What is PNCIMA?

PNCIMA stands or the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area. This is an area of high ecological, social and economic importance that has been identified by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) as a priority region for marine planning as part of Canada’s Oceans Action Plan. PNCIMA encompasses approximately 88,000 sq. km. and supports an abundance of marine life. Several coastal communities rely heavily on the resources provided by the PNCIMA region. B.C. waters support more than 9,600 salmon stocks, and over 80 species of finfish, shellfish and plants are harvested commercially. Thanks to its rugged and pristine coastline, PNCIMA hosts thousands of tourists from around the world every year. Its deep, protected passages and inlets are traveled by thousands of commercial and recreational vessels, and provide sites for aquaculture and mariculture operations. If designed properly, a marine plan for PNCIMA should result in ecosystem based management of the region. The result will be a series of outcomes and recommendations that provide for long-term sustainability of resource use for future generations.

Download pdf of PNCIMA map Open jpg of PNCIMA map

A successful marine planning process for PNCIMA will require participation and input from several sectors within B.C.

Photo: Beltra/Greenpeace	Fisheries Fishermen throughout the region have an important role to play in the PNCIMA planning process. They include representatives from gear group associations, geographic associations, First Nations’ fishing associations, species-specific associations, recreational associations and processors.
Photo: K.W. Ladell, LOS	Transportation The transportation sector employs thousands of people along the B.C. coast, including shippers, carriers, ports and terminals.
Photo: Vestas Wind Systems A/S	Energy Renewable sources of energy, such as solar and wind-generated power, represent potential economic opportunities for B.C.; there are oil and gas leases in the PNCIMA area as well. A moratorium is in place to protect PNCIMA from harmful effects of seismic testing, drilling and potential spills.
Photo: Victoria O’Connell, Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game	Ocean technology and research Many of B.C.’s marine and coastal areas are unexplored, and very little is known about the extent of the various underwater habitats.
Photo: K.W. Ladell, LOS	Communities Communities in PNCIMA are the backbone of coastal B.C. They have a wealth of local and traditional knowledge to impart upon the planning process.
Photo: John Brouwer	Recreation There are approximately 17 marine parks and nine terrestrial parks and recreational areas in or adjacent to PNCIMA. They provide camping, wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities for thousands of visitors every year.
Photo: Courtesy of NOAA Photo Library	Tourism Millions of visitors come to B.C. every year. The tourism sector is a significant contributor to the province's coastal economy.
Photo: Rolf Hicker	Stewardship Several organizations comprised of residents with an interest in maintaining the coastal and marine environment operate in the region.
Photo: Courtesy of NASA/NSSDC	Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) There are several environmental and conservation organizations in B.C. working to ensure that ecosystem-based management objectives that enable protection of sensitive and threatened habitats are incorporated into the PNCIMA planning process.
Photo: L. Renehan, LOS	Aquaculture There are approximately 73 active fish farms and over 50 shellfish farms operating in PNCIMA. Farmed Atlantic salmon is B.C.'s largest agricultural export.
Photo: Alexandra Morton	Commercial Recreation Several fishing, camping and wildlife guides and businesses operate throughout the region and contribute to B.C.'s coastal economy.