Canada’s Oceans Strategy i
CANADA’S OCEANS STRATEGY
Our Oceans, Our Future
Minister’s Message
iii
Executive Summary
v
Introduction
1
The Context for Canada’s Oceans Strategy
Canada - A Maritime Nation
2
The Application of Canada’s Oceans Strategy
5
Policy Framework
10
Strategic Directions for Implementing
Canada’s Oceans Strategy
21
Conclusion
27
Appendix - Integrated Management Initiatives at Work
28
Table of Contents
Canada’s Oceans Strategy iii
CANADA’S OCEANS STRATEGY
Our Oceans, Our Future
As Canada’s Minister of Fisheries and Oceans,
it gives me great pleasure to present Canada’s
Oceans Strategy. This far-reaching policy framework
will make Canada’s vision for modern oceans
management a reality.
As a country bordered by three oceans, Canada
is truly an oceans nation. Today we see an ever
increasing number of demands on oceans and
their resources. While traditional fi shing and
marine transportation continue to be of prime
importance, they are now joined by other uses, such
as aquaculture development, oil and gas exploration
and development, recreational and commercial
fi shing, and eco-tourism. Canada’s oceans also
support important features of Canada’s social and
cultural identity. Managing these demands is critical
to the protection of the marine environment and the
long-term sustainability of Canada’s oceans and their
resources.
On January 31, 1997, the Government of Canada
brought the Oceans Act into force, making Canada
the fi rst country in the world to have comprehensive
oceans management legislation. The Act authorizes
the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada to lead
the development of a national oceans management
strategy, guided by the principles of sustainable
development, the precautionary approach and
integrated management.
Since 1997, the federal government has moved
quickly to develop and implement, with interested
Canadians, oceans management initiatives on all
three coasts. The Strategy, which provides an overall
strategic approach to