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Canada's Oceans Action Plan

For Present and Future Generations

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International Leadership, Sovereignty and Security

Sovereignty and security are the essential base for oceans policy and management. The measures that have been put in place to enhance maritime security, as part of the broader National Security Policy, are a fundamental aspect of improved oceans management. The national ability to conduct surveillance, patrol and interdiction operations is pivotal. A strong fleet is crucially important to reinforce and support oceans management.

On the Atlantic Coast, overfishing in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization’s (NAFO) regulatory area is a pressing issue. Efforts to date – including an increased at-sea presence by Canada leading to more inspections of vessels coupled with enhanced diplomatic interventions – have shown early positive results in reducing the instances of overfishing and improving compliance with the provisions of NAFO regulatory measures in the immediate term.

Broader-based action now is critical to preventing virtual stock destruction and other irrecoverable damage to this globally significant ecosystem. Canada is taking leadership in the global community to address this issue.

There is an important regional context for oceans management, especially through bilateral and trilateral actions with our North American partners in the United States and Mexico. Challenges faced by our partners parallel those in our waters. Consequently, the Prime Minister of Canada and the Presidents of the United States and Mexico, as part of the new Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America, have agreed to: “develop complementary strategies for oceans stewardship by emphasizing the ecosystem approach, coordinating and integrating existing marine managed areas, and improving fisheries management.”

Canada and the United States are working together on improving oceans management in the Gulf of Maine to prevent ecological damage, map the area, and strengthen regional economies in both countries. These efforts are a key step toward enhancing scientific understanding and managing the area.

Canada has collaborated with other Arctic Council states to lead the development of the Arctic Marine Strategic Plan. This plan provides the high level policy framework for the eight Arctic nations to address the particular challenges facing oceans management in the circumpolar north.

Through the Oceans Act, Canada was the first country in the world to adopt comprehensive oceans management legislation. The Act represents a global benchmark for oceans legislation. Canada will continue to work with the United Nations and its bodies and directly with other nations to continue to assist the global effort to improve oceans governance and management arrangements.

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