Purpose and Goals

LOMAs are established to advance collaborative management. For each LOMA, all levels of government, Aboriginal groups, industry organizations, environmental and community groups, and academia work together to develop a strategic, long-term plan for sustainable management of resources within its boundaries.

LOMAs are delineated so that ecosystem health and economic development issues within their boundaries can be addressed and suitably managed.

This can best be accomplished using an integrated ocean management approach — an approach based on addressing the socio-economic needs of humankind while preserving the health of the marine ecosystem.

Under the Oceans Act, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is responsible for leading development and implementation of integrated-management activities within Canadian marine waters.

The five existing LOMAs are characterized by:

• important living and non-living marine resources;
• high biological diversity and productivity; and
• many stakeholders competing for ocean space and resources.

Activities typically found within each LOMA include renewable and non-renewable energy development, shipping, fishing (subsistence and commercial), conservation, maritime defence, telecommunications, eco-tourism and scientific activities.