Help Shape the Management Plan for Banc-des-Américains Marine Protected Area

Official title: Banc-des-Américains Oceans Act Marine Protected Area Management Plan

Closed Environmental Assessment Environment & Climate Natural Resources
Fisheries and Oceans Canada wants feedback on how to manage the Banc-des-Américains Marine Protected Area off the Gaspé Peninsula. This 1,000 km² zone protects a unique underwater rocky ridge that's home to endangered whales, wolffish, and important fish habitat. The management plan will set rules for fishing, tourism, and research activities in the area.

Why This Matters

Fish in the Gulf of St. Lawrence? This area is a traditional fishing ground that supports commercial species. The management plan will determine what fishing methods are allowed and where. If you run whale-watching tours or marine tourism in the Gaspé region, the rules here affect your business.

What Could Change

The management plan will formalize which activities are allowed in each zone. Zone 1 has the strictest protections—no anchoring, limited fishing. Zones 2a and 2b allow more commercial fishing but with restrictions on gear types. Tourism operators will need approved activity plans to operate in the MPA.

Key Issues

  • What management approach should be taken for fishing, navigation, and tourism activities in the protected area?
  • How should the different management zones balance conservation with permitted activities?
  • What measures are needed to promote recovery of at-risk whales and wolffish?

How to Participate

  1. Review the Banc-des-Américains Marine Protected Area Regulations to understand current rules and zone boundaries.
  2. Contact the Quebec Regional Office at Oceans-QC@dfo-mpo.gc.ca to submit your feedback on the management plan.

Key Documents