OTTAWA, ON, June 8, 2024 /CNW/ – Every year on June 8, the world marks World Oceans Day. It’s a day to reflect on the state of our oceans, share best practices, and be part of a collective movement to conserve and protect them.
For many coastal Canadians, including myself, the oceans are central to our way of life. But their influence extends far beyond the coasts: everyone depends on the health of the oceans, no matter where they live. As well as producing over half the world’s oxygen, they absorb 50 times more carbon dioxide than our atmosphere, helping to regulate our climate and weather.
Millions of people around the world also make their living from ocean-related industries. They ensure food security, are used for shipping and international trade, are a source of renewable energy, support tourism and recreation, and are of considerable cultural and spiritual importance to many people. In other words, the success of our oceans is intimately linked to our own success, and the reverse is equally true.
Here in Canada, the ocean is the lifeblood of many coastal, rural and aboriginal communities. That said, we know that climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss are jeopardizing the long-term health and sustainability of our oceans, making this year’s UN theme: ” Catalyzing action for our oceans and climate “more relevant than ever.
From coast to coast to coast, Canadians share a common ambition to grow our blue economy sustainably, and our government will always be there to support them. Working in partnership with governments, aboriginal groups, industry, scientists, universities, environmental organizations and many others, we’re taking bold steps to protect our coasts, waterways and marine life.
That’s why, last March, I was at the United Nations headquarters in New York to sign the High Seas Treaty on behalf of Canada. With this simple signature, Canada has joined a growing number of countries in a global effort to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.
Our $3.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan is largely based on this important objective. We’ve also set aside $1 billion to help us meet our marine conservation targets, as well as $800 million to support up to four large-scale, Aboriginal-led conservation initiatives. Overall, this is the largest investment ever made in Canada’s history to protect its coasts and waterways.
A concrete example of all this work is our ongoing commitment to protecting marine species and sensitive habitats from ghost gear – i.e. abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear. That’s why I’m very proud to announce that Canada will host the2nd International Summit on Gear Innovation in February 2025. This two-day event will bring together fishermen and other experts from around the world to explore solutions for whale-safe fishing gear, and innovative ways to prevent, recover and recycle abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear.
Today, but also throughout the year, I invite Canadians to take a moment of collective reflection, and to continue to militate in favor of a fair balance between the protection of marine species and the continuation of fishing activities crucial to the economy of our coastal communities. We owe it to our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Happy World Oceans Day!
The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans Canada
