“This is an exciting day for the Government of Canada and coastal First Nations,” said Minister Shea. “With the signing of this important document, we have taken a significant step toward developing an integrated oceans management plan for the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA) that will guide the sustainable development of the area and benefit users and coastal communities.”
The MOU outlines a “PNCIMA Model”, including a proposed method of governing and support for PNCIMA initiatives within the area. It also calls for the establishment of a steering committee and secretariat to guide and support future planning efforts and the involvement of all those with a vested interest in PNCIMA. In addition, the MOU sets out the expectation that DFO and the First Nations of the Pacific North Coast (Coastal First Nations (CFN)), and the North Coast Skeena First Nations’ Stewardship Society (NCSFNSS), will work together on integrated ocean planning in the area.
“The (PNCIMA) collaborative governance model ensures the meaningful participation of First Nations in the development of management plans for marine use,” stated Art Sterritt, executive director of CFN. “The model allows First Nations to collaborate with government and to work with stakeholders to address our community interests and advance a marine use plan that provides for environmental sustainability and the economic well-being of our people.”
Bruce Watkinson, executive director of NCSFNSS said the (PNCIMA) model will help to restore and conserve some of the most biologically diverse and pristine oceans in the world, situated in British Columbia, stating: “The Stewardship Society’s leadership and communities believe that maintaining, restoring and improving coastal ecosystems is crucial if we are to be self-sustaining.”
DFO has a mandate through the Oceans Act to lead the development of an integrated oceans management plan in in collaboration with other interested parties, and to promote stewardship and public awareness within the PNCIMA Large Ocean Management Area. PNCIMA is located on the central and north coast area of British Columbia.
Under ‘s Ocean Strategy, Large Oceans Management Areas (LOMA) are identified for integrated oceans management. Five priority LOMAs have been identified, with PNCIMA being the first priority for action in the Pacific Region.
Editor’s Note: A photo for this release will be available via Marketwire on the picture wire of The Canadian Press.
MULTIMEDIA AVAILABLE:
http://media3.marketwire.com/em/3800
For more information, please contact
Fisheries and Oceans – Pacific Region
Hannah R. Mahoney
Communications Advisor
(604) 666-7120
or
Coastal First Nations
Art Sterritt
Executive Director
(604) 868-9110
or
North Coast Skeena First Nations’ Stewardship Society
Bruce Watkinson
Executive Director
(250) 627-8614
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Fisheries-And-Oceans-Canada-929830.html