Integrated Management (IM) is defined as an ongoing and collaborative planning process that brings together interested stakeholders and regulators to reach general agreement on the best mix of conservation, sustainable use and economic development of marine areas for the benefit of all Canadians.

Canada's Oceans Strategy calls for the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans to lead the development and implementation of plans for the Integrated Management of all activities affecting estuaries, coastal and marine waters.

In the recently announced Oceans Action Plan, the Department has identified five priority Large Ocean Management Areas across the country in which it will coordinate Integrated Management efforts.  In Pacific Region, the priority area is the Queen Charlotte Basin.  This area is also referred to as the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA).  Some of the interests in the area include aquaculture, oil and gas, exploration, shipping, tourism, and commercial and recreational fishing. 

The primary focus for the Department for 2004/05 will be to prepare much of the background documentation required to begin planning in the PNCIMA with other levels of government and stakeholders.  This includes development of an Ecosystem Overview Report, a Marine Use Analysis report, and the mapping of Ecologically and Biologically Sensitive Areas.  These documents will be posted on this website as they become available.

In addition, Fisheries and Oceans will continue to support Integrated Management processes that contribute to the mandate of the Department, including the West Coast of Vancouver Island Aquatic Management Board, and the Georgia Basin Action Plan.

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