Research is showing that a network of marine reserves can play a critical role in increasing biological diversity, serving as a reference point against which the state of the oceans can be measured, and assisting in rebuilding stocks depleted by human-induced or natural disasters. Leading scientists also report that marine life grow bigger, are more numerous and produce more young in reserves, all of which can enhance rather than restrict sport and commercial catches operating on the outside. Canada boasts the longest coastline in the world at 243,792 kilometres, stretching across the Atlantic, Arctic and Pacific oceans. And even these rely in large part on the good will of aboriginal people not to exercise their traditional fishing rights. But it's very much in the forefront for Canada and the international community.
People are worried about the state of the oceans.
We need to pay more attention to them. His office is investigating 12 other sites for protection around Canada, including three more off the B.C. coast. But he couldn't guarantee that all would be completely no-take reserves. Some may simply protect unique underwater features or habitats for certain species, or may only need protection at specific times of the year. And he said he is seeking advice from an oceans advisory committee as to how much of the ocean should be set aside for special conservation.