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March 10, 2016

Canada and the U.S. Join Together to Protect the Arctic Ocean

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Iceberg in the Ilulissat Icefjord of Greenland

 

Today, President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released a statement indicating their shared vision for the Arctic. The two leaders announced that Canada and the U.S. will work together to combat climate change and conserve Arctic biodiversity.

Through this shared vision, both countries agree to meet the challenges of a changing Arctic by embracing responsible, science-based leadership and forming Indigenous and Northern partnerships. Canada and the U.S. reaffirmed their commitment to protecting 10% of marine areas by 2020 and taking a leadership role in engaging all Arctic nations in the development of a pan-Arctic Marine protection area network. Together, Canada and the U.S. will invest in building a sustainable Arctic economy, based on commercial activities that align with environmental goals as well as Indigenous rights and agreements. Both leaders are calling for a binding international agreement that will prevent unregulated fisheries in the Central Arctic Ocean and base commercial fishing in Arctic waters on science-based principles.

Oceana is committed to protecting Canada’s oceans and revitalizing our fisheries. At Oceana, we see this historic agreement as a hopeful vision for the future of Canada’s Arctic Ocean. Josh Laughren, Executive Director at Oceana Canada states:

“We applaud Prime Minister Trudeau and President Obama’s shared commitment to leadership in implementing science-based decision making and expanding protection of important marine areas to conserve Arctic biodiversity. We look forward to working with Canadian government to ensure a sustainable future for the many people who rely on an abundant, protected Arctic ocean.”

Join Oceana in our work to protect Canada’s oceans by becoming a Wavemaker.

Find out more about this joint statement on Arctic leadership here.