Shell clears way for first protected marine area

Shell Canada Ltd. has given up offshore exploration rights, clearing the way for the creation of Canada’s first protected marine area under the Canada Wildlife Act.

The company voluntarily released permits for about 50,000 square kilometres in an area off B.C.’s coast to allow for the creation of the Scott Islands marine National Wildlife Area.

The company’s rights cover an area more than 1.5 times the size of Vancouver Island, which is hard to value, said Shell Canada president Michael Crothers, at a news conference on Thursday. “I hope we get some goodwill (in return).”

Even as Shell continues to explore for oil and gas globally, Crothers said it has no plans to do so off coastal B.C., particularly since the waters off the west coast have been under an exploration moratorium since 1972.

The Scott Islands marine area was established in June, and conserves a vital marine environment for millions of seabirds, fish and mammals on the Pacific coast.

The area, covering 11,546 square kilometres, is off the northwestern tip of Vancouver Island.

It provides breeding and nesting habitat for 40 per cent of the province’s seabirds, including 90 per cent of Canada’s tufted puffins and 95 per cent of Pacific Canada’s common murres, Environment Canada said in a news release.

The islands attract about five to 10 million migratory birds annually, many of which travel vast distances to feed on the abundance of small fish and zooplankton in the area. It is also important for other species at risk, and wildlife, the release said.

Fisheries Minister Jonathan Wilkinson said the federal government will provide $3.2 million over five years for management of the area. This money will also support research and monitoring and help work toward removal of the seabirds’ predators.