The Province of British Columbia (B.C.) is pleased to support IMPAC5 and celebrate the richness of B.C.’s ocean and coast on the global stage. With approximately 36,000 kilometres of shoreline, 6,500 islands and over 450,000 square kilometres of internal and offshore marine waters, Pacific Canada is one of the most diverse and productive marine environments in the world. Recognizing the value of these areas to British Columbians and visitors alike, the Province has been a leader in establishing marine protected areas (MPAs) across the coast of British Columbia for more than 100 years.
The Province of British Columbia has committed to developing a Coastal Marine Strategy — in cooperation with the federal government, Indigenous Peoples, and coastal communities — to provide a blueprint for future stewardship, economic resilience and management of its coastal waters for generations to come. This work will complement B.C.’s existing commitments to collaboratively develop a network of MPAs on the North Pacific Coast and implement integrated marine plans as part of the Marine Plan Partnership (MaPP).
The Coastal Marine Strategy is also being developed alongside a Watershed Security Strategy and Wild Salmon Strategy under the new Ministry of Land, Water and Resource Stewardship. Established in April of 2022, the ministry will take a holistic and integrated approach towards priorities of ecosystem health, reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and economic opportunities for British Columbians on both the land and water.
