National marine conservation areas of Canada
National marine conservation areas of Canada (NMCAs) protect representative examples of Canada’s marine heritage—Great Lakes and ocean waters, the water column, lake/sea floor, and associated ecosystems—while allowing ecologically sustainable use. NMCAs are administered by Parks Canada in collaboration with Indigenous governments and coastal communities.
| Governing body | Parks Canada (often co-managed with Indigenous partners) |
|---|---|
| Legal framework | Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act |
| Designations | National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) • NMCA Reserve |
| Current sites (examples) | Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area (ON) • Gwaii Haanas National Marine Conservation Area Reserve (BC) • Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area (NU) |
| Total protected (approx.) | 120,000+ km² (combined designated areas) |
| Purpose | Conserve marine ecosystems & cultural heritage; enable low-impact recreation, education, research, and sustainable use under zoning |
| Official site | parks.canada.ca/amnc-nmca |
Overview
Unlike national parks (which emphasize ecological integrity on land), NMCAs are large, living seascapes. They protect biodiversity, cultural sites, and representative marine regions while accommodating human uses that are compatible with long-term conservation—commercial and recreational activities are managed through zoning, permits, and monitoring.
How NMCAs work
- Zoning: Core conservation zones protect sensitive habitats (reefs, seabird colonies, ice edges); multiple-use zones allow activities that meet ecological standards.
- Co-management: Indigenous rights and knowledge are central. Many NMCAs are developed and managed with Indigenous partners through agreements and advisory bodies.
- What’s allowed: Boating, paddling, wildlife viewing, research, commercial shipping and fishing (where consistent with conservation objectives). Seabed mining and oil & gas are generally excluded.
- Monitoring & stewardship: Science and Indigenous knowledge guide adaptive management; education programs promote safe, low-impact access.
Current sites
| Site | Province/territory | Year (status) | Approx. area | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area | Ontario | 2015 | ≈ 10,000 km² | Granite islands, lighthouses, cold-clear freshwater, fish habitat, shipwrecks |
| Gwaii Haanas National Marine Conservation Area Reserve | British Columbia | 2010 (reserve) | ≈ 3,400 km² | Kelp forests, whales & seabirds, Haida cultural seascapes; complements the terrestrial park reserve |
| Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area | Nunavut | 2019 | ≈ 108,000 km² | Lancaster Sound polynyas/ice edges; narwhal, beluga, bowhead; Inuit travel routes and harvesting areas |
Planning & future candidates
Parks Canada continues to evaluate additional marine regions with Indigenous governments and provinces/territories. Candidate areas move through feasibility studies, impact/benefit agreements, and zoning plans before formal designation. *(Examples often discussed include additional Pacific, Atlantic, Arctic, and Great Lakes sites; statuses evolve.)*
Related designations
- National parks of Canada (terrestrial)
- National urban parks of Canada (urban green networks)
- Marine protected areas (MPAs) under Fisheries and Oceans Canada (separate legislation)
- National Wildlife Areas and Marine National Wildlife Areas under Environment and Climate Change Canada (separate legislation)
- Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park (joint federal–Quebec park; distinct statute)
See also
- Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve • Pukaskwa National Park • Point Pelee National Park
- Parks Canada • Protected areas of Canada
External links
- Parks Canada — National Marine Conservation Areas: https://parks.canada.ca/amnc-nmca
- Parks Canada — Science & monitoring (marine): https://parks.canada.ca/science/marine