Western Weeneebeg (James Bay) and southwestern Washabeyoh (Hudson Bay): proposed national marine conservation area (NMCA)

Project description

Western Weeneebeg (James Bay) and southwestern Washabeyoh (Hudson Bay) is located in northern Ontario offshore Treaty 9 and home of the Omushkego people). It encompasses an immense array of biodiversity including populations of beluga whales and polar bears, while serving as an essential global stopover for migratory birds.

Omushkego people have been the stewards of these lands and waters since time immemorial. Enhancing the protection of these ecosystems would not only help to conserve biodiversity and assist with the fight against climate change, but would also help maintain the culture, traditions, and well-being of Omushkego communities.

This proposed NMCA contributes to representing two regions in Parks Canada’s Marine System Plan: the James Bay Marine Region and the Hudson Bay Marine Region.

If established, the proposed NMCA would:

• recognize and support Omushkego stewardship and leadership in conservation
• contribute to the long-term economic, social, and cultural well-being of Omushkego peoples and coastal communities
• protect and conserve marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and support sustainability
• connect people to places in Canada and create enjoyable experiences for visitors
• promote awareness and understanding among Canadians

Learn more on the Mushkegowuk Council Marine Conservation.

Partners

In 2021, the Government of Canada and Mushkegowuk Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement launched a formal process to assess the feasibility of establishing a national marine conservation area (NMCA) in western Weeneebeg (James Bay) and southwestern Washaybeyoh (Hudson Bay).

Current project stage

When considering an area as a candidate for a new NMCA, there is a standard sequence framed by 5 steps. This project is currently assessing the feasibility of an NMCA.

Steering committee

The feasibility assessment agreement established a steering committee, consisting of 2 representatives of Mushkegowuk Council and 2 representatives of Parks Canada.

The mandate of the steering committee is to guide the feasibility assessment process and to provide recommendations to respective parties on feasibility and potential terms and conditions.

During this feasibility assessment, equitable attention is given to Omushkego knowledge of the area. Omushkego perspectives are being sought and incorporated, existing scientific information gathered, and key right holders and stakeholders engaged.

Indigenous inherent and Treaty rights in an NMCA

NMCA establishment and management also supports Canada’s commitment to advancing reconciliation and the implementation of rights, treaty obligations, and related commitments in a manner that reflects the spirit and intent of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Inherent and Treaty rights to harvesting, hunting, fishing, and trapping would be protected in this NMCA.

Proposed boundary

The study area covers approximately 91,000 km2.

A study area refers to the area on which the steering committee concentrates their efforts to assess feasibility of establishing a proposed NMCA.

Map: Proposed national marine conservation study area

The blue in the map represents the study area for the feasibility assessment. It is not the final boundary. The recommended boundary would only be decided after consultations with all partners and rights holders are completed.

Activities in an NMCA

The Government of Canada is committed to achieving reconciliation with Indigenous peoples through a renewed, nation-to-nation, and government-to-government relationship based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership as the foundation for transformative change. Parks Canada and Indigenous governing bodies co-develop collaborative governance models to ensure long term stewardship and ecological sustainability of these sites.

While federal departments such as Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard as well as Transport Canada and National Defense retain their responsibilities inside the boundaries of an NMCA, efforts are made to ensure all authorities and stakeholders operate within the vision of the NMCA.

Activities not allowed

Generally, the following activities described in the Protection Standard for Federal Marine Protected Areas are not allowed in NMCAs:

• mining and oil and gas exploration, development, and production
• using bottom-trawl gear
• disposal at sea of waste and other matter, dumping of fill
• depositing drugs and pesticides.

The scope of each of these activities including exceptions to their application are described in the Protection Standard for Federal Marine Protected Areas.

Timeline and next steps

The feasibility assessment will conclude with a report and recommendations that will be submitted to the Grand Chief of Mushkegowuk Council as well as the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. If the steering committee finds that a national marine conservation area is feasible, the next step will be for both parties to negotiate an establishment agreement, including potential governance structures.

Engagement and consultation will continue with Indigenous and local communities, relevant authorities, stakeholders, and the public as we work towards establishment.

Contact us

Parks Canada project team

Email: wjbnmca-bjoamnc@pc.gc.ca

Mushkegowuk Council project team

Email: lawrencemartin@mushkegowuk.ca

Related links

• Mushkegowuk Council
• Mushkegowuk Marine Conservation Project
• National marine conservation areas in Canada
• NMCA policy and regulations