1.1: Oceans Action Plan
Implement an Oceans Action Plan (OAP) for environmental, social, and economic development of Canada's oceans, offshore and
coastal areas.
Other Information:
Oceans issues are complex and cut across jurisdictions, sectors, international boundaries and communities of interest. This
horizontal focus calls for the involvement of citizens, communities, stakeholders, Aboriginal organizations and all levels
of government. The Oceans Act came into force in 1997, and established the legislative framework for a co-ordinated federal
approach to oceans. The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans has the lead responsibility to develop and implement a national
strategy for the management of Canada's estuarine, coastal and marine ecosystems. In July 2002, the Government of Canada
released Canada's Oceans Strategy, which outlines how the Oceans Act will be implemented. The OAP is a horizontal approach
to implementing the Oceans Act and Canada's Oceans Strategy that incorporates the activities of DFO and other departments.
The approach demands working collaboratively to leverage strengths, capacities and resources. Fisheries and Oceans Canada
will focus on building and nurturing solid working relationships across almost 20 federal organizations with oceans responsibilities.
The Department will also work with provinces and territories to develop agreements for joint implementation of oceans management
initiatives. The Oceans Action Plan positions Canada to address the challenges of modern oceans management for the 21st century.
The Department will lead and facilitate development of a horizontally aligned approach to Canada's Oceans Strategy across
the federal government. The OAP also provides an umbrella framework for DFO oceans priorities, and many of the initiatives
in Our Waters, Our Future will support its delivery. For example, CCG Rejuvenation will support the Oceans Action Plan by
ensuring a platform to provide critical services on all three coasts. Fisheries Renewal will set the stage for modernizing
governance arrangements in the fisheries industry that will support integrated oceans management.The five-year goal is for
Canada to consolidate its place as a world leader in oceans management. Within DFO and across the federal government, the
focus will be on making significant progress in delivering key commitments under each of the four pillars of the OAP.International
Leadership, Sovereignty and Security - Assert sovereignty, including continued monitoring and management of Canada's Arctic
waters and resources; address overfishing and security issues; and apply Canadian jurisdiction within an effective international
oceans governance framework (e.g. by addressing high seas biodiversity, deficiencies in high seas regimes and implementing
existing commitments). Integrated Oceans Management - Promote relations with stakeholders that will address conflicts and
benefit communities in key oceans areas, based on the principles of ecosystem-based management and the precautionary approach
(e.g., by implementing Integrated Management plans). Health of the Oceans - Provide the backbone of marine conservation and
sustainability by protecting critical marine environments, addressing counter pollution and aquatic animal health (e.g., by
designating key Marine Protected Areas and national protection measures). Oceans Science and Technology - Build an environment
that promotes growth in leading ocean technologies and mapping priority areas, using science in support of ecosystem-based
management (e.g., opportunities for Canadian marine technology firms to develop and apply new technologies).
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