The Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA) includes waters of the Central Coast, North Coast, and Haida Gwaii on the British Columbia coast. This is an area of high ecological, social, and economic importance and encompasses approximately 88,000 square kilometers. Current management in this area is disjointed and ineffective, and is resulting in slow but steady environmental degradation.
PNCIMAwatch.ca was created to document the progress, if any, of the federal government to take measurable action by June 8, Oceans Day, 2008 to launch a marine planning process in PNCIMA that will establish a network of marine protected areas and maintain ecosystem health and integrity. You can see just how much time the federal government has left to start the process by visiting www.PNCIMAwatch.ca.
This e-newsletter will provide regular updates on the progress of the government toward showing true leadership in establishing a marine planning process in PNCIMA, one that will enable the people who work and live on this coast to create a vision for the future that includes healthy oceans and healthy communities.
Budget 2008
Despite being surrounded by three oceans and their significant contribution to Canada’s culture and economy, no new funds were allocated to oceans health or Integrated Oceans Management in Budget 2008. More specifically, the government failed to allocate any new funds to the marine planning process in PNCIMA. It now remains the responsibility of Minister Loyola Hearn to make PNCIMA a priority and allocate funds within DFO’s budget to ensure that PNCIMA can progress.
Progress Tracker
Visit our website (www.PNCIMAwatch.ca) and learn about the specific measurable commitments we feel are necessary to move the PNCIMA Marine Planning Process forward.
In the last month, no progress has been made on any of the milestones identified by PNCIMA Watch and our Progress Tracker sits empty at 0%.
Time is passing quickly for the government to make progress if they are serious about implementing ecosystem based management throughout our coasts and oceans.
Who We Are
The organizations behind PNCIMA Watch include the Living Oceans Society, the David Suzuki Foundation, and the Sierra Club of British Columbia. Together these groups are working to help inform those who are interested in establishing an integrated management plan for the PNCIMA that improves ocean management and establishes a rigorous conservation plan for the region.
Our organizations are committed to protecting and restoring healthy marine ecosystems in the PNCIMA region. We believe that the best way to achieve this outcome is through a collaborative marine planning process that brings together the people who work and live on the coast to decide how to use the ocean and its resources so that our ocean's health is sustained over time.
Play Coastal Fling. See how many friends you can get back home to
Pncima.
