Overview
A major objective of the Government of Canada’s $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan (OPP) launched in 2016 is building meaningful Indigenous partnerships for effective marine and coastal management. OPP presents new opportunities for engagement and co-development of marine policy and processes with First Nations. OPP was renewed in 2022 providing an additional $2 billion over 9 years to continue work and expand on OPP projects.
Through the Commitment to Action and Results Accord (C2AR) signed in 2019, FNFC has partnered with Transport Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and the Canadian Coast Guard to support a collaborative working relationship between the federal government and First Nations in the South Coast region of BC. This collaborative relationship aims to support (1) the inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge, laws, and values in marine and coastal management, (2) capacity building and access to resources to support First Nations-driven marine initiatives, and (3) meaningful engagement in oceans research and scientific processes.
The following active coordinating committees have been established to support BC First Nations Fisheries Action Plan goals for marine ecosystems and First Nations engagement in marine and coastal management, policy, and program planning:
Ship Movement and Vessel Management Coordinating Committee
The Ship Movement and Vessel Management Committee (VMCC) comprises delegates from First Nations communities within the South Coast region of British Columbia. The committee currently partners with Transport Canada to advise and provide on a regional South Coast Cumulative Effects of Marine Shipping (CEMS) assessment with Transport Canada.
Marine Research and Science Coordinating Committee
The Marine Research and Science Coordinating Committee (MRSCC) serves as an advisory body to collaborate on initiatives related to marine planning and research.
If you’re interested in being involved in a coordinating committee, please contact:
Megan Stewart
Manager, Marine & Coastal Management
[email protected]
Images
Events
Resources and publications
South Coast BC Engagement Guide
Lessons learned from the Cumulative Effects of Marine Shipping initiative in south coast B.C.
Reflections and Recommendations from the Oceans Protection Plan
Reflections & Recommendations from First Nations involvement in the Oceans Protection Plan
First Nations in BC and Marine and Coastal Management
Supporting First Nations communities in advancing their interests related to marine protection and management links directly to the Action Plan’s third theme, Safeguarding Habitat and Responding to Threats, which calls for First Nations to work together
Oceans Protection Plan Commitment [2019]
Contact
Marine and Coastal Management
Megan Stewart, Manager, Marine & Coastal Management
[email protected]
