Introduction to the ESSIM Initiative

Welcome to the homepage of the Eastern Scotian Shelf Integrated Management (ESSIM) Initiative. This page has been designed to provide easy access to information on the ESSIM Initiative and to the activities of the ESSIM Planning Office.

Click on image for a larger view of the ESSIM Area

What is the ESSIM Initiative?

The Eastern Scotian Shelf Integrated Management (ESSIM) Initiative is a collaborative ocean management and planning process being led and facilitated by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) under Canada's Oceans Act. The primary aim of the Initiative is to develop and implement an Integrated Ocean Management Plan for this large marine region. This multi-year, strategic level plan will provide long-term direction and a common basis for integrated, ecosystem-based and adaptive ocean management.

The ESSIM planning process involves a broad range of interests, including government, First Nations, ocean industry and resource users, environmental conservation groups, coastal communities, and university researchers. Visit our background section for more information.

Why has the ESSIM Planning Office been established?

Through the mandate of DFO to lead and facilitate integrated management under the Oceans Act, the Maritimes Region Oceans and Coastal Management Division (OCMD) is functioning as the Planning Office for the ESSIM Initiative. The Planning Office is working with a variety of communities of interest to support their effective participation in the planning process. The Planning Office is also providing a lead role in the development of the Integrated Ocean Management Plan and related management activities. Click here to see contact information for the Planning Office.

What's new with the ESSIM Initiative?

In February 2005, the Planning Office presented a draft version of the Eastern Scotian Shelf Integrated Ocean Management Plan to the ESSIM Forum (a collective of all organizations and individuals participating in the ESSIM Initiative) for consideration. The draft Plan was reviewed and discussed by stakeholders at the 3rd ESSIM Forum Workshop on February 22nd and 23rd, 2005. The draft Plan then underwent broader public review.

Based on the generally positive endorsement of the Collaborative Planning Model at the 3rd ESSIM Forum Workshop, the Planning Office has established a multi-stakeholder advisory body for the ESSIM Initiative. The first meeting of the advisory body took place in October, 2005. Meanwhile, the Planning Office is working with other government bodies to establish the Regional Committee on Ocean Management.

In addition to ongoing work on the draft Plan, the Planning Office has released a draft Coral Conservation Plan and an Atlas of Human Activities on the Scotian Shelf . The ESSIM Initiative is also closely linked to the Gully Marine Protected Area, Canada's first east coast Marine Protected Area under the Oceans Act .

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