Towards Sustainability of our
Ocean Resources and Coastal
Communities
Oceans Management Section
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Presented by:
Dawn Mercer
Oceans
Biologist
Overview
Oceans Act
Canada’s Ocean Strategy
Integrated Management
Marine Protected Areas
Marine Environmental Quality
Canada’s Oceans Act
Oceans Act proclaimed in January 1997
Part I
Recognises Canada’s jurisdiction over its ocean areas
Part II
Contains provisions for the Minister to lead the development
and implementation of a national strategy for oceans
management
Part III
Consolidates most federal responsibilities for the oceans
under one agency, making DFO the lead in oceans matters
Oceans Act states...
Section 29.
The Minister, in collaboration with other…
shall lead and facilitate the development and
implementation of a national strategy for the
management of estuarine, coastal and marine
ecosystems in (Canadian) waters...
Canada’s Oceans Strategy (COS)
• Policy statement for the management of
estuarine, coastal and marine ecosystems.
• Provides overall strategic approach and
framework to oceans management
• Defines vision, principles and policy
objectives for future management of
estuarine, coastal and marine ecosystems.
COS Regional Engagement Process
• Copies of COS and the Policy and Operational
Framework for Integrated Management were
distributed to regional stakeholders with an interest in
oceans management issues.
• Bilateral meetings took place with 48 key stakeholders
• Provincial government was supportive of the initiative
and participated as a partner in 30 of the meetings.
COS National Overview
• Stakeholders’ responses to the COS were almost
universally positive with the caveat that
implementation details will be the ultimate factor
determining support.
• Fishing industry gave qualified support, with caution
voiced on the level of commitment and resources.
• Community-based organizations felt that they were
already practicing IM in the terrestrial area and saw a
natural extension to the ocean environment.
COS National Overview (con’t)
• Others saw themselves being active participants,
but not leaders, in the process.
• Common theme: there are a lack of resources to
take a leadership role or to effectively
participate.
COS provides the overall strategic
framework for Canada’s oceans related
programs:
1. Integrated Management
2. Marine Protected Areas
3. Marine Environmental Quality
Integrated
Management...
Section 31.
The Minister, in collaboration with other . . . .
shall lead and facilitate . . . . the integrated
management of all activities in (Canadian)
estuaries, coastal waters and marine waters.
Integrated Management (IM)
• Ongoing and collaborative
process to bring interested
parties together to:
– Effectively plan and manage human
activities occurring in and/or affecting
portions of the marine environment.
– Provide opportunities for wealth
generation (i.e. sustainable use and
development of resources)
– Consider conservation and protection
of ecosystem.
• Flexible and transparent planning
and management process
Integrated Management Process
Define and Asses
Area
Monitor, Evaluate
and Revise IM Plan
Engage Affected
Interests
Implement IM Plan
Develop IM Plan
Endorsement of
Plan by Decision
Making Bodies
Integrated Management Stakeholders
Examples
:
• Municipal Govts
• Coastal Communities
• Provincial Govts
• Aboriginal Groups
• Federal Depts
• Fishing Industry
• Non-governmental
• Ocean Industries
Organizations
Marine Protected
Areas...
Section 35. (1)
A marine protected area is an area of the sea that
forms part of the internal waters of Canada, the
territorial sea of Canada or the exclusive economic
zone of Canada and has been designated under this
section for special protection.
Criteria for MPA Designation
Conservation and protection of:
– commercial and non-commercial fishery resources,
including marine mammals and their habitats;
– endangered or threatened marine species and their
habitats;
– unique habitats;
– marine areas of high biodiversity or biological
productivity;
– any other marine resource or habitat as is necessary to
fulfill the mandate of the Minister.
Areas of
Interest
(AOIs)
Gilbert Bay
Leading Tickles
Eastport
Marine Environmental
Quality...
Section 32d
The Minister may, in consultation with other...
establish marine environmental quality guidelines,
objectives and criteria respecting estuaries,
coastal waters and marine waters
Section 52.1
The Governor in Council may... may make
regulations prescribing marine environmental
quality requirements and standards
Marine Environmental Quality
• The health or condition of the marine
environment, including conditions resulting
from human activities
• Used as a tool in the IM and MPA processes
• MEQ objectives are set with the long-term
preservation of the marine ecosystem in mind
There are opportunities for
communities to become
involved and work side by
side with government
towards sustainability of our
ocean resources and coastal
communities
Any questions?