Environmental Stewardship for Paddlers Series – Protected Areas
Protected Areas
By Gina Lemieux
Protected areas are established ultimately to protect and conserve species and habitats identified in that area. Examples are Marine Protected Area, Ecological Reserve, Migratory Bird Sanctuary, and Important Bird Area.
There are also areas significant to Indigenous cultures that require recognition and respect.
Identify and learn more about protected and culturally significant areas where you paddle to help protect the natural and cultural resources that are found there. Some areas may have use or water/land access restrictions.
For more information visit Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s “Marine Protected Areas and Areas of Interest”, BC Parks’ “Ecological Reserves”, and Environment and Climate Change Canada’s “Protected Areas” web pages. Check nautical charts and maps for delineation of protected and culturally significant areas.
