Marine nature reserves in Canada

Scott Islands National Marine Reserve

Established on June 27, 2018, the Scott Islands Marine National Wildlife Refuge is the first marine protected area established under Canada's Wildlife Act. It was created to protect the different species of seabirds on the Pacific coast.

The Scott Islands are located near Vancouver Island in British Columbia. They are among the richest ecosystems on the Pacific coast. Indeed, the Scott Islands area is home to the largest number of seabirds on Canada's Pacific coast. Which makes it an important area for the conservation of these species and biodiversity.

The area also constitutes an ecologically ideal habitat for birds. It is conducive to their reproduction and allows them to develop.

In detail, the Scott Islands National Reserve hosts:

• 90 % of the Canadian population of Tufted Puffins
• 7 % Rhinoceros Puffins of the world
• 40 % seabirds of British Columbia
• 95 % Pacific Murres
• 50 % Cassin Auklets of the world

Note that the marine area surrounding the Scott Islands constitutes an area of ecological and biological importance. Fisheries and Oceans Canada elevated it to this rank because of its extremely biologically rich environment and the diversity of mammals that live there. Additionally, the area is home to several endangered marine species.

Additionally, the Scott Islands Marine National Reserve attracts 5 to 10 million migratory birds each year. These come from all over the world to take advantage of the abundance of food.

The Sooty Shearwater is one of the migratory birds that go there to feed and reproduce. It is an endangered species present only in a few corners of the planet.

In addition, other species of seabirds listed on the site are:

• The Black-footed Albatross
• Short-tailed Albatross
• The Pink-footed Shearwater
• The marbled murrelet
• The white-necked guillemot

The Saguenay-Saint-Laurent marine park

Among the Canadian marine areas with great biological wealth is the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park. It is home to more than 2,200 species and is an ideal habitat for the many whales that live there.

Indeed, the Saguenay-Saint-Laurent marine park offers a unique spectacle to visitors passionate about marine fauna. Home to a diversity of species as fascinating as each other, it ranks among the most popular tourist attractions in the country.

The area also has several interpretation and observation centers for admiring and photographing marine mammals. It also offers all kinds of activities to allow children and adults alike to have an unforgettable time.

In addition, the Saguenay-Saint-Laurent Marine Park protects three marine ecosystems rich in biodiversity. In the waters of the park live different species of fish that can be observed while diving.

Visitors can in fact request to be as close as possible to marine fauna by requesting a dive. This activity allows you to live a unique experience and witness an extraordinary natural spectacle.

In addition, they can also hire a naturalist guide to better understand the behavior of the park's wildlife. These guides are experts and thanks to their competence, the small expedition in the park will be even more exciting and unforgettable.

In fact, you will be shown the best places to observe rare specimens. You will also be briefed on the secrets of marine life and maritime culture.

Note that the park offers a boating activity. Thanks to this, visitors can travel aboard a boat and observe the different species of fish living in the area.

Finally, you should know that the Legault and Trudeau governments recently announced plans to expand the marine park. The largest protected marine nature reserve in Canada could therefore see its surface area double in the coming years.

The goal, according to officials, is to preserve the beluga's critical habitat. An endangered species, emblem of the fragility of the ecosystem of this part of the region.

Fathom Five National Marine Park

Created in 1987, the Fathom Five marine nature reserve has an area of 112 km2. It is one of the most important marine parks in Canada.

Fathom Five National Marine Park serves as a refuge for hundreds of marine species. Within it develop several ecosystems of great biological richness and surely the most unique in Ontario. In fact, this is one of the reasons why the park is so famous. Every year, thousands of people go there to admire the different species of fish it hosts.

Note that this park was built for a specific purpose. Protect and conserve marine species living in this part of Canada. It is located at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula and has served as a successful tourist attraction for many years.

In addition, various activities are offered to visitors once they arrive on site. In addition to being able to admire marine species, they have the opportunity to live a unique experience by diving in the waters of Fathom Five.

Scuba diving in this nature reserve offers a unique and attractive spectacle. Indeed, visitors can discover an underwater world filled with natural and cultural treasures.

Note that Fathom Five National Marine Park is among the best sites for freshwater diving in Canada. The water is clean and clear. Additionally, the surrounding geological formations help make the experience even more impressive. For information, the Fathom Five marine park has several cliffs, caverns, but also corbels, all as exceptional as they are imposing.

Good to know. Diving in this nature reserve requires registration. Visitors wishing to participate in this activity must obtain a pass from the Visitor Center or the dive shop located in downtown Tobermory.

Besides diving, visiting Flowerpot Island is one of the most popular activities for visitors. The place is a real tourist trap, and famous because of its flowerpot-shaped rocks.

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