Conference Background

[Goals] [Topics] [Format] [Organizers] [Steering Committee]

The challenges faced by coastal communities have been explored in many forums. The purpose of "Ocean Opportunities for Tomorrow" is to reach the next stage of problem-solving. We intend to leave the conference with clear action plans for renewal, based on ideas for genuine and sustainable wealth creation.

"Ocean Opportunities for Tomorrow" will bring together influential leaders and decision-makers in all sectors affected by and affecting ocean-based economies: governments at all levels, First Nations, science, technology, industry, business, labour, ocean users and community groups. By involving all these representatives in the discussions, we will ensure that prospective solutions are practical, do-able and directly meet the challenges we target.

Goals

• To review opportunities for economic diversification and renewal in coastal communities.
• To determine actions needed to make opportunities a reality.
• To determine the role of science, technology and new research in developing new opportunities.
• To create action plans that integrate sectors, stakeholders, researchers, regulators, and policy-makers.

The conference will focus on key issues in both traditional and non-traditional uses of the ocean and its resources. Discussion will address research, development, management, education and training, and the role of government in each of these topics:

• Fisheries and seafood
• Tourism
• Oil and gas exploration and sea-floor resources
• Value-added opportunities

The conference opens with addresses by government and community leaders and a keynote address by Russell Wills, leading figure in ocean-related development issues.

The bulk of the conference will involve three plenary sessions with thought-provoking panel discussions from key people in marine-related fields from across the country.

Following each plenary session, delegates will be assigned to work groups. Each group will discuss priorities for development. In the three work group sessions over the course of the conference, delegates will develop the priorities into action plans.

The conference is being organized by three groups dedicated to research and sustainable exploration of coastal and ocean opportunities.

Canadian Ocean Frontiers Research Initiative (COFRI)
COFRI is designed to tackle strategic scientific research into the exceptional resources of Canada's Pacific Exclusive Economic Zone, in support of new opportunities for sustainable economic benefits.

COFRI was launched in 1994 in response to Canada's shrinking research budgets and gaps in the knowledge needed for critical decision-making. The Initiative is pioneering new and potentially more effective ways to do essential research in a climate of limited resources. It draws on the combined talents of researchers and technologists from industry, government and universities to work co-operatively on multi-disciplinary ocean research.

As sub-themes to strategic data-gathering, COFRI aims to strengthen Canada's international research presence as well as encourage new technologies that improve the efficiency of ocean-based observation and create opportunities for Canadian products and services.

COFRI sponsors work in six key program areas: biodiversity, coastal zone management, fish stock assessment, marine geoscience, technology development and public education.

C O F R I

Northwest Maritime Institute (NWMI)
NWMI was launched in 1995 to create the partnerships needed to tackle pressing economic issues on the North Coast. While the area has abundant resources, there is a growing awareness that new economic opportunities are needed to create sustainable growth. Institute initiatives focus on achieving economic diversification through self-reliance and entrepreneurship.

NWMI's mandate is to be a catalyst for new initiatives and serve as a vehicle for solutions. It facilitates scientific research, technology transfer, development of sustainable management strategies and training and education relevant to the area.

NWMI activities focus on three broad areas: fisheries, transportation and tourism. One of the Institute's most successful initiatives has been its co-sponsorship of the Northwest Transportation Corridor Conference, along with the Western Transportation Advisory Council. Action plans resulting from the conference have led to continuing benefits for industry, tourism and infrastructure.

Coastal Communities Network (CCN)
CCN comprises almost 80 communities and First Nations along the coast of British Columbia. It was formed in 1993 out of concerns for the economic future of B.C.'s coastal fishing communities, and has become a vehicle for work toward their long-term viability. CCN aims to have communities become increasingly self-reliant, take a greater role in ocean-related industries, increase their responsibility for and authority over resources, and have greater influence in decisions that affect economic development.

The Coastal Community Network facilitates information access, education, research, planning and policy advice on issues related to the marine resource sector. This encompasses harvesting, aquaculture, enhancement, processing, sales and marketing, sport-fishing, tourism and their service sectors.

C C N

• Steven Cross, Aquametrix Ltd., Victoria
• Sheila Dobie, Seafood Development Coordinator, Skeena - Queen Charlotte Regional District
• George Hayes, Executive Director, Northwest Maritime Institute, Prince Rupert
• Russ Hellberg, Chair, Coastal Community Network, Port Hardy
• Robert Hill, President, Tsimshian Tribal Council, Prince Rupert
• Ross Jones, Haida Fisheries,
• Paul H. Leblond, President, The COFRI Foundation, Burnaby
• David McGuigan, North Coast Oil and Gas Task Force, Prince Rupert
• Frank Parnell, President, Tricorp, Prince Rupert
• John Spence, VP - Research, Biozyme Ltd., West Vancouver
• Michael Tarr, General Manager, Northern Savings Credit Union, Prince Rupert