In Defence Of Canada S Oceans

Report providing a summary of Canada's oceanic economy and of current activities of federal government departments and agencies havingresponsibilities involving the oceans. The economic overview includesfisheries, oil and gas, ocean mining, marine shipping, shipbuilding andrepair, and oceanic manufacturing and services. Federal oceanic activitiesand programs include marine transport, resource management and development, sovereignty, defence and Law of the Sea, Northern development, industrialdevelopment, and marine science and technology development. An inventory offederal oceans-related programs and activities is included.

This book deals with Canada's oceans management policies since the conclusion of the 1982 Convention of the Law of the Sea. That Convention set out a jurisdictional framework for the management of the world's oceans, but it did not provide states with precise guidance on all the issues that can arise. As a state with one of the world's longest coastlines, Canada was one of the principal beneficiaries under the 1982 Convention regime. A study of Canadian policy is particularly significant, as Canadian oceans management places in relief many of the difficult questions yet to be resolved.

Overview of Canada's oceanic economy and of current activities of federal government departments and agencies having responsibilities involving the oceans. The report considers the economic impact of fisheries, oil and gas exploration and development, ocean mining, marine shipping, shipbuilding and repair industry, and oceanic manufacturing and services. The role of the federal government in marine transportation; resource development and management for living and non-living resources, environmental protection and conservation, and marine environmental quality; sovereignty, defence and Law of the Sea; northern development; industrial and regional development; and marine science and technology development is described, along with the government/industry interaction in these areas.

Each chapter describes the dynamics or tensions within a specific marine sector or policy community. Collectively, the contributors raise critical questions about the process, structure, and function of Canadian oceans policy, covering topics such as the Atlantic fishery, conservation, ocean science and technology, shipping, aboriginal rights, defence, and pollution. The book conveys a cautiously optimistic message: although Canada does not yet have a comprehensive oceans policy, there is growing evidence that the problem, policy, and political streams are converging. Canada must be ready to respond to this policy opportunity with clear objectives and appropriate program elements that mediate between competing interests and conflicting values. Those who construct Canada's oceans policy must be capable of calculating risks and challenging the status quo to create a workable, sustainable framework for oceans governance in our increasingly complex world. The contributors to this collection are Robert Boardman, Darlene Boyle, Mark Butler, Scott F. Coffen, Raymond P. Côté, Graham Day, Lloyd M. Dickie, Gaye Drescher, Wade Elliot, Terry Fenge, Julia Gardner, Robert Gorham, Cynthia Lamson, Josée M. Parent, Randall Prime, Barbara Riley, Timothy A. Smith, John Somers, and Jeffrey L.C. Wright.

This report describes the role of 23 federal departments and agencies that are involved in the oceans sector through policies, programs, services, regulations and/or procurements.

The Oceans Action Plan is based on four interconnected pillars: 1. International Leadership, Sovereignty and Security; 2. Integrated Oceans Management for Sustainable Development; 3. Health of the Oceans; and 4. Ocean Science and Technology.