Manitoba and Canada are exploring the possibility of establishing a new national marine park along Manitoba’s Hudson Bay coast. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew unveiled $250,000 in provincial funding in Churchill for a study to assess the viability of a new national marine conservation area. The federal government, as stated by Northern and Arctic Affairs Minister Rebecca Chartrand, is expected to cover most of the study costs, which will be carried out in collaboration with Indigenous communities.
National marine conservation areas are protected regions of freshwater or marine coastlines, spanning from the seabed to the water column, sometimes including islands, estuaries, and coastal wetlands. Managed by Parks Canada, these areas aim to showcase the country’s diverse marine ecosystems, akin to how national parks highlight ecosystems on land.
Presently, Canada has five national marine conservation areas, with plans to establish 10 more by 2030. Among the potential new areas is one covering Ontario’s Hudson Bay and James Bay coastlines, near Manitoba’s coast. Various environmental organizations, such as the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society and Oceans North, have urged Ottawa to designate a marine conservation area in Manitoba, encompassing parts of the Hudson Bay coastline between Nunavut and Ontario borders.
Advocates believe that such a move would safeguard a significant portion of the beluga whale habitat globally. Chris Debicki, Vice President of Oceans North, emphasized the necessity of establishing a management framework to protect this vital habitat before any industrial expansions occur.
By endorsing a marine conservation area, Premier Kinew aims to balance economic development with environmental preservation. However, not all are in agreement. Eric Reder from the Wilderness Committee of Canada supports the creation of a marine conservation area and additional development at the Port of Churchill but strongly opposes the transportation of oil and gas through sub-Arctic waters.
Parks Canada notes that commercial activities can coexist with marine conservation areas. Most areas have zones where shipping and fishing are permitted, alongside ecological preserves with restricted boat traffic. However, seabed mining, dumping, bottom trawling, and oil and gas exploration are banned in all new national marine conservation areas.
The Manitoba and federal governments plan to conduct a feasibility study for a new national marine conservation area off the coast of Hudson Bay.