FAQ, South Coast Fjords

What is the South Coast Fjords National Marine Conservation Area? 

The South Coast Fjords National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) is a proposed protected area along the south coast of Newfoundland, stretching from the communities of McCallum in the East to La Poile in the west, extending offshore approximately 70 kilometers. 

According to Parks Canada, it is among the most biodiverse and species rich coastal areas in Atlantic Canada. Although the proposed boundaries cover only 2.6% of Newfoundland and Labrador’s coastline, it is home to dozens of species of fish, seabirds, sharks, and dolphins. 

It is part of the migration route for more than 20 species of whales and wild Atlantic salmon travelling home from the Labrador Sea and Greenland to hundreds of North American rivers. The South Coast Fjords NMCA would also protect the estuaries of 17 salmon rivers, home to the threatened South Coast Newfoundland population.  

 In addition to the ocean area, the South Coast Fjords initiative would turn Sandbanks Provincial Park near Burgeo into Canada’s newest National Park, connecting terrestrial and coastal protections at the high-tide mark. 

What’s happening right now?    

In 2023, Parks Canada signed a memorandum of understanding with representatives from the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Qalipu First Nation, Miawpukek First Nation, and the Town of Burgeo to assess the feasibility of establishing the South Coast Fjords NMCA.  

A steering committee was struck with people from each of the represented groups. Members have been holding regular meetings, engaging stakeholders and rights holders, and gathering traditional, local, and scientific information.  

Although there is no legislated timeline for the completion of the feasibility assessment, steering committee members are planning to finish in early 2025.  

If establishing the South Coast Fjords is determined to be feasible, Parks Canada will move to negotiating agreements with existing users, residents, and rights holders, and finally designating and protecting the area through the passage of federal legislation.  

What can you do in a National Marine Conservation Area? 

NMCA’s are part of a Parks Canada led program that began in 2002 with the passage of Canada’s National Marine Conservation Areas Act. Unlike some other types of ocean protection, NMCA’s are designed to be flexible and accommodate existing sustainable uses, like well-managed commercial fisheries.  

Parks Canada has committed to establishing 29 NMCA’s, one in each of Canada’s marine regions, including the Great Lakes. As of June 2024, there are five established and an interim goal was set to complete 10 new marine and four new freshwater NMCAs by 2030. 

Zoning is a feature of NMCAs where the area is mapped into sections, with certain activities permitted in each. For example, the Gwaii Haanas NMCA in British Columbia covers 3,400 square kilometers of ocean and 138 islands. The area’s management plan restricts commercial and recreational fishing in 3 per cent of the area.  

 Parks Canada’s NMCA policy states that these areas are “managed and used in a sustainable manner that meets the needs of present and future generations without compromising the structure and function of their ecosystems.” 

What would the South Coast Fjords NMCA protect the area from? 

Oil exploration and sea-floor mining, and disposal of pollutants at sea are prohibited in NMCA’s, so are activities that cause permanent changes to wildlife and the environment.  

One of the most significant man-made environmental threats in south Newfoundland is salmon farming – raising 10s of millions of domestic Atlantic salmon in nets suspended from floating rings. The South Coast Fjords National Marine Conservation Area would prohibit the establishment of new salmon farms within its boundaries.  

With no barrier between salmon farms and the environment, they are a major source of pollution, including pesticides, viruses, parasites, and sewage. Salmon farms are considered a high-level threat to wild Atlantic salmon and have been directly linked to major declines in other parts of Newfoundland and Labrador.  

ASF has argued that salmon farm expansion in Newfoundland and Labrador is unnecessary, unjustified and too risky, pointing out that the industry is only using a portion of the licenses they currently have.  

How can you help establish the South Coast Fjords NMCA? 

The aquaculture industry has reacted fiercely to the idea of creating a protected area in south Newfoundland. 

The process is reaching a critical point, and irreversible decisions are about to be made. Adding your voice in support of the South Coast Fjords NMCA will help balance lobbying from the salmon farming industry that is seeking additional licenses to pollute.