7 Critical Principles for Canada’s Ocean Economy
The ocean is in trouble. It faces severe risks from the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. 18 nature organizations, including Nature Canada, have come together to present a set of seven ecological principles for the Blue Economy to ensure a truly sustainable ocean. Now we’re calling on the federal government to adopt these critical principles in Canada’s upcoming Blue Economy Strategy.
About the 7 Principles
Despite extractive industries, increasing greenhouse gas pollution and unsustainable management practices, the ocean continues to support complex ecosystems, provides food, sequesters 50 times more carbon than our atmosphere and is responsible for over half of the world’s oxygen.
Canada has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to guide ocean economic development in restorative and reparative directions. There can be no blue economy in an unhealthy ocean. Investments in coastal restoration, ocean protection, fisheries rebuilding and the transition to zero-emission marine technologies will create good jobs and deliver positive, long-term economic benefit to our communities.
Our 7 Ecological Principles for a truly sustainable Blue Economy Strategy are:
- Respect Indigenous rights
- Protect 30% of the ocean by 2030
- Rebuild wild fish stocks
- Restore the ocean and the coasts
- Phase-out harmful industrial activities
- Reduce ocean pollution
- Fight climate change
To learn more about our seven ecological principles for a truly sustainable blue economy, download the report.
About the 7 Principles
Despite extractive industries, increasing greenhouse gas pollution and unsustainable management practices, the ocean continues to support complex ecosystems, provides food, sequesters 50 times more carbon than our atmosphere and is responsible for over half of the world’s oxygen.
Canada has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to guide ocean economic development in restorative and reparative directions. There can be no blue economy in an unhealthy ocean. Investments in coastal restoration, ocean protection, fisheries rebuilding and the transition to zero-emission marine technologies will create good jobs and deliver positive, long-term economic benefit to our communities.
Our 7 Ecological Principles for a truly sustainable Blue Economy Strategy are:
- Respect Indigenous rights
- Protect 30% of the ocean by 2030
- Rebuild wild fish stocks
- Restore the ocean and the coasts
- Phase-out harmful industrial activities
- Reduce ocean pollution
- Fight climate change
To learn more about our seven ecological principles for a truly sustainable blue economy, download the report.
How to Help
Take Action: Become an Ocean Defender
Sign up now to become an Ocean Defender and help us keep nature a priority in the blue economy strategy. You’ll receive updates about our marine work and notifications about upcoming campaigns.
