The Challenge
Canada is the second largest country in the world; the land area of our country is almost 10 million Km2. What is often forgotten is that our country also includes more than seven million Km2 of ocean and more than 200,000 Km of coastline!
We utilize the ocean for many purposes and we enjoy a wealth of benefits from it. Unfortunately, the way we use the ocean can often be harmful to wildlife and wild habitats. The use of the ocean, its resources and its aquatic inhabitants and its living and non-living resources, is unavoidable. What is avoidable is the careless and unsustainable use of the ocean and this is what we work toward.
CMARA was developed based on recommendations from the first Canadian Marine Animal Emergency Response Workshop held in 2013. At this workshop, it was agreed that there was a need to unite and support the animal emergency response networks, to share expertise and resources, to promote the networks and to address critical gaps in the on-going operation of the networks.
Canada is home to the world’s most majestic whale species – from the Humpback and Beluga to the Blue Whale. Unfortunately, many of these beautiful animals are threatened or endangered. To do our part in saving these animals, we need to uncover the mystery of the exact locations these whales spend their time while in Canadian waters. To do that, CWF is collaborating with the “WHaLE” Project (Whales, Habitat and Listening Experiment) as they deploy state of the art underwater drone technology to search for Canada’s Great Whales in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean.
In Canada, Steller Sea Lions are found along Scott Island, Cape St. James and Banks Island in British Columbia. Steller Sea Lions divide their time on land, where they rest, mate and take care of their young, and in the water, where they hunt for food. They have been known to venture out 200 kilometres offshore and dive over 2,000 metres deep to snag their prey!
Saltwater cities – defined as any relatively large concentration of people living in an area with urban infrastructure along marine shorelines – can have a lasting harmful effect on marine wildlife in multiple ways. These negative effects are not always intentional, but ignorance of these damaging human practices can be a threat to wildlife conservation. There are several goals for this program: Identify the features of urban centres that can negatively affect marine wildlife; Educate communities, including businesses, planners and youth, about these threats; Do research to improve our knowledge; and use this knowledge to improve our ability to remove these threats.
Aquaculture is raising fish for consumption, instead of harvesting from wild populations. The majority of these operations raise fish in cages that float in the ocean (essentially they’re open-pens). These are usually located in areas where they are protected from storms but have good water flow; often being placed in sheltered bays or near the mouths of rivers. As a result, their location and their practices interact with wildlife and the local ecosystem. CWF has taken a strong stance against open pen finfish aquaculture. Read our document with detailed reasoning behind our stance, as well as the science behind our position.
WILD About Sports encourages Canadians to get outside and enjoy Canada’s waterways, coastline and oceans by providing the training, resources and opportunities for them to get involved and take action. The program uses watersports and related activities to increase Canadians’ awareness of the environment and wildlife habitat. It includes an extensive range of online resources that promote awareness, appreciation and action.
With topics relating to conservation, wildlife and habitat, we provide a relevant online learning platform, typically for grades four to six, but of benefit to any age. WILD Webinars are informative, engaging and just the right length at 20 to 30 minutes. Our Hinterland Who’s Who iconic species series is just one example of the quality content we have to share.
This country and water go hand in hand. We are the stewards of one-fifth of the world’s fresh water and can proudly claim about two million lakes, not to mention enough rivers, marshes, swamps, bogs, fens, sloughs and ponds to make a duck quack! With three mighty oceans offering us more than 200,000 kilometres of coastline — the longest coastline in the world — Canada is truly a watery wonderland.
Make a Difference — Pledge Your Support! We’re asking for your help to make a difference to our waters. It’s simple.
If Canada’s aquatic wildlife is important to you, please pledge today that you will not eat open-pen farmed salmon.