Oceans Management
Oceans are a finite resource, yet the scale and diversity of oceans-related activities are growing dramatically. Commercial fishing fleets, aquaculturists, recreational boaters, ecotourists, cruise ship operators, off-shore oil & gas developers and marine transport companies all compete for a piece of the ocean. The growth of coastal and marine activities has resulted in ecosystem imbalances, degradation of the marine environment and the introduction of potentially harmful species.
Our oceans are critical to the social and economic well-being and
security of our country and particularly important to coastal, rural and Aboriginal
communities.
In January 1997, Canada enacted a law, the Oceans Act
, that established
a new and innovative approach for the way our nation will manage its oceans
in the
21st century.
Canada released its Oceans Strategy in 2002 to 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 Federal Marine Protected Areas Strategy
- 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.
Canada’s Oceans Action Plan (OAP) was announced
in May of 2005. The OAP enables government-wide action to develop Canada’s
ocean resources for the benefit of coastal communities, while protecting
fragile marine ecosystems.
The OAP is the framework to advance an integrated federal oceans agenda
and is a key priority in Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s strategic
plan. It recognizes that Canada, with almost 245,000 km of coastline, is
an important
maritime nation.
Canada’s Oceans Action Plan is about action and
making demonstrable progress on our legislative and policy commitments
to improve the way our
oceans are
managed. The Plan provides coordinated leadership and is forward-looking,
recognizing the value of advancing partnerships across governments and
with stakeholders
towards managing our oceans in a sustainable way.
In pursuing this agenda
Canada is laying the foundation for the future of our oceans, maximizing
their potential through safe and sustainable
development
of ocean resources and fair and equitable consideration for the interests
of
different ocean users.
