50 YEARS ON THE BC COAST

BC’s first Coastal Marine Strategy was released on July 11, 2024. Although the creation of this strategy is a significant accomplishment, it marks the beginning of the work that lies ahead.

Scroll through the timeline to see where we’ve been and where we’re going.

1997

Oceans Act Mandates National Oceans Strategy

The federal Oceans Act comes into force and the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans & the Canadian Coast Guard is put in charge of developing a national oceans strategy in collaboration with provincial governments, Indigenous organizations and coastal communities.

1974

Private Member’s Bill Proposed

Here in BC, MLA Harold Steves introduces a private member’s bill to establish a Coastal Commission Act to better manage coastal areas. Unfortunately, the bill was not passed by the legislature.

1970s

The First Modern Coastal Marine Strategies are Adopted

Lightship Columbia at the Mouth of the Columbia River 05/1973

With coastal development accelerating, and pressure from a burgeoning environmental movement, states along the Pacific US coast adopt some of the first modern Coastal Marine Strategies. These plans bring together the federal government, Indigenous tribes, and local governments.

Photos, in order of appearance: The U.S. National Archives, Kevin Teague, Blueprint, Brodie Guy, Province of British Columbia, Dan Mullen