COASTAL ZONE CANADA ASSOCIATION
NEWSLETTER #14, JUNE 2005

This newsletter, which is issued quarterly, is presented in both English (first half of newsletter) and French (second half of newsletter). It is distributed by e-mail to members of the Coastal Zone Canada Association, providing news about the Association, its activities and its members, as well as information of potential interest to members. Please feel free to circulate it among your own networks. Also check out the Association’s Web site at: www.czca-azcc.org.

EDITOR’S NOTE

Commencing with this issue, reports of the Association’s Vice-Presidents are being included in the Newsletter. The Vice-Presidents regularly present reports at Board of Directors Meetings, and their reports are covered in the minutes of these meetings. It has now been decided to give these reports a wider circulation by including them in the Association’s Newsletter. Two such reports are included in this issue.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Greetings to all CZCA Members. As I stated in my last message, the Association has been busy in actively promoting the development and implementation of Canada’s Ocean Strategy. Our CZC ’04 Conference Statement was mailed to over 90 senior politicians in the federal, provincial and territorial governments, and early in March we issued a Press Release praising the federal government’s efforts to date but stating that now is the time for Canada to invest more in the Oceans Strategy. I have received over 40 responses to the Conference Statement, all very supportive. It was particularly encouraging to receive detailed responses from the federal ministers of Fisheries and Oceans, Environment, Finance, and Natural Resources, as well as a number of provincial premiers and ministers. Also, I had further meetings with Minister Regan, and I was invited to submit a detailed proposal for the establishment of a Council of Coastal and Ocean Management, which was one of the key recommendations of the Conference Statement. As you know, just last week the first phase of the Oceans Action Plan (OAP) was announced by Minister Regan in Halifax (see below), and we are now entering a very important phase in the implementation of the Oceans Act. The Association will continue its discussions with DFO as Phase 2 of the OAP is designed and developed.

CZC 2006 in Tuktoyaktuk is shaping up to be a very important conference indeed. In addition to the great strides made by Steve Newton and Jack Mathias in developing the themes and preliminary program, the Association is also discussing a partnership with the International Polar Year (IPY) Secretariat to make CZC ’06 part of Canada’s preparatory activities for the International Polar Year in 2007-09.

I am delighted to welcome Andrea Carew of St. John’s NF to the Board as the new Secretary of the CZCA. I am also pleased to announce that the Board has approved a proposal to create a new Regional Vice-President for Quebec. This by-law amendment will be presented to the Annual General meeting of the Association this fall.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a great summer. I believe strongly that through its collective efforts, and through the individual efforts of its members, the CZCA continues to play an important role in promoting and influencing the development ICOM in Canada.

Peter Ricketts
President, CZCA

CANADA’S OCEANS ACTION PLAN

With the passage of the Oceans Act in 1996, followed by the release of Canada’s Oceans Strategy in July 2002, the Government of Canada established a new legislative and policy framework to modernize oceans management. Guided by these principles, the Government of Canada announced its intention to develop an Oceans Action Plan (OAP) in the 2004 Speech from the Throne. In the February 2005 budget, $28 million was confirmed for Phase I of the OAP.

The Oceans Action Plan takes a phased approach to implementation to ensure sustained, long-term change. Phase I will roll-out a series of short-term initiatives over two years, which will provide the essentials to manage a wide diversity of activities on our oceans. It will look ahead and set the stage for subsequent phases that build on lessons learned from Phase I.

Details of the first phase of the plan were announced by four federal departments (Fisheries & Oceans, Transport, Environment and Natural Resources) on May 27, 2005. Speaking in Halifax, Minister of Fisheries & Oceans, Geoff Regan, stated that “This new Oceans Action Plan is about taking action now.” He noted that “With this investment of $28 million, we commit to taking leadership to work across governments and with Canadians and to take a stronger approach to science and technology to improve the management of our oceans.”

Phase 1 of the Oceans Actions Plan is based on four pillars:

1. 1. International leadership, sovereignty and security ($800,000 over two years. Projects include: advancing the Arctic Marine Strategic Plan (AMSP); and improving oceans management in the Gulf of Maine).
2. Integrated oceans management for sustainable development ($15 million over two years. Projects include: setting-up planning forums consisting of governments and oceans interests in five large oceans areas off Canada’s west, north, and east coasts).
3. Health of the oceans ($10 million over two years. Projects include: releasing the Federal Marine Protected Areas Strategy (guiding the establishment of a network of marine protected areas on all three coasts, and protecting Sable Island’s unique scientific and ecological value); enhancing existing measures to protect waters from ship-source pollution; increasing air surveillance on the east coast; and proposing new regulations controlling the release of harmful species to Canadian waters from the discharge of ships’ ballast water).
4. Oceans science and technology ($2 million over two years. Projects include: investing in an Oceans Technology Network linking the various networks that represent Canadian coastal and ocean interests; and establishing a pilot project in Placentia Bay, Newfoundland, providing state-of-the-art internet access for sharing coastal and ocean data and information, and for demonstrating leading oceans technology).
   For further information on these four pillars, as well as other aspects of the Oceans Action Plan, go to the following Web-site (note that participating departments will be providing further information on their initiatives in this first phase over the coming weeks and months): www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/canwaters-eauxcan

The OAP enables government-wide action to develop Canada’s ocean resources for the benefit of coastal communities, while protecting fragile marine ecosystems. It is the framework to advance an integrated federal oceans agenda and is a key priority in DFO’s strategic plan. Our oceans are critical to the social and economic well-being and security of our country, and particularly important to coastal, rural and aboriginal communities. Collaboration and consultation with citizens, communities, stakeholders, and other levels of government will continue as the plan moves forward.

COASTAL ZONE CANADA (CZC) 2006 CONFERENCE

The CZC ‘06 Conference and Youth Forum will be held in Tuktoyaktuk, NWT, on July 10-14, 2006. Approximately 300 participants can be accommodated, 50-100 for the Youth Forum and 250 for the Main Conference. Oil and Gas camps will house participants and portions of the Conference. Transportation for southern participants will be facilitated by a 737 Canadian North plane direct from Edmonton, AB to Tuktoyaktuk.

Jack Mathias (DFO) prepared the first CZC ‘06 program announcement, which was distributed at CZC ‘04 in St. John’s, NF. The proposed conference title for CZC ‘06 is “Arctic Change and Coastal Communities”. The intent of the conference is to “raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by residents of the Arctic coastal zone in the face of rapid changes occurring in Arctic marine ecosystems. While the focus is on coastal and ocean issues in the north, we encourage contributions from coastal areas around the world, recognizing that many of the drivers of coastal change, and the adaptation of people to them, are common to many parts of the world.”

The CZC ‘06 Organizing Committee held its first meeting in May 2005. Led by Steve Newton (DFO), the Committee includes CZC members, DFO staff, representatives of Other Government Departments (OGDs), Inuvialuit, Tuktoyaktuk community members and many others. For more current information, please refer to the conference Website: www.czc06.ca.

VICE-PRESIDENT LIAISON REPORT (Larry Hildebrand)

I was recently a guest of Mr. Meng Wei, President of the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences (CRAES), the research arm of the State Environmental Protection Agency in Beijing. Mr. Meng participated in CZC '04 in St. John's last year and was very impressed with our conference and Association. He expressed interest shortly thereafter in forging a partnership with CZCA. In my capacity as Vice-President, Liaison, I met with Mr. Meng and his colleagues in Beijing where we confirmed our mutual interest in entering into a Letter of Agreement (LOA) between CZCA and CRAES. I also delivered several seminars on ICM in Canada and internationally, and the ten-year history and accomplishments of our Association. I must also point out the very positive facilitation role that Mr. Yang Zong Yan (Zeeman) of SNC Lavalin in St. John's played in making this meeting happen. He too was in Beijing for these meetings and played an important role in furthering this partnership. Mr. Yang is also a regular CZC conference participant.

Our meetings were very positive and productive, and resulted in agreement to: (i) have CRAES and other Chinese authorities participate in CZC '06 in Tuktoyaktuk to learn more about our conference process; (ii) work with CRAES and other Chinese authorities to develop and convene an international Coastal Zone conference in China in 2007; and (iii) enter into a LOA between CZCA and CRAES to provide the foundation for ongoing collaboration. Our Chinese colleagues also expressed interest in playing a role in CZC '08 in Vancouver, potentially one of partnership. This would be a nice complement to our collaborative relationship with The Coastal Society for this conference.

A Letter of Agreement (LOA) between CRAES and CZCA has been negotiated and is close to being ready for signature by both parties.

VICE-PRESIDENT GREAT LAKES REPORT (Patrick Lawrence)

1. CZCA Great Lakes Coastal Network

• (a) A special session on “Great Lakes Coastal Management” was organized at the 2005 International Association for Great Lakes Research (IAGLR) Conference at the University of Michigan on May 26 (www.iaglr.org/conference/2005). Papers/speakers:
  • Great Lakes Shoreline Management and Remedial Action Plans (RAPs): Case study of the Lake Erie Tributaries in the Maumee RAP; Patrick Lawrence, University of Toledo.
  • Economic and Fiscal Aspects of Coastal and Watershed Stewardship Practices; Wendy Kellogg, Cleveland State University.
  • Understanding Sovereignty and Co-operation in the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Basin Ecosystem; Christina Bulie, University of Toronto.
  • Public Preferences for Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Programs; Frank Lupi, Michigan State University.
  • Coastal Habitat Assessment and Planning Tool: Lake St. Clair Pilot Study and Potential National Application; Alyssa Olsen, NOAA.
  • Developing Mapping and Evaluation Methods for Wetland Conservation in Central Ontario; Tracy Latulippe, Ducks Unlimited.
  • Effects of Beach Maintenance Activities on Invertebrate and Fish Communities in Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands; Tom Burton, Michigan State University.
  • A Substrate which Inhibits Zebra Mussel Attachment; J.E. Marsden, University of Vermont.
  • Implementation of Regional Sediment Management at Great Lakes Harbors; Phil Ross, US Army Corps of Engineers.
• (b) A special issue of the Great Lakes Geographer on “Great Lakes Shoreline Management” is in preparation with articles currently under external review, and with anticipated publication by fall 2005. Information: (http://geography.ssc.uwo.ca/). Articles include:
  • Contribution of the International Joint Commission to Great Lakes Renewal; Gail Krantzberg et al.
  • Great Lakes Hazards Planning in Ontario – Rob McRae & Sean Watt.
  • Helping Canadians Adapt to Climate Change in the Great Lakes Coastal Zone; Mark Taylor et al.
  • Management of Lake Huron’s Beach and Dune Ecosystems – building up from the grassroots; Geoff Peach.
  • Organizing and Assessing Information for Great Lakes Shoreline Community Based Decision-making; Patrick Lawrence.

2. Recent Coastal Management Activities

• (a) Federal Government Announces Funding for Coastal Study and Shoreline Management Plan on Lake Erie – A $300,000 comprehensive study of Lake Erie’s coastline between Wheatley, Ontario and Point Pelee National Park will be conducted in association with Environment Canada, Parks Canada and the Essex Region Conservation Authority. For more information:
  www.nouvelles.gc.ca/
• (b) The Ontario Government has launched a major project to establish the Great Lakes Heritage Coast – The Heritage Coast includes all the Ontario coastline of Lake Superior, the north shore of the St. Mary's River, and the coast of Lake Huron to the eastern coast of Georgian Bay. The coastline sweeps along 2,900 km of landscapes and shoreline. Major communities include: Thunder Bay, Red Rock, Nipigon, Marathon, Wawa, Sault Ste. Marie, Killarney, Parry Sound and Port Severn. The policy statement on the Great Lakes Heritage Coast is included in the Provincial Land Use Strategy released in 2000. It identifies the Heritage Coast as an area for special planning and management, the object being to take a comprehensive approach to developing an overall vision of protecting and enjoying the significant values along the coast. Specific policies for the Heritage Coast identified in the Provincial Strategy apply to all Crown lands, waters, lake beds, Crown islands, and the areas in between these along the coast, but do not apply to Aboriginal or privately owned lands (however, the goal is to encourage owners of these lands to become involved). For more information: www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/csb/news/jan27fs00.html
• (c) Efforts of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust work towards establishment of a waterfront trail along the Canadian Shoreline of Lake Ontario – The Trust is coordinating the approved $32M SuperBuild and Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Program for the Lake Ontario Waterfront Investment Program. Under this program, the provincial and federal governments contribute $9.2 million; and local municipalities, conservation authorities and community groups contribute $23 million; to help fund 51 projects to enhance and expand the lake Ontario Waterfront Trail. For more information: http://www.waterfronttrail.org/index.html
• (d) 2005 Great Lakes Conference and Biennial Meeting to be held June 9-11, 2005 in Kingston, Ontario – Issues to be discussed include: land use and sustainable cities; understanding ecosystem integrity; the status and future of government activities in the Great Lakes; and discussions regarding the future of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, including the possibility of revisions under consideration during the next review of the Agreement. For more information: http://www.ijc.org/2005biennial/about_en.php
• (e) Great Lakes Regional Collaboration is underway in the United States – A Task Force brings together ten U.S. Cabinet and Agency heads to coordinate restoration of the Great Lakes. Created by an Executive Order from President Bush on May 18, 2004, the Task Force will focus on outcomes like cleaner water and sustainable fisheries, and target measurable results. Together, the ten agencies administer more than 140 federal programs that fund and manage restoration efforts. In addition, the President directed that EPA work with relevant states and cities to convene a regional collaborative effort. Federal agencies, Great Lakes Governors, Great Lakes Mayors, Great Lakes Tribes, and Members of the Great Lakes States Congressional Delegation together have convened a collaboration to restore and protect the Great Lakes ecosystem. For more information: http://www.epa.gov/greatlakes
• (f) Other U.S. Initiatives of Interest:
  • US Fish and Wildlife Service continues land management activities associated with the recently established Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.
    Information: http://www.fws.gov/detroitriver/
  • Ohio to implement coastal management measures for Lake Erie watersheds.
    Information: http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/
  • University of Wisconsin Extension Service conducts shore-land education workshops.
    Information: http://www.extension.umn.edu/water/shore/

UPCOMING CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS

This item comprises selected events of potential interest to members. The list is based on recommendations provided by members. Events indicated by an asterisk are repeats from previous lists. Your input for future issues is invited.

*Jul. 17-21, 2005; Coastal Zone ‘05; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Sponsored by NOAA Coastal Ocean Services Center.
Information: www.csc.noaa.gov/cz/

*Sep. 19-23, 2005; Oceans 2005 MTS/IEEE Conference (Theme: “One Ocean”); Washington, D.C.; Organized by the Marine Technology Society & IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society.
Information: www.oceans2005.org/

Sep. 29 - Oct. 1, 2005; Oceans Management Research Network Conference (Theme: “Canada’s Oceans Research, Management and the Human Dimension”); Ottawa, ON.
Information: www.omrn.ca/

Oct. 2-7, 2005; 3rd Symposium on Harmful Algae in the US; Monterey, California; Sponsored by NOAA Coastal Ocean Program.
Information: www.whoi.edu/redtide/3rdsymposium

Oct. 13-15, 2005; Forum on Governance in Rural North America and the North Atlantic Rim; Twillingate, NF; Co-hosted by the Canadian Revitalization Foundation & the North Atlantic Islands Program.
Information: www.crrf.ca

Oct. 23-27, 2005; First International Marine Protected Areas Congress; Geelong, Australia.
Information: www.impacongress.org/

*Nov. 6-9, 2005; 2005 Canadian Coastal Conference; Halifax, NS; Organized by the Canadian Coastal Science & Engineering Association.
Information: www.ccc2005-ccl2005.ca

Nov. 22-26, 2005; Ecological Monitoring & Assessment Network Science Meeting (Theme: “Monitoring and Evaluating Sustainability in Communities, Cities and Watersheds”); Penticton, BC.
Information: www.eman-rese.ca/eman/reports/meetings/national2005/

May 21-24, 2006; International Conference on Challenges in Coastal Hydrology and Water Quality; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Organized by the American Institute of Hydrology.
Information: www.aihydro.org/conference2006/

Jul. 10-14, 2006; Coastal Zone Canada 2006 Conference; Coastal Zone Canada Association; Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories.
Information: www.czc06.ca

Oct. 25-27, 2006; 7th BoFEP (Bay of Fundy Ecosystem Partnership) Bay of Fundy Science Workshop; St. Andrews, NB; Hosted by the Huntsman Marine Science Centre.
Information (& Call for Papers): www.bofep.org/2006_workshop.htm

The contribution of Marie Lagier of the World Water Council, Marseille, France, in translating the English version of this newsletter into French, is gratefully acknowledged. Thanks are also expressed to Maxine Westhead, DFO, Dartmouth, NS for reviewing the final draft version of the newsletter.

Questions and comments pertaining to this newsletter should be addressed to the editor, Brian Nicholls at nicholls@telusplanet.net.

Questions and comments pertaining to the Coastal Zone Canada Association should be addressed to the CZCA Secretariat at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography, P.O. Box 1006, Dartmouth, NS, B2Y 4A2 or email coastalz@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca.