Canada plans to protect seafloor carbon hotspot areas

In order to combat climate change and protect marine ecosystems, studies have recommended that Canada include seafloor carbon “hotspot” areas in the expansion of its network of marine protected areas. Although these areas cover only about 2 per cent of the seafloor, they are estimated to contain at least 10 times as much carbon as Canada’s salt marshes and seagrass beds combined. Canada has currently designated 15.5 per cent of the ocean as marine protected areas and has committed to protecting 25 per cent by 2025 and 30 per cent by 2030.