History

In the past, oceans management has focused on managing a single ocean activity independent of other human activities. Such an approach has failed to consider the cumulative impacts of all of these activities on the ecosystem, advantages that could be achieved through regulatory efficiency and opportunities for co-operation. As a result, decisions about ocean resources typically proceeded independently of each other.

Canada’s commitment to integrated management was first formulated in the Oceans Act, which came into force in 1997, recognizing that the concept was being applied by coastal communities well before that date.

Implementing Integrated Management

As outlined in the Oceans Act, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, on behalf of the Government of Canada, leads implementation of integrated management.

Large Ocean Management Areas (LOMAs)
In Canada, implementation of the integrated-management approach begins by identifying a physical area to be managed, based on ecosystem, and practical considerations. Five areas have been selected to pilot the integrated-management approach. These areas are called large ocean management areas (LOMAs).

For each LOMA, federal, provincial and territorial governments, Aboriginal groups, industry organizations, environmental and community groups, and other interested parties work together to plan for long-term management of the area (see Approach and Process for Managing LOMAs).

For more information, go to:

Canada’s Oceans Strategy

Policy and Operational Framework for Integrated Management of Estuarine, Coastal and Marine Environments in Canada