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Canada’s Oceans Act allows local stakeholders to have
input into the management of coastal and marine resources. In
the Coast of Bays, we have a lucrative fishery resource, a
growing aquaculture industry and great potential for tourism
development. To ensure that our resources are managed in a sustainable
manner for the long-term benefit of the region and its people,
the Coast of Bays Corporation has initiated a Coastal Planning
process which has the full support of Fisheries and Oceans
Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
As
recommended by a study entitled, Moving Forward – A
Strategy for Developing an Integrated Coastal Zone Management
Plan for the Coast of Bays, conducted last year by CWR
Consulting for the Coast of Bays Corporation, this process
should be guided by a committee of regional representatives
from:
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Fishers Committees
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FFAW/CAW (fishers)
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FFAW/CAW (processors)
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Newfoundland Salmonid Growers Association
-
Municipalities
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Harbour Authorities
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Conne River Band Council
-
Coast of Bays Arts and Exploration Centre (tourism)
- At-Large (cabin owners/recreation boaters)
-
Coast of Bays Corporation
The Coast of Bays Corporation is now in the process of
contacting various stakeholder groups to encourage them to
select a person to represent their interests on the committee.
A letter has been sent to each of the organizations
involved via the Chairperson. A Coastal Planning Committee
does not override the duties and powers of existing
governmental departments and agencies, but provides an
opportunity for grass roots input into the way our coastal
resources are managed. Coastal
planning is a holistic approach to managing our coastline and
marine resources for tourism activities, aquaculture, fishery
development and others. Additional
expertise may be provided by ex-officio personnel from any
number of government departments and agencies in areas such as
environment, forestry, marine sciences, wildlife, land
management, etc on an “as required” basis.
The Committee
will determine its own operating structure and formulate a
plan for development of the coastline and marine resources of
the Coast of Bays region. The Committee can be a mechanism to discuss varying opinions
on matters affecting development and, in essence, play a
conflict resolution role.
The formation of this Coastal Planning Committee will
allow the people most affected to have a hands on role in the
management of our coastal resources.
To assist with this process, the Coast of Bays Corporation, in
partnership with Human Resources Skills Development Canada,
Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Department of Fisheries
and Aquaculture, has hired Ms. Tamara Strickland for a period
of four months. Tamara
has an Advanced Diploma in Coastal Zone Management and a
Diploma in Marine Environmental Technology from the Fisheries
and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland.
Tamara will be working closely with this committee to
identify issues and opportunities in the region, training and
orientation requirements for the committee and to begin
developing a communications and a management plan for the
initiative.
Anyone wishing further information about this process may
contact the Coast of Bays Corporation office at 709-538-3552,
1-800-205-0799 or by e-mail at czm@coastofbays.nl.ca. |
