Area of Interest (AOI): AOIs are identified by Fisheries and Oceans Canada as areas that contain ecologically sensitive habitat or species that need extra protection.

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): The IUCN, created in 1948, “is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.”

Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OEABCM): The concept of OEABCMs was first introduced in 2010 at the 10th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. OEABCMs are referred to by Fisheries and Oceans Canada as “marine refuges” and include certain areas closed to fishing activities such as the Corsair and Georges Canyons Conservation Area. According to DFO’s Operational Guidance for Identifying ‘Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures’ in Canada’s Marine Environment, to be recognized as an OEABCM, a conservation area must meet five criteria, including being intended for the long term. If a conservation area qualifies as an OEABCM, it can then contribute to Canada’s achievement of marine conservation Aichi Target 11 under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.