Existing Marine Conservation Efforts in NS

The Gully

Established in 2004, The Gully is Nova Scotia’s first MPA. The Gully is located approximately 200 kilometres off shore on the edge of the Scotian Shelf. This deep sea canyon stretches over 65 km long and 15 km wide and is home to significant coral communities, a diversity of both shallow and deep-water fishes, and a variety of whales and dolphins including a resident population of the endangered northern bottlenose whales. The MPA contains three management zones with varying levels of protection. For more information click here.

Coral Conservation Boxes

Deep-sea corals are ecologically significant as they provide important habitat for a diversity of species, including many fishes. Unfortunately, deep-sea corals are fragile and can be damaged by bottom-fishing gear. CPAWS-NS has worked to ensure the protection of the deep-sea corals found in the Atlantic by working with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to identify these areas and to promote their protection. There are now two coral conservation areas offshore of Nova Scotia which are protected from destructive fishing methods by fisheries closures.