Ecology
The zone covers roughly 10,000 km2 (3,861 sq mi) of lakebed, its overlaying freshwater, and associated shoreline on 60 km2 (23 sq mi) of islands and mainland. The area is home to numerous species including herons, peregrine falcons, and bald eagles. The spawning and schooling waters of deep coldwater fish, such as whitefish, lake herring, walleye, and lake trout will be protected by this zone. Caribou foraging and calving areas are located on shore. Lake Superior is home to about 70 fish species.
The official designation prevents resource extraction or other operations which may damage the aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems in the conservation area. However, per the agreement with the First Nations, it does not exclude all commercial marine activity, such as shipping, and commercial and sport fishing.
| “ | National marine conservation areas balance environmental protection with responsible economic activity. They protect key elements of the ecosystem, while preserving the livelihoods of local residents who work in marine industries. | ” |
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—Stephen Harper, announcing the creation of the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area |
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Read more about this topic: Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area
Famous quotes containing the word ecology:
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—Karin Sheldon (b. c. 1945)