North Coast Marine Plan
What was this engagement about?
The North Coast–Skeena First Nations Stewardship Society (NC–SFNSS) and the Province of British Columbia invited feedback on the North Coast draft Marine Plan during the public review period, which ran from April 29 – June 3, 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 North Coast plan area reaches from the southern Alaskan border to the north end of Laredo Sound and includes the communities of Prince Rupert, Kitimat and Terrace.
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 North 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 NC–SFNSS member Nations’ laws and traditions hold them responsible for ensuring that natural and cultural heritage of their traditional territories is passed on to future generations.
Members and partner Nations of the NC–SFNSS and partners in the MaPP initiative are: the Metlakatla, Kitsumkalum, Kitselas, Haisla, Gitga’at and Gitxaała First Nations.
The North 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 North Coast’s coastal marine environment.
How can my contribution make a difference?
The NC–SFNSS 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 June 3, 2014 by visiting the MaPP website or to attend a public meeting in Prince Rupert (May 12) or Kitimat (May 13).
Read the plans and learn about the partnership here.
Details of the Engagement:
Date: Closed on June 3, 2014
Status: Closed with results
Location: North Coast
Category: Environmental Protection
Types: In-person, Online, Email, Mail