RESEARCH - Research Summary

Humanities and Social Sciences Theme

Research Summary

There is tremendous potential for the development of shellfish aquaculture on the coast of British Columbia, if care is taken to address potentially competing interests regarding marine conservation, coastal tourism, First Nations interests, and the needs of local communities affected by these developments. Building on a previous AquaNet project funded in 2002-2003, this current project explores approaches to planning and management of coastal areas that will address these potentially conflicting purposes, and avoid the polarization that has occurred in the past, notably with forest management, and to a certain extent with finfish aquaculture.

The first component examines the perceptions of residents in the Gulf Islands, marine scientists and environmental groups regarding aquaculture in a nearby marine protected area (MPA), comparing these findings with experiences in Britain and resulting in a discussion paper outlining the most useful and cost-effective indicators for measuring the ecological integrity of an MPA. The second component addresses the issue of stakeholder involvement in protected area decision making by reviewing land planning processes in Canada and comparing these with the experiences of other jurisdictions, notably in the U.S. and Ireland. The third component examines the interface of First Nations aspirations, shellfish aquaculture, and MPAs, taking into consideration the tensions between existing treaty processes, municipal regulations and constitutional litigation. This First Nations research contains a comparative component with recent experiences of indigenous groups in New Zealand.

The research to date has resulted in a comprehensive literature review and collection of expert opinions regarding indicators of "health" of a marine ecosystem, including biophysical, social and economic, and governance indicators and identification of key policy and governance issues for planning and managing MPAs that involve multiple agencies and interest groups. Research into legal issues related to First Nations, shellfish aquaculture expansion and MPAs in both Canada and New Zealand is underway.

The project will conclude with a workshop in 2005 involving key individuals from industry, government, First Nations and other interest groups who have participated in various aspects of the research.

Network Investigators

Rick Rollins, Department of Recreation, Malaspina University-College, Nanaimo, BC
Jeremy Rayner, Department of Political Science, Malaspina University-College, Nanaimo, BC
Chris Tollefson, Faculty of Law, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC