Overview
Oceans and Coastal Management Division
The adoption of the Oceans Act by the Government of Canada in 1997 represents an
important new direction in the management of Canada's oceans.
The multi-disciplinary Oceans & Coastal Management Division (OCMD),
formally called the Oceans Act Coordination Office, team brings together a
unique combination of scientists, fisheries managers, policy analysts and
Canadian Coast Guard personnel. This office is responsible for the development
of processes, policies and tools to implement the Act.
The Oceans Strategy has three complimentary initiatives and programs
to achieve its objectives: integrated management plans in estuarine, coastal and
marine waters: (Integrated Management is a process and approach to bringing together
and collaborating with interested stakeholders to develop coordinated policies and
plans for all activities in coastal and marine waters.); the establishment of marine
environmental quality guidelines; and the designation of marine protected areas (MPAs).
Each of the programs will build upon each other and consider each in their development.
The Oceans Act has assigned DFO the lead role in the integrated planning and management
of all ocean activities. The current management efforts of some 23 federal government
departments and agencies, plus provincial interests who currently have some form of
jurisdiction over the oceans or its resources are focused to meet the goals of the
Strategy in a collaborative effort with industry and the public.
|
