The Migratory Birds Convention Act (also MBCA) is a Canadian law established in 1917 and significantly updated in June 1994 which contains regulations to protect
migratory birds
Bird migration is a seasonal movement of birds between breeding and wintering grounds that occurs twice a year. It is typically from north to south or from south to north. Migration is inherently risky, due to predation and mortality.
The ...
, their eggs, and their nests from destruction by
hunting
Hunting is the Human activity, human practice of seeking, pursuing, capturing, and killing wildlife or feral animals. The most common reasons for humans to hunt are to obtain the animal's body for meat and useful animal products (fur/hide (sk ...
,
trafficking
Smuggling is the illegal transportation of objects, substances, information or people, such as out of a house or buildings, into a prison, or across an international border, in violation of applicable laws or other regulations. More broadly, soc ...
and commercialization. A permit is required to engage in any of these activities.
History
In 1909, the federal government established the Advisory Board on Wildlife Protection, which notably included
C.G. Hewitt and
James Harkin as prominent members.
This board would go on to sign the
Migratory Bird Convention with the United States
because of concern both countries had regarding the uncontrolled hunting of
waterfowl
Anseriformes is an order of birds also known as waterfowl that comprises about 180 living species of birds in three families: Anhimidae (three species of screamers), Anseranatidae (the magpie goose), and Anatidae, the largest family, which i ...
and
shorebirds
FIle:Vadare - Ystad-2021.jpg, 245px, A flock of Dunlins and Red knots
Waders or shorebirds are birds of the order Charadriiformes commonly found wikt:wade#Etymology 1, wading along shorelines and mudflats in order to foraging, forage for food c ...
. The original MBCA law was passed to satisfy the terms of this agreement with the
United States
The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...
. The updated version includes stronger enforcement and greater penalties. A geographical area may be designated as a ''Migratory Bird Refuge'' under this convention; this restricts activities targeting a specified set of birds in that area, but does not protect the land or water features. To establish complete
habitat protection, the more stringent requirements of the
Canada Wildlife Act are necessary.
See also
*
List of Migratory Bird Sanctuaries of Canada
Migratory Bird Sanctuaries are created in Canada under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994. They are administered by the Canadian Wildlife Service. The first sanctuary in North America, Last Mountain Lake Bi ...
*
Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (MBTA), codified at (although ยง709 is omitted), is a United States federal law, first enacted in 1918 to implement the convention for the protection of migratory birds between the United States and Canada. ...
, the American law implementing the treaty
References
{{Reflist
External links
Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994
Environmental law in Canada
1917 in the environment
1917 in Canadian law
1994 in Canadian law
Bird migration