Advisory: Marine planning media opportunity

WWF

OTTAWA, May 6, 2016 –  Learn about critical marine planning issues and take advantage of interview opportunities as WWF-Canada and the U.S. Embassy convene a presentation and expert panel to discuss lessons from the highly successful Rhode Island Ocean Special Area Management Plan (Ocean SAMP).
 
What is Ocean SAMP
The Ocean Special Area Management Plan is the first formally adopted ocean spatial plan in the United States. Spurred originally by industry initiative, it is now being used to make decisions on shared ocean resources.

“When it comes to using our oceans, we need to plan to ensure that existing ocean activities are honoured – from recreational and commercial fishing, to shipping, to tourism – while also protecting important ecosystems and encouraging new uses, like marine renewables,” said  Jennifer McCann, director of U.S. Coastal Programs at the University of Rhode Island Coastal Resources Center “Using the SAMP allowed the people of Rhode Island to stay in the driver’s seat and determine how the oceans should be used. This is an effective management tool that has potential for Canada.”
 
Why marine planning matters in Canada
“Our oceans are getting crowded, and it’s getting harder to maintain healthy ocean ecosystems,” said David Miller, president and CEO of WWF-Canada. “I’m eager to learn from the success of the Rhode Island experience and start an important discussion on how we plan for the oceans of tomorrow, right here in Canada.”
 
What: Planning for the Oceans of Tomorrow – A Canada-U.S. Dialogue is a presentation on marine planning lessons from the highly successful Rhode Island Ocean Special Area Management Plan (Ocean SAMP) experience followed by an expert panel discussion.
 
Who:

  • Presentation by Jennifer McCann, director of U.S. Coastal Programs at the University of Rhode Island Coastal Resources Center
  • Panel discussion moderated by Ivan Semeniuk, an award-winning science writer with The Globe and Mail, that includes Jennifer McCann and:
    • Robert Lewis-Manning, president of the B.C. Chamber of Shipping;
    • Tony Wright, general manager,Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy;
    • Sue Tuxbury, fisheries biologist, U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;
    • Jake Rice, chief scientist emeritus, Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
  • Co-hosted by WWF-Canada president and CEO David Miller and U.S. Ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman
  • Attended by Canadian MPs, Ministers and departmental staff as well as industry leaders and ocean policy professionals.

When: Monday, May 9, 2016, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. ET
Where: Fairmont Chateau Laurier, 1 Rideau Street, Ottawa, in the Laurier Room
How: Space is limited. Pre-registration is required at planningfortheoceansoftomorrow.eventbrite.ca
 
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About World Wildlife Fund Canada
WWF-Canada creates solutions to the environmental challenges that matter most for Canadians. We work in places that are unique and ecologically important, so that wildlife, nature and people thrive together. Because we are all wildlife. For more info visit wwf.ca
 
For interviews and further information
Sarah MacWhirter, senior manager, strategic communications, [email protected], +1 416-489-8800 ext. 7276