Visit the Southwest Coast - Where Protection and Prosperity Go Hand-in-Hand
Overlooking Burgeo Harbour from Richards Head - Derrick Mercer
A healthy coast means happy visitors and steady local income. We can protect our natural beauty and grow our economy at the same time.
A Simple Promise: Protected and Working
Imagine a place where the wild stays wild, and the welcome is always warm. That's the promise of a National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) on the Southwest Coast. It attracts travellers who respect our unique environment and, importantly, spend their money with local businesses.
Think of it as a lighthouse for our economy. When nature is strong, that light shines brightly, year after year, guiding us toward a sustainable future.
What Travellers Love (and What We're Protecting)
Our visitors come for:
· Clear waters, rugged shores, beautiful beaches, and breathtaking island views.
· Abundant seabirds, whales, and diverse marine life.
· Quiet roads, friendly people, and authentic local stories.
These are the treasures the NMCA helps us safeguard, ensuring they remain for generations to come.
"Will this hurt fishing or aquaculture?"
Short answer: No, not when managed well.
Sustainable fishing stays. Zoning within an NMCA allows for responsible fishing practices and, where appropriate, aquaculture with clear safeguards. Our goal is to ensure the long-term viability of industries, not to shut them down.
It's important to note that BC policy ≠ NL NMCA. The aquaculture phase-out in British Columbia is a separate policy and not a template for Newfoundland's Southwest Coast. Our approach is tailored to our unique needs and communities.
Why Protection Helps Local Business: Investment Follows Stewardship
An NMCA offers significant advantages for our local economy:
· Signals Quality: It sends a clear message of clean waters and cared-for wildlife, attracting visitors who value these qualities.
· Widens the Seasons: It encourages cultural, nature, and learning trips beyond the peak summer months, extending our tourism season.
· Attracts Talent: It draws science teams, volunteers, and students who stay, eat, and shop locally, further boosting our economy.
Consider the NMCA a "Made in Burgeo and Ramea" label for our sea. It tells the world we look after our home, and we invite them to experience it responsibly.
Quick Visitor Ideas (Year-Round Friendly)
· Take a guided boat tour to explore our fjords and learn about local wildlife.
· Walk a coastal trail and practice "leave no trace" principles.
· Book local accommodations and savour our authentic local cuisine.
· Join a community event and connect with our talented makers.
Tourism thrives when it feels genuine. Our unique stories and experiences are what truly set us apart.
Ground Rules We Ask of Every Guest
To ensure a respectful and sustainable experience for everyone, we ask our guests to:
· Keep to marked routes in sensitive areas.
· Give space to wildlife and working boats.
· Pack out everything you pack in.
· Share the shore and respect the people who live and work here.
What’s Next - and How to Stay Informed
· Watch for upcoming zoning maps and open houses where you can learn more.
· Read the Towns’ FAQ and share any questions you may have.
· Tell us what tourism ideas you'd like to see first, such as new signage, guides, or experiences.
Protection is not a pause button on our economy. It’s a play button for a stronger, steadier future - on our terms. Five parties. Local say. We are building a future where our natural heritage and economic well-being flourish together.
