If you care about the ocean environment, or your living depends on the ocean, then the Heiltsuk, Kitasoo/Xai'Xais, Wuikinuxv and Nuxalk Nations and the Province of British Columbia want to hear from you at two upcoming public meetings:

Monday, June 16, 2014

Bella Coola Legion, 1855 Highway 20
Chat and Snacks/Open House: 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Presentation and Questions: 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. 
Small Discussion Groups (depending on interest): 8 p.m. - 9 p.m. 

SHEARWATER - Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Fisherman's Bar and Grill (Upstairs Lounge), 10 Shearwater Rd., Denny Island 
Chat and Snacks/Open House: 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Presentation and Questions: 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. 
Small Discussion Groups (depending on interest): 8 p.m. - 9 p.m. 

Comments and feedback can also be provided online by visiting the MaPP website at: http://mappocean.org/north-coast/draft-plan-for-input/
The public review period for the Central Coast draft Marine Plan is from June 6 to July 11, 2014. 

The MaPP initiative is a co-led partnership between the Province of British Columbia and 18 member First Nations − http://mappocean.org/about-mapp/partners/ - working to create plans for marine uses and long-term ocean health on the North Pacific Coast. The Central Coast plan area includes hundreds of islands, exposed rocky headlands and the shelf waters of Queen Charlotte Sound. Its main communities include Bella Coola, Bella Bella, Ocean Falls, Wuikinuxv, Shearwater and Klemtu.

The draft plan was developed following extensive consultation with stakeholders with expertise in a range of marine sectors. In addition, a science advisory committee has provided expert technical and scientific knowledge and advice in the development of background material that has informed the draft sub-regional plans.

This draft plan is not intended to address management of uses and activities that the Province considers to be federal government jurisdiction. However, where there is overlap or shared jurisdiction, ecosystem-based management priorities or marine spatial planning priorities, these topics are discussed. The intent is that issues requiring federal government involvement would be subject to consultations with the federal government. 

The Central Coast draft Marine Plan focuses on marine areas and uses where, as between the Government of British Columbia and Canada, the Government of British Columbia has legal jurisdiction and regulatory authority - namely the foreshore (i.e., the intertidal zone), coastal "inland waters" on the outer coast and the lands covered by these waters. 

The Central Coast Marine Plan covers a major portion of the territories of the Heiltsuk, Kitasoo/Xai'Xais, Nuxalk and Wuikinuxv Nations. Their respective laws and traditions hold them responsible for ensuring that natural and cultural heritage of their territories is passed on to future generations.  

The Central Coast draft Marine Plan will provide recommendations for key areas of marine management - including uses, activities and protection - and will inform decisions regarding the sustainable economic development and stewardship of the Central Coast's coastal marine environment.

The final plans for all four sub-regional plans (Haida Gwaii, North Coast, Central Coast and North Vancouver Island) and a regional management framework are scheduled for completion by summer 2014. 

The MaPP initiative promotes collaboration between governments and sectors on all planning products. Public engagement and input are central to this process. Find out more at: www.mappocean.org

Media Contacts:

Grieg Bethel
Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261

Ken Cripps
Program Director
Central Coast Indigenous Resource Alliance
250 739-0740