Ottawa says they will continue to prohibit seabed mining off the Pacific Coast, at least until a regulatory framework is in place.
In addition to the risks it poses to the environment, seabed mining can cause significant harm to marine habitats and ecosystems.
Despite its growing popularity around the world, Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson says seabed mining will not be authorized in Canada.
Currently, Canada does not have a domestic legal framework which would allow the permitting of seabed mining.
Wilkinson says that, until such a framework and a rigorous regime of regulations are in place, activities will continue to be barred in Canada.
Many had issued concerns that Canada may soon allow the methods, heading into last week’s 5th International Marine Protected Area Congress.
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