Observations on the implementation of ecosystem-based management: Experiences on Canada's east and west coasts

The proclamation of the Canada's Ocean Act in 1997 announced Canada's intention to adopt a holistic approach to the management of its aquatic ecosystems, one in which the impacts of the activities of diverse oceans industries would be considered as part of an integrated framework. Since then, there have been a number of initiatives undertaken to explore the structure and function of this new approach. These include not only the objectives of management, both at the conceptual and operational levels, but also issues relating to assessment, regulations and governance. They thus span the full complexity of what is termed ‘integrated management’. The progress made and the lessons learned that are summarized in this paper will be of general interest to those engaged in the management of ocean activities.