OECMs https://seabluecanada.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/SeaBlue-OECM-Report-FinalJan17_WEB.pdf
- CPAWS recommendations to National Advisory Panel on MPA Standards https://cpaws.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/CPAWS-MinimumStandards-WrittenSubmission-Final.pdf

Photo credit: CSSF (Canadian Scientific Submersible Facility) / Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), 2007.

About CPAWS

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is Canada’s only nationwide charity dedicated solely to the protection of our public land, ocean, and freshwater, and ensuring our parks and protected areas are managed to protect nature. Since 1963, we have played a leading role in protecting over half a million square kilometres. Our vision is to protect at least half of Canada’s public land and water in a framework of reconciliation – for the benefit of wildlife and people. For more information about CPAWS and the work we do to safeguard Canada’s natural heritage, visit our national website cpaws.org, or the CPAWS Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter website, cpawsnl.org

For more information please contact:

Tanya Edwards Executive Director, CPAWS-Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter
709-727-7789, tedwards@cpaws.org

Alexandra Barron National Director, Oceans Program, CPAWS
250-285-2172, abarron@cpaws.org

May 29 2020

Over 25 years later the province finally releases Protected Areas Plan

cpawsadmin News protected areas, WERAC

St. John’s, NL, May 29, 2020 – The Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS-NL) is pleased the Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Advisory Council (WERAC) has finally been granted the opportunity to publicly release the long-awaited proposed Protected Areas Plan for theIsland of Newfoundland, entitled A Home for Nature.

“Newfoundland’s Protected Areas Plan has sat in limbo for over 25 years. It’s a long-overdue network of protected areas developed by the Newfoundland and Labrador government several decades ago, but never released publicly,” says Tanya Edwards, CPAWS -NL Executive Director. “We are delighted this liberal government has finally given the green light to release the plan and thank Minister Byrne for allowing residents the opportunity to provide input about the preservation of Newfoundland’s spectacular natural areas.”

“The initial plan was devised based on scientific evidence and guidance over 25 years ago, but since then some sites have changed. What is important now is that the remaining sites have added protection. The candidate protected areas represent some of the best remaining natural areas in the province, including incredibly significant coastal seabird colonies, species-at-risk habitat, and important wetland habitat,” says Conservation Director, Suzanne Dooley.

Our provincial government is currently one of the last provinces to build such a plan; currently the province has only protected 6.7% of the Island of Newfoundland which is below the national average of 10%. Canada has committed to the Aichi Biodiversity Targets to protect 17% of lands and inland waters by the end of 2020, a deadline that is fast approaching.

“What we need now is for residents to stand up and show their support for this plan,” says Dooley “because the province is only giving us a small window to show that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians care about the wild spaces we’ve been so blessed with.”

The government has allotted a 3-week timeframe in which residents can submit their support for the proposed Protected Areas Plan. Following that should enough support have been received to move forward, then each site identified in the Plan will go through a public consultation process.

Protected areas are a crucial nature-based solution to addressing the twin global crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. We need action now because we just don’t have time to wait.

To show your support for the proposed Protected Areas Plan and provide your comments on this first stage of the process, visit: https://www.engagenl.ca/engagement-initiatives/home-nature-protected-areas-plan-island-newfoundland

– 30 –

For further information, contact:

CPAWS Newfoundland and Labrador
709-726-5800
nlinfo@cpaws.org

Grahan Wood
Chair, Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Advisory Council (WERAC)
709-571-5050

April 14 2020

Ocean’s Day

cpawsadmin Campaigns, Marine Campaigns, Ocean Campaigns

On World Oceans Day, people around the world celebrate and raise awareness for ocean, which connects us all!

For over 10 years, CPAWS-NL has been a part of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Ocean’s Day Committee to host a family-friendly, free event to celebrate World Ocean’s Day, in St. John’s.

Joint committee members include: CPAWS-NL, Government of Canada – Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador – Department of Fisheries and Land Resources, World Wildlife Fund – Canada, Food Fisheries and Allies Workers, Parks Canada, and the Marine Institute.

Due to COVID-19, this year we will celebrate Ocean’s Day digitally!

Learn more and check out the events here!

World Ocean’s Day Theme 2022:

One Ocean, One Climate, One Future – Together

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Check out how the world is celebrating World Ocean’s Day

April 1 2020

Protected Areas Plan

cpawsadmin Forest Campaigns, Terrestrial Campaigns

Protected Areas Plan A Home For Nature

On May 28, 2020, the Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Advisory Council (WERAC) (an independent group of appointed volunteers, over the last 25 years, from across the province who have a wide variety of backgrounds but share an interest in conservation and an awareness of the importance of protected areas) was finally granted the opportunity to publicly release the long-awaited proposed Protected Areas Plan for the Island of Newfoundland, entitled A Home for Nature. The proposed plan for the Island of Newfoundland, which was devised and edited over the past several decades within the various governmental departments, is a blueprint for developing a system of protected areas for the Island.

The boundaries proposed in this plan are not final. The Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Advisory Council (WERAC) will engage the public in two ways. During the first phase, the public had until October 1, 2020 to submit feedback on the plan to WERAC, who used this feedback to provide recommendations to the government, and create the What We Heard Report. Once the overall plan is approved, consultations on each proposed site will proceed to ensure stakeholders and the government have the chance to review the proposed boundaries and determine what activities should be acceptable in each site, such as existing traditional uses.

Importance of Protected Areas

Protected areas are one of the core ways to help us conserve nature – all our species and their habitats. As we develop much of the landscape in our province for resource-based industries, we also need to create areas where the focus is on nature conservation. Creating this balance is fundamental to sustainable living in our province, not only for nature but for our own physical and mental health and well-being. They are areas dedicated to conserving nature and wildlife for current and future generations. They are places to experience and enjoy and learn about our natural and cultural heritage.

The areas put forth in the proposed plan will protect examples of some of the Island’s natural regions that do not have any type of protection or have only partial protection (i.e. some natural features are missing). There are also hotspots of biodiversity such as important breeding bird areas and rare plant sites that should receive protection. These areas have a lower level of impact from human activities. In some natural regions, there simply aren’t any areas without previous human disturbance (i.e. roads, trails, hydroelectric developments, and forestry or mining activities), so the areas selected have either grown back to some degree or are the most intact option remaining that still has representative characteristics. In some natural regions, more than one reserve is proposed so that all the typical features of a natural region are included in at least one of the reserves. If there were several options for a proposed reserve, the sites that had the least impact on potential resource development were selected.

For more information check out the WERAC Questions & Answers guide and the story map about the proposed plan.

Background

In 2019, the federal government committed to protecting 25% of our land and water by 2025, and 30% by 2030. These are lofty goals and a small window of delivery given the rate at which conservation has historically progressed in Canada.

Currently, less than 7% of Newfoundland and Labrador carries any measure of protection. In fact, we’re considered one of the lowest across the country. Newfoundland remains the only province that does not even have a sustainable plan!

Since the early 90’s the provincial government has publicly committed to devising a subsequent network of protected areas but had yet to deliver. Based on science, the candidate protected areas represent some of the best remaining natural areas in the province, including incredibly significant coastal seabird colonies, species-at-risk habitat, and important wetland habitat.

Under the Current Liberal Government:

2015: the newly elected Liberal government committed to “ finalize and publicly release a Natural Areas System Plan in collaboration with your colleagues” in the responsible Ministers Mandate letter.

2017: in May a Private Members Bill was put forth in the House of Assembly to “Support the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador designating more protected areas in our province.” A motion that was approved and documented by all parties.
2019: the new Fisheries and Land Resources Minister Mandate Letter cited “Working in collaboration with your colleagues, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment and the Minister of Natural Resources, to continue work on a Natural Areas System Plan.”

In February 2020, after much debate, public pressure, and the resignation of 2 prominent members of the Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Advisory Council (WERAC), the Minister responsible for Fisheries and Land Resources, publicly announced he will be giving WERAC an opportunity to release the latest version of the proposed Protected Areas Plan, after which was initially only 30 days to gauge public feedback, which has now been extended to 5 months, and then go to Cabinet.

Based on this, if there’s support for WERAC’s plan, the Minster could initiate a direct legislated enactment of the plan. In its first phase, the plan sought support and input so that WERAC can provide recommendations to the provincial government on what and how these new proposed protected areas could look like for the island while allowing ongoing traditional activities that are currently in place to continue. This is just the first phase of public dialogue and each site moving forward will have individual consultations in collaboration with stakeholders on the design.

Now more than 25 years later, the long-awaited proposed Protected Areas Plan, entitled A Home for Nature, has been released (May 2020).

March 27 2020

Laurentian Channel MPA

cpawsadmin Marine Campaigns, Ocean Campaigns

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.

On World Oceans Day June 8th, 2010, the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), announced the Laurentian Channel was a new Area of Interest (AOI) for potential designation as a Marine Protected Area under the Oceans Act. The Laurentian Channel MPA was established in April of 2019, and is the largest no-take zone in Canada.

The Laurentian Channel MPA supports the conservation of biodiversity through the protection of key species, habitats, and ecosystem structure and function, and through scientific research. Conservation objectives were developed in consultation with stakeholders, and focus on six species: Sea Pens, Black Dogfish, Smooth Skate, Northern Wolffish, Porbeagle Shark, and Leatherback Sea Turtle. Many other species are benefiting from the MPA regulations.

The Laurentian Channel MPA is located off the southwest coast of Newfoundland and Labrador (NAFO Subdivision 3P), covers approximately 11,908 km2, and includes the water column, seabed and subsoil to a depth of 5m. The area was originally identified by DFO as an ecologically and biologically significant area (EBSA) within the Placentia Bay-Grand Banks Large Ocean Management Area (PB/GB LOMA).

CPAWS EFFORTS:

CPAWS-NL has been working on the Laurentian Channel since 2010, striving to make it a strong MPA to protect its incredible biodiversity. Overtime, the size of the Laurentian Channel MPA has decreased in size by over 30%. In 2017, CPAWS asked the public to write a letter to our Federal Government to keep oil and gas out of the Laurentian Channel, with other ENGO groups, together over 70,000 letters from Canadians were sent expressing concern of oil and gas in this area. CPAWS has also been active in ensuring all Marine Protected Areas have internationally recognized minimum standards. With the announcement of Minimum Standards of MPAs in Canada, CPAWS-NL was excited that Laurentian Channel is the first MPA to have these standards applied.

Click or Scroll down for more information on the Laurentian Channel and CPAWS’ efforts in our Story Map

Quick Facts

QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE AREA

Highest concentration of Black Dogfish in Canadian waters and is the only place where pupping occurs.
Important spawning, nursery, and feeding area for a variety of species including Porbeagle Shark and Smooth Skate.
Two species at risk – the Northern Wolffish and Leatherback Sea Turtle frequent the MPA; in fact, the south coast of Newfoundland is one of the most highly-frequented leatherback foraging areas in Atlantic Canada.
Only two known mating grounds for Porbeagle Shark.
Approximately 20 species of cetaceans have been observed in the area,
Sea pens have been recorded in the greatest numbers and diversity; with the Laurentian Channel having the highest sea pen concentrations within the entire Newfoundland and Labrador Shelves Bioregion.

The conservation efforts as set out by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans for the Laurentian Channel Marine Protected Area are as follows:

Protect corals, particularly significant concentrations of sea pens, from harm due to human activities (e.g., fishing, oil and gas exploratory drilling, submarine cable installation and anchoring)
Protect Black Dogfish from human induced mortality (e.g., bycatch in the commercial fishery).
Protect Smooth Skate from human induced mortality (e.g., bycatch in the commercial fishery.
Protect Porbeagle sharks from human induced mortality (e.g., bycatch in the commercial fishery, seismic activities).
Promote the survival and recovery of Northern Wolffish by minimizing risk of harm from human activities (e.g., bycatch in the commercial fishery).
Promote the survival and recovery of Leatherback Sea Turtles by minimizing risk of harm from human activities (e.g., entanglement in commercial fishing gear, seismic activities).

The Laurentian Channel MPA is the first MPA that applies Canada’s new protection standards. The Laurentian Channel MPA Regulations prohibit activities that disturb, damage, destroy or remove from this Area, living marine organisms or any part of their habitat or that is likely to do so, unless listed as exceptions in the Regulations or approved by the Minister. Oil and gas exploration and exploitation activities, including seismic surveys, as well as mining, dumping and bottom trawling are prohibited in the entirety of the area. The MPA is also the first to prohibit all commercial and recreational fishing throughout the designated area.

The Regulations establish two management zones which provide varying levels of protection within the MPA, offering the most stringent protection to areas which need it the most. These zones will conserve and protect the biological diversity and productivity of the MPA. The Core Protection Zone only allows the following activities: for public safety and national security; Indigenous food, social and ceremonial fisheries; and marine navigation activities – except for anchoring. The Core Protection Zone provides additional protection by prohibiting the laying of submarine cables. In the Adaptive Management Zone, activities such as anchoring, submarine cable installation and scientific research may be permitted, but only if they do not impact the conservation objectives of the MPA.

Volunteer_Aaron_OBrien_The_Tolt_in_Bay_du_Nord_WR

March 27 2020

Protected Areas Stewards

cpawsadmin Forest Campaigns, Terrestrial Campaigns

Become a Protected Area Steward and Help Protect
Newfoundland and Labrador’s Most Treasured Wild Spaces!

What is a Protected Area?

A protected area is a defined area of land and/or sea dedicated to the long-term conservation and maintenance of biological diversity and of natural and associated cultural resources, which are managed through legal or other effective means.

There are many ways that a system of protected areas benefits society:

Reservoirs to protect and preserve biodiversity
Strengthening our resiliency to climate change – increasing Earth’s
carbon storage, acting as a natural defense against flooding and erosion, mitigate extreme weather events
Continuing the allowance and possibility of Traditional and Local cultural values and uses
Protecting human needs – ensuring freshwater availability, healthy soils, wild foods, and the opportunity to explore and enjoy our natural spaces
Economics – ecotourism is one of the largest economic sectors in the world!
Study areas for scientific research and education
Benchmarks that help us measure the health of lands and wildlife outside natural areas and the impacts of climate change, pollution, extraction, alien invasive species
An “insurance policy” against loss or damage to similar ecosystems in other locations

Stewardship may be defined as the ‘careful and responsible management of ecosystem resources entrusted to humans in the interest of achieving and protecting ecosystem integrity for its intrinsic value and/or for the benefit of current and future generations’.

Protected Area Stewards are individuals and organizations that help to develop a world-class network of parks and protected areas. They provide input to site managers to assist with the management and operation of a number of protected areas throughout the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Duties of a Steward include:

To record the state of important natural terrestrial and aquatic features, flora and fauna, including endangered or threatened species and habitats.
To record any evident changes, threats, or disturbances to the protected area.
To identify any intentional or accidental violations contrary to the legislation of the protected area.
To inform Protected Area Managers of their findings.

Besides helping to protect environmentally sensitive areas as a Steward you also have:

a great learning opportunity
an outdoor adventure for individuals, families, or friends
volunteer experience for your resume

Get out there, and Protect your Natural Areas!

Learn more about the program:

To Become a Steward:

Please read the following statements below and email us your contact information.

I agree to become a Protected Areas Steward.
I will follow the guidelines and regulations outlined in the CPAWS-NL Volunteer Stewardship Monitoring Guide as well as those of Parks and Natural Areas Division, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador during my visits to protected areas.
I will visit a protected area at least once per year, fill out the standardized form in the monitoring guide to the best of my ability and return it to the CPAWS-NL office in St John’s via mail or in-person, or submit the information electronically online.
I understand that CPAWS is not responsible for any injury or damage as a result of my volunteer visits, or while in transit to and from the monitoring site.

Email your name, email address and mailing address to NLinfo@cpaws.org.

On receipt of your email one of our Staff will contact you.

Already a Steward? Enter your Survey Data Forms Online:

Click Here to Fill in Your Online Data Form

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Survey Contest Rules – 2022

Be Whale Safe

Aquatic Species at Risk in Newfoundland and Labrador

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Background:

About CPAWS

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Due to COVID-19, this year we will celebrate Ocean’s Day digitally!

World Ocean’s Day Theme 2022:

One Ocean, One Climate, One Future – Together

Protected Areas Plan A Home For Nature

Importance of Protected Areas

Background

Become a Protected Area Steward and Help Protect Newfoundland and Labrador’s Most Treasured Wild Spaces!

What is a Protected Area?

Duties of a Steward include:

Get out there, and Protect your Natural Areas!

To Become a Steward:

Already a Steward? Enter your Survey Data Forms Online:

Become a Protected Area Steward and Help Protect
Newfoundland and Labrador’s Most Treasured Wild Spaces!