An Evaluation of the National Framework for Marine Planning in Canada (Report‪)‬

Introduction With the passage of the Oceans Act (S.C. 1996, c. 31), Canada committed to manage its oceans and coasts in a more integrated, proactive and sustainable fashion. The Oceans Act and associated policies place Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) at the helm as the lead federal authority for oceans management in Canada. Canada's new ocean management framework is centered on themes of sustainable development, integrated management and the precautionary approach. The framework recognizes that people are a critical component of the marine environment, and that development must be balanced with conservation concerns (NRTEE 2003).