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Coasts & Oceans

cwf-fcf.org > English > What We Do > Coasts & Oceans
  • What We Do
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  • American Eels
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Coasts
and Oceans

Learn More

Background

Canada is the second largest country in the world – its land area is almost 10 million square kilometres. What is often forgotten is that our country also includes more than seven million square kilometres of ocean and more than 200,000 kilometres of coastline!

We enjoy a wealth of benefits from the ocean. Unfortunately, the way we use the ocean is often harmful to wildlife and wild habitats. The use of the ocean, 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 are working to end.

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Did You Know?

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366

As of 2020, the estimated number of North Atlantic right whales remaining.
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70%

The percentage of the earth covered in ocean — 80% of which is unmapped!
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200,000

The distance in kilometres of coastline in Canada.

Marine Action Plan

Canadian marine species face a current and growing danger of being lethally struck by ships. Time is running out for them and removing the risks that threaten their lives is imperative. We ask that you sign this petition to support the CWF Marine Action Plan to ensure safer waterways for whales and all marine species.

Sign the Petition
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North Atlantic Right Whale

With increasing risks to North Atlantic right whales from entanglement and ship strikes, we are working alongside government and industry to better quantify the risks, and to develop innovative approaches to decrease the threat of entanglement and improve fisheries management measures.

Learn more

Canadian Marine Animal Response Alliance

CMARA aims to improve marine animal rescue, research and outreach on behalf of the Canadian public for the conservation of our marine wildlife heritage.

Learn more
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Aquaculture

Aquaculture is raising fish for consumption 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. As a result they are often placed in sheltered bays or near the mouths of rivers. CWF has taken a strong stance against the practice.

Learn more

Hinterland's Who's Who

For more than 50 years, Hinterland Who’s Who has proudly been bringing Canada’s iconic wildlife directly into Canadians’ homes. Re-launched in 2003, the new video series — as well as comprehensive website — serves to rebuild the connection thousands of viewers made with wildlife through the original series.

Learn More
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Bioblitz

With the help of Canadians like you, we hope to catalogue as much of Canada as possible so that we can make informed decisions about our land use, environmental policies and wildlife.

Learn more

iNaturalist.ca

If enough people record their observations in iNaturalist Canada, we can make a difference for Canada’s wildlife. We can build a living record of life in Canada that scientists and environmental managers can use to monitor changes in biodiversity, and that anyone can use to learn more about Canada’s amazing natural history.

Learn more
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Next Steps

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#DoMoreForWildlife


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Join the Watch


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Rivers to Oceans Week


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Next Steps

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Reduce Your Plastic Quiz


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Rivers to Oceans Week


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Additional Resources

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In the News

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Videos

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Papers & Reports

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Blogs

Papers & Handouts

research paper 1
A timely opportunity to protect North Atlantic Right Whales in Canada
research paper 2
Aquaculture Manual
research paper 3
federal regulations paper cover Mass human-caused mortality spurs federal action to protect endangered North Atlantic right whales in Canada
research paper 4
Monitoring North Atlantic right whale entanglement rates: a 30 yr retrospective. Analysis of entanglement rates.
research paper 1
The recovery of North Atlantic right whales has been constrained by human-caused mortality

Ocean Life on the Move

Life is a highway for billions of creatures that live, breed, eat, and play in the ocean.

Read More

Turn the Tide on Pollution

For many marine migrants, the deep blue sea is becoming a deadly obstacle course, as solid waste and land-based pollution become unwelcome travelling companions.

Read More

Wild About Whales

There are about 33 whale species which visit Canadian waters, but 17 are more common, either as permanent residents or as regular visitors during the summer. With the help of this poster, you’ll get to know them...

Read More
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