Fisheries and Aquaculture
Environment and Conservation
September 2, 2008

Findings Released for Phase Two of Coastal Oceans Issues Scan

The Provincial Government has released the findings for phase two of the Issues Scan of Selected Coastal and Ocean Areas of Newfoundland and Labrador. The project examined the eastern and northeastern coasts of Newfoundland, as well as coastal Labrador. The Provincial Government invested $75,000 in having this report completed by the consultant BAE-Newplan Group Limited/SNC-Lavalin Inc. This initiative was led by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture in close collaboration with the Department of Environment and Conservation.

"These studies are a way of identifying coastal and oceans issues," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, acting Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "Our government is in the process of developing an oceans management strategy and policy framework for the province. These reports will inform that strategy."

The strategy and policy framework will be developed to assist all levels of government and non-governmental organizations, as well as the public, in addressing coastal and oceans issues. It will be developed in collaboration with user groups, interested parties and the Federal Government.

"It is essential that we have an accurate assessment of our coastal regions so we can make sound environmental decisions as we determine the best approach for managing them," said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation. "We need to be aware of all aspects of this important ecosystem as we move forward with our strategy."

The report categorizes the issues into seven different areas including: healthy marine environments; coastal land use planning; climate change; competing needs and interests; coastal and marine infrastructure; public education and awareness; and social, cultural and economic stability.

Issues and opportunities have been identified through consultation with individuals, community organizations, non-governmental organizations, industry associations and Aboriginal and municipal governments as well as Provincial and Federal Government officials. The report prioritizes issues regionally and provincially, and provides a series of recommendations for moving forward with the provincial policy framework and oceans management strategy.

"Now that both phase one and phase two of the study have been completed and released, our government will analyze the reports collectively and make decisions on how to proceed to the next step," said Minister Taylor.

The report on phase one of the issues scan was released by the Provincial Government in February of 2008. In the last three provincial budgets, a total of $500,000 has been allocated for coastal and oceans planning. This funding has been used to support coastal management committees and groups in developing integrated coastal management plans and for educational initiatives.

As copy of the 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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Media contacts:

Lori Lee Oates
Director of Communications
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
709-729-3733, 690-8403
oatesll@gov.nl.ca
Melony O�Neill
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575, 689-0928
moneill@gov.nl.ca

2008 09 02                                                  11:55 a.m.


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