Approach and Process for Managing LOMAs

Managing LOMAs is a four-step process.

1. Initiate the planning process

Successful development of an integrated-management plan for a LOMA requires input from a variety of decision makers and interest groups.

For each LOMA, governance structures with defined roles and responsibilities are established to give effect to the collaborative approach to its management. This is accomplished primarily through formal committees.

One committee is formed to develop and implement the management plan. This committee includes decision makers from federal, provincial or territorial departments with authority to conserve and protect ocean ecosystems or manage access to ocean resources. Authorities established under land claims agreements are also invited to sit on this committee.

This committee does not have new legal powers. Rather, integrated-management planning and implementation takes place using existing mandates and authorities.

Governments have an obligation to involve and collaborate with Aboriginal peoples. LOMA governance processes reflect this special relationship between governments and Aboriginal peoples, which is different in character than the relationship between governments and stakeholders.

Another committee, which plays an advisory role, includes stakeholders such as environmental and community groups, academia and industry. This group is important to ensure access to the broadest range of knowledge, linkages to related activities and strengthened buy-in for the integrated-management process.

These committees may be supported by technical committees with specific expertise to help address issues as they arise.

Setting up these governance structures is completed as early as possible in the planning process.

2. Inform and report on the area

Once the planning team is in place, relevant information about the ecosystem is gathered, as well as information on the social, economic and cultural features associated with each LOMA. This information is compiled into ecosystem overview and assessment reports and social, economic and cultural overview and assessment reports respectively.

3. Set management objectives for the area

Based on assessment of the ecosystem within the planning area and identification of the most ecologically significant areas, species and properties, conservation objectives are identified. These objectives are designed to guide decision makers to ensure that the health of the ecosystem in the LOMA is not compromised.

Based on an overview of the socio-economic and cultural characteristics of the LOMA, and in collaboration with government, Aboriginal and stakeholder representatives, socio-economic objectives are set.

4. Develop and implement an integrated-management plan for the area

These objectives guide the management approaches for conservation and development activities within the LOMA, approaches outlined in the integrated-management plan for the LOMA.

The effectiveness of the planning process and the integrated-management plan should be monitored over time. Integrated management is an adaptive process, meaning the process will change as knowledge is gained and applied.

Four-Step Process to Managing LOMAs

1. Initiate the planning process
   • Delineate the eco-region
   • Define the planning area/team
2. Inform and report on the area
   • Ecosystem overview and assessment report
   • Social, economic and cultural overview and assessment report
3. Set management objectives for the area
   • Conservation objectives
   • Social, economic and cultural objectives
4. Develop and implement an integrated-management plan for the area
   • Implement management measures, monitor, report