South Coast Fjords

The South Coast Fjord Area

The southwest coast of Newfoundland, stretching from Hermitage Bay to Cape Ray, is marked by towering granite cliffs and deep, glacially-carved fjords. These fjords create a network of sheltered inlets, offering critical habitats for a diverse range of marine species. This area is also home to Newfoundland’s largest tides. In the Bay d’Espoir region, seaweeds exhibit an exceptionally high diversity, particularly within the intertidal zone. CPAWS-NL has been advocating for conservation in this area since the chapter’s founding in 2003.

The Memorandum of Understanding signed by Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Town of Burgeo, Miawpukek First Nation, and Qalipu First Nation establishes a collaborative framework aimed at assessing the feasibility of creating a South Coast Fjords National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) and re-designating Sandbanks Provincial Park as a national park in the Burgeo region. This initiative is focused on protecting biodiversity, reducing ecological loss, and fostering reconciliation through the integration of Indigenous knowledge and values. A South Coast Fjords NMCA, alongside the potential national park, promises significant ecological, economic, and cultural benefits for both coastal and Indigenous communities. We welcome this agreement and the commitment of all parties to advancing conservation in this vital region, and we eagerly anticipate the outcomes of this collaborative process.

Special Features

Newfoundland and Labrador is known for its exquisite natural beauty and productive coastal waters, and the South Coast Fjords are a perfect example of such. The area is a 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. The Hermitage Channel is a large, highly-stratified fjord, carrying warm and saline deep-water layer from the Laurentian Channel into Hermitage and Fortune Bays.

Many marine mammals and rare species follow this route to feed in the sheltered bays, including leatherback turtles, harbour porpoises, and humpback, fin, blue, right, and killer whales. Endangered porbeagle sharks are also known to aggregate off Pass Island. The Burgeo Sandbanks contain extensive beaches and marshes, which provide habitat for the globally-vulnerable Piping Plover.

South Coast Fjords National Marine Conservation Area

An NMCA is a protected area designed to ensure the long-term health of marine ecosystems while supporting sustainable activities. These areas help preserve biodiversity, protect critical habitats, and foster local economies by enabling responsible industries like tourism and fishing to thrive.

NMCAs provide a unique opportunity to balance conservation with sustainable economic growth, benefiting both ecosystems and local communities. In Canada, National Marine Conservation Areas not only safeguard fisheries and cultural sites but also bring significant economic advantages to the communities they support.

Why create an NMCA?

The South Coast Fjords NMCA presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to:

Foster Sustainable Fisheries
NMCAs play a crucial role in supporting sustainable fishing practices. By protecting marine ecosystems, these areas help preserve fish habitats, promote biodiversity, and maintain healthy fish populations. Managed with conservation and responsible fishing in mind, NMCAs ensure that fish stocks are available for future generations.

Boost Economic Growth
Establishing a National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) attracts significant federal investment, creating opportunities for local communities. For instance, the Tallurutiup Imanga NMCA in Nunavut received $54.8 million for its establishment from 2019 to 2026, while $109.6 million is being invested over 11 years to develop a new NMCA on British Columbia’s Central Coast. These investments drive job creation, strengthen local businesses, and support industries that rely on thriving marine ecosystems.

Build Strong Partnerships
NMCAs emphasize collaboration with local and Indigenous communities, ensuring their perspectives are central to decision-making. Initiatives like Gwaii Haanas and Saguenay-St. Lawrence have demonstrated how these partnerships lead to both ecological and economic success. A South Coast NMCA can create similar opportunities, fostering growth and sustainability for the region.

Together, we can ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for the South Coast.