Health of the Oceans Initiative

Canada Takes Action to Protect the Ocean and Coastal Communities

Oct 5, 2007

Canada announces a five-year, $61.5 million effort to improve the health of the ocean environment and economic well being of coastal communities.

On 5 October 2007, the government of Canada announced a major new proposal to protect the ocean environment and economic health of coastal communities. Called the Health of the Oceans Initiative, the Honorable Lawrence Cannon, Canadian Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities declared, "Canada's New Government is committed to protecting Canada's marine environment. Over the next five years, our government will invest more than $60 million in initiatives which will bring tangible improvements to the health of our oceans and the economic health of our coastal communities. Transport Canada will invest $23.85 million under this initiative. Canada's New Government is adding $42.5 million to the $19.0 million announced in Budget 2007 for Canada's National Water Strategy."

Over the next five years, Canada has committed $61.5 million to the initiative will focus on five areas of concern related to pollution generated by ocean going ships. Five federal departments, Fisheries and Oceans, Environment, Indian and Northern Affairs, Parks and Transport, will use funds.

Enforcement of Ballast Water Regulations - $4.5 million will be spent over the next five years to combat the spread of aquatic invasive species. Untreated ballast water can cause the introduction of pathogenic organisms and harmful species into fragile ecosystems. Funds will be used in research efforts to improve ballast water treatment technology and the hiring of additional marine inspectors.

Increased Capacity for Airborne Surveillance - $13 million to be spent over the next five years to upgrade Canada's National Aerial Surveillance Program that is designed to detect oil spills, gather evidence of pollution incidents, and defer potential polluters. Transport Canada has had success in combating ship borne pollution through aerial surveillance. Last year the government flew 1,649 hours in pollution surveillance patrols and detected 98 pollution incidents. This year the Ministry expects fly over 2,000 hours for this mission. The Arctic will see increased coverage under the surveillance program.

Improving Surveillance Aircraft Performance - $5 million will be spent over the next three years to upgrade Transport Canada's fleet of De Havilland Dash 7 surveillance aircraft with an advanced maritime surveillance system. The improved equipment will allow all-weather and night operations to better detect illegal discharges and identify polluters.

International Marine Shipping Assessment - The Canadian government will co-lead a study to assess and forecast marine shipping activities and its effects on the maritime environment. Canada, Finland and the United States are sponsoring the Arctic Marine Shipping Assessment (AMSA) to study the shipping industry and its social, economic and environmental effects to the coasts and oceans.

Ship Waste Reduction - $800,000 is allocated for research aimed at reducing wastes generated by ships and developing a policy to further reduce or prevent ship related pollution.

Minister Cannon concluded the announcement stating, "Today's announcement is just one part of Canada's New Government's strategy to improve the health of the oceans. Initiatives under the responsibilities of other departments will be announced in the coming days."

The copyright of the article Health of the Oceans Initiative in Green/Clean Boating is owned by Alan Sorum. Permission to republish Health of the Oceans Initiative in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.