The Government of Canada to protect critical habitat for eastern seabird

Critical-habitat protection order issued for the Roseate Tern to protect its habitat from destruction on federal land and water

OTTAWA, Nov. 25, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced today that the Government of Canada is taking action to support the recovery of the endangered Roseate Tern on Canada's East Coast.

The Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii), a medium-sized graceful seabird, is found on coasts and islands along the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans, with important North Atlantic nesting sites on islands off the coast of Nova Scotia.

The critical-habitat protection order for the Roseate Tern immediately protects the land and waters surrounding Country Island and the waters surrounding Sable Island and North Brother and South Brother islands, all in Nova Scotia. The lands of North and South Brother islands are provincially protected, and Sable Island is protected as both a migratory bird sanctuary and a national park reserve.

Quote

"Canadians place importance on nature, including species at risk. Supporting the survival and recovery of the Roseate Tern through the protection of its critical habitat on federal lands serves as an important step in its recovery process.

"We are committed to the protection and recovery of Canada's species at risk in a timely manner using conservation measures based on sound science and strong recovery plans."
– The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada has consulted on the recovery strategy, the action plan, and the proposed order for this species, and it has received broad support for this order.
• Threats to the Roseate Tern in Canada include displacement of colonies by gulls and habitat degradation and loss.
• Birdwatching enthusiasts have long enjoyed observing the Roseate Tern.
• Local stewardship for the largest colony of roseate terns in Canada, involving monitoring and mitigation of threats, with the support from Environment and Climate Change Canada's Canadian Wildlife Service, is a key part of protecting the species.

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Associated links
Link to new web content – CHPO
Link to Species at Risk Public Registry (Species profile page)

Environment and Climate Change Canada's Twitter page
Environment and Natural Resources in Canada's Facebook page

SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada

Caitlin Workman, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 819-938-9436; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll free)