Process to establish and manage ministerial order (MO) Oceans Act Marine Protected Areas

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

Step 1: pre-planning
Outcome: study area selection and announcement

• Identify ecologically and biologically important areas facing threats.
• 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, socio-economic and Traditional Knowledge overviews and resource and risk assessments using existing information.
• Identification of activities occurring within the study area.
• Collaborate with Indigenous Peoples, partners and stakeholders to determine proposed boundaries, conservation objectives, and prohibited activities for the MO MPA.
• Consult with interested and affected parties through the Advisory Committee.

Step 3: regulatory development
Outcome: MO 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
Outcome: management strategy developed and information collected

• Develop management strategy to manage activities for the duration of the Order.
• Monitor the area and collect baseline information and data.
• Consider long-term conservation tools, such as Governor in Council regulations.