In 2010, Canada made a commitment to meet the marine conservation target established under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Canada committed to conserve 10% of coastal and marine areas through networks of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECM) in 2020.Eleven marine refuges for coral and sponge have been established in the Gulf of St. Lawrence for the conservation of cold water sponges and sea pens. Of these 11 refuges, five have conservation objectives for the protection of cold water sponges, five for the protection of sea pens and one refuge has both objectives. Sponge conservation areas have been prioritized, more specifically the Beaugé Bank sponge conservation area and the Parent Bank sponge conservation area.Mapping of seabed habitats will provide information for the development of an adequate monitoring plan in those conservation areas which is essential in the protection of the species.For further details, please refer to the Statement of Work found at Annex 'A' of the solicitation document.
