An update on the status of Canada's administration of its marine spaces
Sutherland, Michael
Canada is a country of approximately 10 million Km2 with a relatively small population of approximately 31.9 million persons. Canada has the longest coastline in the world (approximately 243,791 km). The coastline borders on 3 oceans: the Pacific, Arctic, and Atlantic Oceans. The countryys ocean space is administered both federally and provincially depending on a number of factor including the nature of the marine activity, treaties and memoranda of understandings, traditional usage etc. The public, private citizens, private industry, and various levels of government all have rights, responsibilities, and restrictions in Canadaas ocean space depending on the spatial extent in question. The provinces with ocean borders have their own relationship with the sea and traditionally supported certain activities. Upon Confederation the federal government took responsibility over certain marine activities and Canada Landss including portions of the seabed. Canadaas ratification of UNCLOS (which presents many technical and administrative challenges), traditional and formal ocean uses, together with territorial sea recognition and administrative development at both the provincial and federal levels have all determined the current marine administrative scenario. The country continues to pursue efficient administration of its ocean and coastal spaces. This paper will outline the challenges faced by Canada in this regard, as well as the initiatives currently in place to achieve efficient and effective administration of its marine spaces.
Event: XXIII International FIG Congress : Shaping the change
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