PORT HARDY—An open house about a new marine partnership drew a modest turnout here last week.
The Marine Planning Partnership has held several open-house events in coastal communities on Vancouver Island, and Port Hardy was its last stop before returning to meetings.
The MaPP initiative aims to create new coastal and marine plans for the B.C. coast, balancing scientific input, traditional knowledge, and public and stakeholder engagement to push for a heathy marine environment and sustainable economic practices.
The partnership divides the coast into four sub-regions, Haida Gwaii, North Coast, Central Coast and North Vancouver Island, with each region forming an advisory committee to maximize local knowledge and representation. Each advisory committee brings representatives from various industries like forestry, tourism, fishing and aquaculture to the table.
The partnership is a joint initiative between the Province and several First Nations to develop localized coastal and marine plans, with the aid of sub-regional advisories and a science advisory committee.
The next year will see the partnership drafting and honing a plan to address such issues as climate change and economic strategies, before returning next summer for another round of open houses.
For more information on the process, advisory committees and goals visit the partnership's website at www.mappocean.org.