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Coastal Management Case Studies

Ecosystem Overview for Bowie Seamount Candidate Marine Protected Area

Client: Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Marine Environment and Habitat Science Division

As part of the process to evaluate the candidacy of Bowie Seamount, located 180 km west of the Queen Charlotte Islands, as a Marine Protected Area, AXYS prepared a comprehensive Ecosystem Overview in 1999. The intent of the Ecosystem Overview was to identify baseline ecological conditions and requirements for further research thereby enabling better planning and managing of human pressures.

The Ecosystem Overview involved compilation of three separate reports packaged into a hypertext-linked CD:

1. A Socio-Economic Overview
2. An Environmental Overview (prepared by Dr. John Dower and Ms. Frances Fee)
3. An International Perspective Relating to Bowie Seamount

The Ecosystem Overview provides a comprehensive summary of biophysical and socio-economic data along with a discussion of planning and management issues pertaining to offshore marine protected areas. Examples of other seamounts and offshore marine protected areas are also referenced, particularly those that bear similarities to Bowie.

AXYS also organized, facilitated and presented at a Fisheries and Oceans Canada-sponsored workshop for stakeholders, including scientists, government agencies and users, to review the Ecosystem Overview, assess Bowie Seamount's candidacy in light of the information collected, and discuss management issues such as information gaps, boundary delineation, environmental protective measures and managing human use such as fishing, shipping, tourism, recreation, education and research. AXYS compiled a list of invitees, prepared invitations, organized the venue and logistics, and facilitated the workshop and break-out groups. We also prepared a workshop summary, in hypertext format, for distribution to all workshop participants.

The Ecosystem Overview can be viewed on the Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Oceans Directorate Marine Protected Areas web site.

Risk Management Review of Victoria Harbour Navigation Activities

Client: Transport Canada

In association with R. Malatest & Associates, GeoInfo Solutions, and TextPilot, AXYS is conducting a risk management review of Victoria Harbour, the scene of considerable marine activity, including float planes, ferries, water taxis, whale watching, cruises, and recreational non-powered boating, in addition to being surrounded by industrial, commercial and residential development.

The study involves examining the effectiveness of mitigation measures and the Transport Canada control framework to manage marine and aviation operations. The appropriateness of marine and aviation activities within the context of surrounding municipal land use is also being assessed. Port divestiture issues are being identified.

A key component of the study is consultation with Victoria Harbour stakeholders including Transport Canada, the City of Victoria, marine and aviation operators, and harbour residents who often hold conflicting views on the existing marine and aviation operations. Specific issues include the impact of aircraft noise and air pollution on harbour residents, and safety hazards.