Regional Oceans Plan - Scotian Shelf, Atlantic Coast, Bay of Fundy
Background and Program Description

Purpose

The Regional Oceans Plan outlines the approach and actions that Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is taking to support oceans and coastal management in the Maritimes Region. The Plan responds to DFO’s responsibilities under the Oceans Act to lead and facilitate integrated and ecosystem approaches to the management of Canada’s oceans. Departmental actions to advance regional priorities are profiled throughout the document and also presented in summary form in the Implementation Priorities document in relation to the over-arching goals of the Plan.

The Plan represents an evolution of previous oceans and coastal management efforts within the Maritimes Region, including the Eastern Scotian Shelf Integrated Management (ESSIM) Initiative that concluded in 2012. It draws on lessons learned from the ESSIM process, as well as other initiatives. The Plan moves beyond the Large Ocean Management Area (LOMA) concept pursued initially through DFO’s Integrated Oceans Management Program and uses the Scotian Shelf-Bay of Fundy bioregion as its geographic basis. The bioregion, which corresponds with the department’s administrative boundaries for the Maritimes Region, encompasses the offshore Scotian Shelf and Gulf of Maine, the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia, and the Bay of Fundy.

Within the Maritimes Region, the lead for the department’s Integrated Oceans Management Program is the Oceans and Coastal Management Division, housed within the Ecosystem Management Branch. The Oceans and Coastal Management Division is organized to develop and implement three core, inter-related Program components: (1) Oceans and Coastal Management; (2) Marine Protected Area Planning and Management; and (3) Collaboration and Engagement. The central part of the Plan is organized in terms of these three components and lays out the main capacities, activities and outputs delivered through them.

The Plan supports a new approach for the Integrated Oceans Management Program that is focussed on priority management needs and activities that are identified through ecosystem and risk management approaches, and addressed through effective management instruments and tools. Within this approach, DFO commitments and actions for oceans and coastal management are clearly aligned and linked with the department’s mandate, authorities and responsibilities. Activities under the Plan also correspond directly to a nationally-defined set of outcomes and outputs for the Integrated Oceans Management Program.

The Plan places a strong emphasis on collaboration and engagement, reflecting the broad range of interests and complexities in managing activities in the marine environment. Ongoing communication, coordination and alignment within DFO is essential to ensuring effective management and coherent decision making. Intergovernmental mechanisms, including Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and existing governance bodies, will continue to be used to establish priorities and actions that are aligned with various mandates for oceans and coastal management held by other federal and provincial departments. The Plan also identifies a range of engagement mechanisms for working with marine stakeholders and industry to advance oceans and coastal management in the Maritimes Region.

Vision

Healthy marine and coastal ecosystems, sustainable communities and responsible use supported by effective management processes.

Goals

The Plan is focussed on the following over-arching goals:

Effective Decision Making

Timely access to accurate and validated information for decision making is a critical component of oceans and coastal management. Under the Plan, DFO is focussed on developing knowledge products and tools, providing validated and accurate information, and preparing area and issue-specific operational guidance for managers and decision makers both within and outside the department. Ensuring this information is readily available in a timely manner is equally important. These products will support the highest priority issues within the Maritimes Region as determined by expert knowledge, stakeholder input, and risk-based analysis. The development and accessibility of this type of information will support better decision making by all parties, including government, industry and the broader community.

Ecosystem Approach to Management

DFO is pursuing an ecosystem approach to management for all aspects of its mandate. This reflects current scientific thought and international guidance and commitments. An ecosystem approach places the ecosystem at the forefront of consideration when managing those activities that affect it. By understanding thresholds and limits beyond which the system would be impacted, the activities are managed to maintain the ecosystem within its natural tolerances. All management measures advanced under the Plan will take an ecosystem approach.

Spatial Planning and Management

DFO supports a spatial approach to oceans and coastal planning and management. This involves the use of validated spatial data, maps and analytical methods for addressing human use and ecosystem interactions. A pragmatic and operational approach to the principles of marine and coastal spatial planning can provide effective, flexible and adaptive solutions for oceans and coastal management problems.

Marine Conservation

DFO is committed to effective marine conservation through the development of a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and the ongoing management of existing MPAs and conservation areas under the Plan. The department is also placing a priority on risk assessments and management guidance for the suite of Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs) identified throughout the bioregion.

In recognition of the need to balance comprehensive ecosystem protection with responsible development and use, DFO supports the careful selection of appropriate conservation instruments, measures and tools to address regional needs and threats.

Collaboration and Engagement

DFO supports a collaborative approach when addressing oceans and coastal issues in order to share resources and knowledge, seek advice and work together to advance common priorities. This is critical given the multiple jurisdictions present within the coastal and marine environments. A range of intergovernmental and stakeholder engagement, consultation and participatory methods are supported under the Plan.

Departmental Alignment

The Plan supports a coordinated and consistent approach to oceans and coastal management within DFO. A “whole of DFO” approach is important to ensure effective and coherent decision making. One of the aims of the Plan is to strengthen departmental management and decision making by responding with one voice on cross-cutting issues, such as offshore oil and gas, renewable energy development, marine transportation, or environmental incident preparedness and response. In addition, regular coordination and information sharing is required to ensure that departmental policies are well aligned and cohesive.

Key examples of responsibilities requiring a cross-cutting departmental response include fisheries management and protection, aquaculture development, aquatic species at risk, marine conservation planning, and ecosystem science and research.

Legislative and Policy Context

The primary legislative basis for the Plan is provided by the Oceans Act that sets out in law the principles of oceans and coastal management that apply to all federal authorities with some role regarding Canada’s oceans, its resources and uses. The Act outlines specific oceans and coastal management commitments to be led by the federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, including the following:

1. Lead and facilitate the development and implementation of a national strategy for the management of estuarine, coastal and marine ecosystems (Sections 29 and 30);
2. Lead and facilitate the development and implemen- tation of plans for the integrated management of all activities or measures in or affecting estuaries, coastal waters and marine waters (Section 31);
3. Develop and implement policies and programs with respect to matters assigned by law to the Minister for the purpose of implementing integrated management plans (Section 32);
4. Coordinate with other Ministers, boards and agencies for the implementation of policies and programs of the Government of Canada with respect to all activities or measures in or affecting coastal and marine waters (Section 32);
5. Designate Marine Protected Areas (Section 35-1) and lead and coordinate the development and implementation of a national system of Marine Protected Areas for the purposes of implementing integrated management plans (Section 35-2); and
6. Establish marine environmental quality guidelines, objectives and criteria respecting estuaries, coastal waters and marine waters (Section 52.1).

To support these commitments under the Oceans Act, DFO is mandated to “gather, compile, analyse, coordinate and disseminate information” and to “cooperate” or “enter into agreements” with other “Ministers, boards and agencies of the Government of Canada, provincial and territorial governments, affected Aboriginal organizations, coastal communities and other persons and bodies” (Section 33-1).

DFO’s role under the Oceans Act as the lead federal authority for oceans is supported by Canada’s Oceans Strategy (2002) and the department’s Policy and Operational Framework for the Integrated Management of Estuarine, Coastal and Marine Environments in Canada (2002). These two documents set out the policy objectives and overall approach to Integrated Oceans Management for DFO in collaboration with its partners at the federal, provincial and territorial levels of government, Aboriginal organizations, and other oceans and coastal interests.

The Integrated Oceans Management Program operates under a national set of outcomes, outputs and associated activities. The three core outcomes of the Program are (1) collaboration among ocean regulators and users, (2) access to sound knowledge, advice and decision support, and (3) awareness and accountability by regulators and users to their respective roles and responsibilities for the management of Canada’s ocean ecosystems and resources. The Program is focussed on achieving these national outcomes by delivering associated outputs of collaborative governance structures, effective management tools, knowledge products and advice, and conservation planning and instruments, including Oceans Act Marine Protected Areas. Ultimately, the Program outcomes link directly to DFO’s strategic outcomes for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems, Economically Prosperous Maritime Sectors and Fisheries, and Safe and Secure Waters.

In addition to the provisions of the Oceans Act, DFO uses its responsibilities under several other pieces of legislation to support oceans and coastal management in the Maritimes Region. These include the Fisheries Act, Species at Risk Act, Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, and the Canada Shipping Act, and their related policies, programs and regulations.

The Oceans Act and its supporting policies and programs respond to a number of Canada’s international oceans governance commitments. These include the range of priorities, agreements and measures under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Convention on Biological Diversity, among other instruments. The Plan provides a regional vehicle for supporting relevant DFO initiatives to address Canada’s international oceans-related commitments.

Guiding Principles

DFO implements its responsibilities for the Integrated Oceans Management Program using the following principles and approaches as articulated in the Oceans Act:

• Sustainable development is economic development of resources that meets the needs of the present generation, but does not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own resource needs.
• A precautionary approach to management errs on the side of caution in decision making.
• Adaptive management recognizes that management is continually changing, and management practices must be flexible so as to respond to these changes.
• An ecosystem approach to management places the ecosystem in the forefront and human activities are managed so the state of the ecosystem remains within an acceptable range.
• A collaborative approach is used to engage and involve other government departments, Aboriginal organizations, marine sectors, and the broader public on oceans and coastal management activities under the Oceans Act.
• Integrated management is the planning and management of human activities in a comprehensive manner while considering all factors necessary for the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources and the shared use of ocean space.

Approach

The aim of the Plan is to focus on priority issues related to DFO’s mandate where an integrated management approach can be pursued. This approach is driven by the identification of key issues or pressures, the assessment and management of the risks they pose, and use of targeted collaboration and engagement with responsible and affected parties, rather than sustaining complex and lengthy planning processes. All DFO commitments and actions under the Plan are clearly aligned with the department’s mandate, authorities and responsibilities.

This approach builds upon many of the positive aspects of the ESSIM process and the lessons learned and experiences of the Integrated Oceans Management Program since the passing of the Oceans Act. Efforts to share information and collaborate with other organizations and initiatives that support the priorities under the Plan will continue. Established stakeholder relationships will be supported to ensure progress on high priority issues. Public communication and engagement is also used to ensure awareness of issues and the efforts that DFO is taking to address them, and provide opportunities for input.

Intergovernmental engagement and coordination continues to be pursued to support the efforts of other organizations’ actions.

The expanded focus of the Plan to include inshore and coastal areas involves many levels and departments of government. DFO works with the range of departments that have direct mandates for coastal areas. The Regional Committee on Coastal and Ocean Management will continue to be a formal mechanism for intergovernmental coordination on both coastal and offshore issues. Coordination is supported under an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Coastal and Ocean Management with the Province of Nova Scotia. A similar arrangement is under discussion with the Province of New Brunswick. DFO will continue to partner on existing coastal management initiatives within the Maritimes Region, including that of the Bras d’Or Lakes Collaborative Environmental Planning Initiative (CEPI) and the Southwest New Brunswick Marine Advisory Committee (SWNB MAC).

Monitoring and Reporting

The Plan will include regular monitoring and reporting processes to assess the effectiveness and relevance of the efforts under it, and to communicate results internally within DFO and externally with other government departments and stakeholders. A full review of the Plan will occur every three years to account for changing conditions and priorities. Interim reports and updates on the Plan will also be prepared and made available to all interested parties.

DFO’s activities under the Plan will also be monitored and reported through internal departmental performance measurement systems. These will take place at both a regional and national level. This work will be to ensure actions under the Plan are relevant to the needs in the area, meet expected outcomes, and are consistent with national approaches under the Integrated Oceans Management Program. Specific actions led by DFO under the Plan will be reported and updated on an annual basis through the department’s work planning and performance management processes.

DFO will draw upon information and expertise from within the department, including its Oceans and Ecosystems Science and Policy and Economics sectors, and from other oceans-related organizations with relevant knowledge and information, to support monitoring and reporting under the Plan. In addition, the Plan will draw upon information about the overall health of the bioregion available in the recently completed State of the Scotian Shelf and State of the Gulf of Maine reports. These reports address a number of issues covered by the Plan and describe the current conditions, driving forces, impacts and actions underway to address them. Other available reports and studies on oceans-related trends and status may also be considered in relation to reporting under the Plan.

Ecological Context

This Scotian Shelf-Bay of Fundy bioregion to which this Plan applies is approximately 476,000 km². It is a productive and diverse ecosystem, providing food and shelter for a variety of species ranging from microscopic plankton to the largest whales. Physical habitats are similarly diverse, with a variety of coastal habitats, offshore banks and basins, steep slopes and underwater canyons, and the largely unknown abyssal plain. For the purposes of this Plan, the Scotian Shelf-Bay of Fundy bioregion has been divided into three planning areas – the Offshore Scotian Shelf, the Atlantic Coast and the Bay of Fundy – which are briefly described below.

The Atlantic Coast

The Atlantic Coast planning area includes the area from the high water mark to the 12-nautical mile limit of the Territorial Sea, extending from Cape North, Cape Breton, into the Bay of Fundy (Figure 1). The Atlantic Coast has a variety of shoreline habitats, such as rocky shores and headlands, large bays and inlets, estuaries, salt marshes, and sandy and rocky beaches. Information on the Atlantic Coast planning area is patchy, with some areas studied extensively and others not at all. Several recent DFO studies have focused on identifying areas of ecological significance. Threats to coastal ecosystems are often linked to land based sources of pollution, including effluent from wastewater treatment and runoff from coastal development, forestry and agriculture.

Another threat is the loss of habitat from residential, industrial and commercial development. It is estimated that 70% of the population in Nova Scotia lives within a coastal community.

The Offshore Scotian Shelf

Moving seaward from the coast, the Offshore Scotian Shelf planning area is defined as the waters from the 12-nautical mile limit of the Territorial Sea to the 200-mile limit of the Exclusive Economic Zone. The planning area includes Georges Bank and offshore portions of the Gulf of Maine (see Figure 2 for location of undersea features).

The Scotian Shelf is considered an underwater extension of Nova Scotia’s coast. It is separated from Georges Bank in the southwest by the Northeast Channel and from the Newfoundland Shelf in the northeast by the Laurentian Channel. The edge of the Scotian Shelf and Georges Bank are indented by deep submarine canyons. The shelf edge, where the seafloor begins to fall steeply away, lies at about 200 metres depth. The Scotian Shelf slope and rise (the area from the edge of the continental shelf seaward to the abyssal plain) and the portions of the abyssal plain within Canada’s Exclusive Economic Zone also form part of the Offshore Scotian Shelf planning area. The planning area is highly productive and has supported fisheries for hundreds of years. Whales and seabirds feed in offshore waters, and countless invertebrates add to the biodiversity of the area.

The Bay of Fundy

The Bay of Fundy is a narrow, funnel-shaped body of water, over 270 km long and 60 km wide at its widest point. It is known for its extreme tidal ranges.

The inner bay and outer bay have somewhat different characteristics, with the inner bay having the most extreme tidal ranges and extensive mudflats at low tide. Productivity in the area is exceptionally high and likely greatest at the mouth of the bay due to tidal mixing. Many different species take advantage of this productivity, including endangered North Atlantic right whales that feed on abundant copepods in the area during the summer and fall. An area in the Bay of Fundy near Grand Manan Island has been identified as critical habitat for this whale. The Bay of Fundy was Canada’s most popular nomination for the new Seven Wonders of the Natural World competition.

Socio-economic Context

The Atlantic Coast, the Offshore Scotian Shelf, and the Bay of Fundy support a diverse array of marine activities, including commercial fishing, shipping, oil and gas, aquaculture, telecommunications, defence and and research. Many of these activities are directly dependent on the marine ecosystem. Economic benefits from ocean activities are reported by province, rather than marine region, making it difficult to identify economic benefits from specific ocean areas. However, it is clear that the ocean industries conducted in the Scotian Shelf-Bay of Fundy bioregion make significant economic contributions to the Gross Domestic Products (GDPs) of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick (Figures 5 and 6). One of the aims of the Plan is to foster economically prosperous maritime sectors and communities by supporting marine activities carried out in a sustainable manner. As well, the Plan promotes communication between different industry sectors, particularly in cases of existing or potential conflict.

Fishing

Commercial fishing occurs in most areas for a variety of species. Three major species groups are fished commercially in the bioregion: groundfish (e.g., cod, haddock, pollock, redfish, flatfishes); pelagic fish (e.g., herring, swordfish, sharks, tuna); and shellfish (e.g., snow crab, lobster, scallop, shrimp).

The Bay of Fundy, Georges Bank and the western Scotian Shelf support important fisheries for scallop, lobster and groundfish. Lobster is important in coastal areas throughout the bioregion. The area from Digby to Shelburne supports the most productive lobster fishery in the country. The cool waters of the eastern Scotian Shelf support important crab, clam and shrimp fisheries.

Fisheries for swordfish and tuna occur in the deeper waters of the shelf edge and slope during the summer months.

The fishing industry has responded to much change over the last twenty-five years. The formerly dominant groundfish fisheries now occur mostly on the western

Scotian Shelf and in the Gulf of Maine. Across the bioregion, new species are being exploited and existing fisheries for many species of shellfish have expanded. Fish harvesters are increasingly sharing the offshore with oil and gas activities and coastal areas with aquaculture operations. Climate change is also expected to affect fisheries. In addition, fisheries management has changed, attempting to incorporate ecosystem considerations in managing fisheries, such as impacts on habitat and other species.

Shipping

Commercial shipping in the area is generally in the form of tankers, and general bulk and containerized cargo carries. Halifax, Port Hawkesbury and Saint John are the largest ports in the region. Servicing the cruise ship industry also provides important economic benefits to the region. The main ports of call for cruise ships are Halifax, Sydney and Saint John. Overall, maritime transport in Nova Scotia generates about $500 million annually in GDP, while in New Brunswick annual GDP is estimated at about $100 million. International agreements and national legislation controlling pollution from ships have long been in place, while ballast water management measures continue to evolve in accordance with international agreements and guidelines. The overall amount of noise in the marine environment, of which shipping is a major contributor, is a concern for some species, particularly whales. Recently, a federal risk assessment for marine oil spills identified several areas with relatively higher risks in the bioregion, including Saint John Harbour and the outer Bay of Fundy, and Chedabucto Bay and the adjacent eastern shore of Nova Scotia and Cape Breton.

Oil and Gas

Oil and gas exploration in the bioregion occurs mainly in the Offshore Scotian Shelf planning area around Sable Island. There are currently two offshore energy projects in production: Sable Offshore Energy and Deep Panuke. Sable Offshore has been producing natural gas since 1999 and has a total project life expectancy of about 25 years. It has been a significant source of revenues for the Province of Nova Scotia, which received $900 million from the project in 2008. Deep Panuke started natural gas production in the fall of 2013. A long-standing moratorium on oil and gas exploration exists for Georges Bank. After a brief lull in activities, there has been a recent resurgence in interest in exploring for oil, with much of this interest being directed to deep water areas off the Scotian Shelf. Shell and British Petroleum have recently made significant investments in deep water exploration license bidding processes. The corresponding increase in exploration activities, including seismic surveys and exploratory wells, requires effective coordination and communication among the oil and gas industry, regulators and other ocean use sectors. While a significant amount of research has been carried out on the impacts of oil and gas activities, more work is required in this area. Key risks associated with offshore hydrocarbon development include potential noise impacts on marine animals, disruption to fisheries, and pollutant discharges and oil spills.

Shipping Analysis for Better Decision Making

DFO works with other government partners to help monitor shipping- related activities and manage or mitigate associated environmental pressures. For example, various mapping projects have been completed and are underway to assess patterns and trends in vessel traffic, ballast water exchange, and vessel-sourced pollution (for example, see Figure 4). DFO also regularly contributes shipping- related information and expertise in support of decisions with respect to environmental assessments (e.g., vessel traffic patterns in relation to proposed marine terminals), marine protected area and species at risk management (e.g., endangered North Atlantic right whale Critical Habitat designation), and other marine zoning processes (e.g., ballast water exchange zone designation).

Renewable Energy

The Bay of Fundy planning area has been the focus of efforts to harness renewable tidal energy. There is currently one tidal power station in the bay. Seven locations have been identified as potential sites for tidal in-stream turbines on the Nova Scotia side of the bay, while eight sites have been identified on the New Brunswick side. In-stream technology remains at testing stage. Other parts of the bioregion have been identified as having high potential for wind and wave energy. As interest in this sector increases, it will be important to coordinate between this and other sectors, and to consider the environmental impacts of any renewable energy developments.

Aquaculture

Aquaculture in the Scotian Shelf-Bay of Fundy bioregion occurs in the Atlantic Coast and Bay of Fundy planning areas. New Brunswick has the largest aquaculture industry in eastern Canada and the second largest in Canada. The main species produced in the bioregion are Atlantic salmon and blue mussels, with most of the value coming from salmon farming. Additional farmed species include rainbow trout, American oyster, bay quahog and Arctic char. The total value of the aquaculture industry in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick in 2012 was about $244 million. The Plan will support DFO’s efforts to promote intergovernmental cooperation and planning and stakeholder involvement in aquaculture.

Tourism

Most marine tourism activities occur in coastal areas of the bioregion. Sport fishing, boat tours, whale watching, kayaking, diving, surfing and beach visits are all aspects of the tourism industry that depend on the region’s marine and coastal environments. Cruise ship tourism is described in the shipping section above, with expenditures by passengers and crew captured under the “Tourism” category of Figures 5 and 6. Cruise ship expenditures were estimated at $20-$30 million in the early 2000s; however, with increased cruise ship visits in the 2010s, current expenditures are likely to be higher.

Land-based activities

Land-based activities, ranging from electrical generation to manufacturing to municipal wastewater systems to agricultural activities, have an impact on water, sediment and air quality of the marine environment. Distant sources of pollution affect the Scotian Shelf due to transport from the St. Lawrence River and Gulf of St. Lawrence and deposition from the atmosphere. In fact, pollution from local sources is considered to be a less important source of contaminants on the Scotian Shelf than distant sources. While pollution, eutrophication and hypoxia are mostly a concern in coastal waters, particular oceanographic conditions or activities occurring in certain areas of the offshore may require attention.

Marine debris, often from land-based sources, are an entanglement and ingestion threat for many species. Micro-plastics, which are minute particles of plastic that are easily ingested by marine life, are of increasing concern.

Jurisdictional Context

Federal, provincial and municipal governments all have a role to play in the management of marine and coastal environments. The Scotian Shelf-Bay of Fundy bioregion is shared by the Provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, each with multiple municipal governments established within them. The southern extent of the bioregion is delimited by the maritime boundary with the United States in the Gulf of Maine and the French Exclusive Economic Zone for St. Pierre et Miquelon also extends into the eastern bioregion. Within each of these levels of government, numerous departments and agencies are in place to oversee applicable oceans and coastal policy and legislation.

Jurisdictional authorities for the various levels of government in Canada are assigned in the Constitution Act, 1982. Section 35 of the Constitution Act also recognizes and affirms the existing Aboriginal and treaty rights of the Aboriginal peoples of Canada. DFO, as a representative of the Crown, seeks to carry out its mandate in a manner that is consistent with the constitutional protection provided to Aboriginal and treaty rights and decisions of the Supreme Court of Canada in R. v. Sparrow and subsequent decisions. In Nova Scotia, DFO consults First Nations through various means including the Mi’kmaq-Nova Scotia-Canada Terms of Reference for a Consultation Process under the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs. Similarly, in New Brunswick, DFO consults First Nations through various means including the Mi’gmag, Wolastoqiyik, New Brunswick, and Canada Interim Consultation Protocol under the Assembly of New Brunswick First Nations’ Chiefs. DFO consults with First Nations when departmental management decisions have the potential to affect First Nations communities, but also more broadly to share information and views with respect to matters that affect aquatic resources and oceans management. DFO also engages other Aboriginal

Organizations in these processes including, the Native Council of Nova Scotia, Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources, Maritime Aboriginal Peoples Council, and Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs. These engagements may include the collection and consideration of traditional knowledge in departmental assessments, planning and management.

DFO participates on intergovernmental bodies with other federal departments, such as Environment Canada, Transport Canada, Natural Resources Canada and Parks Canada, as well as numerous provincial departments from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The primary oceans-related governance structure for the bioregion is the Maritimes Provinces Regional Committee for Coastal and Ocean Management. Within the Gulf of Maine, DFO participates on the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment and in a transboundary fisheries assessment and management process for stocks shared with the United States. Given this complexity of jurisdictions, a collaborative approach is required to work toward common priorities under the existing authorities and utilize resources most effectively.

Nova Scotia oceans sector GDP impact, 2006 ($ millions)

New Brunswick oceans sector GDP impact, 2008 ($ millions)

Marine Spatial Information and Analysis

DFO recognizes the importance of a spatial and temporal approach to oceans and coastal planning and management. Pragmatic and operational approaches to spatial planning and management can provide effective, flexible and adaptive solutions for management problems. This approach is also the most effective way to advance DFO’s priority for the development of practical methodologies for cumulative impact assessments, such as through the analysis of zones of influence and pathways of effects.

A longer-term objective under the Plan is to develop accessible and web-based mapping products and decision support tools to facilitate risk assessment, cumulative impact assessment, and constraint and compatibility mapping.

Marine geospatial data and information are core elements in the development of knowledge products for effective planning, management and decision support. Spatial knowledge products include maps, GIS files, analytical methodologies, inventories, digital atlases, and fact sheets.

Mapping the spatial distribution and intensity of human activities and ecological data at relevant planning scales has many applications, including:

• Identifying, assessing and mitigating human use conflicts and constraints
• Providing assessments and decision support for marine development activities
• Informing federal and provincial environmental assessment processes
• Conducting use intensity and cumulative impact assessments
• Supporting government partners, industry and project proponents by providing information related to fisheries and others uses, ecosystem sensitivities and potential impacts
• Providing information and advice for regional fisheries assessments, Integrated Fisheries Management Plans, and Marine Stewardship Council eco-certification processes
• Informing risk assessments for Species at RIsk Act (SARA) listed species, MPAs and other marine conservation areas
• Developing scenarios and options for meeting MPA and other conservation objectives at bioregional and site-specific scales
• Monitoring compliance and threats in MPAs and conservation areas
• Supporting the implementation of departmental management priorities, such as the Sustainable Fisheries Framework and SARA critical habitat identification
• Informing environmental preparedness, response and recovery operations

Data acquisition is an ongoing process to support the mapping of coastal and offshore human use and marine ecosystem attributes across the bioregion. The Plan promotes the use of validated spatial data, maps and analytical methods for addressing human use and ecosystem interactions. Human use and ecological data layers can be analyzed with appropriate techniques and combined in multiple applications for decision support, constraint and compatibility mapping, cumulative impact assessments, and conservation planning. As part of this, DFO will continue to work with other regulators, users and interests to collect and validate spatial data and products. Key spatial datasets maintained by DFO include the following:

• Commercial, Aboriginal and recreational fisheries
• Marine infrastructure (e.g., submarine cables, pipelines and oil and gas production facilities)
• Oil and gas exploration licences and prospective areas
• Shipping routes and vessel usage
• Renewable energy potential (e.g., wind, wave and tidal)
• Aquaculture leases and prospective areas
• Coastal land uses
• Areas of conservation value, such as Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs), coral and sponge areas, SARA critical habitat, and other significant area designations
• Marine science and research surveys
• Marine fish and wildlife distributions and habitats
• Existing marine management and jurisdictional areas
• Provincial parks and beaches
• Watershed boundaries
• Coastal shorelines and wetlands
• Invasive species distributions and risk areas
• Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program classification areas
• Point and non-point pollution sources, incidents and risk areas (e.g., oil spills, sewage effluent discharges, and dredge disposal sites)

Assessing Tidal Energy Development Constraints in the Bay of Fundy

Figure 7 illustrates some of the overlapping ocean uses and conservation priorities in the context of 16 potential tidal energy sites identified in the Bay of Fundy. Marine spatial planning can help resolve tidal energy development options through identification, awareness raising and potential avoidance of spatial and temporal ocean use conflicts throughout the Bay. Map overlays include several marine protection priorities such as North Atlantic right whale critical habitat, the Musquash Estuary Marine Protected Area, and several well-known Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas. Coastal aquaculture sites occur on both sides of the bay, supporting an active local marine economy in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The bay is a very productive area for multiple fisheries that would blanket the map if all fishing activities were displayed; included here are only sea scallop and groundfish landings as symbolized in the legend. Commercial shipping routes into Saint John Harbour are illustrated by two dominate vessel traffic patterns at the entrance to the bay. In terms of seabed infrastructure, an active submarine telecommunications cable crosses the area at mid-bay.

Operational Guidance and Knowledge Products

Spatial analysis and other information sources can also be used in the development of operational guidance and knowledge products. These are practical tools and guides for users of the marine environment to ensure that activities are undertaken in a manner to sustain the key ecosystem attributes present and minimize conflicts with other users. Examples of some operational guidance and knowledge products include the following:

• National-level pathways of effects models for activities, such as seismic exploration, exploratory drilling, shipping and aquaculture
• Guidance fact sheets, industry statements of practice, development standards and best management practices
• Marine environmental quality guidelines and criteria
• Mapping products for MPA and conservation planning, and for Marine Stewardship Council conditions of sustainability for certified fisheries
• Coastal and marine inventories for environmental emergency preparedness and response operations, and environmental assessments and reviews of marine developments and activities
• Risk assessment and management guidance for regional EBSAs, including site profiles with mitigation measures for various human activities

Under the Plan, opportunities will continue to be pursued to develop operational guidance products targeted at the key priorities.

Bioregional Assessment and Reporting

Informed planning and decision making requires up-to-date information on the ocean ecosystem and the activities that occur within it. DFO draws upon a variety of information sources and expertise from within the department, as well as other organizations with knowledge and information about oceans-related trends and status in the bioregion.

The information contained in the State of the Ocean Reports supports a number of applications, including environmental assessment and management, research and education. For the purpose of the Plan, this series of theme papers can help inform priority setting for various actions to address outstanding issues, trends, or gaps in knowledge.

One area of assessment where DFO is working is with Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs). EBSAs are areas that have been identified through a formal assessment as having special biological or ecological significance when compared with the surrounding marine ecosystem. DFO has identified a number of EBSAs in the coastal and offshore portions of the bioregion. These areas are to be managed with a corresponding and greater degree of risk aversion. To date, EBSAs have been used primarily to inform environmental assessments of proposed marine developments and activities and will be considered in bioregional MPA network planning and the application of the department’s Sensitive Benthic Areas Policy for sustainable fisheries management. DFO is also undertaking a systematic review of regional EBSAs to identify priorities for site profile development. Profiles will include an assessment of relevant risks, recommended mitigation and protection measures, and practical information and operational guidance for the management and use of the site. The intent is to prioritize profile development for EBSAs that are most likely to be affected by existing or future activities, as well as those areas deemed to be particularly vulnerable or at risk. This process will also provide important inputs to regional MPA planning by identifying management and protection gaps.

In addition to the assessment of EBSAs and the State of the Ocean Reports, DFO will continue to support and use scientific research on ecosystem and biological features and processes. This includes information generated through the department’s Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat (CSAS) process, and through long- standing research surveys, such as the Atlantic Zonal Monitoring Program (AZMP) and fisheries research trawl surveys. Similarly, DFO’s ongoing tracking, analysis and mapping of ocean uses and management issues will contribute to the setting of departmental priorities. Research and assessments prepared by other government departments, Aboriginal organizations, conservation and community groups, marine industry, and academic institutions provide other important inputs to the state of knowledge of the bioregion and its oceans and coastal management priorities.

Marine Protected Area Network

Canada has made several international and domestic commitments to establishing networks of MPAs. Most recently, the 2010 meeting of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) signatory countries established targets for marine protection. Domestic commitments have been made through the Oceans Act, Canada’s Federal Marine Protected Areas Strategy (Government of Canada 2005), and the federal Health of the Oceans (HOTO) Initiative, which led to the development of the National Framework for Canada’s Network of MPAs. The Framework is a shared federal, provincial and territorial policy document that provides strategic direction for the planning and implementation of the national network.

In addition to DFO’s Oceans Act MPAs, National Marine Conservation Areas (Parks Canada) and Marine Wildlife Areas (Environment Canada) may also contribute to a federal network of protected areas. Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, National Wildlife Areas and National Parks with a marine component, as well as cerain existing area- based conservation measures, such as fisheries closures, may also considered important contributors to this network.

For MPA planning, Canadian waters have been divided into 13 bioregions. The long-term intent is to have separate but linked networks in each bioregion. The Scotian Shelf-Bay of Fundy bioregion and its three planning areas for the Offshore Scotian Shelf, Atlantic Coast and Bay of Fundy, provide the basis for both conservation planning and broader oceans and coastal management efforts by DFO.

As the lead agency, DFO is working closely with its federal (Environment Canada and Parks Canada) and provincial (Nova Scotia and New Brunswick) partners to advance MPA network planning. The major steps in the planning process are as follows:

1. Identify and involve interested parties (government agencies, Aboriginal groups and stakeholders)
2. Compile available information
3. Set network objectives
4. Identify areas of high conservation value
5. Consider social, economic and cultural values
6. Create a network action plan
7. Undertake site-specific planning and implementation
8. Monitor, manage and report

This initiative will build on past regional conservation planning activities, including efforts to engage stakeholders, compile data, and identify EBSAs and other important conservation priorities. Considering this past work, significant progress has been made on the first three steps over the last decade.

DFO is initiating the multi-year MPA network planning process through targeted engagement with all relevant government agencies, Aboriginal groups and stakeholders, as well as with the public. Technical work is underway to develop conservation objectives, compile data, and explore potential MPA network design scenarios will continue throughout the planning process. A major milestone is to produce an action plan that specifies the priority areas for protection within the bioregion. This will serve as the basis for selecting any new MPAs in the bioregion and will be adapted over time as new information becomes available.

Management of Marine Protected Areas and Conservation Areas

As the lead federal authority for Oceans Act MPAs, DFO has overall responsibility for ensuring that conservation measures are respected and enforced in these sites. MPA management involves a number of activities, including developing, implementing and updating management plans, developing ecological monitoring plans and undertaking scientific monitoring and research, managing human activities pursuant to existing legislation and activity plans, developing further policies and guidelines where needed, preparing education and outreach material, coordinating effective and timely enforcement and compliance, and performance reporting.

Oceans Act MPAs

There are two Oceans Act MPAs and one Area of Interest in the Maritimes Region as described below.

The Gully Marine Protected Area

Located off Nova Scotia near Sable Island, the Gully contains a rich diversity of marine habitats and species, including deep-sea corals and an endangered population of northern bottlenose whales. It is also the largest submarine canyon in the western Atlantic Ocean. The Gully MPA was designated in 2004 and encompasses an area of 2,364 km². The Gully Advisory Committee, which is comprised of a range of government agencies and stakeholders, meets regularly to provide guidance on management issues.

For more information on the Gully MPA, visit The Gully MPA.

Musquash Estuary Marine Protected Area

Musquash Estuary MPA is located in the Bay of Fundy approximately 20 km southwest of Saint John, New Brunswick. The MPA, designated in 2006 and covering an area of 7.4 km², encompasses a productive estuary and salt marsh habitats which provide habitat for many species of fish, invertebrates and marine plants. DFO also administers an additional 4.0 km² of intertidal lands and waters in the estuary as part of the MPA, known as the Administered Intertidal Area (AIA).^{Footnote 1} The estuary is one of only a few that remains in the Bay of Fundy that has not been significantly impacted by human development. The Musquash Advisory Committee, which includes a broad range of interests, meets regularly to review and offer direction on management issues.

For more information on the Musquash Estuary MPA, visit Musquash Estuary Marine Protected Area (MPA).

St. Anns Bank Area of Interest

Located off Eastern Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, the St. Anns Bank Area of Interest (AOI) is in the process of designation as an Oceans Act MPA. The AOI, is an ecologically significant area that encompasses important habitat for several commercial and non-commercial species, including species at risk (e.g. Atlantic wolffish, Atlantic cod), unique habitats, and an area of high fish diversity. An ecological risk assessment was developed for the AOI to establish the relative risk of interactions between the conservation priorities for the future MPA and several human activities. The risk assessment combined the consequence of an event (i.e., predicted impact of an interaction) with the likelihood of its occurrence. The findings of the risk assessment contributed to decision making on activities that will be allowed under the future MPA regulations and also informed the design of the boundary and limited fishing zones. Upon designation, St. Anns Bank will be managed in accordance with site management plan provisions and with the involvement of a multi-stakeholder advisory committee.

For more information on St. Anns Bank MPA, visit St. Anns Bank Marine Protected Area (MPA)

Coral and Sponge Conservation Areas

In addition to these MPAs, there are two areas that have dense concentrations of one or more deep-sea coral species and are managed as Coral Conservation Areas (CCA). The first Sponge Conservation Areas (SCA) in the Maritimes Region has also been recently established for a rare type of glass sponge off Nova Scotia. The purpose of these areas is similar to that of MPAs in that ecological features are being protected through restrictions on human activities. However, these areas have been established as fisheries closures under the Fisheries Act instead of the Oceans Act in order to deal directly with fisheries impacts. Brief descriptions of the coral and sponge conservation measures are provided below:

Northeast Channel CCA

This area, located off the southwest coast of Nova Scotia, was established in June 2002 through the Fisheries Act to protect high densities of bubblegum (Paragorgia arborea) and seacorn (Primnoa resedaeformis) coral. The CCA is 424 km², 90% of which is closed to all bottom fishing.

Lophelia CCA

This area, located southeast of Cape Breton, was established through the Fisheries Act in September 2003 and covers an area of 15 km². The CCA protects one of the only known colonies of Lophelia pertusa in eastern Canada and is completely closed to all bottom fisheries. There is also a restriction by the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board on oil and gas exploration in the area.

Vazella pourtalesi SCA

The large aggregations of sponges on the eastern Scotian Shelf represent globally unique and fragile sponge grounds. In an effort to help conserve and protect these areas, they have received protection under the Sensitive Benthic Areas Policy of DFO’s Sustainable Fisheries Framework. The total closure amounts to 259 km² and include two separate boxes to cover known distributions of the sponges. It prohibits any type of fishing gear that contacts the sea floor including drags, traps and bottom-set trawls.

Ongoing priorities for the coral and sponge conservation measures are to implement monitoring plans, coordinate and monitor scientific research, conduct full fisheries reviews, examine boundary issues, and to implement the protections measures through relevant Integrated Fisheries Management Plans and fishing license conditions.

Departmental

A collaborative or “whole of DFO” approach to decision making and policy implementation is the most effective and efficient way to meet departmental strategic outcomes. A key goal for the Plan is to achieve coordinated, consistent and coherent approaches across the department when developing policies, implementing programs and taking decisions within the marine environment. Internal coordination and alignment helps DFO respond to external partners and stakeholders with one voice on a range of cross-cutting issues, such as oil and gas exploration and development, marine renewable energy development, aquaculture siting, conservation planning, and environmental assessments.

Further, there are a number of policy initiatives and strategies being implemented by DFO that require collaboration and input from multiple sectors within the department. These include activities related to the following:

• Maritimes Region Ecosystem Approach to Management (EAM) Framework
• Policies under the Sustainable Fisheries Framework
• SARA recovery and action planning
• Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy
• Fisheries management and protection
• Climate change research, risk assessment and adaptation
• Ecosystem science research and advice
• Geospatial data management and mapping
• Environmental incident preparedness and response

Internal alignment by DFO sectors helps identify the type of information needed to inform decisions. This allows the department to identify and consolidate the information typically required by its decision makers into readily accessible knowledge products. This work relates to the goal for effective decision making and is a priority under the Plan.

Within DFO, the Oceans and Coastal Management Division provides products, such as maps, data and risk assessments, that help in the implementation of departmental policies, strategies and management measures. The division also supports efforts to better coordinate activities related to policy and management integration, such as processes for ensuring that all departmental interests and responsibilities are addressed during the review of marine-related projects and activities.

In addition to effective coordination and alignment, the Plan places an emphasis on the incorporation of ecosystem approaches to management (EAM) in departmental policies, programs and operations. Within the Maritimes Region, DFO is advancing this through its EAM Framework which lays out a common structure with consistent terminology and definitions. This will foster a clearer understanding and uniform application of EAM across the various sectors of the department. A number of departmental sectors are actively working to understand and apply this approach to their operations. Resource Management was among the first in DFO to incorporate this approach into its program, specifically within the structure of Integrated Fisheries Management Plans and through the advancement of the Sustainable Fisheries Framework. Ecosystem Management, which includes the Oceans and Coastal Management Division, Species at Risk Management Division and Fisheries Protection Program, serves as the current regional lead for the EAM Framework and has advanced the approach through various management initiatives. For example, the risk assessment and management analysis process for bioregional EBSAs uses the organizing principles of the EAM Framework. Oceans and Ecosystems Science has provided much of the scientific basis and rigour for the EAM Framework and has adopted it as an organizing principle for its research prioritization and assessment processes.

Intergovernmental

Intergovernmental collaboration and coordination is critical for the many departments with a legislated role and mandate for oceans and coastal management. Coordination allows different levels and departments of government to be more efficient and effective in carrying out their responsibilities through support for joint priority setting, sharing of data and information, coordinated work planning, and improved communication.

Intergovernmental collaboration allows DFO to engage and work with other levels and departments of government to advance program responsibilities, while also providing an avenue for DFO to influence how others undertake their responsibilities in these areas. In this manner, DFO will continue to support and participate in coordinating bodies and provide leadership where appropriate.

Additional efforts will be directed at advancing formal arrangements, such as memoranda of understanding (MOUs), to support improved coordination.

A number of mechanisms are currently in place to support intergovernmental coordination. Examples of these mechanisms include the following:

Regional Committee on Coastal and Oceans Management

The Maritime Provinces Regional Committee on Coastal and Oceans Management (RCCOM) is a senior executive forum for federal and provincial government departments. It provides oversight, coordination and strategic direction to oceans and coastal management processes in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. The RCCOM is supported by a Coordination Committee that is comprised of federal and provincial staff and meets regularly to foster information sharing, capacity building and priority setting for oceans and coastal management activities.

In addition, a dedicated structure has been established in New Brunswick to support provincial participation in the RCCOM. This inter-agency arrangement includes tables for both program and senior management level engagement.

In Nova Scotia, provincial participation is coordinated through its inter-agency Provincial Oceans Network (PON). The PON is chaired by the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to provide expertise and facilitate coordination on coastal management issues and initiatives across the provincial government.

While DFO is not a member of either provincial structures, the department is invited to use these as a venue to share information and seek feedback on various issues from a broad range of provincial departments.

Gulf of Maine Council

The Gulf of Maine Council (GOMC) on the Marine Environment is a United States-Canadian partnership of government and non-government organizations established in 1989. The GOMC works to maintain and enhance environmental quality in the Gulf of Maine to allow for sustainable resource use by existing and future generations. The GOMC and its committees organize conferences and workshops, offer grants and recognition awards, conduct environmental monitoring, provide science translation to management, raise public awareness about the Gulf, and connect people, organizations and information.

A number of committees support the work of the GOMC and foster intergovernmental coordination. DFO works on several of these committees, including those focussed on ecosystem indicators, coastal and marine spatial planning, and State of the Gulf of Maine reporting.

Nova Scotia Federal-Provincial One Window Committee on Tidal Energy

The Nova Scotia Federal-Provincial One Window Committee on Tidal Energy involves the full range of departments with regulatory authorities and responsibilities related to tidal power development.

The aim of the Committee is to promote certainty and predictability of process, avoid regulatory duplication, and increase efficiencies in the review of in-stream tidal energy development projects under 50 megawatts within Nova Scotia.

Environment Canada – Environmental Emergencies Science Table

DFO works with Environment Canada and other federal and provincial agencies to ensure effective notification and response to environmental emergencies in Canada.

During significant incidents, Environment Canada can establish a “Science Table” to provide expert advice in support of an environmental response. The Science Table brings together experts from government agencies, Aboriginal organizations, local communities, resource users, conservation groups and academic institutions to develop consensus advice on protection priorities and response strategies. DFO representatives on the Science Table help disseminate information on an environmental incident within the department in order to coordinate the appropriate advice and action within marine, coastal and freshwater areas. DFO Maritimes Region maintains a regional environmental response protocol and set of procedures for notification, communications, preparedness, response and recovery stages of an environmental incident.

Stakeholder

There are a wide range of interests with a stake in the use of Canada’s marine and coastal environment. Oil and gas exploration and development, fishing, aquaculture, shipping, tourism, pipelines and sub-sea cables, research, maritime defence and conservation interests are all present within this area. DFO supports marine stakeholder participation as part of its management responsibilities under the Oceans Act in order to:

• Validate, share and communicate information
• Receive input, advice and recommendations
• Inform the implementation of action plans and activities
• Collaborate on projects and issues

DFO needs to share and consider information and feedback from others with a wide variety of backgrounds, perspectives and expertise. The nature of a stakeholder’s involvement will depend on the level of their interest and the extent to which the work underway is likely to affect them. There are a number of different approaches used by DFO in order to meet the objectives listed above.

Mechanisms for stakeholder and sector participation are chosen based on the purpose of the activity and can occur at a national or regional level. Types of engagement can also range from those involving broad public and multiple sectors, to more focussed bilateral or small group mechanisms, each with its intended purpose, focus and advantages. Under the Plan, a range of engagement methods can be used. The following are some examples with DFO participation:

DFO Maritimes Region – Marine Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations (ENGO) Forum

This Forum is the primary body for discussion between DFO and regional ENGOs on issues regarding the sustainable development and conservation of marine resources. The Forum provides a vehicle for information exchange, relationship building, and dialogue on strategic policy and marine management issues.

Scotia-Fundy Fishing Sector Roundtable

The Roundtable is the primary body for discussion between DFO and the commercial fishing industry in Maritimes Region. This body provides an opportunity for representatives of all industry sectors and groups to learn about and provide input to policy and management topics of relevance to commercial fisheries in the Maritimes Region. DFO uses this venue to discuss oceans and coastal management and marine conservation topics with the fishing sector.

Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board (CNSOPB) Fisheries Advisory Committee

The CNSOPB Fisheries Advisory Committee includes representatives from various fishing groups, DFO, Natural Resources Canada, and Nova Scotia’s Departments of Energy and Fisheries and Aquaculture. This group meets regularly and serves as an information sharing and advisory mechanism for the CNSOPB on various aspects of petroleum-related activities and projects.

Atlantic Coastal Zone Information Steering Committee (ACZISC)

Established in 1992, ACZISC fosters cooperation in Atlantic Canada on oceans and coastal management, mapping and geomatics. This multi-sector group includes representatives from government, industry, academia and non-governmental organizations. The ACZISC meets several times a year and maintains a popular website and e-newsletter.

Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership (BOFEP) BOFEP is a long-standing non-governmental organization to facilitate cooperative and integrated research on the Bay of Fundy ecosystem. Its main goal is to promote wise management and conservation for marine resources and habitats in the bay by disseminating information, monitoring the state of the ecosystem and facilitating collaborative research activities.

Bras d’Or Lakes Collaborative Environmental Planning Initiative (CEPI)

The Bras d’Or CEPI is a multi-stakeholder group with an interest in or mandate for the management of the Bras d’Or Lakes and watershed lands. Representatives include First Nations, federal, provincial and municipal governments, environmental interests, industry and academics. The aim of CEPI is to develop integrated management approaches to better understand, protect and restore this significant ecosystem.

Southwest New Brunswick Marine Advisory Committee (MAC)

The Southwest New Brunswick MAC is a citizen-based group formed to provide feedback to government on marine issues, policy and strategic matters pertaining to southwestern New Brunswick. The group is guided in its advice by a set of community values that include social, economic and environmental criteria. DFO and the New Brunswick Department of Fisheries provide core support to this initiative.

MPA Advisory Committees

Stakeholder consultation is a fundamental element of DFO’s MPA Program and occurs during the planning, selection, designation and ongoing management of MPAs. In the Maritimes Region, stakeholder advisory committees have been created for individual MPAs, such as the Gully and Musquash Estuary, to give industry, Aboriginal groups, government agencies, and other interests a voice in the management of these areas. A similar committee has been established to involve stakeholders in the MPA designation process currently underway for the St. Anns Bank Area of Interest. Due to the diverse fishing interests in this area, a separate Fishing Industry Working Group was formed to gather industry input.

At the bioregional scale, DFO and its partners are initiating a process to develop an MPA network plan that will guide site selection in the future. This multi- year planning process will include various stakeholder consultation approaches, including cross-sector and multi-stakeholder engagement.

In addition to the existing groups and fora described above, additional approaches to engage, inform and collaborate with others are available under the Plan. These include the following:

• Focussed geographic or issue-based events (e.g. open houses, workshop series)
• Focussed technical or working groups (e.g., for MPA planning)
• An up-to-date, comprehensive and representative contact list and network of ocean and coastal sector stakeholder groups to facilitate engagement and consultation
• Website and social media
• Public outreach and education activities (e.g., Oceans Day, Coastal Zone Canada conferences, seminars and guest lectures).