First Nations and Province complete Marine Plans for North Coast region

A partnership between the Province of British Columbia and 18 coastal First Nations has resulted in the delivery of a Marine management plan for coastal waters, put together under the Marine Planning Partnership known as MaPP.

The process provided for a number of key recommendations for marine management, looking at uses, activities and protection and is designed to provide for informed decision making when it comes to sustainable economic development and stewardship of the marine environment along the coast from Haida Gwaii south to Campbell River on Vancouver Island.

The final marine plans however do not address areas and uses that may fall under Federal jurisdiction, which will remain subject to further consultations with the Federal government.

Still, the four marine plans do represent a lengthy engagement process with stakeholders across the various areas. With much of the material delivered by way of town hall meetings and consultation with marine scientists and those that have the most knowledge of marine issues on the coast.

"Our coast deserves the world's best stewardship! This will take strong leadership. These plans are a reflection of our commitment to work with B.C. and stakeholders to secure a strong future for communities and ecosystems." -- Art Sterritt, Executive Director, Coast First Nations - Great Bear initiative

For his part Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Minister John Rustad highlighted the collaborative nature of the engagement between the participating groups, as they worked together to deliver the various plans for the region.

 “This collaboration recognizes the important role of coastal First Nations as stewards of the marine environment and as partners in supporting the health of coastal communities. The Marine Planning Partnership has engaged residents and stakeholders from Vancouver Island to Haida Gwaii, and is to the benefit of all British Columbians, now and for future generations.”

You can review each of the plans for the areas of the North and Central Coast and Haida Gwaii below:

Central Coast
North Coast
Haida Gwaii

More background on the process involved and the results achieved from the project can be found from this information release from the Skeena-Queen Charlotte Regional District.

For more background on Regional District items see our archive page here.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review