Marine Ecosystems

Our coastlines provide many environmental, social, cultural and economic benefits for people in British Columbia. These benefits depend on marine ecosystems that are functioning, productive and resilient. However, the combined impact of human activities occurring in the ocean and in coastal watersheds can degrade these benefits.

As new activities and environmental changes occur, these cumulative effects will continue to shape the health of coastal ecosystems. The Cumulative Effects Framework Marine Ecosystems assessment will help to understand these effects and support better decisions to protect and manage marine ecosystems over time. This assessment also supports the goals of the B.C. Coastal Marine Strategy, including Action 10 to “Nurture coastal wealth and health” and Action 24 in “Planning for the future”.

The management of marine ecosystems is complex. It involves shared responsibilities of the provincial government, federal government, First Nations governments, local governments and other authorities. This assessment focuses on provincial interests in the nearshore environment and connected upland activities where the province has jurisdiction.

The Marine Ecosystems assessment is currently under development. New information and resources will be posted as they become available.