PNCIMA process


	In 2002, the northern half of Canada’s Pacific coast was identified under Canada’s Oceans Act as an important area for ocean planning. The area was dubbed the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA), and covers 102,000 km2 of ocean from Campbell River to the Alaska border and out to the edge of the continental shelf (map). After years of work by conservation groups, the fishing sector, tourism outfitters, First Nations, scientists, and coastal residents, the Government of Canada finally embarked on the PNCIMA marine planning process in 2010. The goal was to develop a plan to conserve this relatively undeveloped region, while fostering sustainable economies on the coast, which promised to make Canada a world leader in marine conservation. In September 2011 however, the federal government withdrew from an agreement that provided funding to support the PNCIMA process. They stated that the process was being “realigned” to better fit with timelines and to be consistent with ocean planning on the other coasts of Canada. Under this streamlined plan, funding for public consultation and independent science was no longer required [See press release]. Read more... Living Oceans Society is continuing to work on the new plan for PNCIMA through our seat on the Integrated Oceans Advisory Committee (IOAC), a group of representatives from marine industries, conservation groups and local government. The new plan, which is expected to be complete by the fall of 2012, will establish guidelines for ecosystem-based management in the region. It is also planning on establishing a risk-based framework to that will help guide human use in the area. As the new plan for PNCIMA will only create recommendations at a regional scale, more detailed planning will be carried out for each sub-region by local First Nations through their Marine Planning Partnership (MaPP) with the provincial government.

In 2002, the northern half of Canada’s Pacific coast was identified under Canada’s Oceans Act as an important area for ocean planning. The area was dubbed the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA), and covers 102,000 km2 of ocean from Campbell River to the Alaska border and out to the edge of the continental shelf (map).

After years of work by conservation groups, the fishing sector, tourism outfitters, First Nations, scientists, and coastal residents, the Government of Canada finally embarked on the PNCIMA marine planning process in 2010. The goal was to develop a plan to conserve this relatively undeveloped region, while fostering sustainable economies on the coast, which promised to make Canada a world leader in marine conservation.

In September 2011 however, the federal government withdrew from an agreement that provided funding to support the PNCIMA process. They stated that the process was being “realigned” to better fit with timelines and to be consistent with ocean planning on the other coasts of Canada. Under this streamlined plan, funding for public consultation and independent science was no longer required [See press release].

PNCIMA process

Marine Planning and Protected Areas Campaign Manager

Local Marine Planner