Ocean Resources

Key role - to facilitate collaborative and strategic management and use of B.C. ’s ocean resources through a variety of strategies including:

1. Coordinating provincial efforts to respond to and influence the development and implementation of the Federal Oceans Agenda in British Columbia, and while increasing the provincial presence in oceans and coastal resource management
2. Increasing the understanding and protection of the marine environment by facilitating excellence in ocean sciences, environmental monitoring and stewardship, information sharing and integration, and by expanding and improving the Marine Protection Area system
3. Building opportunity through innovation and access to resources for both commercial and non-commercial interests
4. Securing effective governance and accountability through collaborative partnerships that engage governments, First Nations, communities and stakeholders in decision making

Useful Web Sites Related to B.C.'s Ocean Resources

		Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO provides member states of the United Nations with an essential mechanism for global co-operation in the study of the ocean.
		US National Oceans & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - Ocean Explorer: Follow the adventures of NOAA's Oceanographic field expedition teams that combine the skills of multiple experts to investigate unique facets of the world's oceans.
		The Ocean Management Research Network aims to create and share knowledge for the application of critical thinking and best practices to oceans management in Canada.
		Harbour Authority Association of British Columbia provides on-going networking, information sharing, workshops, and annual conferences.
		British Columbia's cruise industry is vibrant, sustainable, internationally recognized and benefits coastal and First Nations communities.
		The Ocean Renewable Energy Group (OREG) aligns industry, academia and government to ensure that Canada is a leader in providing ocean energy solutions to a world market. OREG is a national organization, with over 70 Canadian and international members.
		Ocean Industries BC: "Promoting the growth of British Columbia's ocean Industries and the responsible development of British Columbia's ocean resources."
		The Juan de Fuca Eddy ecosystem, affectionately known as "Big Eddy" is the area off the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada and the northwest coast of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, USA.
		ShipPlotter displays complete information about ships that are within VHF range of your position using the Universal Automatic Identification System (AIS). See marine traffic in the Juan de Fuca Strait area.