North Vancouver Island Marine Plan
What was this engagement about?
The Nanwakolas Council of First Nations and the Province of British Columbia invited feedback on the North Vancouver Island draft Marine Plan during the public review period, which ran from April 9 – May 15, 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 Vancouver Island plan area lies between northern Vancouver Island and the mainland – and includes the communities of Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Alert Bay, Sayward and Campbell River.
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 Vancouver Island 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 Nanwakolas Council member nations are responsible for ensuring that natural and cultural heritage of their traditional territories is passed on to future generations.
Members of the Nanwakolas Council and partners in the MaPP initiative are: Mamalilikulla-Qwe’Qwa’Sot’Em, Tlowitsis, Da’nakda’xw-Awaetlatla, Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw, Wei Wai Kum, Kwiakah and the K’ómoks First Nations.
The North Vancouver Island 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 North Vancouver Island’s coastal marine environment.
How can my contribution make a difference?
Nanwakolas Council of First Nations and the Province of British Columbia wanted to hear from those who care about the ocean environment, and whose living depends on the ocean.
Citizens were invited to comment online before May 15, 2014 by visiting the MaPP website and to attend a public meetings in Campbell River (April 14), Port McNeill (April 15), and Port Hardy (April 16).
Details of the Engagement:
Date: April 9 to May 15, 2014
Status: Closed
Location: Vancouver Island
Category: Environmental Protection
Types: In-person, Online, Email