Federal Government

The government of Canada has committed to oceans management through an ecosystem-based approach, part of which is demonstrated by the development of Canada’s Oceans Strategy (COS).  This approach is based upon the principles of sustainable development, integrated management, and the precautionary approach.  The development of COS compliments Canada’s Oceans Act.  The Oceans Act allows the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans to coordinate federal involvement in all oceans related issues.  Part II of the Oceans Act provides the authority to develop several key tools that are necessary to implement the COS, including the Integrated Management Program, the Marine Environmental Quality Program, and the Marine Protected Areas Program.

Canada’s Oceans Act designates Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) as the lead agency in Canada’s Marine Protected Areas program.  Fisheries and Oceans Canada will be the lead authority and will be ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance with the Regulations.  The role of DFO is to identify, designate and manage the MPA.  In so doing, DFO will:

• facilitate and support all of the stakeholders, to harness their expertise and knowledge;

• ensure the effective enforcement of the Regulations;

•  monitor the MPA against the conservation objectives; and

• establish a governance structure that will ensure a transparent decision making and management process.

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