Musquash Estuary

Musquash Estuary Marine Protected Area (MPA) is located 20 km southwest of Saint John, New Brunswick. It is unique among Bay of Fundy estuaries because of its large size and relatively undisturbed condition. The estuary supports diverse habitat, an abundance of wildlife and commercial fisheries.

The MPA boundary is defined by the water level at low tide. Most of the intertidal area – the area exposed to air at low tide and underwater at high tide – is administered by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and is referred to as the Administered Intertidal Area. DFO works to conserve and protect the habitats and species that thrive in this ecosystem.

The Musquash Estuary is open to the public to enjoy, but remember:

• Weather, wind, waves, and tides can rapidly change;
• Shorelines can be slippery;
• Old marine vessels and structures may be unsteady;
• Shoals, debris, fishing equipment, and navigational aids may be hidden at high tide.

Enlarge map

For more detail about features you should be aware of when visiting the Musquash Estuary MPA and intertidal area, please consult the awareness brochure. Enjoy the MPA, but please respect the activities and property of others.

Contact Us

If you have questions regarding the Musquash Estuary or wish to submit an activity plan, please contact:

Musquash Estuary Marine Protected Area
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Tel: (506) 755-5050
Fax: (506) 755-5061
Email: Musquash@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Search and rescue incidents must be reported to:

Joint Rescue Coordination Centre / Search and Rescue (SAR)
National Defence Canada
Tel: (800) 565-1582

Marine accidents, spills and environmental emergencies must be immediately reported to:

Marine Accidents, Spills and Environmental Emergencies
Canadian Coast Guard
Tel: (800) 565-1633

MPA regulation and fisheries violations must be reported to:

MPA Regulations Violations and Fisheries Violations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Conservation and Protection Branch
Tel: (506) 636-5051