Fisheries and Aquaculture
Environment and Conservation
February 19, 2008
Provincial Government Moving Forward With Coastal and
Ocean Management
The Provincial Government continues to move forward with the
development of a provincial coastal and ocean management strategy and
policy framework.
The Honourable Tom Rideout, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture,
and the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and
Conservation, today released the final report entitled Issues Scan of
Selected Coastal and Ocean Areas of Newfoundland and Labrador. It
reports on the initial project to support policy development in relation
to coastal and ocean issues in the western and southern regions of the
province. The ministers also announced that the Provincial Government is
now moving forward with an issues scan in Labrador and Northeastern
Newfoundland to complete the scoping exercise.
"Prior to moving forward with the development of a complete and final
coastal and ocean strategy, it is vital that all issues and priorities
throughout the province be identified and that all stakeholders be
consulted," said Minister Rideout. "We are pleased that the first report
has been completed and that we are ready to proceed with the next
project. Government is committed to developing a rational and strategic
approach to managing our coastal and ocean areas and this is another
important step in that direction."
"Our marine environment, including the ocean and adjacent coastal
areas, is an important element in our overall ecosystem management,"
said Minister Johnson. "It is vital that we have an accurate assessment
of our coastal and ocean areas which, in turn, contributes toward a
better understanding of our environment in general. The information we
garner through these projects is integral to the development of a
strategy that will help sustain these areas."
The project involved western and southern regions of Newfoundland and
Labrador was completed throughout 2007 and is the result of a
collaborative effort between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
and the Government of Canada. Both governments shared in the $51,000
cost of the project, with the Federal Government contributing $41,000
and the Provincial Government contributing $10,000.
The Provincial Government is moving forward with the second issues
scan and will fund all costs associated with the $75,000 project.
"Our government is currently reviewing the report and the
recommendations associated with the first project," said Minister
Rideout. "When the second scan has been completed, that report will also
be released, and we will then analyze both reports collectively and make
decisions on how to proceed. This is a very important initiative and we
continue to encourage all stakeholders to contribute to this process."
In the last two provincial budgets, a total of $350,000 was allocated
for the preparation of a coastal and ocean policy framework and
strategy. In addition to the coastal oceans issues scan work, this
funding has been used to support coastal management committees and
groups in developing integrated coastal management plans and also for
educational initiatives.
A copy of the phase one report is available online at
//www.fishaq.gov.nl.ca/publications. Hard copies can be requested at
coastsandoceans@gov.nl.ca.
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