Under the Oceans Act, the Minister of Fisheries & Oceans Canada,
in collaboration with the provincial government must develop and implement
plans for the “integrated management of all activities or measures in or
affecting estuaries, coastal waters and marine waters...” In British Columbia,
Integrated Management Plans are being undertaken in conjunction with the
provincially-led Central Coast Land and Resource
Management Plan process. There
have been difficulties meshing the two different planning processes. There have also been difficulties
arising from disputes between the federal and provincial governments regarding
jurisdiction over the waters of the Georgia Strait.
Marine
Protected Areas are a tool used in integrated management plans. Under
section 35 of the Oceans Act, the Minister may designate
an area by regulation for special protection for the conservation and
protection of: fisheries resources, including marine mammals, endangered or
threatened marine species and their habitats; unique habitats; or marine areas
of high biodiversity or biological productivity. The Minister will lead and coordinate the development and
implementation of a national system of marine protected areas. Four small pilot areas have been
established.
Progress with the establishment
of marine protected areas has been very slow, with only very small areas being
designated. No large marine
sanctuary areas have been established to protect marine resources from
exploitation of all types.
Related Guide Pages:
·
Oceans Act
·
Marine Protected Areas
For more information about Integrated
Management Plans:
·
Central Coast Land and
Coastal Resource Management Plan.
·
Fisheries &
Oceans Canada (Pacific Region) website.
·
Federal Government’s Oceans
Management Strategy.
