Canada announces a 'historic' $1.2B investment for ocean conservation

Canada took a significant step forward in ocean conservation on Tuesday, with what the federal government called a "historic" investment.

A total of $1.2 billion from the Government of Canada has been earmarked for enhancing the protection of the country's oceans and the life they house and support.

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New and renewed actions revealed in Tuesday's announcement will increase monitoring, strengthen ocean science and ecosystem protections, and improve Canada's marine incident prevention and preparedness, according to a news release from the federal government.

"The further we reach in our ambitions, the greater our responsibility to protect what we have inherited. So, as we build our economy, we are conserving our environment through one integrated plan. We can and will do both. We will build major infrastructure, diversify our trade, and create hundreds of thousands of jobs, safely, responsibly, and in ways that protect our oceans for generations to come," said Prime Minister Mark Carney, in a news release.

The Canadian government broke down the three areas the $1.2 billion will be allocated to. Here's where the money will be distributed.

Investing more than $740 million over the next four years to strengthen ocean conservation.

Investing $136 million over the next four years in initiatives that protect marine life and build on recent whale protection measuress.

(Experiencing Canada/The Weather Network)

Investing $186 million to strengthen Indigenous partnership and conservation efforts led by communities.

The $186 million will advance collaborative governance, conservation, waterway management, emergency preparedness, and cumulative-effects work in the critical Great Bear Sea region. The government is also investing in Indigenous-led stewardship and restoration of the Lower Fraser River Estuary.

"Canada's Nature Strategy recognizes that protecting nature means protecting our oceans and the incredible ecosystems and species they support. Our oceans are essential to Canada's biodiversity, economy, coastal communities, and way of life. Through this investment, we are taking action to protect and conserve our waters, ensuring Canada's oceans remain healthy and resilient for generations to come," said Julie Dabrusin, Canada's environment minister, in a news release.

Atlantic puffin. (Gurpreet Singh/Unsplash)

In the months to come, the federal government will release two other pillars of the country's ocean strategy: Schemes to secure Canada's water and to build the ocean economy.

The feds noted that much of the work is already underway, with investments to strengthen ports, small craft harbours, and fisheries.

Thumbnail courtesy of Tim Woolliscroft on Unsplash.

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