Atlantic Archipelago NWA Designation

Summary#

The federal government published the Regulations Amending the Wildlife Area Regulations and the Environmental Violations Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations on March 21, 2026. The proposal would create the Atlantic Archipelago National Wildlife Area, adding 56.3 ha of islands off Nova Scotia to the national network and allowing administrative penalties for violations; comments are invited within 30 days of publication.

What it does#

• Designates six island parcels as the Atlantic Archipelago National Wildlife Area: Big Fish Island, Green Island, Guyon Island, Hog Island, Three Top Island, and Whitehead Island (total 56.3 ha).
• Makes entry to those island units prohibited year‑round unless someone holds a permit. A range of activities would remain banned there unless specifically authorized (for example, camping, fires, bringing certain equipment or domestic animals).
• Adds the new NWA to the Environmental Violations Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations so officials can issue administrative monetary penalties (AMPs) for breaches of the Wildlife Area rules.
• Keeps the permit process and service standards: the minister has 40 days to decide on a complete permit application, and 90 days if a permit could affect a species protected under SARA (Species at Risk Act).
• The proposed regulation would come into force the day it is registered.

Who's affected#

• Wildlife and habitats on the six islands. The sites are important for migratory birds and some species at risk (for example, breeding seabirds and wintering sea ducks).
• Local Indigenous communities and organizations that were contacted during consultation, including groups representing the Mi’kmaq; the department says Indigenous engagement is ongoing.
• Researchers who might seek permits for scientific work. The department expects about 5 permit applications over 10 years and estimates modest permitting costs.
• The Department of the Environment (the federal lead) and enforcement staff who will manage and patrol the area. The islands were previously administered by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO).
• Businesses and the public: the department says there are no known commercial activities on these parcels today, so small businesses and the general public are not expected to face new economic costs.

(The department contacted 28 organizations and 18 Indigenous communities before and during this process and received 4 written responses. Feedback was broadly supportive.)

Why it matters#

• The change gives broader legal protection to land that already supports important bird colonies and other wildlife. That can help keep nesting and wintering areas safe from disturbance and development.
• It contributes to Canada’s conservation target of protecting 30% of land and freshwater areas by 2030 and supports international biodiversity commitments.
• Enforcement tools will include fines (AMPs) for people who enter or break the rules without permission. That makes the rules easier to enforce than relying only on older protections.
• The department estimates the federal cost to set up and run the site is small: first‑year costs around $60,500 (including $4,500 for signage and outreach, $18,000 for inspections and $37,900 in regional admin) and ongoing annual costs of about $58,400, with a present‑value estimate of roughly $491,000 over 10 years. The department says these costs are modest because the islands are remote and currently not used for economic activity.
• For people who might visit these islands, the practical effect is clear: access will generally require a permit, and routine recreational visits (hiking, camping, fires) would be prohibited unless specifically allowed.