Marine Renewable Energy and Environmental Protection (closed)

Scientist collecting samples in tidal seagrass bed.

Context

With extensive coastal and inland waters, Canada has an opportunity to tap the potential of marine renewable energy. Tides, ocean waves, river currents and off-shore winds all contain kinetic and potential energy that can be used to drive turbines and produce electricity, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. Even the differences in salinity (salt levels) and temperature that occur in bodies of water create dynamic forces that can be used to produce power. While Canada’s marine energy sector is still relatively small, there is growing interest and demand to meet climate change goals. With this desire for more activity there will be growing pressure for approval of marine renewable energy projects.

Development of marine renewable energy must be conducted in a way that doesn’t inadvertently negatively impact the marine environment, namely fish, marine mammals and the habitats in which they live. Input from Canadians regarding the Blue Economy has reinforced that, above all, our oceans and marine resources must be healthy and managed sustainably if they are to support a blue economy for current and future generations. The framework for review of projects by Fisheries and Oceans Canada is provided by the Fisheries Act, the Oceans Act, the Species at Risk Act and associated regulations, policies, guidelines and practices. The objective of this framework is the provision of effective, efficient, and accountable review and decision processes that conserve and protect the marine environment, are supported by sound science and respect the spirit of reconciliation and the duty to consult with Indigenous groups and accommodate potential impacts on their Aboriginal and treaty rights. Emerging technologies present challenges in that their environmental effects are not yet fully understood and it is often necessary to employ a precautionary approach to decision-making.

During our engagement activities for the Blue Economy Strategy, we heard that ocean-based energy sectors find the current regulatory framework does not allow them to operate with as much predictability and certainty as they would like. We also heard a desire for increased transparency and greater agility in regulatory decision making. Finally, we heard time and time again that a blue economy and our actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change are interconnected. Many indicated that our work on the blue economy needs to align with Canada’s strengthened climate plan, the pan-Canadian framework on clean growth and climate change, and our international commitments to ocean health and sustainable development overall.

What we are looking to advance

Answers to the following questions will help us to determine how Fisheries and Oceans Canada could potentially improve or support the implementation of its legislative and regulatory responsibilities for the marine renewable energy sector such that it can make a responsible and sustainable contribution to the achievement of goals for clean growth and climate change mitigation.

How to participate

We are seeking your feedback using the consultation tools below by March 31, 2023.

Sharing your views using this platform provides an opportunity to engage in conversation with others; however, if you prefer to share your views using email, please email BlueEconomy-EconomieBleue@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

We may follow-up with you to explore your input in more detail and may share your comments with other teams, departments or governments, where relevant. Input received that falls outside of the scope of this consultation will be shared with the relevant regulator(s) for their information.

For assistance

Visit the Let's Talk Federal Regulations 101 Page to learn how:

  • to use the platform
  • to register and provide comments
  • the feedback will be reported back

For technical assistance, visit Technical Support.

Scientist collecting samples in tidal seagrass bed.

Context

With extensive coastal and inland waters, Canada has an opportunity to tap the potential of marine renewable energy. Tides, ocean waves, river currents and off-shore winds all contain kinetic and potential energy that can be used to drive turbines and produce electricity, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. Even the differences in salinity (salt levels) and temperature that occur in bodies of water create dynamic forces that can be used to produce power. While Canada’s marine energy sector is still relatively small, there is growing interest and demand to meet climate change goals. With this desire for more activity there will be growing pressure for approval of marine renewable energy projects.

Development of marine renewable energy must be conducted in a way that doesn’t inadvertently negatively impact the marine environment, namely fish, marine mammals and the habitats in which they live. Input from Canadians regarding the Blue Economy has reinforced that, above all, our oceans and marine resources must be healthy and managed sustainably if they are to support a blue economy for current and future generations. The framework for review of projects by Fisheries and Oceans Canada is provided by the Fisheries Act, the Oceans Act, the Species at Risk Act and associated regulations, policies, guidelines and practices. The objective of this framework is the provision of effective, efficient, and accountable review and decision processes that conserve and protect the marine environment, are supported by sound science and respect the spirit of reconciliation and the duty to consult with Indigenous groups and accommodate potential impacts on their Aboriginal and treaty rights. Emerging technologies present challenges in that their environmental effects are not yet fully understood and it is often necessary to employ a precautionary approach to decision-making.

During our engagement activities for the Blue Economy Strategy, we heard that ocean-based energy sectors find the current regulatory framework does not allow them to operate with as much predictability and certainty as they would like. We also heard a desire for increased transparency and greater agility in regulatory decision making. Finally, we heard time and time again that a blue economy and our actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change are interconnected. Many indicated that our work on the blue economy needs to align with Canada’s strengthened climate plan, the pan-Canadian framework on clean growth and climate change, and our international commitments to ocean health and sustainable development overall.

What we are looking to advance

Answers to the following questions will help us to determine how Fisheries and Oceans Canada could potentially improve or support the implementation of its legislative and regulatory responsibilities for the marine renewable energy sector such that it can make a responsible and sustainable contribution to the achievement of goals for clean growth and climate change mitigation.

How to participate

We are seeking your feedback using the consultation tools below by March 31, 2023.

Sharing your views using this platform provides an opportunity to engage in conversation with others; however, if you prefer to share your views using email, please email BlueEconomy-EconomieBleue@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

We may follow-up with you to explore your input in more detail and may share your comments with other teams, departments or governments, where relevant. Input received that falls outside of the scope of this consultation will be shared with the relevant regulator(s) for their information.

For assistance

Visit the Let's Talk Federal Regulations 101 Page to learn how:

  • to use the platform
  • to register and provide comments
  • the feedback will be reported back

For technical assistance, visit Technical Support.

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.
Page last updated: 11 Apr 2023, 04:48 PM