Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I talk about the Darnley Bay marine protected area. Mr. Speaker the people in Paulatuk are awaiting a creation of a marine protected area near their shores. Darnley Bay protected area, north of Paulatuk, is proposed to be 2,361 square kilometres, almost half the size of PEI. It would protect species such as polar bears, beluga whales, ringed seals, bearded seals, and important arctic char and migratory bird habitats. Species including octopus, crab, shrimp, krill, cod, herring, capon, and rare kelp beds also contribute to the vast ecological diversity of the area.
Mr. Speaker, the ocean is a grocery store for the people of Paulatuk. Many residents rely on the bay to feed their families and stock their freezers. The ocean is an integral part of their way of life, and protection and management would allow the area to continue to be used as it has been for centuries and would help maintain the health of the Arctic Ocean. I'm pleased to say the people of Paulatuk have been involved since day one, when the area was first proposed by Canada in 2008. At the beginning of talks, Inuvialuit were assured that their rights and benefits would not be closed off in the marine protected area. The new designated area will not include any strict no-take zones that are limited to everyone. Other activities, like dredging in the area around Paulatuk, some shipping, and activities related to national defence and emergency service will also be allowed.
Protecting the area is a high priority as shipping traffic is expected to increase in the Arctic, Mr. Speaker. Darnley Bay also has rich mineral resources and offshore oil and gas potential. The designation would ensure long-term safeguards to the environment, help prevent species loss, and address ecosystem concerns through regulations and management plan.
Mr. Speaker, under the United Nations Convention of Biological Diversity, the federal government committed to protecting 10 per cent of Canada's oceans by 2020, but, in 2014, Canada had fully protected only 0.11 per cent of its oceans against constructive industry. In contrast, nearly 10 per cent of the U.S. and U.K.'s oceans are protected.
Originally, Paulatuk wanted almost four times larger to be designated for protection, but the community still supports the proposed amount. They say a protected area is a very good idea for future and for their children. Mr. Speaker, if established, Darnley Bay would be the second internationally recognized marine protected area in the Arctic, after the Tarium Niryutait Marine Protected Area in the Mackenzie River Delta. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.