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Marine Environmental Quality

MEQ - As per Section 32 of the Oceans Act, "the Minister may (…) establish Marine Environmental Quality guidelines, objectives and criteria respecting estuaries, coastal waters and marine waters."

What is Marine Environmental Quality?

Marine Environmental Quality (MEQ) tells us how healthy our marine ecosystems are. Both natural and human activities - including climate change, natural catastrophes, man-made pollution and use of marine resources - affect the physics, water chemistry and biology of marine ecosystems. MEQ integrates these environmental conditions to assess the health of marine ecosystems, or their integrity.

Why does Canada need Marine Environmental Quality?

Although Canada's marine ecosystems, by world standards, are relatively healthy, spoiled beaches, destroyed habitats, shellfish bed closures and contaminated sites can be found all around our coasts. Because the health of marine ecosystems influences the social and economic well being of Canada's citizens, particularly that of coastal communities, it is essential to study:

• the functioning of marine ecosystems;
• the effects of natural and human activities on marine ecosystems;
• the environmental responses to these changes.

This knowledge will allow us to develop and monitor indicators of MEQ. The Program will provide advice on MEQ objectives that are essential for decision-makers, management authorities and Canadians. This information will generate understanding, appreciation and participation for the sustainable development of marine ecosystems. Rather than aiming at a single natural resource, our approach addresses the health of ecosystems as a whole.