At the risk of people “zoning out” on this issue, I would like to bring attention to the impending zoning of Fathom Five National Park, now being referred to as a National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA). Parks has just completed a nation wide consultation on regulations in NMCAs, and their intent to enforce same.
As anyone previously involved in Parks Management Plans is aware, zoning will be key in determining who and what is allowed where and when in Fathom Five. Keeping in mind that this is a large marine area, from the south point of Little Dunks on Georgian Bay to the southern point of Hay Bay on Lake Huron, inclusive of Bears Rump, Flowerpot, Cove, Russel and other islands within, the implication to the Tobermory area, known as a “coastal community” is obvious.
Parks is proposing 4 zones, in NMCAs
RESTRICTED ACCESS
GENERAL PROTECTION
MULTIPLE USE WITH SOME PROTECTION (ie Lakebed)
MULTIPLE USES (That do not compromise the ecosystem structure and function)
While Little Tub is not within the park, certainly the entire area has been a traditional cultural and economic base for the upper peninsula.
The statement “Scientific evidence shows us that full protection is more effective than partial protection for maintaining biodiversity, therefore Parks Canada is proposing that most of an area of an NMCA be zoned 1, 2, or 3 to offer a greater degree of protection to the NMCA” ** is of note. Management Plans are tabled in parliament.
I can’t go into all the criteria without zoning even myself out, but these restrictions caught my eye:
-Recreational fishing not allowed in zones 1 & 2;
-zone 1 prohibits coastal and in water infrastructure, commercial tourism, permanent moorings, etc.
-Even zone 3 may prohibit underwater cables and water intake pipes as these affect the lakebed.
It should be noted that many of the zoning restrictions may not apply to Indigenous Rights Holders.
The reason for this letter is to urge our citizens and ratepayers to be informed and involved in the management planning process for Fathom Five. It may appear some decisions have already been made, but we need to be sure the local voice is heard, as we also have great interest and affinity for these waters. While you may be happy to have restricted zoning in your area, please be cognizant that it may also, prohibit other activities you or your neighbour now enjoy, or depend on for their livelihood.
As well as citizens being involved, it seems obvious the municipality needs to strongly represent businesses and residents as all of the following will be under these federal regulations in Fathom Five: Dive and tour operators, excursion crafts, Chi Cheemaun ferry, recreational fishing, pleasure crafts, as well as cottagers in regard to docks, waterpipes, and shoreline use. So far municipal governments are not even mentioned. I believe we should be fully informed and considered.
Thank you,
Smokey Golden
**pg 7, item B, A revised NMCA zoning framework, Gov/Canada, Lets talk NMCAs
