Managing Our Ocean

Coordination | Integrated Management | Other Initiatives

Canada's Pacific ocean supports diverse and growing economic activities including shipping, fisheries, tourism, aquaculture, technology development and energy exploration. Since introducing the Oceans Act in 1997, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has taken on a significant new role as the lead federal authority for oceans management. DFO is committed to fostering oceans management consistent with the principles of:

Sustainable development, or development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs;

Integrated management, which is an ongoing and collaborative approach bringing together interested parties to incorporate social, cultural, environmental and economic values; and

A precautionary approach, or taking action to conserve and protect the oceans when scientific information is incomplete.

• NEW >> Oceans Program Overview Pamphlet [PDF]

Our Vision

The vision of the Oceans Program is to ensure healthy, safe and prosperous oceans for the benefit of current and future generations of Canadians. To support this vision four immediate goals have been identified:

1. Develop a collaborative, integrated approach to oceans management;
2. Expand working partnerships among oceans stakeholders and increase their responsibility and accountability;
3. Optimize the economic potential of our oceans while ensuring their conservation and sustainability; and
4. Position Canada as a world leader in oceans management.

This section of the website includes information on

Coordination

The Oceans Program, through key legislation, works to coordinate the efforts and responsibilities of ocean managers with other federal departments, provincial agencies, First Nations and stakeholders.

• Intergovernmental coordination
• Intersectoral coordination

Integrated Management

In the Pacific Region, the Oceans Program is working to establish the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA) through the PNCIMA Initiative and coordinate with other Integrated Management initiatives.

• PNCIMA Large Ocean Management Area
• West Coast Aquatic

Other Initiatives

Managing our ocean is complex, and there are many branches within DFO and initiatives beyond the Department that are involved.

• Sustainable Fisheries Framework
• State of Oceans Reporting
• DFO Science Centres of Expertise