NR-HQ-02-77E

Thibault Announces Canada's Oceans Strategy

July 12, 2002

OTTAWA -- The Honourable Robert G. Thibault, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today released Canada’s Oceans Strategy – a framework for the protection and sustainable use of Canada’s marine environment.

"The federal government has adopted Canada’s Oceans Strategy to improve the management of our oceans for the benefit of current and future generations of Canadians," Minister Thibault said. "Our aim is to ensure that decisions about every activity in or around Canada’s oceans are cooperative, environmentally and economically sustainable, and socially responsible."

The Oceans Strategy will provide policy direction, assist in building partnerships, and pursue a number of key activities, which include:

• integrating science and traditional ecological knowledge to increase our understanding of marine ecosystems;
• reducing marine pollution;
• developing a strategy for a national network of Marine Protected Areas;
• using Integrated Management to resolve conflicts and manage human activities in ocean areas where multiple interests are involved;
• promoting stewardship and public awareness; and
• promoting international collaboration to protect globally shared fisheries and ocean resources.

In pursuing these activities, Canada will improve its scientific understanding of the marine environment, ensure the sustainable economic development of ocean resources, and reinforce its international reputation as a world leader in modern oceans management.

Acknowledging that a solid track record of cooperation has already been established since the Oceans Act was passed in 1997, Minister Thibault said that the Oceans Strategy will help to move this vital agenda forward more quickly.

As a first step, DFO will lead discussions with provinces and territories to seek their support for a joint work plan to implement the Oceans Strategy. At the same time, DFO will seek opportunities to cooperate with industry, Aboriginal people and ocean stakeholders in working towards a modern oceans management regime that involves Canadians in decisions that affect them.

Canada’s Oceans Strategy reflects lessons learned from more than five years of working with Canadians to implement Oceans Act programs across the country. Over 30 Integrated Management and Marine Protected Area initiatives are under way on all three coasts. To carry these projects forward, DFO operates a network of regional offices that work closely with provincial and territorial agencies, industry, Aboriginal people and Canadians in coastal communities.

Canada’s Oceans Strategy will also reinforce Canada’s leadership role in promoting better oceans management to the international community.

"The world’s oceans are interconnected," Minister Thibault declared. "As a recognized leader in modern oceans management, Canada needs to continue setting the example because what happens in one part of the world affects another."

Further information about this announcement and Canada’s oceans agenda are available on the DFO Internet site at www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceanscanada. As well, DFO has provided a feedback form on its Internet site to invite input and ideas from all concerned Canadians. These documents may also be requested by telephone at (613) 993-0999, or by email at info@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

A backgrounder related to this announcement is attached.