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CANADIAN WATERS |
Canada's Oceans Action Plan |
Home Canada's Oceans Action Plan Canada's Oceans Action PlanFor Present and Future GenerationsIntegrated Oceans Management for Sustainable Development
Although there have been significant structural shifts in the commercial fishing sector, this industry continues to make an annual contribution to Canada’s oceans economy totalling $2 billion in harvest value and $4.4 billion in export value. Employment in aquaculture has grown more than 460% and the value of fish farm production has increased by more than 500%. Offshore oil and gas production has increased in annual investment value over the past decade from $250 million to $5 billion. Employment now represents 4.0% of the overall oceans industry compared to past levels of 0.3%. Recreation and tourism have grown more than 33% in the past decade despite a drop in the number of recreational anglers. There has been major growth in both coastal tourism (156%) and cruise ship tourism (176% in the number of passengers). Although tourism still remains a relatively small contributor to the oceans economy, it is increasing in its influence. Given the right oceans management conditions, the oceans economy has the potential to grow enormously, with benefits for rural and coastal Canadians:
There are, however, serious limiting factors that handicap our oceans economy:
Solutions to these problems can be found in new management models founded on the three principles of Canada’s Oceans Act: sustainable development, the precautionary approach and integrated management. Countries around the globe that have pursued modern oceans management, including Canada, have recognized the value of integrated oceans management. The precautionary approach compels more care be taken where knowledge and scientific research has yet to provide sufficient certainty to decision-making. The principle of Integrated Management was first agreed to at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, which recognized the long term value of sustainable development. Canada, by signing the “Agenda 21” commitments, joined the global community in supporting action. Canada has taken some significant steps to move toward the protection of the ecosystem and increased resource management capability. Through the Oceans Act and supporting policy direction, we have agreed to:
The Oceans Action Plan will build upon these approaches.
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Created: 2005-05-27 Updated: 2005-05-27 Reviewed: 2005-09-29 |