The Evolution of Spatial Scale for Oceans Governance in the Newfoundland Labrador Region

Oceans governance has evolved from management of single commercial species (stock assessments, regulation of total allowable catch within designated fishing areas) to multi-stakeholder, multi-issue, ecosystem approaches at a... [ view full abstract ]

Oceans governance has evolved from management of single commercial species (stock assessments, regulation of total allowable catch within designated fishing areas) to multi-stakeholder, multi-issue, ecosystem approaches at a range of scales.

Canada's Oceans Act provided the legislative foundation for the integrated management of oceans at an ecosystem level.  Implementation was initiated in priority coastal management areas (CMAs) using stakeholder committees to focus on local concerns-Coast of Bays CMA was formed to facilitate communication between traditional and the emerging industries.  Small scale Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) were also established to protect local conservation values-Gilbert Bay MPA protects a local genetically distinct golden cod population.

The small scale governance approach was followed by more ambitious Large Ocean Management Area  initiatives (e.g. Placentia Bay/Grand Banks) with a multilevel stakeholder governance structure, and integrated management plan to address regional conservation priorities, user conflicts and issues such as aquatic invasive species and climate change.

Presently, Canada's entire ocean space has been divided into Bioregions to establish Canada's Network of MPAs, and network development has been initiated in 5 priority bioregions. Ecologically and biologically significant areas, vulnerable marine ecosystems and other conservation priorities have been identified to guide the network.