Coral in the Cold: Canada’s Cold-Water Reefs Are at Risk (and in Need of Marine Conservation)

Canada has the longest coastline in the world. Icy Arctic water and cold-water reefs face huge threats, such as bleaching coral reefs. Mass bleaching began in 2023 from rising ocean temperatures in over 80 countries.

You probably think of coral reefs as something in warmer waters with vibrant-coloured corals and reef species. But Canada has the Lophelia live cold-water reef in Northern BC.

For a more in-depth look, check out the Marine Conservation at a Crossroads: Canada’s Reefs and Ice in a Warming World article by Lark Scientific researcher Mary Mahon.

Climate Change Threats to Cold-Water Reefs in Canada

Higher water temperatures and ocean acidification pose a threat by changing the water chemistry and oxygen levels, stressing coral.

• Canda’s coral reef holds First Nations cultural significance and is vital to the ecosystem. 

  
  

• Cold-water corals live in deep waters and grow slowly, so they have a higher risk of not recovering.

  

Fisheries Activity

• Fishery activity might increase as the sea ice melts, causing disturbances to wildlife and the natural ecosystem. More boat traffic adds pollution to the water, adding to the impact of melting ice.

  
  

• Bottom contact fisheries catch anything the net passes through, like coral or any species living near the coral.

  
  

• The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) proposed the Pacific Lophelia coral reef be included as a Parks Canada National Marine Conservation Area Reserve (NMCAR), prohibiting bottom contact fishing gear within the area. This is a crucial step in providing protection to the Lophelia reef.

  

Potential Solutions

Canada is attempting to take steps in the direction to address climate change through the Ocean Protection Plan and the Climate Action Plan. 

More drastic steps are needed, including:

• Significantly reducing emissions

  
  

• Changing how fishing activity is operated

  
  

• Reduced boat traffic emissions 

  
  

• Oversight and management of coastal development

  
  

• Funding research and policy development in sustainable transport, resource development and pollution management

Collaboration between Western science and Indigenous knowledge provides effective conservation strategies and aligns with Canada’s reconciliation commitment.

Conclusion

Even though we’ve known what threatens coral species and melting sea ice in Canada for many years, few preventative steps have been taken. Now, avoiding further and unforeseen damage requires more drastic steps. 

References

1. More than 80% of the world’s reefs hit by bleaching after worst global event on record | Climate crisis | The Guardian

2. The Challenges for Canada of Global Warming in the Arctic - Network for Strategic Analysis (NSA)

3. Protecting Pacific Canada’s Coral Reefs: A Call to Action for Fisheries - Environment+Energy Leader