Process to establish and manage Governor in Council (GiC): Oceans Act Marine Protected Areas

Consultation and engagement with Indigenous Peoples, partners and stakeholders occurs throughout all steps.

Step 1: pre-planning
Outcome: Area of Interest (AOI) selection and announcement

• Identify ecologically and biologically important areas.
• Gather existing/preliminary information.
• Initial dialogue with Indigenous Peoples, partners and stakeholders.

Step 2: site design and policy development
Outcome: decision to proceed with regulatory process

• Develop biophysical, ecological and Traditional Knowledge overviews, and resource and risk assessments.
• Collaborate with Indigenous Peoples, partners and stakeholders to determine proposed boundaries, conservation objectives and protection measures.
• Consult with interested and affected parties through the Advisory Committee.

Step 3: regulatory development
Outcome: GiC MPA designation

• Develop MPA regulations and associated regulatory documents.
• Pre-publish MPA regulations in Canada Gazette, Part I for a 30‑day public comment period.
• Register final MPA regulations and publish in Canada Gazette, Part II.

Step 4: management planning
Outcome: management and monitoring approach established

• Adjust governance structure (for example, Advisory committee/Management board) to support ongoing management and monitoring.
• Collaborate with Indigenous Peoples, partners and stakeholders to develop management and monitoring plans.
• Create compliance promotion, enforcement and outreach materials.

Step 5: Ongoing management
Outcome: Management and monitoring approach implemented and evaluated

• Carry out management, monitoring, outreach and enforcement activities.
• Assess progress toward conservation objectives and site goals.
• Report on site progress to partners, stakeholders and the public.

Adaptive management: reassess and adapt as necessary.