Feasibility Study for the Proposed Southern Strait of Georgia National Marine Conservation Area Reserve

NMCA E-News

Vol. 2, Issue No. 1 - May 2006

Welcome to Parks Canada’s inaugural edition of NMCA E-News, your electronic update about the Southern Strait of Georgia National Marine Conservation Area Feasibility Study. The NMCA E-News was created in response to your requests for regular e-mail updates. For the time being, NMCA E-News will be distributed in a plain text format to ensure compatibility with as many e-mail servers as possible.

Table of Contents

1. In the News
2. Communications
3. Consultations (Upcoming Spring Consultations)
4. Ongoing Research
5. Contact Us
6. Subscribe Now

1. In the News

• “Western Mariner” April 2006 had a short piece about Gulf Islands National Park Reserve which included a few lines about the NMCA feasibility study
• Guy Martel, Ecosystem Scientist for Parks Canada was interviewed by Radio-Canada to discuss marine ecosystems and conservation for the program “Ici la Terre” which aired in March
• The NMCA feasibility study was mentioned in an article published in “Diver”, March 2006

2. Communications

• Newsletter # 3 will be published shortly; we are working on the final details
• Let us know what you think about NMCA E-News, what content would you like to see?
• Website – spring consultation schedule is on-line. More new material will be on-line in June www.pc.gc.ca/straitofgeorgia

3. Consultations

Read about our upcoming spring consultations below! So far in 2006, Parks Canada staff have attended a variety trade shows including: Vancouver International Boat Show, Advil Outdoor Adventure Show, and Victoria Boat, Fishing and Outdoor Show. In addition, Project Team staff have attended meetings and made presentations to several groups including: Malaspina University; BC Wildlife Federation – Region 1, Vancouver Island Chapter; Sport Fish Advisory Board – Main Board and South Coast; Northwest Straits Commission (Washington State); Recreational Boating Advisory Council; Land Trust Alliance of BC; Islands Trust, as well as several yacht and kayak clubs, and power squadrons.

There is a parallel consultation process in place to engage First Nations that have interests in the study area. Staff are working with several First Nations to cooperatively build community consultation processes so that First Nations values and interests associated with marine resources can be openly discussed and incorporated into the feasibility study.

UPCOMING SPRING CONSULTATIONS - 2006
You are invited to attend our May/June consultation sessions. Participate in an afternoon workshop or drop-in to an evening open house.
Workshop 1pm to 4pm – RSVP required
Open House 6pm to 8pm – Drop-in (presentation at 6.10pm)

Vancouver - May 23; Richmond - May 24; Sidney - May 25; Nanaimo - May 30; Duncan - May 31;
Salt Spring Island - June 1; Victoria - June 6; Pender Island - June 7; Galiano Island - June 8;
Mayne Island - June 14; Brentwood Bay - June 15; Saturna Island - June 20

To RSVP for a workshop, please e-mail straitofgeorgianmca@pc.gc.ca , phone 604.666.0285 or fax 604.666.7957. RSVPs will be accepted up to two days prior to the workshop. RSVPs are not required for the open houses. Thanks to everyone who has already sent their RSVPs for the workshops!

4. Ongoing Research

• Socio-economic/environmental contract: A research study is underway to develop a social and economic profile for local communities as well as a report that will describe the marine ecosystem of the southern Strait of Georgia and its current environmental condition.
• Draft map atlas: The atlas continues to grow and be vetted by experts. New pages are continually being added; one of the latest is a page illustrating Council of BC Yacht Club Boat Havens.
• Commitment to Action Report – questions and answers from the Fall 2005 Marine Mixers with stakeholders. Work is progressing to complete the Commitment to Action. When the report is complete, copies will be sent to all participants in the Marine Mixers, and will also be available upon request from straitofgeorgianmca@pc.gc.ca
• Backgrounder papers are being prepared to describe the major resource based activities in the Study area, including recreation sport fishing, commercial fishing, and marine transportation. Backgrounders will also be prepared to describe some of the concepts and tools for NMCA management including zoning, stewardship and improved governance.
• Pacific Coast NMCA Science Network (NMCA-SN): This network will bring together leading researchers, including traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) experts, from a range of marine (natural and social) science disciplines to advance research, expand understanding and provide guidance concerning marine conservation area principles and management priorities. The NMCA-SN is primarily tasked with assisting the Southern Strait of Georgia and Gwaii Haanas Project Teams with science and TEK related issues. The network will be formed shortly, as the terms of reference have been developed and approved by the Federal-Provincial Steering Committee.

5. Contact Us

Bill Henwood
Phone: 604-666-0285
Fax: 604-666-0446
Email: straitofgeorgianmca@pc.gc.ca
Web: http://www.pc.gc.ca/straitofgeorgia

6. Subscribe Now

If you did not receive the NMCA E-News directly from Parks Canada – and would like to subscribe, please send your name and full contact details to straitofgeorgianmca@pc.gc.ca

If you would like your e-mail address taken off the E-News list, please send a request to straitofgeorgianmca@pc.gc.ca (please indicate if you would like to receive any other consultation/communication updates from us)

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