Sustainable Development Strategy - 2001-2003

Minister's Message

Canada's aquatic resources, both oceans and freshwater, are central to Canada's history, to its economic well being and to the quality of life in Canada. Whatever their specific interests, all Canadians place a high priority on protection of our aquatic resources and ecosystems. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) shares this priority, and is committed to making the most of the social and economic benefits that these resources can bring to present and future generations of Canadians.

To do this, we are anchoring our activities in the principle of sustainable development -- finding the best ways to integrate economic, environmental and social considerations into the conservation, protection, and use of our aquatic resources. The concepts of sustainable development are central to DFO's mandate and its responsibilities to Parliament and the people of Canada.

As the past century has demonstrated, Canada's fisheries and oceans are vulnerable -- and that makes Canadians vulnerable if we do not take steps to protect and conserve our aquatic resources over the long term. Sustainable development calls for striking a better balance between protecting our fragile aquatic resources and ecosystems and developing economic opportunities based on their use.

For DFO, striking this balance means many things. For example, it means finding ways to manage activities in our oceans in an integrated fashion, with proper respect paid to economic, environmental and social concerns, in consultation with all interested stakeholders. It means learning how to apply the precautionary approach, both domestically and internationally, in order to better understand and respect the limits and risks of harvesting. It means cultivating scientific excellence to increase our understanding of aquatic ecosystems. It means encouraging a thriving marine services industry through the use of new technologies and developing a strong and environmentally sustainable aquaculture industry.

This document, which outlines DFO's sustainable development strategy and action plan, is a clear expression of our continued commitment to sustainable development. Together with other federal departments, we are supporting the Government of Canada's overall strategy for achieving what Canadians expect: protection of our natural environment, sustainable use of natural resources, and economic and social benefits for Canadians now and in the future.

The Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada