Process

The following framework for establishing and managing marine protected areas (MPAs) is defined by the Oceans Act.

Establishing and Managing MPAs under the Oceans Act

Step 1: Select Area of Interest (AOI)

• Select the area of interest, primarily through the large ocean management area (LOMA)-based integrated oceans management (IOM) process, applying ecological and feasibility criteria to the ecologically and biologically significant areas (EBSAs), ecologically significant species (ESSs) and ecologically significant community properties (ESCPs) or to priority areas of ecological significance outside the LOMAs, and seek preliminary endorsement from interested parties.

Step 2: Conduct Overview and Assessment of AOI

• Prepare an overview and assessment report for the AOI consisting of an ecological overview; a social, cultural and economic overview; and an assessment of how ecological, social, cultural and economic aspects interact.

Step 3: Develop Draft Regulatory Intent

• Tailor conservation objectives identified during the EBSAs, ESSs and ESCPs exercise to the specific requirements of the AOI; identify regulatory/non-regulatory measures, that is, the management approach, needed to achieve these objectives.

Step 4: Consult with Stakeholders and Finalize Regulatory Intent and Cost-Benefit Overview

• Consult with stakeholders on regulatory intent and provide information for the cost-benefit analysis required for the triage questionnaire, regulatory impact analysis statement (RIAS) and strategic environmental assessment.

Step 5: Develop Regulations for MPA Designation

• Complete the Triage Questionnaire and strategic environmental assessment, plus the “regulatory package," which includes the drafting instructions, RIAS and communication plan, following the Cabinet Directive on Streamlining Regulations. Proceed to pre-publication for public comment and adapt regulations as appropriate. Designation occurs when the regulations are published.

Step 6: Manage Marine Protected Area

• Develop and implement a management plan for managing the MPA and implementing the MPA regulations.