Marine Plans For BC's North Coast

On April 27 the Province of British Columbia and 18 coastal First Nations announced the completion of marine plans for four regions of BC's northern coast that will be of interest to various industry players, including the renewable energy sector.

The plans were collaboratively developed by the Province and the First Nations through an initiative known as the Marine Planning Partnership for the North Pacific Coast (MaPP), based on extensive consultation with various stakeholders, including area residents and members of the marine science and technical communities.

The plans include comprehensive recommendations that attempt to balance the preservation and enhancement of the marine ecosystem within each region with the need to encourage sustainable economic development for the benefit of the affected First Nations and other residents. To facilitate planning and implementation, each region has been divided into zones identified for special uses, protection and