Establishing marine environmental quality measures to address pressing marine ecosystem stressors

Under the Oceans Act, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans has the authority, in collaboration with partners and stakeholders, to establish marine environmental quality objectives, guidelines, and/or standards. The Marine... [ view full abstract ]

Under the Oceans Act, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans has the authority, in collaboration with partners and stakeholders, to establish marine environmental quality objectives, guidelines, and/or standards. The Marine Environmental Quality program, part of the Aquatic Ecosystems sector of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, has a long history which began with a focus on pollution and has evolved to a broader view focused on the development of tools and approaches to protect and maintain the health and quality of marine ecosystems.  

As part of the Government of Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan, the Marine Environmental Quality program received new resources to work collaboratively with partners such as Transport Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, provinces, territories and Indigenous groups, to increase understanding and address pressing issues affecting the quality of marine environment, including the health of marine mammals. Research is being undertaken to collect and analyze baseline data for underwater noise for areas of highest concern and for vulnerable species to inform the development of potential management measures for noise in specific marine ecosystems.

This presentation will provide an overview of the national Marine Environmental Quality program, its current priorities and proposed next steps to address pressing ecological stressors under the Oceans Act.