Central Coast Marine Plan
What was this engagement about?
The Heiltsuk, Kitasoo/Xai’Xais, Wuikinuxv and Nuxalk Nations and the Province of British Columbia invited feedback on the Central Coast draft Marine Plan during the public review period, which ran from June 6 – July 11, 2014.
The draft plan is part of the Marine Planning Partnership (MaPP) initiative. MaPP is a co-led partnership between the Province of British Columbia and 18 member First Nations working to create plans for marine uses and long-term ocean health on the North Pacific Coast. The Central Coast plan area includes hundreds of islands, exposed rocky headlands and the shelf waters of Queen Charlotte Sound. Its main communities include Bella Coola, Bella Bella, Ocean Falls, Wuikinuxv, Shearwater and Klemtu.
The draft plan was developed following extensive consultation with stakeholders with expertise in a range of marine sectors. In addition, a science advisory committee has provided expert technical and scientific knowledge and advice in the development of background material that has informed the draft sub-regional plans.
This draft plan is not intended to address management of uses and activities that the province considers to be federal government jurisdiction. However, where there is overlap or shared jurisdiction, ecosystem-based management priorities or marine spatial planning priorities, these topics are discussed. The intent is that issues requiring federal government involvement would be subject to consultations with the federal government.
The Central Coast draft Marine Plan focuses on marine areas and uses where, as between the Government of British Columbia and Canada, the Government of British Columbia has legal jurisdiction and regulatory authority – namely the foreshore (i.e., the intertidal zone), coastal “inland waters” on the outer coast, and the lands covered by these waters.
The Central Coast Marine Plan covers a major portion of the territories of the Heiltsuk, Kitasoo/Xai’Xais, Nuxalk and Wuikinuxv Nations. Their respective laws and traditions hold them responsible for ensuring that natural and cultural heritage of their territories is passed on to future generations.
The Central Coast draft Marine Plan will provide recommendations for key areas of marine management – including uses, activities and protection – and will inform decisions regarding the sustainable economic development and stewardship of the Central Coast’s coastal marine environment.
How did my contribution make a difference?
The Heiltsuk, Kitasoo/Xai’Xais, Wuikinuxv and Nuxalk Nations and the Province of British Columbia wanted to hear from those who care about the ocean environment, or whose living depends on the ocean.
Citizens were invited to comment online, by email, or mail before July 11, 2014 by visiting the MaPP website or to attend an public meeting in Bella Coola (June 16) or Shearwater (June 18).
Details of the Engagement:
Date: June 6 to July 11, 2014
Status: Closed
Location: North Coast
Category: Environmental Protection
Types: In-person, Online, Email, Mail