Western Emerald Banks Conservation Area
Location: Offshore Atlantic Marine
Date of Designation: 2017
Conservation Objectives
To protect various species of groundfish, especially haddock, which are ecologically and commercially important.
Prohibitions
It is prohibited to use any kind of bottom-contact fishing, or any other fishing gear which interacts with groundfish.
Why (environmental context for protection)
Many species of groundfish which live in the conservation area are currently considered to be depleted or at-risk. The complex shelf habitats of the region are home to species such as the Atlantic cod, American plaice, winter skate, and haddock. As well as being ecologically important, these species are economically important for fisheries. The conservation area may act as a refuge for these and other local fish species, by protecting them from destructive fishing practices such as bottom trawling.