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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
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Municipalities
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Harbour Authorities
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Conne River Band Council
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Coast of Bays Arts and Exploration Centre (tourism)
- At-Large (cabin owners/recreation boaters)
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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.
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