U.S. Ocean Planning Sets a Smart Example: WWF Canada

Ottawa: July 20, 2010 – Yesterday’s historic U.S. announcement of a national oceans stewardship initiative, designed to bolster sustainable development and conservation in U.S. waters, highlights the pressing need for a similar approach to planning for Canada’s oceans.

“Our oceans should be a source of lasting prosperity, not endless conflict,” said Darcy Dobell, vice-president of WWF-Canada’s Pacific Region. “Like the U.S., we have to find a way to advance strong ocean economies while protecting the health of ocean ecosystems. That’s just not going to happen without some smart planning.”

The final report of the U.S. Ocean Policy Task Force recommends the creation of a National Ocean Council to plan for the use of oceans, coastlines and Great Lakes by multiple interests. The new policy would use Marine Spatial Planning as a key tool for smarter ocean management.

Countries around the world are increasingly using marine spatial planning as a tool to promote sustainable commercial and recreational use of ocean resources, while safeguarding marine ecosystems, minimizing user conflict and establishing strong performance and safety standards. WWF-Canada has a long history of encouraging the use of spatial planning as an effective tool to reconcile competing demands for diminishing ocean resources.

On Canada’s Pacific coast, First Nations are working with the Government of Canada to lead an integrated marine planning process involving representatives of all ocean user groups. “Our fishery has to negotiate space with a proposed wind farm, and with existing and new shipping routes, and with recreational users, and with conservation needs,” says Dan Edwards, Executive Director of the Area A Crab Fishery Association, which represents B.C.’s largest crab fishery. “We all have to sit at the table and work out how to co-exist. Marine spatial planning is the best tool we have for turning our high-level goals into something real.”

The effectiveness of marine planning has already been proven off the Atlantic coast’s Bay of Fundy where shipping lanes have been moved to protect endangered North Atlantic right whales. “Collaboration between Canadian and American scientists and NGOs, as well as Canadian industry and government, led to the shifting of shipping lanes, resulting in an estimated reduction in the probability of a vessel collision with whales by 80 per cent,” said Bettina Saier, Director, WWF-Canada’s Oceans Program. “This is smart ocean-planning in action, involving all ocean users to come up with solutions that benefit ecosystems and our oceans economy. We need to see more of this in all of our three oceans.”

In the Beaufort Sea, oil and gas exploration licenses are routinely granted by the federal government within environmentally sensitive areas. Should even a small oil spill occur, immediate damage to these areas would occur. A spatial plan could separate incompatible uses such as these. In fact, under Inuvialuit leadership, the Beaufort Sea Partnership has committed to undertaking just such a plan.

Ms. Dobell notes that Canada already has a strong foundation for ocean planning. “Canada has the world’s longest coastline and a wealth of expertise in marine industry and science. We also have an existing legislative framework to support better ocean management. We don’t have to re-invent anything to do this right.”

For further information:

Darcy Dobell, Vice-President, Pacific Region, WWF-Canada.
Tel.: (604) 678-6651 (work); (604) 616-2443 (cell)
[email protected]

Bettina Saier, Director, Oceans Program, WWF-Canada.
Tel.: (902) 482-1105, Ext. 24 (work); (902) 401-9209 (cell)
[email protected]

Dan Edwards, Executive Director, Area ‘A’, Crab Fishery Association
Tel.: (250) 266-0082 (cell)

Paulette Roberge, Communications Specialist, WWF-Canada.
Tel.: (613) 232-2504 (work); (613) 302-2519 (cell)
[email protected]

About WWF-Canada
WWF-Canada is part of WWF, the world’s largest conservation organization. At WWF we advocate and promote lasting solutions to the challenge of balancing growing human need and environmental sustainability. In collaboration with business, government, communities and individuals we take a science-based approach to the protection, management and restoration of environmentally sensitive parts of our planet. Our work includes visionary projects focused on climate change, freshwater and the health of habitat and species across Canada and around the world.

For more information on WWF-Canada’s marine work, visit http://www.wwf.ca/conservation