WHEREAS Mozino Point in the Tahsis Narrows in Nootka Sound, British Columbia is an area that speaks to the conservation, management and research of both coral and sponge colonies including species of Gorgonian Corals, Sharp and Round Lipped Boot Sponges, and Cloud Sponges which provide important marine species habitat that can be viewed within the recreational limit of diving; AND WHEREAS Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Region agreed in the 2010 Conservation Strategy Study of Pacific Region Cold-Water Coral and Sponge that there is a need to protect regional biodiversity and maintain key ecosystem dynamics; AND WHEREAS Parks Canada establishes national marine conservation areas NMCAs under the Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act: THEREFORE IT BE RESOLVED that the UBCM supports the establishment of a conservation strategy within the national marine conservation area reserve NMCAR in the Vancouver Island Shelf marine region encompassing Mozino Point in the Tahsis Narrows, Nootka Sound urging quick action to proceed in the conservation of this marine area while respecting First Nations interest in the area.
Environment Canada I appreciate your support for a marine conservation strategy for the west coast of Vancouver Island. Environment Canada is making progress toward the designation of a marine national wildlife area around the Scott Islands. My department intends to continue coastal marine conservation efforts following designation of this protected area, including working with Fisheries Oceans Canada, Parks Canada, the Government of British Columbia and First Nations to develop a science-based plan for the protection of marine and terrestrial species associated with the landscape and seascape of coastal British Columbia.