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Horizontal Initiatives
Health of the Oceans (HOTO)
Lead department: Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Strategic Outcome: Healthy and Productive Aquatic Ecosystems
Program Activity: Oceans Management
Start Date: April 1, 2007
End Date: March 31, 2012
Total Federal Funding Allocation (from start date to end date): $61.5 million
Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding agreement): Building on the achievements of the Oceans Action Plan, the Health of the Oceans Initiative is a five-year, $61.5 million commitment by five departments — Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Transport Canada, Environment Canada, Parks Canada and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada — to improve the health of the ocean environment. For its part, DFO will receive $23.2 million to support its protection and conservation work. Key DFO initiatives include establishing six new Marine Protected Areas (MPA) under the Oceans Act, advancing a national MPA network, conducting scientific research to support designation of the new MPAs, creating four new national Oceans Centres of Expertise, and enhancing spill-response capacity and emergency planning in the Arctic Ocean. For a complete list, see the table below. DFO will co-ordinate the entire Health of the Oceans initiative. This will include bi-annual performance monitoring, the preparation of summary annual reports and preparation for a final summative evaluation.
Shared Outcome(s):
- Four new Oceans Centres of Expertise
- Federal Marine Protected Area Strategy: finalization of planning guidelines for federal MPA network
- Federal Marine Protected Area Strategy: preparation of a status report of federal MPA
- Federal-Provincial-Territorial Marine Protected Areas network (2012)
- Marine Protected Areas establishment
- Collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund-Canada
- Delivery of a suite of indicators to assess and monitor Arctic ecosystems
- Integrated Oceans Management and Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) assessment tools linkage
Governance Structure(s): This initiative is subject to interdepartmental government through the Assistant Deputy Ministers Interdepartmental Committee on Oceans, supported by a shadow Director General Committee. This Governance structure reviews the initiatives on a regular basis including review and approval of annual reports to Ministers on the progress of this initiative.
Performance Highlights: The Oceans Directorate at DFO monitors the HOTO initiative biannually and develops tools and processes to capture and report performance information. The monitoring and reporting process assesses progress against work plans and thus provides an opportunity for adaptive functions during the projects life cycle. The collaborative governance structure contributes to facilitated information access and exchange and leads to better informed decisions relating to program planning and management. An annual performance summary is prepared for submission to TBS.
| Federal Partner / Program Activity | Name of Program for Federal Partner |
Total Allocation (from Start to End Date) | Planned Spending 2010–11 | Actual Spending 2010–11 | Expected Results for 2010-11 |
Results Achieved in 2010-11 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fisheries and Oceans Canada | ||||||
| Oceans Management | Federal Marine Protected Areas Strategy Implement-ation in DFO | 1250.0 | 250.0 | 234.71 | Advance the creation by 2012 of a Federal Network of Marine Protected Areas that contributes to the health of Canada's oceans, established and managed within an integrated oceans management framework. | • Compiled federal data for completion of a national inventory of MPAs and for inclusion in the Conservation Areas Reporting and Tracking System (housed at EC). The data for inclusion in a 2010 "Spotlight on Marine
Protected Areas in Canada" report was analyzed, co-produced with PCA and EC, and launched on Oceans Day (June 8th). DFO also participated in the development of an associated online mapping platform for display and reporting on
MPAs in Canada, to make more information on MPAs and MPA networks available to Canadians (EC lead). • Initiated production of MPA and MPA network communications materials such as a booklet for industry, a benefits & costs and common Q & A fact sheets, to increase awareness and understanding of, and participation in, MPA network planning and management. • Presented Canada's approach to MPA network planning at the California and the World's Ocean conference in San Fransisco in September 2010. DFO participated in ICES-NAMPAN Working Group meeting to develop international guidance on designing Marine Protected Areas to mitigate and adapt to the effects of Climate Change. The department also worked with US and Mexican colleagues to plan next activities of NAMPA, the North American Marine Protected Areas program under the Convention on International Cooperation. |
| Development of a Federal-Provincial-Territorial MPA Network | 2,500.0 | 650.0 | 215.52 | Significant progress in planning and advancement of a National (federal-provincial-territorial) Marine Protected Area Network in Canada's three oceans. For 2010-11, further alignment with the Federal Network, and considerable engagement/ consultation with other jurisdictions and oceans stakeholders. |
• Completed the national inventory of MPAs, in collaboration with federal/provincial/territorial (FPT) colleagues. The MPA inventory, an expansion of the Canadian Council on Ecological Areas (CCEA)'s Conservation Areas
Reporting and Tracking System (CARTS) (housed at EC), provides a snapshot of existing FPT MPAs that have potential to contribute to MPA network planning. • Worked with colleagues in Science to initiate a work plan for a 2-phase process (discussion paper followed by expert workshop) for developing indicators and protocols to test effectiveness of MPA networks through monitoring programs. • Major efforts went into engagement of stakeholders on the draft National Framework. There was also a web-based period of public review. As a result of these efforts, the National Framework was well received when presented at the International Marine Management Congress in Victoria in May 2011 and the document is now on track for approval by the Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers (CCFAM) in the fall of 2011. |
|
| Arctic Council – Ecosystem Projects | 1,000.0 | 225.0 | 214.63 | Continued work towards the development of a State of the Arctic Basin Report and use of common ecosystem monitoring strategies in shared and boundary waters by 2012. Canada's continued participation in expert workshops and major conferences on ecosystem approach for advancing EBM concepts and approaches, promoting Canada's leadership in EBM applied to the Arctic, and sharing information and practices with other circumpolar countries, including the US. A suite of indicators for monitoring and assessing ecosystem status and trends, socio-economic aspects and governance structures in place in Arctic. | • Formal review of the working map of Arctic large marine ecosystems (LMEs) including LMEs located within and adjacent to Canadian Arctic waters. This working map supports the work of a number of the Council initiatives including summary documents outlining the state
and condition of biodiversity within the LME. • Produced geospatial data layers needed to inform an oil and gas decision support tool. Supported the completion of a socio economic overview and assessment of the Beaufort Area. • To address a recommendation of the Arctic Marine Shipping Assessment which calls for "Arctic states to take into account the special characteristics of the Arctic Marine environment, explore the need for internationally designated areas for the purpose of environmental protection in regions of the Arctic Ocean", background documents were prepared to support drafting of the first two versions of the AOR report, and to inform two peer-review processes designed to identify Ecologically and Biologically Significant areas in all Canadian Arctic marine waters. |
|
| Oceans Centres of Expertise (Coastal, Corals, Data Integration, TEK) | 3,000.0 | 600.0 | 589.64 | Four national centres of expertise have been established within the regions of DFO. Through 2010-11, development and implementation of common tools and approaches in the five LOMAs will continue to protect deep sea corals and sponge reefs, incorporate traditional knowledge, develop state of the oceans reports and accelerate progress in addressing coastal management issues. |
Cold Water Corals and Sponge Reefs
• Published a Status Report on Coral and Sponge Conservation in Canada. COE in Traditional Ecological Knowledge (CETEK): led a one and a half day workshop. The workshop objectives were to review the proposed elements of draft national TEK strategy for the way DFO uses TK for integrated management; to develop a set of applications for incorporating TK into integrated ocean management plans and to inform the development of national guidelines for TEK. State of the Oceans Reporting: Sub-groups prepared tables of content for each regional LOMA report. 12 reports were published to serve as background and supplementary material to the 5 regional LOMA reports. Each region has met with stakeholders. Center of Expertise in Coastal Management (CECM)• Initiated reviews of effectiveness of legislations related to managing cumulative environmental effects, and existing coastal management legislation for a policy gap analysis. |
|
| Collaboration with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) | 213.0 | 42.6 | 42.6 | Greater contribution by environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs), such as the WWF, to the Health of the Oceans, with an emphasis on joint initiatives between WWG-Canada and DFO in the Newfoundland and Labrador region. Activities in 2010-11 will be targeted towards advancing ecosystem-based management in the Placentia Bay/Grand Banks LOMA, the development of a Cold Water Coral Conservation Strategy for the Newfoundland and Labrador region, and the identification/pursuit of collaborative projects with provincial government, aboriginal groups, stakeholders and other ENGOs. |
DFO's Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Region and WWF-Canada have been working together on a number of issues that have served to enhance collaboration between both organizations, the results of which contribute towards delivering Health of the Oceans. WWF participates in the following activities: • development and identification of conservation priorities associated with the Placentia Bay/Grand Banks Large Oceans Management Area (PB/GB LOMA), as well as development of a risk assessment;• planning process of the PB/GB Integrated Management Plan; • MPA planning and selection process for the Area of Interest (AOI) • cod recovery planning and monitoring of the implementation of the recovery plan; • development and subsequent implementation of a Cold Water Coral Conservation Strategy; encounter protocol framework for corals and sponges; promoting research gaps and opportunities with respect to corals and sponges. |
|
| Gulf of Maine (at DFO) | 750.0 | 147.5 | 150.95 | This initiative builds on the existing successful trans-boundary collaboration and management of Groundfish stocks through the CA-US Steering Committee, and the excellent cooperation between states and provinces through the Gulf of Maine Council. Based on DFO's
national standard, a literature review and project work plan for a joint CA-US Bay of Fundy/Gulf of Maine Ecosystem Overview and Assessment Report was developed as part of the 2005 Oceans Action Plan. Through 2010-11, transboundary, multi-jurisdicational governance structures will be advanced. Further discussions regarding the possible mechanisms/ structure for developing a collaborative Canada/US management model for the Gulf of Maine. |
The final ecosystem and overview report has been completed in partnership with the National Marine Fisheries Service (US). The State of the Gulf of Maine Report was released on June 8, 2010 in Portland, Maine in partnership with the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment. In addition to the context document, an additional 5 theme papers were produced and released in 2010-11. Ongoing dialogue with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through the Gulf of Maine Council resulted in the creation of a Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning Working Group which was co-chaired by DFO and NOAA. | |
| Marine Protected Areas Establishment | 5,250.0 | 937.5 | 1,097.56 | Six new MPAs will be designated by 2012 and a national monitoring and reporting system will be implemented for all Oceans Act MPAs. Through 2010-11, public and stakeholder consultation will continue to advance six proposed areas of interest toward designation in 2011-12. | • All regions have identified their proposed Areas of Interest (AOI); there are 6 AOIs continuing through the designation process. • In June 2010, the Laurentian Channel was announced as an Area of Interest (AOI) for potential designation as an MPA, in the Newfoundland and Labrador region. • In September 2010, Paulatuk (Darnley Bay) was announced as an AOI in the Central and Arctic region for potential designation as an MPA. • Regions are pursuing preparatory work towards consultations and identification of conservation objectives. |
|
| Integrated Management and Canadian Environmental Assessment Act Assessment Tools Linkages | 1,450.0 | 425.0 | 394.77 | Integrated management carried out under the Health of the Oceans initiative will be bridged with other tools, such as project environmental assessment conducted under the authority of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. Work on the Regional Strategic Environmental Assessment Pilot Projects as well as training and education on pathways of effect models will continue. | • Examined and analyzed marine spatial planning as a tool through which to manage and reduce cumulative environmental effects and provide increased guidance to marine users. Necessitates collaboration with World Wildlife Fund, and National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. • Developed guidance regarding the application of risk analysis in the coastal and marine environment as a means through which to further identify priority areas and issues requiring management attention (including development of a risk characterization methodology ). • Discussions with CEAA on the adoption DFO ecosystem-based management tools as a framework for regional environmental assessment. • Co-chaired with the Surveyor General of Canada an inter-departmental steering committee and organized two workshops in support of the development of a business case for the establishment of a marine cadastre for Canada. |
|
| Science for Healthy and Productive Aquatic Ecosystems | Ecosystem Science Support and Advice on Health of the Oceans | 5,500.0 | 1,100.0 | 1,100.0 | Science advice on Marine Protected Areas and on priority sector-specific impacts and mitigation, as outlined by the Oceans programs, will be provided. Specific projects will be developed through the Canadian Science Advisory process. | Sound scientific footing was provided for a number of the HOTO initiatives including the identification of conservation objectives and boundary delineation for areas of interest and the development of indicators and monitoring protocols. The Science Directorate also assesses potential environmental impacts and ecological risks posed by specific ocean activities, which constitute Sector Impact Advisory Assessments. |
| Canadian Coast Guard | Spill Capacity and Emergency Response Strategy | 2,260.0 | 134.18 | 632.19 | Canada's spill response capacity in the Arctic assessed, and equipment and systems to respond to the unique risks prepared. The procurement of remaining systems and equipment required to complete the project will take place in 2010-11. | Funding allocated through HOTO enabled the Canadian Coast Guard to add/replace equipment at 10 existing depots and outfit nine additional sites and for the communities to have the necessary equipment and systems to enhance their containment /protection ability or reduce the logistical lead time for a response to an environmental risk. Delivery of the kits to the remote Arctic communities was completed in fiscal year 2010-11. |
| Environment Canada | ||||||
| Biodiversity and Corporate services | Federal Marine Protected Areas Strategy – Implement-ation in EC | 1,250.0 | 250.0 | 226.110 | Advance the creation by 2012 of a Federal Network of Marine Protected Areas that contributes to the health of Canada's oceans, established and managed within an integrated oceans management framework. |
In collaboration with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and Parks Canada (PC): |
| Marine Wildlife Areas Establishment | 2,000.0 | 507.0 | 211.711 | Both the National Wildlife Area at Sable Island and Marine Wildlife Area at Scott Islands will be ready for designation by 2012, and a contribution will have been made to the Federal Marine Protected Area Network building process. |
Sable Island: A recommendation to the Minister was made for designation of Sable Island as a National Park under the Canada National Parks Act. This decision was made public in May. |
|
| Improved knowledge and information on weather and environmental conditions influence decision making and Corporate services | Sable Island Weather Station | 4,000.0 | 800.0 | 799.7 | The risk of loss of life or property due to weather events is reduced for mariners, Canadian citizens and the international community, by producing more accurate weather forecasts and warnings using data from the Sable Island Weather Station. The understanding of upper atmospheric conditions and the flow of airborne pollutants and greenhouse gases is improved, by enabling scientific research through the continued existence of the Sable Island Weather Station infrastructure. The unique and fragile ecosystem of Sable Island is conserved by protecting it from human degradation. |
Funds provided through this initiative ensure that continued maintenance and repairs of facilities and infrastructure have been carried out to ensure functionality of the weather station for a continued 24/7 human presence throughout the year. On-going support was once again provided by Environment Canada Meteorological Service of Canada staff to operate upper air and surface weather programs, as well as atmospheric and other scientific research programs. Emergency and safety services were offered to local operators such as Department of National Defence, Department of Fisheries and Oceans (including Canadian Coast Guard) and the offshore petroleum industry. |
| Canadians adopt approaches that ensure the sustainable use and management of natural capital and working landscapes and Corporate services | Gulf of Maine (at EC) | 751.0 | 148.0 | 148.0 | Increased support for the Gulf of Maine Council and implementation of the joint Canada-US five-year action plan that includes implementation of regional strategies for adaptation to climate change, indicators development, education and engagement and joint monitoring for toxic contaminants in the trans-boundary ecosystem. |
Support towards the Implementation of the Action Plan: Support for the Gulf of Maine Council's Secretariat is conducted via conference calls, email list serves and updates on the GoMC website. EC also led the establishment of a Canadian GoMC Steering Committee to
ensure a coordinated Canadian response to GoMC activities. |
| Parks Canada Agency | ||||||
| Heritage Places Establishment | Federal Marine Protected Area Strategy Implement-ation in Parks Canada | 1,250.0 | 361.0 | 325.312 | Advance the creation by 2012 of a Federal Network of Marine Protected Areas that contributes to the health of Canada's oceans, established and managed within an integrated oceans management framework. By 2010-11, the Education and Outreach Strategy will be finalized. Development of communications products will continue. | • Regional analysis and research studies were completed for the Bay of Fundy, the Arctic Basin, Arctic Archipelago and Queen Maud Gulf marine regions to identify Parks Canada's representative marine areas for those regions. PCA also completed additional research in the
James Bay marine region to better understand representative elements of a study area for a promising national marine conservation area candidate. • Planned/realised World Oceans Day activities, including a video project; special public events at the Canadian Museum of Nature, a special evening event on Parliament Hill for Parliamentarians, the launch of the Oceans Portal and the publication of "Spotlight on Marine protected areas in Canada". • Participated in the development of the federal/provincial/territorial MPA Inventory; and co-produced the publication "Spotlight on Canada's MPAs" report, launched by DFO's Minister on Oceans Day. • Completed the 25 minutes documentary Emerald Sea video project on Pacific marine environments and the role of MPAs to be shown on BC ferries and by the Vancouver Aquarium. In 2010-2011, the video was finalized and education materials are now underway. |
| National Marine Conservation Area in Lancaster Sound | 5,000.0 | 1,250.0 | Information not available |
By 2012, achieve a full understanding of the feasibility of establishing a National Marine Conservation Area in Lancaster Sound with the support of Inuit, Nunavut and key sectoral stakeholders, leading to the conservation of a significant representative component of Canada's marine environment and a clear demonstration of Arctic sovereignty in the Northwest Passage. | In December 2010, the federal ministers of Environment, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, Natural Resources, and Health jointly announced the Government of Canada's position on a proposed boundary for the NMCA, as a starting point for consultations with local communities and other interests. Work is underway to update a previous mineral and energy resources assessment of the area that had been conducted in the late 1980's; final decisions regarding a boundary will also be informed by that work and by a thorough assessment of the area's ecological value. While consultations take place, no exploration or development of petroleum resources will occur within the proposed boundaries. Once approved as a designated NMCA, the region will remain protected from industrial development, regardless of the resource potential. A Parks Canada-Government of Nunavut- Qikiqtani Inuit Association project steering committee was appointed early in 2011 and has been overseeing next steps, including terms of reference to guide the consultations and other matters. | |
| Transport Canada | ||||||
| Transportation Safety and Security and Internal Services | Enforcement of Ballast Water Regulations | 4,500.0 | 966.5 | 966.5 | Enforcement of regulations that minimize the risk of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens from being introduced through ship ballast water to waters under Canadian jurisdiction. | • Provided inspectors with the equipment required to verify compliance with regulations, developed tools to assess risk of ballast water drawn from specific ports and treatment options for ballast water. • Updated the ballast water enforcement program and held a national work group comprised of Regional inspectors in Ottawa and Toronto. New ballast water test equipment for inspectors was purchased. • Ballast Water Control and Management Regulations were pre-published in the Canada Gazette Part I, on December 18, 2010. They will bring the current regulations under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001. • Updated the national ballast water database with the backlog of reporting forms from vessels. This data is used by both inspectors for enforcement and scientists for their work in invasive species. • Evaluated if regulations have sufficiently reduced risk of harmful introductions to Canada's northern ports with a biological sampling program in Churchill. • Inspectors screened all ballast water reports received from inbound vessels and action was taken to bring any vessels into compliance with the regulations. |
| Pollution Prevention - Surveillance | 13,000.0 | 3,180.6 | 3,177.6 | Enforcement of Canada's pollution prevention regulations in the Pacific, Arctic, East Coast Waters, the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the St. Lawrence Estuary. | TC completed a total of 2,505.8 productive patrol hours nationally for 2010-2011 as the three NASP aircraft conducted surveillance in the Maritimes, Quebec, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, the Pacific Northwest Region and British Columbia, with an additional 246.8 patrol hours in the Gulf of Mexico during the Deepwater Horizon Response Operations. 84 spills in total were detected this year. Evidence gathered with the recently acquired maritime surveillance system has been used to prepare and pursue prosecutions, fines and pleas from marine polluters. Increased surveillance also results in more responses to search and rescue incidents. | |
| Pollution Prevention – Dash 7 Outfitting | 5,000.0 | 0 | 0 | Project completed in 2009-10. Enforcement of Canada's pollution prevention regulations in the Pacific, Arctic, East Coast Waters, the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the St. Lawrence Estuary. Modernization of the current Dash 7 surveillance aircraft to a standard equal to the Dash 8 surveillance aircraft dedicated for use on the East and West Coast. | Component completed. | |
| Arctic International Marine Shipping Assessment | 550.0 | 0 | 0 | Project completed in 2009-10. An assessment of projected shipping activities and the associated environmental, social and economic impacts and risks as reduced sea ice may lead to increased marine transport in the Arctic. | Component completed. | |
| Pollution Prevention – Ship Waste Reduction Strategy | 800.0 | 200.0 | 180.713 | Adequate reception facilities for wastes; appropriate legislation and standards. |
Due to numerous requests from the marine industry, an additional contract was awarded to Alion Science and Technology to include a new section in the Vessel Waste Technology Study addressing residual air emissions. The Vessel Waste Technology Study was completed late in March. During the development of the Vessel Waste Technology Study, the Canadian Marine Advisory Council's (CMAC) Environment Standing Committee was actively and fully engaged in 10 meetings to consult on the study's content. Four meetings were held at the Standing Committee's National CMAC meeting in Ottawa and six outreach meetings were held in Vancouver and Halifax. |
|
| Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada | ||||||
| Northern land Resources | Arctic Marine Shipping Assessment/ Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment from land-based sources of pollution | 175.0 | 0 | 0 | Project completed in 2008-09. An expanded arctic regional program of action on land-based sources of pollution; a greater understanding of Aboriginal Arctic marine resource use; and a greater understanding of the social, economic and environmental impacts from changing shipping patterns on northern and aboriginal communities | Component completed. |
| Total | 61,449.0 | 12,174.8 | ||||
Contact Information:
Wayne Moore
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
200 Kent Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0E6
Telephone: 613-990-0001
Email: Wayne.Moore@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
1 Funds reallocated to other Oceans priorities that were under-funded. There was also a 10% cut across the board on O&M funds for the DFO Oceans Program.
2 Funds reallocated to other Oceans priorities that were under-funded. There was also a 10% cut across the board on O&M funds for the DFO Oceans Program.
3 There was a 10% cut across all O&M funds for the Oceans Program.
4 There was a 10% cut across all O&M funds for the Oceans Program.
5 An additional $3.4K is allocated to this component from other sources to balance the O&M envelope which is in deficit after taxes are paid.
6 Expenditures for this project exceeded funds allocated through HOTO. The balance of funds was obtained from other sources of funding.
7 There was a 10% cut across all O&M funds for the Oceans Program.
8 Funds from previous fiscal year transferred to 2010-11.
9 Due to delays incurred in previous fiscal years but the ability to carry forward funds, the project was completed.
10 The variance of funds was allocated to other priorities.
11 A portion of funds were used for other priorities. The remainder of the funds lapsed because of Sable Island being designated as a National Park under Parks Canada Agency.
12 Delays were incurred and resulted in having to move some projects into the next fiscal year. Parks Canada has requested a carry forward for the balance of funds.
13 The balance of funds lapsed due to a derelict vessel study which could not be completed.