Atlantic Archipelago National Wildlife Area

Summary#

This is a proposed change published in the Canada Gazette, Part I on March 21, 2026. It would create the Atlantic Archipelago National Wildlife Area by adding 56.3 ha of islands in Nova Scotia to the Wildlife Area Regulations and would update the Environmental Violations Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations so penalties can be issued for breaches. The proposal is open for public comment for 30 days after publication.

What it does#

• Designates six island parcels as the Atlantic Archipelago National Wildlife Area:
  • Big Fish Island Unit — 6.6 ha
  • Green Island Unit — 4.5 ha
  • Guyon Island Unit — 11.9 ha
  • Hog Island Unit — 22.1 ha
  • Three Top Island Unit — 7.0 ha
  • Whitehead Island Unit — 4.2 ha
• Adds those parcels to Part I (Nova Scotia) of Schedule I to the Wildlife Area Regulations.
• Entry to these island units would be prohibited year-round without a permit. Many activities would be banned unless a permit is issued, including examples such as:
  • hunting, fishing or trapping;
  • camping, open fires, hiking or other recreational uses;
  • bringing certain domestic animals or motorized vehicles;
  • removing or disturbing wildlife, nests, eggs, soil or natural objects;
  • introducing new organisms.
• Updates the Environmental Violations Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations so that administrative monetary penalties (AMPs) can be issued for violations in the new NWA.
• Estimates government costs for running, enforcing and promoting the NWA at a present value of about $491,000 over 10 years, with first-year costs around $60,500 and ongoing annual costs of roughly $58,400. The department expects up to 5 permit applications over 10 years and estimates $655 total permitting costs.

Who's affected#

• Researchers who want to study wildlife on these islands. Permits will be required. The department expects only a few research permits (about 5 over 10 years).
• Local visitors, boaters and recreational users. Casual or unpermitted entry and many common activities would be restricted.
• Mi'kmaq and other Indigenous communities near the sites. The department says consultation is ongoing with Indigenous groups and an Indigenous organization requested consultation under the regional Terms of Reference.
• The Province of Nova Scotia and nearby coastal stakeholders. The province keeps jurisdiction over the intertidal zone (low to high water mark), so the NWA applies to the land up to the ordinary high water mark.
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) previously administered these lands; administration has moved to the Department of the Environment for conservation purposes.
• General public: enforcement changes mean AMPs can be used against people who enter or break rules in the NWA.

If you are unsure whether you would be affected (for example, if you visit the islands occasionally), the proposal says access will be controlled and permits will be required for many uses.

Why it matters#

• It gives stronger legal protection to breeding, nesting and wintering habitat used by migratory birds and some species at risk on the six islands. That helps local wildlife and supports broader conservation goals.
• The proposal contributes to Canada’s target to protect 30% of land and freshwater by 2030.
• For everyday people, the most visible change would be restricted access and new rules on those islands. Unauthorized entry could lead to warnings, fines (AMPs) or other enforcement.
• Officials say there is little or no current economic use of these islands, so they expect minimal economic impact on businesses or residents.
• Consultation with Indigenous communities is ongoing. The government will develop a management plan and seek Indigenous input on how the NWA will be run.