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Pacific north coast integrated management area plan

Pacific north coast integrated management area plan

Pacific north coast integrated management area plan (PDF, 10.0 MB)

Table of Contents

Appendix 3: Marine Activity Profiles And Future Outlook

An earlier version of Table A3-1 appeared in the 2012 Socio-Economic and Cultural Overview and Assessment Report for the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area. The table has been updated based on input from stakeholders and parties to the Collaborative Governance Memorandum of Understanding.

Table A3-1 Summary Of Marine Activity Profiles And Future Outlook
First Nations Marine Resource Use: Harvest Of Marine Resources By First Nations
Current Status and Recent Trends There is considerable variation in the use and availability of marine resources for First Nations in the marine waters within and adjacent to PNCIMA. Abundance and distribution, strength of stocks, habitat conditions, and harvest, and management methods of marine resources also vary. In some cases, conservation concerns limit the harvest of marine resources, including First Nations access.
Future Outlook Growth in First Nation populations and continued variability and declines in available marine resources are anticipated. First Nations believe that future marine resource management should take an ecosystem-based approach (including the use of protected areas) to protect biodiversity, respect food-social-ceremonial priority use, and support economic opportunities. It is anticipated that First Nations access of marine resources will continue to increase in coming years. First Nations welcome opportunities for management and the development of new economic opportunities and business enterprises.
Sport Fisheries: Recreational Angling, Collecting Of Shellfish, Harvesting Of Finfish And Invertebrates By Residents And Visitors For Personal Use
Current Status and Recent Trends Sport fishing effort is shifting from the south to the central and north coasts such that effort, catch and expenditures increased markedly between 2000 and 2005.
Future Outlook Growth in the number of visitor anglers is anticipated. The volume of harvest depends primarily on the sustainable supply of the respective fishery resource.
Commercial Fisheries: Harvest Of Wild Finfish And Invertebrates For Commercial Purposes
Current Status and Recent Trends PNCIMA accounts for about half of B.C.’s total wild commercial fish harvest by value. There is considerable variation by year, from a high of $222 million in 2004 to a low of $133 million in 1999. From 1996 to 2006, the trend in the value of salmon harvest declined, the trend in the value of groundfish increased, and the trend for invertebrate value was stable.
Future Outlook B.C. generally, and PNCIMA specifically, is well placed to serve growing markets in the Pacific Rim with established brand recognition and marketing linkages. The volume of harvest depends primarily on the sustainable supply of the respective fishery resource.
Ocean Recreation/Tourism: Cruise Ship Tourism, Recreational Boating, Paddle Sports, Including Kayaking, Whale Watching And Diving By Residents And Visitors
Current Status and Recent Trends Small boat activities are concentrated in protected coastal waters and include Canadian and foreign licensed vessels. Relatively few cruise ships stop in PNCIMA ports (i.e., Prince Rupert). There are no reliable estimates of visitation trends, although most activity is seasonal, occurring between May and September. Room revenue, which is positively correlated with visitations, increased annually in PNCIMA from 2001 to 2008.
Future Outlook PNCIMA has the capacity to expand ocean recreation attractions and services. Coastal transportation and infrastructure strongly affect access to and use of recreational opportunities. Trends in the global travel market forecast strong growth. Currency exchange rates, weather and unforeseen events may impact the sector positively or negatively.
Marine Transportation: All Vessels Greater Than 20 Metres Beginning/Ending Voyage In PNCIMA Or In Transit (Smaller Vessel Movement Undocumented)
Current Status and Recent Trends PNCIMA accounts for about 5% of B.C.’s total ship movements (Robinson Consulting 2012). These are concentrated in the southern section of PNCIMA and during the summer season. Coast-wide, vessel movements declined 14% between 2005 and 2009. PNCIMA has five routes served by BC Ferries, which accounted for about 7% of the system’s passengers in 2009. Prince Rupert and Kitimat are major ports; Stewart is a smaller bulk port. Major travel routes include the Inside Passage, travel across and through Hecate Strait, and along the west coast of Haida Gwaii.
Future Outlook Proposed and planned expansion of the Prince Rupert container port and other improvements could lead to an increase in vessel calls. Proposed industrial projects on the north coast, including associated announced and proposed Kitimat port expansions, would significantly increase vessel calls. Population growth and changing economic conditions may lead to an increase in vessels transiting PNCIMA and calling into PNCIMA’s coastal communities and ports.
Aquaculture: Culture Of Finfish, Shellfish Or Plants In The Aquatic Environment Or Manufactured Container
Current Status and Recent Trends Finfish and shellfish aquaculture has grown since the mid-1980s. B.C. contributes 6% of the farmed salmon supply to world markets. Harvested production volumes have averaged approximately 70,000 metric tonnes per year since 2002. Total tenured area for aquaculture in B.C. is 2,452 ha and includes 740 operations, both finfish and shellfish. PNCIMA accounts for about 8% of B.C.’s current tenured area for aquaculture – approximately 250 ha. Most farms in PNCIMA are located between Campbell River and Port Hardy. Marine land culture is in the early stages development. A provincial moratorium on new finfish farms on the North Coast continues to be in effect.
Future Outlook Many sites in PNCIMA have the biophysical capacity to support aquaculture operations. Markets for seafood remain strong and are increasing at an annual rate of 6%. North and Central Coast communities are advancing shellfish operations which may be operational within a few years. There is potential to culture other species of finfish and shellfish, subject to existing legislation and policies. Closed containment projects remain of interest to those looking to build niche markets. Ecosystem sustainability, meeting global market demand, supporting food safety and traceability and social license are important aspects to consider in aquaculture development.
Seafood Processing: Transformation Of Wild And Cultured Seafood Into Food Products For Sales To Domestic And International Markets
Current Status and Recent Trends The recent trend shows a decline in the volume of seafood processed but an increase in total wholesale value. The B.C. seafood industry sold $1.2 billion in 2008, 56% from capture fisheries. Aquaculture share increased from 29% to 44% of total wholesale value from 1998 to 2008. Groundfish and invertebrates account for 2/3 of capture fisheries production. There is a trend towards smaller processors serving a number of niche markets with a range of value-added products. In 2009, there were 97 processing establishments in B.C., 21 of which were located in PNCIMA (Prince Rupert, Haida Gwaii, northern Vancouver Island and the Campbell River area).
Future Outlook Processors on the B.C. coast are well positioned to serve the expanding seafood market in the Pacific Rim. Industry specialization has reduced barriers to entry, which has allowed smaller, specialized processors to operate. Transportation costs, however, are a considerable constraint, particularly in more remote communities. Current trends see continued diversification of captured species being processed, with an emphasis on increasing value added. Future trends in aquaculture production will directly impact the processing industry.
Marine Energy And Mining: Existing And Potential Energy And Mineral Resources
Current Status and Recent Trends

Currently, there are one offshore and six onshore wind projects at various stages of development in PNCIMA. Early pilot ocean energy power plants are being developed as prototypes, and there is one pilot tidal plant planned near Campbell River.

Currently, there is no offshore oil and gas activity in Canada’s Pacific waters. The B.C. offshore is under both provincial and federal moratoria prohibiting exploration and development of offshore oil and gas. Many First Nations have also passed resolutions opposing offshore oil and gas development. Prior to 1972, the federal government issued 227 permits and licences for oil and gas exploration. Rights under those permits were suspended as of 1972 by way of Orders-in-Council, and remain frozen by way of a policy decision. The Government of Canada is not considering changes to the federal offshore oil and gas moratorium at this time.

Mineral development has historically occurred on land. There are numerous past producing sites in PNCIMA, and two mines are presently operating onshore. A provincial Order-in-Council prohibits the issuance of mineral tenure below the high tide line except in special circumstances.
Future Outlook

Offshore wind energy is well developed in Europe, with dozens of commercial facilities in operation. The wind resource in the PNCIMA region has great potential, and wind projects may be the first renewable energy generating sites in the region. The scale of natural wave and tidal resources within PNCIMA is also promising. This sector remains a longer term focus of marine energy technology and project developers; however, smaller tidal energy projects that supply energy to off-grid users are expected to be developed in the short term. Such projects may, over time, contribute to the B.C. energy grid. Commercial development of wave energy is not expected to occur in the near future.

There is an estimated 9.8 billion barrels of oil in the Queen Charlotte Basin; however, the Government of Canada is not considering changes to the federal offshore oil and gas moratorium at this time. First Nations are expected to maintain resolutions opposing offshore oil and gas development.

There are currently no near-term prospects for submarine mining because viable deposits have not been identified.
Tenure On Aquatic Lands: Granting Of Tenure On Land Below The High Water Line; Tenure Is Often Ancillary To Primary Activity, Such As Aquaculture, Log Storage And Moorage
Current Status and Recent Trends

Tenures issued by B.C. under the Land Act are granted following a review process commensurate with the tenure implications. In 2010, there were 26 investigative permits covering 270,000 ha. Two permits related to power line investigation accounted for most of the area. Licences of occupation were issued to 747 holders and covered 20,800 ha. These included many log storage sites and aquaculture operations. Lease is the strongest tenure form. Leases were issued to 314 holders and covered 2,560 ha, most of which were to allow log storage.

Tenures within ports under federal jurisdiction are issued by the local Port Authority pursuant to jurisdiction established by the Canada Marine Act. The Prince Rupert Port Authority issues either licences of occupation or leases over aquatic lands depending on the nature of the activity. Principal activities for which tenures are granted include operation of marine terminal berths, private moorage, aquaculture and log storage.
Future Outlook Ongoing development/settlement on the coast will likely lead to an increase in the number of tenures issued under the Land Act and by the Prince Rupert Port Authority regarding aquatic lands. For those issued by the Province, the Coast Reconciliation Protocol signed by B.C. and coastal First Nations in 2009 provides for shared decision-making on resource and land use decisions, including tenuring. Grant of aquatic tenures within port jurisdiction may be subject to the Crown’s duty to consult pursuant to section 35 of the Canadian Constitution Act.
Ocean Disposal: Deliberate Disposal Of Approved Substances At Approved Marine Sites
Current Status and Recent Trends Environment and Climate Change Canada regulates disposal-at-sea activities through a permitting system administered under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. Permits may be granted following a detailed assessment; they set conditions to protect the marine environment and human health. Sites are approved for disposal-at-sea activities through this permitting process. There are 10 sites on the B.C. coast, two of which are located within PNCIMA: Brown Passage, located near Prince Rupert and last used in 2007, and Cape Mudge, located near Campbell River and last used in 2016. Environment and Climate Change Canada is responsible for conducting scientific monitoring at sites where disposal activities have been permitted in the past. There are multiple proposed development projects in PNCIMA that could involve large-scale disposal-at-sea activities.
Future Outlook There are multiple proposed development projects in PNCIMA that could involve large-scale disposal-at-sea activities. Ongoing scientific monitoring by Environment and Climate Change Canada represents an opportunity to assess conditions at previously used ocean disposal sites, and to collect baseline data in areas where new sites may be proposed.
National Defence And Public Safety: Activities Countering Threats To Security And Sovereignty, And Resources Used To Address Public Safety
Current Status and Recent Trends There are three closed military bases and no active bases in PNCIMA. The Canadian Fleet Pacific conducts sovereignty patrols (air and sea) within PNCIMA, and provides information to enforcement agencies. There are also four search and rescue stations in PNCIMA: Port Hardy, Bella Bella, Sandspit and Prince Rupert. There are also two search and rescue patrol vessels that monitor the offshore waters in the area. In 2008, there were 2,237 incidents reported along the B.C. coast, about 20% of which were in PNCIMA. About 70% of the incidents in PNCIMA were north of Namu.
Future Outlook Global terrorist attacks have changed the emphasis of national defence from expeditionary focus to domestic marine security. An increase in marine activity due to economic growth (port expansions) and increases in commercial and private boating activity may trigger a need for increased security and rescue resources.
Research, Monitoring And Enforcement: Efforts To Learn More About Marine Functions For Better Management, Supported By Monitoring And Enforcement; Compliance With Policy And Regulations
Current Status and Recent Trends Federal government agencies collectively lead efforts in research, monitoring and enforcement. The provincial government conducts marine monitoring and enforcement related to its jurisdiction (tenure to aquatic lands, foreshore plans, energy). B.C. has 1,264 coastal monitoring sites in PNCIMA. First Nations play a significant and increasing role in research and monitoring (e.g., Guardian Watchman Programs). In some cases, First Nations fisheries officers monitor the harvest for food, social and ceremonial purposes. Industry (commercial fishing, energy) provides research and monitoring related to respective interests. Environmental organizations and B.C. research institutions operate research and monitoring programs at a number of sites in PNCIMA, including research/monitoring of seabirds, shorebirds, salmon, marine mammals and marine habitat. These programs are often conducted in partnership with government agencies and First Nations.
Future Outlook Research, monitoring and enforcement efforts are trending toward more government-led monitoring and enforcement conducted in partnership with local communities and industry. New economic development initiatives may provide funding related to environmental assessment requirements for projects and ongoing monitoring. Enforcement is seen as not keeping pace with changes in use patterns or activities. Current monitoring has shown that pollution from regulated industries (e.g., mines, pulp mills) is decreasing, whereas some pollutants from unknown sources are increasing in the environment.
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