During a recent visit to Newfoundland, federal minister of natural resources Jonathan Wilkinson confirmed that part of the refuge could be removed as a conservation area should BP make a major oil discovery.
Enviro Watch NL (EWNL) would like to know when a Marine Refuge is not actually a refuge? They believe it happens when it’s of interest to corporate oil giants, even those with a bad history. Team Member Aison Dyers says,” during a recent visit to Newfoundland, federal minister of natural resources Jonathan Wilkinson confirmed that part of the refuge could be removed as a conservation area should BP make a major oil discovery.” She says the Northeast Newfoundland Slope Closure is a marine refuge almost the size of Nova Scotia. It’s designated under the Fisheries Act to protect fragile corals and sponges that provide habitat for young fish and other marine life. Dyers says, “While protected by federal law against any bottom fishing activity, the refuge was given the green light for exploratory oil drilling by BP Oil, who was responsible for the largest oil spill in history 13 years ago.” She says ,“It makes neither environmental nor economic sense. As the rest of the world decarbonizes to reach climate targets, Canada could end up severely compromising this marine refuge while any oil infrastructure likely becomes a stranded asset in the near future.”
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