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National Engagement

June - September 2002

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Oceans Management Context

• Increased use of oceans space

• Uncoordinated federal activity in oceans management

• International obligations and commitments as part of the global commons

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Legislative Context• Oceans Act, 1997, establishes the foundation for

modern oceans management• Calls for the development of three Oceans Act

programs:– Integrated Management;

– Marine Protected Areas; and

– Marine Environmental Quality

• Mandates the Minister of DFO to develop a National Oceans Strategy

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Policy Context• Canada’s Oceans Strategy represents

Federal policy statement on oceans management

• Positions Canada to generate wealth from economic opportunities while conserving and protecting oceans space and resources

• The Strategy includes a 4-year Action Plan to support three main policy objectives

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Canada’s Oceans Strategy• Promotes an ecosystem-based approach to

ocean management

• Premised on the three core principles of the Oceans Act:– Sustainable Development;– Integrated Management; and – Precautionary Approach

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Canada’s Oceans StrategyPolicy Objectives

1) Increase our understanding and protection of the marine

environment

2) Support sustainable economic opportunities

3) Demonstrate international leadership in oceans management

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1) Understanding and Protecting the Marine Environment• Improved scientific knowledge base for estuarine, coastal

and marine ecosystems– e.g. Develop a State of the Oceans reporting system

• Policies and programs aimed at marine pollution prevention– e.g. Promote the implementation of the Green Infrastructure

program in coastal communities to improve sewage treatment

• Conservation and protection of the marine environment– e.g. Develop a strategy for a national network of Marine Protected

Areas

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2) Supporting Sustainable Economic Opportunities• Sectoral measures to improve and support governance and

management of marine industries– e.g. Support and promote initiatives underway within DFO such as

the Atlantic Fisheries Policy Review and Aquaculture development

• New and emerging opportunities for oceans industries and oceans-related coastal development– e.g. “Oceans Team Canada” approach to international promotion of

Canadian oceans industries

• Co-operation and co-ordination to support and promote business development in the oceans sector– e.g. Develop on Oceans Marine Technology Roadmap

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3) International Leadership

• Sovereignty and Security– e.g. Promote national and international collaboration to prevent

illegal activity and enforce national and international obligations

• International Oceans Governance– e.g. Promote compliance with existing international agreements

• Share experiences, promote compliance and build capacity, in particular for developing nations– e.g. Support Capacity development for developing countries for

the sustainable development of marine resources and oceans spaces

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Promoting Oceans Governance• Establish mechanisms and bodies for co-operation and

collaboration– e.g CCFAM Oceans Task Group; Explore arrangements for

strengthening relationships with Aboriginal people in oceans management

• Promote Integrated Management planning for all Canada’s coastal and marine waters– Support implementation of the Policy and Operational Framework for

Integrated Management

• Engage Canadians through Stewardship and public awareness– e.g. Support and promote public awareness of oceans and ocean issues

such as through Beach Sweeps

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Next Steps

• Continue to work with interested parties in further implementing the Oceans Act and

• Report findings of targeted discussions and options for moving forward to Minister in early Fall