Town of Ramea

South Coast Fjords National Marine Conservation Area
Update on feasibility study
Feasability Study Committee has revised their proposed boundaries of the possible NMCA, reducing the size by approximately 1/3rd, and excluding areas important for finfish aquaculture, as well as some areas where bottom-trawling is occuring.

White Bear Bay and Bay de Loup have been specifically removed from the recommended area. In other words, these areas will NOT be protected from aquaculture activities.

• Parks Canada website

Proposed South Coast Fjords NMCA – Boundary Update,
August 1, 2024

The updated boundary proposal (6,538 km2) is an ecologically rich marine environment and an area of cultural significance. Areas important for finfish aquaculture and bottom-trawling have been removed, reducing the size of the boundary proposal by approximately 30 percent.

The Steering Committee is recommending four full protection zones would make up less than 5% of the NMCA (see map in attached 2-pager for location, size and configuration). The rest of the NMCA would support a range of activities, such as shipping, fishing, tourism, and recreational activities.

The feasibility assessment will conclude with a final report and recommendations submitted to the leadership of all partners.

The South Coast Fjords Steering Committee is sharing this information as your organization has been identified as a key stakeholder or has expressed interest in the proposal. The creation of an NMCA is a complex process, and the partners will take the necessary time to ensure that all parties are engaged, and that appropriate consideration is given at each stage.

Should you be interested in sharing your feedback with the Steering Committee on the South Coast Fjords proposal, please contact the project email, at fcs-scf@pc.gc.ca by September 10, 2025.

Read the complete updated newsletter here.

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PREVIOUS UPDATED of Feb. 2025
National marine conservation area feasibility assessment study area

The updated boundary reflects changes to the initial study area based on information and input received through an extensive consultation and engagement process for the proposed South Coast Fjords NMCA. The new study area encompasses 6,491 square kilometers, down from the inital proposed area of 9,114 square kilometers.

Areas important for finfish aquaculture and some areas where bottom-trawling is occurring were removed from the NMCA boundary; and an area identified by Fisheries and Oceans Canada as significant to sea pen communities was retained to protect their habitat and support marine biodiversity.

It is common for a proposed boundary to evolve throughout the NMCA establishment process as stakeholder input is received through ongoing consultations. Adjustments have been made to mitigate industry concerns while preserving features of natural and cultural significance.

Read the complete updated newsletter here.