Canada's oceans action plan

WHERE WE ARE: THE OCEANS ACT With the passage of the Oceans Act in 1996, followed The Government of Canada recognizes the by the release of Canada’s Oceans Strategy in July importance of action to address these challenges. [...] For Present and Future Generations J. R. Orr Fisheries and Oceans Canada In addition, the Government of Canada committed in the October 2004 Speech from the Throne, to: “move forward on its Oceans Action Plan by maximizing the use and development of oceans technology, establishing a network of marine protected areas, implementing inte- grated management plans, and enhancing the enforcement of rule [...] Sovereignty and Security Subsequent phases of the Oceans Action Plan will broaden the geographic scope of oceans manage- Sovereignty and security are the essential base for ment, deepen action across the Government and oceans policy and management. [...] However, all indicators point to of marine protected areas in the ocean to protect the reality that the health and quality of the marine the most important, productive and biologically environment are at risk or declining. [...] Efforts to date—including pursued through a formal delimitation of the outer increased at-sea presence by Canada and enhanced limit of the continental shelf following Canada’s bilateral interventions—have shown early positive decision to ratify the United Nations Convention on results in reducing the instances of overfishing and the Law of the Sea in November 2003.