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The Eastern Scotian Shelf Integrated Management (ESSIM) Initiative

The Eastern Scotian Shelf Integrated Management (ESSIM) Initiative is a collaborative ocean planning process being led and facilitated by the Oceans and Coastal Management Division (OCMD), Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO – Maritimes Region) under the Oceans Act. The ESSIM Initiative was announced by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans in December 1998 and followed the recommendation from the Sable Gully Conservation Strategy that integrated management approaches be applied to the offshore area around the Sable Gully Area of Interest. (The Gully has since been officially designated as a Marine Protected Area under the Oceans Act.) The primary aim of the ESSIM Initiative is to develop and implement an Integrated Ocean Management Plan for this large marine region. This multi-year, strategic level plan will provide long-term direction and a common basis for integrated, ecosystem-based and adaptive ocean management.

The ESSIM planning process involves a broad range of interests, including government, First Nations, ocean industry and resource users, environmental conservation groups, coastal communities, and university researchers.

In February 2005, a draft version of the Eastern Scotian Shelf Integrated Ocean Management Plan was presented to the ESSIM Forum (a collective of all organizations and individuals participating in the ESSIM Initiative) for consideration. The draft Plan was reviewed and discussed by stakeholders at the 3rd ESSIM Forum Workshop on February 22nd and 23rd, 2005. The draft Plan is now being released for broader public review.

Contact the ESSIM Planning Office for more information.