Share your thoughts: Consultation on the Proposed Regulations Amending the Wildlife Area Regulations - Designation of Atlantic Archipelago National Wildlife Area

Share your thoughts on proposed amendments to the Wildlife Area Regulations for the designation of the Atlantic Archipelago National Wildlife Area (NWA) in Nova Scotia.

Background

In 2022, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) took over the management of Big Fish Island, Green Island, Guyon Island, Hog Island, Three Top Island, and Whitehead Island from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). After studying the sites, ECCC found that all six meet at least one criteria to be designated as a NWA. The islands provide important habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife, including species listed under the Species at Risk Act.

Focus of this consultation

Currently, wildlife on these islands have limited legal protection. Designating the sites as a NWA under the Wildlife Area Regulations (the Regulations) would give stronger protection to these ecologically important and rare offshore island habitats by conserving biodiversity and safeguarding species at risk. This action would also help Canada meet its conservation target to protect 30 percent of its lands and waters in Canada by 2030.

ECCC is proposing amendments to the Regulations in order to:

• create the Atlantic Archipelago National Wildlife Area, covering 56.3 hectares across the island sites
• set the boundaries of the proposed NWA
• establish rules for access, allowed activities, restrictions and permit requirements within the proposed NWA

How to participate

To learn more about the proposal and to submit comments please refer to the March 21, 2026 edition of the Canada Gazette Part I.

All comments are to be submitted using the online feature available directly in the regulatory proposal. For more information on how to submit comments, please visit the Comment on proposed regulations page.

To learn how we will protect your privacy during this consultation, please carefully review our privacy statement.

Who is the focus of this consultation

All Canadians are invited to participate in this consultation. More specifically, we would like to hear from:

• local residents and local Indigenous groups (and their associations and councils) in Nova Scotia
• recreational users of NWAs
• local and national conservation organizations
• local and national hunting and fishing associations
• Canadians interested in nature and wildlife conservation
• local and provincial governments

Related Information

• National Wildlife Areas
• Wildlife Area Regulations
• Canada Wildlife Act
• Species at Risk Act
• Canada’s Nature Legacy: protecting our nature - Canada.ca

Contact

Environment and Climate Change Canada
Canadian Wildlife Service
Wildlife Management and Regulatory Affairs Division
351 boul. St-Joseph, 13th floor
Gatineau QC K1A 0H3

Email: ReglementsFaune-WildlifeRegulations@ec.gc.ca