Grapevine

By News 24
Jul 26, 2024

Canada designates largest marine protected zone

Canada said Thursday it had designated the country's largest marine protected zone off the coast of Vancouver, as it moves to shield a third of its oceans by the end of the decade.

The 133 000-square-kilometer zone was announced in a joint statement by Canada's department of fisheries and oceans and leaders of four First Nations.

"Today we are taking a giant step forward in protecting Canada's oceans," said the department's minister Diane Lebouthillier.

The new marine protected area brings Canada "halfway to our goal of conserving 30% of our oceans by 2030", Lebouthillier said.

"The ocean has taken care of us, and we must look after it as well," said Judith Sayer of the Nuu-chah-nulth nation.