Canada's Atlantic Coast

The Northwest Atlantic Ecoregion (NWAE) is one of the most productive marine environments in the world. The cold Labrador Current and the warm Gulf Stream converge off the coast of Atlantic Canada, creating a unique and dynamic ecosystem, particularly in the area known as the Grand Banks. The NWAE is home to a stunning array of wildlife, including more than 20 million seabirds and 17 species of whales, along with magnificent spaces such as The Gully, eastern North America’s largest underwater canyon.

Unfortunately, overfishing, wasteful practices, habitat damage and pollution have brought this region to the brink of ecological collapse and decimated the coastal communities that depend on fisheries jobs. Today, instead of being known for its outstanding productivity, the Northwest Atlantic is recognized globally as an example of fisheries collapse and oceans mismanagement.

There is now agreement among fishing industry leaders, governments and scientists that things have to change. Past single-species approaches to management must be supplemented by a more holistic approach that emphasizes the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem health. By seizing this opportunity and working together, we can return the ecoregion to a balanced state – where healthy fish populations support thriving coastal communities, where whales and seabirds flourish, and where Canada is recognized as a global leader in oceans and fisheries management.