Bowie Seamount Marine Protected Area Regulations

6 (1) Subject to subsection (2), the Minister shall, within 30 days after the day on which a plan that is submitted in accordance with section 5 is received, approve the plan if

• (a) in the case of scientific research and monitoring, the activity is for the purpose of

  • (i) understanding the ecology of the Area,

  • (ii) contributing to the management of the Area, or

  • (iii) monitoring the effectiveness of the conservation measures being implemented within the Area; or

• (b) in the case of educational activities or commercial marine tourism activities, the activity is for the purpose of increasing public awareness of the Area.

(2) The Minister shall not approve a plan if

• (a) the activity is likely to damage or destroy the habitat of a living organism within the Area; or

• (b) the cumulative environmental effects of the proposed activity, in combination with any other past and current activities carried out within the Area, are likely to damage or destroy the habitat of living marine organisms in the Area.