At last: A Strategy for the BC Coast!

Participate in the Coastal Marine Strategy engagement process

B.C. has begun a process to develop a comprehensive strategy for the coast—both the land and the sensitive estuaries and shorelines that are critical to the production of marine life. Coastal communities have a unique perspective on the importance of the interface between land and water, so we urge you to read on:  this is your opportunity to share your knowledge and experience to inform development of the Coastal Marine Strategy. 

The BC Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship has announced that they will be guided by feedback received through this engagement process to inform the drafting of a Coastal Marine Strategy that addresses the health and stewardship of marine ecosystems, resilience of coastal communities...and the development of the “Blue Economy”. 

How do you feel about seabed mining, tidal or current power generation in the critical habitat of whales, or oil and gas drilling in the inside passage? While the Intentions Paper makes it clear that only provincially regulated industries and land uses can be included in the Strategy, remember that B.C. claims jurisdiction over all of the seabed inside Vancouver Island.  That’s a lot of potential development to consider. 

To participate, we suggest you read A Coastal Marine Strategy for British Columbia: Policy Intentions Paper or the A Coastal Marine Strategy for British Columbia: Intentions Paper Summary before you begin the online questionnaire.  It will give you a better idea what to expect in the questionnaire. 

Written submissions will be accepted until April 14, 2023 at 4:00pm. 

Visit https://engage.gov.bc.ca/coastalmarinestrategy/ to find out more or start the questionnaire.