In order to determine if an ecosystem framework would be both feasible and appropriate for the management of a proposed Marine Protected Area in Atlantic Canada, the client wished to have a document that would outline the appropriateness and functionality of an ecosystem framework for the specific location. An ecological framework for management takes into consideration the ecotypes present, the species that are present, and the sensitivity of those species to various chemical and physical habitat parameters. The framework then sets guidelines for individual parameters that will ensure the ecosystem objectives of a management plan are achieved. Ecosystem objectives for a Marine Protected Area are different than those for an area of integrated management. Therefore, the parameter ranges that need to be maintained will also be different.